ON an extraordinary weekend for football in general, Division 2 provided the lion’s share of upsets which turned the finals race and relegation battles completely on their head.
The weekend’s results again showcased the competitiveness of Division 2 in season 2014 – where the average winning margin across the competition is 35 points. Take North Heidelberg’s barnstorming 12-game winning streak out of the equation, and the margin is reduced to a mere 25.65 points per game – showing there is no easy game in Division 2 this season.
Taking a winning mentality into every game is crucial, and without it, expect to pay in the form of the opposition taking the four points.
Following Fitzroy Stars’ upset victory over North Heidelberg the previous week, two more upsets – and one result so close to providing another upset – dramatically changed the course of the season.
It now ensured that North Heidelberg, Fitzroy Stars and Mernda were confirmed starters in the finals series, with Lalor – despite a shock loss to Hurstbridge – still three games above fifth-placed Diamond Creek with five games remaining.
Hurstbridge took its third victory of the season, moving within percentage of Panton Hill with a one-goal victory over Lalor at Lalor Reserve. The Bridges made a strong start, opening up a 15-point lead at quarter time, before Lalor kicked seven goals to one in the second quarter to move 20 points ahead at the main break.
Hurstbridge chipped away at the margin and, in a tense finish, Daniel Francis (three goals) kicked the goal that ultimately proved the difference between the sides with under five minutes left, before a late Paul Brown shot was touched on the goal line as it was sailing through.
Joel Dale kicked two goals for the Bridges, and was their best player in the win, alongside Josh Saw and Jay Barbera. For the Bloods, Todd Hughes kicked four goals and was their best player, with Jarrod King and Ross Tsiripas putting in solid performances.
More drama occurred at Schotters Road, where Mernda almost let a four-goal lead in the last quarter slide for the second consecutive game, before eventually holding out for a two-point victory over Panton Hill. Mernda took control late in the third quarter in a tight game, with David Hutchinson kicking three of his four goals in the defining quarter.
Although the margin was 22 points five minutes into the last following a Luke Thorneycroft goal, Panton Hill stormed back into the game, led by Scott Moran, Tyler Scarce, and Nick Lowther (three goals).
Tim Duckworth snapped a goal to put the Hillers down with just a minute remaining, however – in the second game decided after the siren this round – Lloyd Toffolon’s last gasp 55m effort fell well short in the muddy conditions. Hutchinson, Luke Shelton and Les Adams were the best for the Demons in their great escape.
Previously unfancied Epping went over to Coventry Oval and defeated the in-form Diamond Creek for the second time this season, kicking 11.12 (78) to 8.8 (56).
The third quarter proved to be the difference for Epping, who kicked four goals and held the Creekers goalless. Peter McMahon and Aaron Willits kicked two goals each for the Blues, with performances from Josh Stavely, Jarrod Agosta and McMahon greatly influencing the win.
The Creekers missed a golden opportunity to keep their slender finals chances alive, where a win would have seen them move two games away from continuing their stunning rebirth in season 2014. The returning Hugh Kavanagh kicked three goals following a month out, and was one of the Creekers best, with Daniel Carmody and Levi de Pyle amongst the best.
The top two sides return to action this week, with North Heidelberg hosting Diamond Creek at Shelley Street Reserve, and Fitzroy Stars hosting Lalor at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. Both sides will have watched the unfolding drama with a close eye on Mernda and Lalor’s form, with the double chance up for grabs.
Mernda travels to Epping for the second time this season, following its triumph on ANZAC Day, while in a huge match which could be pivotal in the relegation battle, Hurstbridge welcome local rivals Panton Hill to Ben Frilay Oval. The loser will sit in last place by four points with four rounds remaining.
