ROUND 11 saw a significant milestone reached by Hurstbridge, while Panton Hill regained a crucial advantage in its battle to avoid relegation.
This week, Hurstbridge travels to Panton Hill in a local derby with some added spice, with the Bridges reaching the summit of the Division 2 ladder for the first time in over a decade following a convincing victory over Thomastown.
A ferocious opening 18-minute burst, which saw Hurstbridge pile on seven goals to zip, set the tone for the afternoon. Forward Chris Burton was in fine form with six goals for the afternoon, including three in the first quarter.
The likes of Hayden Farrelly – who was outstanding in defence on Matt Ferraro – and John Kruezer’s overwhelming influence in the ruck, were crucial to the Bridges inflicting the Bears’ second-straight loss, and third in their past four games.
Panton Hill, in the meantime, set about rebuilding its two-game gap over Mernda and repelled many Demon challenges to emerge triumphant by 20 points in a tight game last week.
Scores were level at three-quarter-time, however, a big last quarter from Tyler Scarce, coupled with a commanding performance by Mitch Anderson and nine goals between Ben Finnin and Jonty Rushton ensured the four premiership points would go to the Redbacks.
It was a 10-minute period early in the last quarter which ensured the Redbacks would go on to win, however, Mernda was able to chip away at the gap – reducing a 25-point deficit to just seven before the Redbacks steadied.
Despite the loss, the performance confirmed a much improved month from Mernda, who has been much more competitive than earlier in the season, ahead of a home match against Fitzroy Stars in Round 12 – a side they lost to by only 16 points in Round 4.
Luke Drakes – recalled for his first senior game since returning from Craigieburn – kicked three goals, along with Adrian Stefanile against Panton Hill. Krys Douglas and Les Adams again shined for the Demons, where a win would have seen them move to within percentage of the Redbacks in the race to avoid relegation.
A fast start from the Fitzroy Stars against Diamond Creek ensured they would remain in finals contention, and all but ended the Creekers’ final hopes, in a 46-point result at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval.
The Stars shot to a 29-point lead at quarter time off the back of strong performances by Allan Norris and Peter Hood, while their dangerous forward line did the rest, with Djaran Whyman booting five goals and John Hayes four.
The Stars continue to find themselves two games outside the four, but that deficit can be reduced to single game depending on how the Thomastown and Whittlesea battle at Main Street Reserve turns out.
A tardy start was too much for Thomastown to bear at Hurstbridge last week, with a couple of late goals enabling the former ladder-leader to save face. Matthew Ferraro kicked four goals from limited supply, while Tristain Harrower kicked three for the Bears.
After holding top spot for most of the year, a win is suddenly imperative for the Bears who can slip as low as fourth should results not go their way this week.
The Eagles were impressive in keeping Lalor at arm’s length for much of last week’s match, and will now be keen to atone for their heartbreaking loss to the Bears earlier in the year.
Jai Robinson returned from VFL duties and was impressive with three goals, along with Andrew Fairchild and Janan Daniel. Jordan Ormerod and Matt Dornauf continued their very impressive seasons, while Cam Conlon was another VFL regular among the Eagles’ best.
The final game of Round 12 sees Lalor and Diamond Creek battle – a fixture which resulted in a draw earlier in the season.
Lalor’s top two hopes took a blow with its loss to Whittlesea, where it was unable to bridge a four-goal gap which was prominent for much of the day.
Scott Morrison and Spencer Christopher kicked three goals each. Ben Curtiss was strong in the midfield and Harley Ryan continued his stellar season.
Likewise, the Demons were unable to bridge the fast start from the Stars, and were ultimately outclassed. Sitting three games outside the top four, their season now appears over, though they look comfortable in relegation talk.
Mitch Johnson drifted forward to kick three goals, while Josh Wuelfert and Ben Wescott were also solid performers as the Creekers suffered their fifth loss in six outings.
