RAMIFICATIONS were felt at both ends of the Division 2 ladder after one of the most stunning upsets in memory headlined Round 10 action.
Mernda’s upset victory over ladder-leader Thomastown sent shockwaves throughout the competition.
In what could be best described as a low-scoring scrap, the Demons held a slender three quarter time lead before making their move in the last quarter, kicking five goals.
Marcus Saddington was the Demons’ focal point after Brett Wilson moved him forward, kicking three goals. At the other end, Josh Ksiazek held competition leading goal kicker Matthew Ferraro to one goal. Les Adams, Luke Marum and Krys Douglas stood up at critical moments to will the Demons home – in arguably the club’s best victory since the 2012 Grand Final.
Mernda now hosts Panton Hill with the Redbacks coming off a heartbreaking two-point loss to Lalor, where a win would have seen them maintain a two-game gap over the Demons.
The Redbacks bravely fought back from a 23-point deficit at three quarter time, however it was the third quarter which cost them, as Lalor piled on 5.1 to a solitary behind.
Tristan Kreymborg – playing his second game after returning to the senior side – kicked five goals. Jeremy Gercovich was enormous in defence and Tait Forster was an excellent performer.
The Redbacks boast a good record at Schotters Road, having won three of their previous four encounters at the ground, with their solitary loss by just two points.
At the top of the ladder, Hurstbridge plays host to Thomastown, where the winner could potentially assume top spot on the ladder with seven rounds remaining.
The Bridges were devastating against Diamond Creek – holding the Demons to the lowest score of 2015, while piling on 11 second-half goals to waltz to a 79-point victory.
The result was sweet revenge for Michael Ryan’s side after losing to the Demons in Round 5. Should they win and Lalor loses, the Bridges will move to the top of the Division 2 ladder for the first time in years.
Playing his first game for Hurstbridge in between VFL commitments with Essendon, Marcus Marigliani produced a dominant best-on-ground performance, while Tyron Loader was again outstanding against his former club. Also playing against old teammates, Chris Burton kicked three goals.
The Bears’ loss was a major setback to their hopes of securing the minor premiership and they now sit only half a game ahead of second- placed Lalor, and a game (with inferior percentage) ahead of this week’s opponents.
The Bears’ accuracy in front of goal was telling last week, kicking only four goals from 19 scoring shots by three quarter time. Joseph Vaccaro was the sole multiple goal kicker, while Matthew Dirkx was impressive.
In the other top four clash, Lalor hosts Whittlesea at Lalor Reserve, where the Bloods can also assume top spot on the ladder should they prevail and Thomastown lose.
The Bloods only just survived a massive scare against the Redbacks, where a loss would have been significant in their hopes of finishing in the top two. Spencer Christopher kicked three goals, with Jhye Baddeley-Kelly their best performer.
The Eagles, meantime, powered to a 37-point victory over the Fitzroy Stars in their best four-quarter performance of the season. Leading by only two goals at half time, the Eagles kicked six goals to one in the third quarter to establish a two-game gap over the Stars in fourth.
Andrew Fairchild led from the front, kicking six goals, with Matt Dornauf, Riley Dyson and Chris Horman putting in impressive performances.
The Eagles loom as the wildcard in the top four battle – with the best percentage in the competition – and can sit as high as second should results go their way this week.
The loss for Fitzroy Stars means they face a crunch clash against Diamond Creek this week just to keep touch with the top four.
Stopping Diamond Creek from kicking a winning score is paramount for the Stars who have conceded an average of 95 points per game – ranked seventh in the competition. However, they were able to concede their season low (59) when the sides last met in Round 6.
The Demons put in their most disappointing performance of the year in their loss to Hurstbridge, only recording six scoring shots. Michael Rogneda was valiant against the tide, with Simon Buchanan and Josh Smith also solid in the loss.
Sitting three games outside the top four, the Creekers must win this week to remain in finals contention.
