There were some big scores kicked in Round 5 as a gap begins to open up in the Division 3 ladder following a week of largely one-sided results.
Epping took on Ivanhoe at Epping Recreational Reserve. The Hoers came into the game on the back of three consecutive triple figure margins and achieved that feat once more, prevailing by exactly 100 points. The result was achieved by two behinds late in the game.
“Epping applied great pressure to us, but our perseverance with pressure of our own and our skills got us going,” said Ivanhoe coach Wayne Schultz, who coached without playing on the day. He liked the inside work of Patrick Howe and Joel Kleiman on a wing, Connor O’Brien and Vivian Blackmore-Moore. Marcel Moran continued his hot streak with another five goals.
“We’re a young group and we had a go”, said Epping coach Brad Hollow. Hollow commended Corey Middleton and Leigh Judd through the midfield as well as defenders Kieren Jaksic and Louis Circosta.
Watsonia scored a 99-point win over Lalor following a powerful second half performance. The Saints went into the game aware of the recent history of the Bloods pulling off the occasional huge upset at home and took charge from the get-go. A 5.6 to 1.1 first term set the tone for the day and although Lalor stuck to their task all day, the result was always on the boot of the Saints. Remarkably, all of Lalor’s scores this season have been between 34 and 44.
“We were pleased to have 22 contributors,” said Watsonia coach Anthony McGregor. He loved the work of Mason Grech in the ruck as well as Owen Davidson in defence.
Heath Patton has been among the best in every game this season the Bloods, while Sam Rexhepi slotted three majors.
Laurimar tussled with Heidelberg West at Laurimar Reserve. The Hawks were within striking distance at half time with a deficit of 12 points, but the Power ran away with a ten goal to two second half to win by 67 points and retain top spot.
“It was a poor start, but I’m really pleased we were able to execute the way we wanted to in the second half,” said Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins. Patrick Fitzgerald kicked eight to pull further ahead in the goal-kicking table, while Jesse Donaldson looks certain to get even more votes in the Coaches MVP after again being among the best. Atkins praised the work of Hayden Trim who slotted four majors.
“I’m proud of the spirit we showed”, said Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen. “When we bring our best, we are hard to play against’. The Hawks had no bench by quarter time which took its toll later in the game. Missen liked the effort of Mitch Thompson, Mason Bowden and Connor Dunne.
Mernda began as firm favourites when hosting Kinglake at Waterview Reserve. The Lakers had been slow starters in some games this season but led at quarter time with 2.2 to a wasteful 1.7 by the Demons.
Mernda dominated the middle stages of the contest and went away to win well by 80 points. Playing coach Brent Marshall excelled for the Demons, while James Sekulovski stood out with four goals.
Lochlan Kelly and Tom Clarke were among the best for Kinglake.
In a day of lopsided results, the match between Old Eltham Collegians and Kilmore at Eltham College provided the closest contest. The Turtles led by two points at the main break and a thrilling finish looked a distinct possibility, but a dominant third term set up the win for the Blues who prevailed by 26 points.
A trio of players booted three goals each for the victors in Lachlan Chesher, Emmett Clark and Caleb Newport. Dangerous forward Nick Milne also kicked three for the Turtles.
These two sides are now just outside the top five, with Old Eltham Collegians in sixth spot and Kilmore in seventh with a game in hand. Watsonia were the big winners, jumping from seventh to fourth. Reservoir slipped from fourth to fifth while having the bye.
With one win separating Mernda in third spot and Heidelberg West in ninth, plenty of scope for movement up or down the ladder exists in the next few weeks.
