IF you thought this season’s Division 2 competition would not provide the surprises that we saw last year, think again.
Separated by two divisions in 2014, third-placed Whittlesea welcomes surprise ladder-leader Thomastown to the Showgrounds this Saturday after both recorded enormous confidence-boosting victories last weekend.
The Bears, in particular, sent a massive statement to the rest of the competition that they are serious about contending for this year’s premiership, as they beat 2014 runner-up Fitzroy Stars 15.9 (99) to 14.8 (92) in a game which saw a three-man shootout steal the show entirely.
Fitzroy Stars spearhead Daniel Francis kicked eight goals in his third game in a Stars jumper, but not to be outdone, Jacob Osei-Duro and Matthew Ferraro combined for 13 of the Bears’ 15 goals. In an exceptionally tight game, the margin was no more than 14 points at any change. Along with Osei-Duro and Ferraro, reigning Division 3 best and fairest Matthew Cupo continued his impressive start to life in Division 2.
Whittlesea, meantime, rebounded from its disappointing loss to Panton Hill with a brilliant 96-point thrashing of Mernda – restricting the Demons to only one goal in the first three quarters, and three for the afternoon. Janan Daniel kicked six majors in the Schotters Road mud, and was ably supported by Matt Dornauf, captain Andrew Fairchild and Nathan Stefanile. Their win means the Eagles continue to hold the Sandy Brock/Les Russell Cup.
Meantime, completing the duo of top four match-ups in Round 4, second-placed Lalor hosts fourth-placed Hurstbridge, with the Bloods last week managing to snatch the first Division 2 draw since 2013 in their game against Diamond Creek. Although Diamond Creek would end up having five more scoring shots, their inaccuracy meant they were unable to secure their first victory under Craig Hayes, kicking 5.15 (45) to the Bloods’ 6.9 (45).
Todd Hughes once again underlined his goal kicking capabilities, kicking five of Lalor’s six goals for the afternoon. Scott Morrison and Harley Ryan were also amongst the Bloods’ best, where a victory by any margin would have seen them remain on top of the ladder.
The Bridges were able to prevail in an entertaining encounter with Panton Hill, making their move in the final quarter to win by 19 points, 14.13 (97) to a wasteful Redbacks outfit 10.18 (78). The margin was no more than two points over the first three changes, but a four-goal to one last quarter ensured that the Bridges would remain in the top four at the Redbacks’ expense.
Playing-coach Michael Ryan led from the front, kicking four goals for the Bridges, as did Chris Burton, who moved to second in the goal kicking list. Despite missing Micheal Farrelly through injury, brother Hayden stood up in his absence, named in the best alongside Jarrod Tilley and Ryan Burton.
Remaining rooted to the bottom of the ladder, Mernda now faces another difficult task, facing Fitzroy Stars at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. There were few winners in the Demons’ humiliating loss last week, with under-19s players Riley Black and Liam Gray standing out, while club co-captain Les Adams and Krys Douglas also toiled away at will.
The Stars have now lost their past two games by an aggregate of 15 points, and could easily have sat 3-0 if results were able to go their way. Apart from Francis’ heroics, Peter Hood and Lionel Proctor were also gallant in defeat at Main Street Reserve last week. The club now has a chance to square the ledger and continue to consign the Demons to the bottom.
Rounding out the Round 4 action is Panton Hill and Diamond Creek in a twilight encounter at Cracknell Reserve, with the Hillers’ coming in having won their past two encounters with the Creekers. Tyler Scarce once again led the way in last week’s close loss at Hurstbridge, with Ben Finnin providing a target up forward, kicking five goals.
Having led for the majority of their contest against Lalor, the Creekers’ will rue their missed opportunity to open their 2015 account. However, the club would have nonetheless been pleased with their improved form against the Bloods, with Hugh Kavanagh once again playing a starring role alongside ruckman Andrew Oliver, while Jack Prosser and Ben Wescott kicked two goals each.
