A decisive Round 12 has seen the finals race for MC Labour Division 2 heat up even further.
The NFNL Match of the Day featuring Fitzroy Stars and Thomastown did not disappoint, as the Stars claimed a thrilling one-point victory.
Despite having only one more scoring shot, it was the conversion in front of goal that got the Stars over the line. Thomastown brought the heat early in tricky conditions, but a first term that saw them manage one goal and five behinds halted momentum and early scoreboard dominance.
The disappointing part for the Bears was that they had high percentage looks at goal, but wayward kicking on multiple occasions resulted in a couple of minor scores.
After quarter time, Sash Spiroski’s side found some rhythm when going for goal, managing 7.2 for the remainder of the match, but those early misses proved costly in the end.
Thomas Clark was among the best for the Stars, recording an equal game-high 22 disposals and slotting a goal. Neville Jetta also put in a strong performance, standing tall late with the game on the line – he collected seven disposals and five tackles in the last quarter.
Jake Nikolov was best on ground for the visitors, putting in a mountain of effort against the three Fitzroy rucks while also providing as a marking target around the ground. Milad Alamtrah was the most prominent ball winner for the Bears, matching Clark’s 22 disposals.
South Morang claimed a 21-point victory in their top four clash against Lower Plenty at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
Jasper Collins scored the first major of the day after three behinds from the Lions, but once Teague Van Swienen got their opening goal halfway through the first term, they didn’t look back and held the lead the rest of the day.
The margin at half time was 35 points which was a game high, but the Bears slowly chipped away and got the deficit to as low as 15 points late in the fourth, but an immediate response was found via Van Swienen who kicked a sensational goal from the following centre clearance, sealing the deal.
Bailey Brown (19 disposals, 14 tackles) was named best afield for the Lions, and Van Swienen (14 disposals, two goals) also put in a strong performance. For Lower Plenty, Jordan Smith led all comers for possessions with 33 touches, and Mac Littlefield also impressed with 18 disposals and six tackles.
Macleod made it consecutive wins and kept their finals hopes alive with an emphatic 49-point victory over ladder leaders Northcote Park, underlining just how tight this Division is.
The contest was even throughout the first half, even more in favour of the Cougars who held an 18-point advantage at the main break. A remarkable third term turned the tide though, featuring nine goals from the Kangaroos, resulting in a 23-point lead heading into the final term.
They continued their momentum, going onto kick another seven goals in the final period, while limiting the Cougars to just four goals in the second half.
The hosts had seven separate goal kickers in the third term alone – six players managed one major each while Patrick Martin hit the scoreboard three times.
Mackenzie Hogg was the star of the day, putting together an incredible 31-disposal and seven goal performance, four of which came in the last term. Kobe Brandt was equally as sensational, accumulating 30 disposals alongside four goals. The pair also combined for 20 clearances.
The upset win keeps Nick Lynch’s sides finals hopes alive, as they are now two wins outside of finals qualification but holding a superior percentage is in their favour.
St Mary’s extended its winning streak to five on the trot as the Burra prevailed by 52-points over Panton Hill at A.E. Cracknell Reserve.
A dominant opening term set up the day for the visitors, piling on seven goals and limiting the Redbacks to just one to have a 36-point lead at the first break.
The margin between the sides only came within 30 points once briefly during the second quarter, but apart from that the result was never in doubt.
Tane Cotter (19 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) continued his strong season, being named the best player for his side. Ty Kitchell and Rory Hanlon were busy, collecting 26 disposals and 25 disposals respectively.
Ollie Parks put in another brilliant performance. The Redbacks big man stuffed the stat sheet with 36 disposals (30 contested possessions, 12 clearances) and 50 hitouts. Midfielder Sam Parks worked hard, amassing 27 disposals (22 contested possessions) alongside eight tackles.
Old Paradians closed out the round with a gritty 13-point win over Whittlesea at Garvey Oval, in what is a major blow to the Eagles’ hopes of contending for a finals position.
The visitors made a good fist of causing an upset for most of the day, leading by less than a straight kick at every change. The Raiders came flying home with a wet sail however, booting five goals to two in the final quarter to overhaul the deficit.
Liam McVeigh kicked three goals for Old Paradians and Taj McKenzie and Marcus Nolan kicked two apiece. Usual suspects Jesse Kane, Connor McDonald and Mitch Kane were all among the best players. The win leaves the Raiders sitting in sixth on percentage behind Lower Plenty and Fitzroy Stars.
Jack Maloney, Will Plain and Angus Smith booted two goals each for Whittlesea and Thomas Falls continued his great season with another appearance in the best players, but the Eagles now find themselves three wins adrift of teams fourth to sixth which are all on seven wins.
Given there are absolutely no gimme games in this competition, they would need absolutely everything to go their way to sneak into the top five from here.
