Old Peninsula pass the double ton, with the tussle for 2nd and 3rd on in earnest

Round 16 of the Division 1 Men’s competition generally saw predictable results, however all eyes are on the race for a double chance in the finals, with Old Peninsula and Kew now the only sides who can join the undefeated Ormond in the top two.

The addition of former Melbourne FC midfielder and captain Nathan Jones aided Old Peninsula to a massive 174-point victory over Elsternwick.

Both sides had good patches in the first five minutes with a goal apiece, however it was the Pirates who put the foot down from there, kicking five unanswered goals to be leading by a strong 36-points at quarter-time.

A high-scoring second quarter saw the Pirates boot nine majors as time and time again they moved the footy from the centre to their forward 50 with ease and were rewarded with a massive 83-point lead at the main break.

The third quarter was much the same as Elsternwick struggled to match-up with this dominant Old Peninsula outfit, as the Pirates extended their lead to 120-points at three quarter-time.

Whilst it would be virtually impossible for Elsternwick to mount a comeback, the Wicks deserve mention for breaking the Pirates’ run of momentum midway through the final term with a goal their way, however the damage had been done much earlier as the Pirates ran away with the victory in another nine-goal term.

In his first game for the Pirates, former AFL player Nathan Jones was pivotal with six goals to his name, whilst Jake Lovett also contributed six.

This win has been a major percentage booster for the Pirates who now boast the best percentage in this section, however, cannot jump Ormond who have locked away top spot. This is the first time a side has cracked 200 points in Division 1 Men’s this season.

Oakleigh have kept its finals hopes alive with a 29-point victory over Therry Penola.

Both sides had numerous opportunities inside 50 in the first term but inaccuracy cost both sides with a scoreline of 2.4.16 and 3.4.22 for the Lions and the Krushers, respectively, at quarter-time.

The Lions kicked an early goal in the second to level up the scores, but it was all Oakleigh from there with the Krushers staying a pace ahead to increase their lead to 23-points at half-time.

Therry Penola were more competitive in the second half, both on the scoreboard and across all lines on the ground, but once again, Oakleigh managed to find a way to stay further ahead and

control most of the game, with the Krushers claiming the four points and their ninth victory of 2025.

Luke Ashen continues to lead the goal-kicking count for Division 1 with a further five majors to his name from this game, whilst despite their defeat, Patrick Carracher likewise had a great performance for the Lions, pocketing five goals.

Kew managed to hold on for a 22-point victory against Brunswick but not after a fourth quarter scare.

The Bears hit the ground running early with a dominant display in the first quarter to be leading by a healthy, but gettable, 27-points at quarter-time.

Brunswick needed a response in the second quarter and indeed they delivered, kicking three goals to Kew’s two, and will be ruing their 17-point deficit at half-time which could’ve been different if they had been more accurate in front of goal.

A high-scoring, attacking third quarter saw twelve goals scored, and with seven of those going Kew’s way, the Bears took a 30-point lead into the final change. But with injuries mounting for Kew, this game was far from decided.

The final quarter was hard fought with no goals kicked in the first ten minutes as both defences stood up for their team. Once Brunswick got a look-in in front of goal, they clicked into gear with the NOBs kicking three goals in five minutes to suddenly only be trailing by 13-points halfway into the term.

However, it was not to be as a litany of behinds followed by a late goal to Dylan Jardine ensured victory for the Bears, an important victory to allow them to remain just one game behind second-placed Old Peninsula.

Fintan Davis of Kew had his best performance of the season up forward with four goals, whilst Paul Scamporlino was integral for Brunswick with four goals spread across the afternoon.

Ormond corrected an inaccurate first quarter to get home 43-point winners over the Preston Bullants.

There was much for both sides to play for with Ormond looking to continue their undefeated streak, whilst Preston seeks to rise as high up the ladder as possible, all the while fifth-placed Oakleigh lurk as a threat to their finals aspirations.

Preston’s Nick Perizzolo was on song early with the first two goals going his way, and by quarter-time, Preston were rewarded for accuracy with three goals straight. Ormond had eight scoring opportunities but only converted one into a major, resulting in the Monders trailing by 5-points at the first break.

Ormond quickly corrected the record with a fierce seven-goal display in the second term, showing the Bullants home crowd why they are the team to beat, giving Ormond a 26-point lead at half-time.

The Bullants did better to curb Ormond’s scoring in the third quarter and take some energy out of their play, but ultimately it was Ormond who were the better team on the day, as a trio of Ormond goals in quick succession in the final term signalled that it was just about game over as Ormond locked in top spot on the ladder and the minor premiership for season 2025.

Samuel Bailey starred with four goals for Ormond, well supported by Jackson Hille and Mason Thatcher with three goals each.

UHS-VU continued their late season run of form with an impressive 74-point victory over the Monash Blues.

The first half was a close encounter with peaks and troughs of momentum for both sides, as goals late in both quarters to the Vultures’ Brandon Jackson proving pivotal as the Vultures led by 12-points at half-time.

It was the third quarter where UHS began to break away, utilising opportunities inside 50 to result in seven goals going their way whilst the Blues could only manage two majors, blowing the margin out to 42-points by three quarter time.

The story was much the same in the final term as UHS grew stronger and stronger, punishing the Blues across all areas of the ground and very comfortably recording their seventh victory of the season, with Brandon Jackson once again a key player, leaving with six goals to his name.

Round 17 promises to be an exciting weekend, headlined by Ormond (1st) hosting Kew (3rd), with a lot on the line for the Bears as they continue to hunt for a top two spot. Just as intriguing will be the battle between Oakleigh (5th) and Old Peninsula (2nd) with Oakleigh still pushing for finals and looking to settle the score with the Pirates after a big loss earlier in the season.

Elsewhere, UHS-VU (6th) host Therry Penola (9th), with the Lions facing relegation and requiring two percentage boosting wins and two Monash losses to avoid the drop, the Monash Blues (8th) will face off against Elsternwick (10th), and Brunswick (7th) host the Preston Bullants (4th), with the Bullants looking to get back on the winners list.