Round 12 delivered several significant results across Division 1 as we enter the final third of the home and away season.
Bundoora ended Diamond Creek’s remarkable winning streak, Greensborough produced one of the performances of the season, and North Heidelberg took a huge step forward in the relegation battle.
Heidelberg and Montmorency also strengthened their positions near the top of the ladder with important victories.
North Heidelberg secured a crucial 19-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside, creating valuable breathing room in the battle to avoid relegation.
In what loomed as one of the most important matches of the season for both clubs, the Dogs responded with a strong four-quarter performance to claim the four premiership points and halt a difficult run of form.
Jamison Shea led the way for North Heidelberg and was well supported by Angus McLennan, Hamish Murphy, Nash Ramage, Brock Chircop and Kyle Templeton in an important team performance.
West Preston-Lakeside was competitive throughout the afternoon but was unable to back up last week’s breakthrough win. Matthew Harman was among the Roosters’ best, while Aleksandr D’Arro, Michael Inzitari, Johnny Elmer, Lachie Muir and Kristian Lawson all battled hard.
The victory could prove season-defining for North Heidelberg, while the Roosters will be looking to respond quickly as the fight to avoid relegation continues.
Bundoora brought Diamond Creek’s outstanding winning streak to an end, holding on for a hard-fought seven-point victory in one of the contests of the round.
In a low-scoring affair, the Bulls found a way to grind out an important win against one of the competition’s form sides. With scoring opportunities limited throughout the afternoon, every goal proved crucial as Bundoora held its nerve late.
Luke Lo Valvo was outstanding for the Bulls and received strong support from O’Neill Moncrieff, Peter McEvoy, Liam Mallia, Isaac McMillan and Jesse King.
Despite the defeat, Diamond Creek again received strong contributions from Darcy MacPherson and Nathan Searl, while Matthew Lewis, Nick Bott, Bronson Hill and Brenton Keating were also among the Creekers’ best.
The result ends Diamond Creek’s impressive run of victories and provides Bundoora with an important confidence boost heading into the final weeks of the season.
Heidelberg continued its march towards the finals with a commanding 50-point victory over Banyule.
The Tigers controlled the contest for most of the afternoon, creating plenty of scoring opportunities to comfortably account for the Bears and maintain their position near the top of the ladder.
Keenan Posar was among Heidelberg’s standout performers, while Dylan Clarke continued his outstanding campaign. Sam Gilmore, Brayden Sier, Tom Keys and James Nadalin all played key roles in another polished team performance.
For Banyule, Joshua Collins fought hard throughout the afternoon alongside James Kayrooz, Luke Robertson, Joel Perugini, Logan Kilcullen and another strong contributor.
While Heidelberg continues to build momentum towards the business end of the season, Banyule will need to respond quickly to remain clear of the relegation battle.
Greensborough produced one of the most dominant performances of the season, dismantling Hurstbridge by 96 points to strengthen its push towards the top five.
The Borough took control early and never looked back, piling on 24 goals in a complete four-quarter display that overwhelmed the Bridges in every area of the ground.
Marty Fitzgerald was outstanding in the victory, while Blake Watson, Will Mitchell, Brody Glenn, Nathan Howard and Ryan Commandeur all played influential roles in the emphatic win.
Hurstbridge struggled to contain Greensborough’s relentless pressure but continued to fight throughout the afternoon. Bryce Arthur, Darcy Stewart, Mitchell Hymus, Billy Loustas, Lachlan East and Cooper Perrin were among the Bridges’ better performers.
The convincing victory keeps the Borough firmly in the finals conversation, while Hurstbridge will be looking to quickly regroup after one of its toughest defeats of the season.
Montmorency returned from the bye in impressive fashion, defeating Eltham by 16 points in a crucial clash between two finals contenders.
The Magpies held the advantage for much of the afternoon before holding off a determined Panthers challenge to claim an important four premiership points.
Corey Sleep led the way for Montmorency, with Connor Kane, Nicholas Green, William Jenkin, Ben Davis and William Bella all making valuable contributions in the victory.
Alexander Bellchambers continued his excellent season for Eltham and was among the Panthers’ best alongside Sebastian Molloy, David Evans, Jaden Collins, Jack Tranquilli and Haydn Kofoed.
The result strengthens Montmorency’s position towards the top end of the ladder, while Eltham remains firmly in the hunt for a finals berth despite the defeat.
Montmorency and Heidelberg will put a full stop on Round 12 this weekend when they meet in a standalone Division 1 fixture in the NFNL’s Match of the Day. You can follow the action live from 2pm on Saturday afternoon on Plenty Valley FM or Sportscast Australia.
