THE HALFWAY mark of the season is upon us and all spots inside the top five remain up for grabs, while Whittlesea has its work cut out to avoid relegation.
Upon resumption of play after the Queen’s Birthday weekend, Round 9 produced a number of season-defining results, with Heidelberg, Macleod and Lower Plenty in particular grabbing important wins.
This week third place on the ladder is on the line when West Preston-Lakeside hosts Bundoora at J.E. Moore Park. After a competitive first half, the Roosters put in their worst effort of the year against Macleod last week – going down in a 64-point hammering. Skipper Shaun Gannon and Luke Lirosi tried hard, but it was an otherwise forgettable day for Frank Raso’s men.
Bundoora’s rollercoaster season continued as it came from 20 points behind to defeat Eltham at Yulong Reserve. Adrian Papaluca and Joe Palazzolo were best in the 38-point victory, where the Bulls limited the Panthers to just three goals after quarter time. Kent Delbridge continued his good goal kicking form, with another four majors. The Bulls will now look to secure successive wins for the first time since Round 3.
Freshened by the mid-season break, Northcote Park secured its first win since Round 4 when it comfortably overcame Whittlesea by 35 points. The Cougars did the damage early as they took a five-goal lead into half time and never looked truly threatened. Midfielders Doug Morris and Bronik Davies were best in the much-needed result, while the Cougars’ 13 goals were shared by 10 different contributors. They now meet Macleod at Bill Lawry Oval with Koden Colman and Patty O’Connell both set to reach their 100th club game.
The Kangaroos moved back inside the top five with their percentage-boosting win at West Preston and will take great confidence into this clash having beaten Northcote Park in their Round 2 encounter. 10-goal hero Nick Lynch was the star of last week’s victory, becoming the first Division 1 player to kick double-figures since Cameron Cloke did so in Round 8, 2012. Cathal Corr and John Andrew relished last week’s heavy conditions, while Will Drapac was amongst the best for the second successive game.
First plays last when Heidelberg welcomes Whittlesea to Yulong Reserve, although their first encounter this year was decided by just three points. A seven-goal to two third quarter helped the Tigers to victory in last week’s top of the table clash against Greensborough, winning by 21 points. Chaz Sargeant’s four goals were important, while Callum Lewis, Michael Looby and Josh Gribben all featured in the best.
The Eagles’ winless streak extended to nine games following last week’s defeat to Northcote Park and Brad Dean’s side now finds itself eight points and percentage behind ninth-placed Eltham. They must now find at least three wins in the back half of the season to avoid immediate relegation to Division 2. Last week Andrew Fairchild and impressive youngster Joel Bramble were the club’s best, on a day where they could manage just seven goals.
Following its first loss since mid-May, Eltham will look to return to the winners’ sheet when its hosts in-form Lower Plenty. The Panthers made a positive start at Bundoora, but faded after losing Jay Neagle, Mathew Edwards and Daniel Coffield to injury in one marking contest. Nick Tieri was impressive with three goals, while Brendan O’Sullivan also worked tirelessly.
Only percentage keeps Lower Plenty outside the top five after recording its fifth win of the season over neighbour Montmorency. Campbell Brown booted two goals in his cameo appearance, although it was Bill Barden who stole the show with seven goals – including the sealer. Matt Duckworth and Pat Flynn yet again featured in the best. Having beaten the Panthers convincingly in Round 1, the Bears are favoured to win their sixth win of the season, following eight wins in the past two years combined.
Both Montmorency and Greensborough will be looking to avoid consecutive losses when they meet at Montmorency Park. Just one match after producing their best defensive effort of the season, the Magpies fell into old habits as they conceded 111 points to Lower Plenty – the fifth time they have had triple figures scored against them this year. Daniel Coghill, James Gaul and Callum Cook all tried hard in defeat.
With their four-game winning streak ended by Heidelberg, Greensborough will look for its second win over the Magpies in 2014, after handing last year’s beaten grand finalist a 69-point drubbing in Round 1. Ricky Mullins and Michael Hooper were best in last week’s loss to Heidelberg, where the club’s third term was described by coach Robert Hyde as its worst quarter of the season.
