Vultures edge out Bullants in final term blitz

Posted on - Latest News, Featured, Premier C Men's

Jack Keleher

In consecutive games, Mazenod has beaten Hampton – this time to the tune of 83 points at Boss James Reserve. It is official. The Nodders are coming. Hampton did a lot right. Samuel Michael had less influence, and the Carnovale/Perkins tandem had great individual games. The Rovers issue was scoring against this Mazenod defence which once again held its own against the best offensive team in the competition. This week it was the Nodders who put on all the scoreboard pressure. Chris Campbell, who was held goalless in their first matchup, kicked six on route to a best on ground performance, and Mitchel D’Angelo continued his stellar form with five of his own. Mazenod has now moved into the top four after ironically winning four on the trot. They will host Ormond this week in a massive 3rd vs 4th matchup. The Rovers have now dropped three straight and things will not get any easier as they look to regain some form against the unbeaten Monash Blues.

UHS-VU have now won two in a row against Preston beating them by 13 points at Brens Oval. This one will hurt the Bullants more than any game they have played this year. Preston held a lead at every break but the final, as a fierce Vultures line-up piled on 6.7 to 3.3 in the final quarter to sneak out winners. Patrick Brookes was terrific kicking three in a best on ground performance while James Healey and William Thompson were prolific down back. Patrick Vanin played out of his mind kicking five for the winless Bullants and Sean Calcedo made a push into form starring in the midfield. UHS-VU will travel to Old Ivanhoe this week in what should be a cracking game. The Vultures only lost by 21 points last time these two met, and with their newfound form, Old Ivanhoe will be in for a solid test. Preston will host Old Geelong who will smell blood after their great win against Ormond.

Revenge will taste sweet for Old Geelong as they ran over Ormond by 15 points at Como Park. This game was high pressure and high intensity from the outset with neither team able to separate themselves from the other after three quarters. Four straight goals in the 4th were too much for the Monders who were not able to match the Oggers run and tackle pressure in the last. The key position players won this one for Old Geelong. I flagged in my preview that the addition of Christian Hatzis may prove the difference, and with six goals to his name, it is hard to argue that he did not have a massive influence on this game. Ryan Kemp down back was best on ground and ruckman Jack Sheridan was everywhere all day. The Monders have now dropped two on the trot, and given they beat the Oggers by 93 points only two matches ago, will have some reflecting to do. Tom Buckley was outstanding for the Monders and ruckman Harry Bingham found some great form kicking three while having an influence all around the ground. The Monders will face a massive test this week when they travel to Mazenod. The Nodders’ defence has been in great form, and Ormond has been struggling to score. The game will, however, be won in the middle. If you have some spare time this Saturday, I would be making my way to Central Reserve. The Oggers only beat the Bullants by 27 in round three, so it should be an interesting matchup as they look to win three straight when they travel to Preston.

Monash stays undefeated as they walk away 51-point winners against Old Mentonians. Inaccurate kicking plagued the Panthers again, and the Blues made them pay throughout the day. Daniel Lawson was best on ground leading the best defence in the league and Daniel Easson showed no signs of slowing in form as he put on a clinic in the middle. Old Mentone put in a good fight led by Tom McCarthy and Jarrad Kay, but again are still searching for some consistency up forward. The Panthers will travel to Marcellin in a revenge game. After blowing a six-goal lead in round five, Old Mentone will fancy their chances against a wounded Marcellin outfit trying to avoid relegation. Monash will host Hampton this week. Their round three matchup was one for the ages with the Blues escaping four-point winners. The Rovers are down on form and looking for a big scalp. This could be a major danger game for the premiership favourites if they are not careful.

Old Ivanhoe took away an important four points beating Marcellin by 18 points at Marcellin College. The match was tight all day, and most will agree that the Marcellin midfield was on top, but in the end, a four-goal to one last quarter saw the Hoers run away victors. Major disappointment again for the Eagles who sit 2-6 without losing a game by more than 21 points all year. Patrick Howe and Jordan Perry were terrific ensuring Marcellin got first hands on the pill, but the game was won by Old Ivanhoe’s key position players. Luke Velluto in the ruck, Jaryd Robertson at CHB and Mal Mitris (who was best on ground) at CHF proved too much for a Marcellin side that lacks size. The Hoers will host a red-hot UHS-VU, and despite the Vultures form, the Hoers will see this game as an opportunity to finally move into the top four. Marcellin now sits on the cusp of relegation and will see their matchup this week with Old Mentone as a must win. Sneaking away victors in their first game will give the Eagles some confidence that they can get their season back on track.