Top four continue to surge in Premier C

The ladder is beginning to shape up as we reach the final stages of the home-and-away season in Premier C. Round 13 generally brought with it predictable results which included the Parkdale Vultures finding themselves back on the winners list.

After a dominant second half, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon defeated PEGS by 34 points.

The first half of the game was skilfully controlled by PEGS who managed to get the footy through the big sticks where the Gryphons were otherwise inaccurate in front of goal, to pocket a 9-point lead at half-time.

The home side quickly changed their fortunes in the third quarter with five goals to PEGS’ one, including three from Will Green.

Their 18-point lead going into the final term was too much for PEGS to chase as the Gryphons comfortably won to finish the round in 6th position, a satisfying place to be after being promoted from Division 1.Jesse Maxfield, Lachlan Miriams and Joel Chilcott were amongst the best on ground for the Gryphons.

The Hampton Rovers recorded a big 52-point victory over the Monash Blues. This game was led by the home side from start to finish in what was their eleventh win of the season.

The Rovers had an incredible first half which saw them kicking 8.2 (50) and leaving the Blues in a tough spot at 1.4 (10), with this recent run of form seeing them peak at the right time.

Monash had a bit more luck on the scoreboard in the third quarter, converting some good passages of play into goals.

But nonetheless it was Hampton who continued to control the game and claim the four points to finish the round sitting 3rd on the ladder. They sit just one game and percentage behind ladder leaders AJAX.

Hampton’s Corey Jones had an impressive performance with three goals up forward, whilst Max Coughlin and Dillon Melnjak also had good games.

Despite a strong first half from Oakleigh, it was the Parkdale Vultures who triumphed over the Krushers by 47 points.

Oakleigh have had a difficult run in Premier C but have shown their potential on several occasions with their young talent impressing when challenged.

This continued against the Vultures as Oakleigh had an impressive first half, kicking 4.1.25 to 2.2.14 in the first quarter and continuing this momentum in the second term to take a 5-point lead into half-time.

However, the match turned in the second half as the Vultures reminded everyone of the damage they can cause during the finals.

Mitch Brown’s presence positively impacted the Vultures with Brown booting nine majors throughout the day. This win provides Parkdale with some breathing room in the top four as two games separate the Vultures and 5th placed Mazenod.

Old Carey defeated Mazenod by 38 points to end the round sitting 2nd on the ladder with a healthy percentage.

Old Carey set the tone early with a brilliant first quarter holding a strong 21-point lead amassed by quarter time.

Mazenod had a better look-in during the second quarter with two goals to Old Carey’s one, whilst both sides were well matched in the third term with two goals apiece meaning it was anyone’s game in the final quarter.

Ultimately, Old Carey prevailed as they moved the ball well to find a further four goals whilst Mazenod struggled to find opportunities to score.

Trent Warren continued his successful season with five goals to his name, taking him to 31 goals for season 2024 and sitting 7th place in the total goal-scorers for Premier C.

AJAX recorded an emphatic 64-point victory over Marcellin, reinforcing their credentials as a team who will go far this season.

AJAX dominated from start to finish on a day to forget for Marcellin who were unable to kick any goals, limited to just 12 behinds.

To Marcellin’s credit, they kept AJAX goal-less in the third quarter, however the damage had been done with AJAX seven goals ahead at that stage.

The margin could’ve been higher if not for AJAX’s inaccuracy in front of goal, but nonetheless, the Jackas’ win serves as a caution to the rest of Premier C to watch out for this team if they are playing them in the final five rounds.

Jordan Cohen, Kane Nissenbaum and Toby Sheezel were instrumental for the home side with two goals each.

The action continues in Round 14, starting with Glen Eira/Old McKinnon hosting Mazenod at Packer Park in an enticing battle between 6th and 5th, respectively.

The Gryphons will be looking to continue to exceed their expectations since being promoted to Premier C with another win, whilst a win for Mazenod will bring them closer to the top four.

Oakleigh travel across town to play PEGS. Whilst finals are almost certainly out of the question now for PEGS, another win will provide them with some breathing room from 8th, 9th and 10th.

An exciting top-four match-up looms between the third-placed Hampton Rovers and ladder leading AJAX at Trevor Barker Oval. AJAX claimed the four points when these teams last met in Round 6 so the Rovers will most definitely be looking to settle the score.

Elsewhere, the Parkdale Vultures host the Monash Blues as the Vultures look to edge closer to the top two, and Old Carey take on Marcellin as Marcellin look for their third win.