Demons and Falcons get revenge as Razorbacks break losing streak

Box Hill North has managed its second win against a top four side this season, defeating North Brunswick by 23 points.

Having suffered a one-point loss against the Bulls in Round 3 in controversial fashion, the Demons were keen to show that it wasn’t a one-off fluke.

Unlike their game earlier in the season, where the Demons came from behind, on this occasion they got off to a strong start managing to kick the first seven scores.

However, their accuracy was skewed managing just 2.5, which kept the Bulls within touching distance and ultimately enabled them to take the lead early in the second quarter.

That lead was short-lived with the Demons getting on a roll thanks to Blake Williams, who kicked all of Box Hill North’s six goals between the second and third quarters to give them a lead of two points at three-quarter time.

But the Demons’ physicality around the ball and accuracy would prove too strong in the final stages, scoring 5.1 to North Brunswick’s 1.4.

This result is a continuation of the turnaround the Demons have made over the last 12 months. Especially considering that Box Hill North were 2-9 with a percentage of 50% this time last season.

From this result, it’s North Brunswick’s second loss to a team outside the top four, which could prove costly when trying to secure a top two finish.

Swinburne University has broken its seven-game losing streak with a commanding 75-point victory against Eley Park.

The Razorbacks got out to a strong start, managing to hold the Sharks scoreless in the first quarter. However, they could have had a far larger lead as they only managed to kick 4.7.

Eley Park did manage to get on the scoreboard in the second quarter, but Swinburne continued to pile on the goals, although inaccuracy would cost them, leading by an even bigger margin.

And it proved to be a similar case in the second half for the Razorbacks, albeit with a more accurate 8.7 compared to Eley Park’s 2.7.

Despite the large winning margin, this was Swinburne’s smallest victory this season, with their previous two wins being above 100 points.

With their loss, Eley Park is officially the first team to be out of contention for the finals. Although they will still be playing for pride to ensure they don’t finish the season 0-18.

Albert Park has delivered a five-star performance to make it five wins in a row with a 10-point win against Wattle Park.  

With both sides having played a two-point thriller that Wattle Park won, Albert Park was keen on getting revenge on their home turf.

And like they did in their Round 3 clash, the Falcons would lead throughout the first half by generating plenty of chances going forward in comparison to the Animals.

Although, unlike that match, they managed to continue their dominance into the third quarter by 33 points and looked set for a comfortable victory.

However, the Animals would storm back into contention during the fourth quarter, kicking seven goals. But the Falcons managed to kick two goals of their own, which secured the win.

For Albert Park, this result further solidifies their rise into finals contention, as they manage wins against top four sides, which should prove handy towards the final weeks of the season.

Power House maintains its regular season form with a comfortable 100-point victory against Chadstone. Once again, their class and experience would prove too much throughout the match despite a close-ish first quarter.

It is now Power House’s fourth victory this season by 100 points or above, which helps explain why their percentage is sitting at 249.

For Chadstone, while the result is not great, it does resemble some improvement against those top four sides as they become more competitive.

Despite conceding 146 points, this was the joint lowest score that Chadstone has conceded against a top four side. And it wasn’t until the last quarter that the margin really blew out with Power House scoring 8.6 to Chadstone’s 2.1 to push that lead into triple digits.

With both North Brunswick and Wattle Park losing in Round 11, Power House has now extended its gap on second place to two games plus superior percentage, making it even more likely they’ll maintain top spot till season’s end.  

Richmond Central have bounced back up to second place on the ladder thanks to beating La Trobe University by 66 points.

Following their loss to North Brunswick last week, the Snakes were keen to recover against the Trobers to keep their hopes of a top two finish alive. And recover they did.

Richmond Central managed to jump out to a 21-point lead at quarter time and then 41 points at half time, helping push the game out of reach. The score would continue to increase for the Snakes in the second half as they placed La Trobe under pressure throughout the game.

Despite losing by 11 goals, this result is somewhat of an improvement for La Trobe after being beaten by Richmond Central by 74 points in their match-up back in Round 3.

With the final bye of the season taking place after Round 12, all ten teams will be hoping to enter the bye with a positive result. Box Hill North will be hoping to continue their winning form against top four sides when they play Power House at Ross Gregory Oval. Chadstone will travel to Allard Park to take on North Brunswick as the Bulls look to make a statement following their loss to Box Hill North.

Albert Park could make it six wins in a row when they take on Swinburne at St James Park, while the Razorbacks hope to make two wins in a row for the first time since Round 3. La Trobe plays host to Eley Park. The Trobers, who are seventh on the ladder, have shown strong form against the teams below them with a 4-0 record from four games. But Eley Park did beat La Trobe last year in Round 13 by six points, which should give the Sharks motivation to try and win their first game this season.

Wattle Park and Richmond Central’s clash at Bennettswood Reserve will have important implications for their season. With both teams on an 8-3 record and having Albert Park nipping at their heels in 5th place, a win for either side will be critical to remove some pressure off.