Ormond come from behind in a thriller as Prahran flex their muscles

Round 8 has further cemented the strength of some top sides in Division 1 Men’s forming a clear top 4 as we near the halfway point of the competition. The bye round coming up will deliver some much-needed respite to those clubs bleeding defeats, with a reinvigorated mentality and drive heading into the next few rounds.

Parkside got the job done at home against a competitive Old Yarra Cobras side by 47 points. It was a tight first half with both teams able to transition the ball well from their defensive half led by Old Yarra Cobras half-back Matthew Young. However, the Devils were able to be more efficient going inside 50 in the first quarter which included a ripper goal from the boundary by Matt Holden.

For the majority of the first half the Devils just had the extra polish with Matt Holden leading the charge with some great ball use in the backline. Two goals in a row from the Old Yarra Cobras gave them some energy with a manageable deficit of 20 points at half-time. It hasn’t been the ideal start of the season for the Old Yarra Cobras, but you couldn’t question their effort with the likes of Jack Hall and Anthony Raso being strong targets up forward all day.

After half-time the rain started bucketing down, resulting in a goalless third term. In the fourth, it looked like the Old Yarra Cobras spent all their petrol tickets with Devils midfielder Benedict Douglas showing why he’s one of the best players in the competition kicking three goals to give the Devils a strong buffer.

UHS-VU got over the line in a scrappy affair against the West Brunswick Magpies by 15 points. The Magpies really took it up to one of the premiership fancies, using the wet-weather conditions to play to their strengths – contested footy. Magpies’ midfielder and skipper Emlyn Nettleton had a great game against a very strong Vultures midfield as his side trailed by 17 points at quarter-time. The Vultures were extremely wasteful in front of goal in comparison to the Magpies who moved the ball well with the help of Lee Stringer across the half-back line which helped his side draw level at half-time.

This game had multiple lead changes, but it was the Magpies who put their foot down after the main break, connecting inside 50 and applying some much-needed scoreboard pressure, something the Vultures haven’t had to deal with too much this season. Magpies forward William Dillon had a strong game kicking the three goals for the day as his side had a nine-point lead at three-quarter time.

In the last term, the Vultures showed their maturity with Brandon Jackson kicking three goals in the last quarter to help the side stay undefeated.

Prahran had a dismissive win over Old Peninsula by 68 points at Dallas Brooks Park. Coming into this game Prahran hadn’t had the best of records playing on the Peninsula but was determined to perform.

From the first bounce the pressure and ferocity around the contest was impressive starting from the top in ruckman Rory Brodie and Oliver Burke having a great game in the midfield kicking three majors. Prahran midfielder Jonathon Simonetta’s great form continues, kicking three goals proving his side has some great depth in the midfield. It was a wasteful day for the Pirates as defender Nathaniel Turner stood tall in busy times.

Victoria Park saw the best game of the round as Ormond came from behind again this season to beat the Kew Bears by four points. The Bears connection inside their forward 50 was a highlight for them with both Ned Ward and Ned Waters kicking three goals while William Llewelyn slotted four. Their accuracy early on, propelled the Bears to take a 17-point advantage into the final change.

With five minutes of play remaining in the contest and a 21-point buffer going the way of Kew, the Bears thought they had the win in the bag, but Ormond had other ideas. The straight-forward plan of getting the ball forward quickly was the key and put the Bears’ defence under the pump.

Ormond midfielder Sam Mason had a huge last quarter and in the dying moments of the game took a huge intercept mark in the defensive 50. Sam was well-supported by Will Drummond who had a superb last term and is becoming a very difficult matchup. The Monders flew home with the victory in tow by a mere 4 points.

The Preston Bullants got a much-deserved win over Therry Penola by 40 points in Round 8. The Preston Bullants engine room who have been playing some really strong football got on top of Therry, with Hugo Byron and Rory Howard stepping up for their side. Therry Penola struggled to get on the scoreboard most of the day with Thomas Boddy being a strong inclusion to the side.

Meanwhile, in the last term the Preston Bullants surged to victory with a seven to two goal quarter. Therry Penola defender Jack Ford had an impressive performance keeping captain/coach Tom Hill goalless.

Round 9 should entail 10 sides fit and firing ff the back of this weekend’s bye round, while it’s a good opportunity for teams to get some players back from injury.

Ormond are back at home against the Pirates who will be looking to respond. We expect a high-pressure game from Old Peninsula in what will be a huge match for their top four hopes.

Prahran are taking on Therry Penola at DW Lucas Oval. Prahran are starting to get their game together nicely and if they match their intensity from last week’s win, they’re going to be tough to beat.

Kew has another big challenge against the top of the table UHS-VU. The solid Bears’ forward line will definitely test the Vultures defence at Brens Oval.

The West Brunswick Magpies are at home against Parkside where the midfield battle will be crucial. Benedict Douglas continues to cause havoc for opposition midfielders and might need some attention to help nullify him.

The Preston Bullants face the Old Yarra Cobras in what is a must-win game for both sides. The pressure from the Old Yarra Cobras was a real standout on Saturday and they will need to find another gear as they take on a tough midfield.