Top three continue to climb as battle for top two heats up

Round 17 produced yet another win for the top three sides in Premier C Men’s, with Old Carey, AJAX, and Hampton Rovers all sitting on fifteen wins for the season thus far. With just one round to go in the home and away season there is a lot at stake. The all-important double chance that accompanies a top two finish is still up-for grabs for the top three.

AJAX continued their strong run of form with an 89-point belting over bottom of the ladder Oakleigh. The home side were quiet in the first term in a quarter that belonged to Oakleigh who took a 2-point lead into quarter time. The Krushers would be disappointed that they couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard, with inaccuracy inhibiting a further margin.

AJAX responded swiftly in the second quarter to kick seven goals to Oakleigh’s one and control the play. It was a similar story for the rest of the game as AJAX charged ahead to dominate the game and silence Oakleigh as they comfortably got over the line.

AJAX’s Jordan Cohen and Kane Nissenbaum who have consistently found themselves named as best players this season were once again there this week. In the absence of the Jackas’ leading goal kicker, Richie Simon, Cohen stepped up, slotting 10 majors for the afternoon. Meanwhile, 2023 Div 1 Best & Fairest, Luke Ashen, should be credited for kicking four of Oakleigh’s five goals.

Eighth placed Marcellin recorded a great victory over seventh placed PEGS to secure their fourth win of the 2024 season, with a final scoreline of 16.17 (113) to 12.6 (78). PEGS had a brilliant first quarter, bringing their attacking pressure from the first bounce to build-up a 27-point lead.

However, PEGS were quickly silenced by Marcellin and left scoreless in the second term as the home side kicked nine majors.

Not ready to roll over, PEGS fought back after the main break and gained back some ground, booting 5.1. With their nose still in front, it was Marcellin who finished off the job in the final quarter to claim the four points. Adam Tomaro and Andrew Carlini impressed for Marcellin and PEGS respectively with four goals each.

A positive takeaway for Marcellin is that they are reaching greater heights on the scoreboard, kicking 118 points two weeks ago, followed by 113 points this week. Meanwhile PEGS look ahead to their final game of the season against the Parkdale Vultures, which will no doubt be a challenge, but one this promising side will be eager to tackle.

Old Carey retained top spot on the ladder with a 44-point victory against the Parkdale Vultures, holding a 15% advantage over second-placed AJAX. There was a lot on the line for Old Carey coming into this contest with the top three order still up in the air, whilst the Vultures are locked into fourth spot and won’t be able to advance any higher.

The first quarter was tight with both teams having good patches of play, and just a point separating the two sides at the first siren. It was much the same in the second quarter as Old Carey took a 5-point lead into half-time.

Old Carey broke away in the second half with much of the football being played in their forward 50. The Panthers proved that kicking goals wins you games as they put on ten goals in the second half to Parkdale’s three; the Vultures let down by inaccuracy in front of goal.

Jack Alexander was key up forward with four goals for the home side, whilst Prem C’s leading goal kicker, Mitch Brown, continued his impressive season with three goals for the Vultures.

Mazenod had a big victory over the Monash Blues for the second time this season registering a final score of 21.8 (134) to the Blues’ 7.9 (51). Mazenod were the better side from start to finish, taking their chances, building their lead with each quarter and remaining very accurate in front of goal.

They dominated the second half with fifteen goals to the Blues’ four. Mazenod’ skipper Matt Fewings had a day out with 37 disposals, and 4 goals in his side’s triumphant 83-point victory. Noble in defeat, Charles Cosgriff, Fraser Bennett and Jack Thomas were amongst the best on ground for the Blues, whilst Hayden Boyce was a sharpshooter with five majors.

Even though they can’t play finals and will finish fifth, Mazenod nonetheless turned up for the occasion to finish their season on a positive note. Unfortunately for the Blues, this loss means they cannot finish any higher than ninth and will be subject to relegation.

After an impressive few weeks, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon were brought back down to reality by a hungry Hampton Rovers side, who got the job done away from home by a convincing 86 points.

The Gryphons will be ruing their scoreline of 3.10 (28) which is not an accurate reflection of this team’s performance this year, having surpassed expectations since being promoted to Premier C and sitting healthily in sixth.

The Rovers held the Gryphons scoreless in the second term, blowing their lead out to 60 points, a deficit that proved to be too much for the Gryphons to overcome.

In the absence of their leader Christian Carnovale, the Rovers united to prove their strength in the competition and keep their hopes of a final two finish alive. Hampton Rovers’ veteran, Chris Perkins, was simply off the charts, with his impressive performance accumulating 213 ranking points. It’s hard to determine which statistic is the showstopper with 50 disposals, 10 clearances, 3 goals, and 25 contested possessions, but what is certain is that his impact was felt right around the ground in a masterful display.

The Rovers have everything to play for next week with a top two spot up for grabs, whilst the Gryphons will be looking to bounce back and finish the season with an eighth win.

There is plenty on the line in the final round of the regular season as the top three sides fight it out for an all-important top two finish.

The match of the round on the final weekend of the home and away season is sure to be the scintillating battle between first and second, as Old Carey host AJAX in a finals preview. The equation is simple – providing the Hampton Rovers beat Oakleigh, then the winner of this game finishes in the top two whilst the loser drops to third, missing out on the double chance. A lot on the line in this season defining game.

Oakleigh host the Hampton Rovers in a game that the Rovers must win to guarantee themselves a top two finish. The last time these sides met in Round 1, the Rovers triumphed by 26 points.

The Parkdale Vultures host PEGS. The Vultures are firmly locked into fourth spot but will certainly be looking for a win to build some momentum heading into finals.

The other clashes in Round 18 sees Marcellin come up against Mazenod, whilst Glen Eira/Old McKinnon host the Monash Blues.