Richmond Central overrun Swinburne University to maintain finals position

In a low-scoring affair, North Brunswick have overcome a two-game form slump to hand La Trobe University their ninth straight loss.

It didn’t come without nerves however, as a spirited La Trobe utilised their home fortress to great effect. The Trobers opened the game with a nine-point quarter-time lead, holding the Bulls goalless. A low-scoring second term saw just one goal scored, La Trobe holding onto a slim four-point advantage.

North Brunswick’s quality showed in the second half however, as they creeped ahead by three points at three-quarter-time. A game-high 21-point quarter in the final term was the final blow to a dogged effort by La Trobe, as the Bulls triumphed 6.11 (47) to 4.6 (30).

La Trobe coach Andy Castles was impressed with his side’s efforts against a top four titan of the competition.

“[I was] super proud of the boys’ efforts to go toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the comp… We matched them for physicality and speed, but in the end their organisation and methodical ball movement shone through.

“There were a few chances late that we didn’t capitalise on but hard to be disappointed with the effort,” Castles said.

Chadstone have claimed their second win in 2024 with a 73-point thumping of Eley Park. The Synners entered their Retro Round with confidence having beaten the Sharks earlier in the year, and once again prevailed in Round 15.

In a hotly contested first term, the Sharks remained in the hunt until the first siren, continuing their improving form from a win against La Trobe and valiant loss to St John’s. However, Chadstone capitalised on lapses in concentration in the second quarter, kicking seven goals and seven behinds to Eley Park’s 1.3.

It was the defining quarter of the match, as a much-determined Eley Park continued to fire shots at the Synners, yet they were met with equally as many back. A high-scoring affair, Chadstone ran out 73-point winners, 23.16 (154) to 11.15 (81).

Lachie Blunden ran amok for Eley Park as Jesiah Mcgarvie kicked four. Chadstone’s forward line played in sync all game, with Braiden Leong (4), Ben Ogilvie (5), and Anthony Brown (6) combing for 15 goals.

With Chadstone taking the bye next week, Eley Park will need to secure a third win within their final three matches to avoid the wooden spoon.

St John’s have ended the finals aspirations of Albert Park, cruising past the Falcons by 110 points. The JOCs unloaded an eight-goal barrage in the opening term, taking a 27-point advantage into the first break. St John’s never took the foot off the pedal, accumulating 38 scoring shots by the final siren.

Mitch Barry led the team in the forward line with seven goals, as Tyler Neal and Tom Siposs were amongst St Johns best. Following the loss, Albert Park are two games and a ton of percentage behind the top five, effectively ending their remaining finals chances.

St John’s coach Tim Edwards was pleased with a “well-rounded game” from his men.

“I was pleased with the team performance, our midfielders really got to work, and we kicked a lot straighter this week.”

Coming into this weekend’s match Richmond Central and Swinburne University were locked on points, the Snakes edging into fifth on percentage. Following Saturday’s affair though, the Snakes have officially formed a buffer on their finals spot after a 29-point win.

A sharpshooting performance from Swinburne kept themselves within touching distance throughout the match, scoring just one behind all afternoon. The Razorbacks even found themselves in front at halftime with a 14-point lead, thanks to an accurate 9.1 (55) to a wasteful Richmond Central’s 5.11 (41).

Richmond Central clicked into gear in the second half however, keeping Swinburne scoreless in the third. The Snakes tacked on 4.4 to reverse the 14-point deficit in their favour by the end of the third. At the final siren, persistent shots on goal were enough to put away the Razorbacks, Richmond Central winning 13.18 (96) to 11.1 (77).

Charles Spring, Aaron Pearson and Jack Bilson were Richmond Central’s best for the match, as their focus turns to an away game against La Trobe in Round 16.

Canterbury have highlighted the wide-open premiership race, holding off a second-half surge from Power House. Canterbury burst out of the blocks, leading by 24 at quarter-time, then 39 by the main break.

Power House’s spirit never wavered however, and their attack flowed fluently in the third term. Power House booted five goals to one, closing the margin to just 14.

Canterbury responded to the challenge though, as early fourth-quarter inaccuracy was ruled by Power House. Canterbury would ultimately kick the first of the last, providing the momentum to hold off Power House by 17 points.

Liam Di Martino played his best game for the Cobras, as Lachy Shearer and Nathan Beacom were once again in the best. Power House’s Cianan Doherty and Benjamin Circosta were best on for Power House, who now slip below Canterbury to fourth on the Division 3 ladder.

Three rounds remain and hosting a home final has never been more uncertain. Let’s take a look at Round 16’s upcoming fixtures.

Eley Park host Swinburne, who are clinging onto a chance at finals. St John’s travel to Canterbury in a top four blockbuster match, whilst Power House take on Box Hill North. La Trobe will aim to upset Richmond Central after their defiant efforts this week, as North Brunswick host Albert Park.