MC Labour Division 2 continues to be as close as ever after some upset results over Round 13.
It was Thomastown which caused the biggest boilover of the round, handily defeating Macleod at Main Street Reserve by 43 points.
The Bears jumped out of the blocks in the first term, booting six goals from eleven scoring shots to open up a 39-point lead at the first break. Macleod started to get moving in the second term with four goals, but a stingy defensive quarter from Thomastown in the third term to keep the Kangaroos scoreless extended the home side’s lead to an unassailable 49 points at the last change.
It was the Bears’ top liners who led the way – Lawrence Lo Piccolo (23 disposals), Anthony Capeci (24 disposals, two goals) and Jake Nikolov (three goals) were instrumental in the victory which moves Thomastown out of the relegation spot.
Kangaroos’ spearhead Darcy Barden kicked four goals and Justin White (28 disposals) and Kurt Manuel (23 disposals) found plenty of the ball, but the Roos just couldn’t find enough standout contributors on the day. It continues an up and down season for Macleod which is now racing the clock to find enough wins to close the two-game gap on Lower Plenty in sixth spot.
Whittlesea caused the other upset for many Division 2 pundits this week with a gutsy seven-point win over Fitzroy Stars.
The Eagles were forced to play catch up after half time with the Stars leading by eleven points at the main break, but five goals to two from the visitors saw them overhaul the margin and secure a valuable four points to keep them safely away from the relegation battle.
Thomas Falls was outstanding with 36 touches, 14 clearances and two goals for Whittlesea, as was Bailey Robinson with three majors. Stars skipper Kain Proctor gave his all with 24 disposals and two goals and Thomas Clarke was industrious with 26 touches, but the Stars were stifled in the second half and struggled to finish off their forward 50 entries, kicking just two goals from eight scoring shots.
The loss means Fitzroy Stars have conceded ground to Old Paradians which moved into fourth spot, now a game behind the Raiders and level on points with Lower Plenty in sixth.
Speaking of the Raiders, they achieved a remarkable result in keeping Panton Hill goalless at Garvey Oval, winning by 61 points in a terrific defensive display.
Although conditions were tough, Lachie Kerr continued to impress up forward with three goals, along with Mitch Kane (32 disposals, 14 clearances) and Connor McDonald (27 disposals, ten clearances) controlled the midfield for the home side as the Raiders chalked up their eighth win of the season.
The result would be a very disappointing one for Panton Hill, but Paul Vavlitis, Lachlan Sobol and Zac Fawdry gave their best on a dirty day. The Redbacks have now dropped three games in a row by heavy margins and would be desperate to respond against Whittlesea on the road this coming weekend in what is a winnable fixture if they can recapture some of the form they showed back in June.
St Mary’s continues to build a solid season, having now won six games a row following a 46-point win over Lower Plenty which has them sitting nicely in second spot and very much in the premiership mix.
The Burra started red hot with nine goals to two in the first quarter which set the tone. Ty Kitchell and Tom Eames sparking their side with a couple of goals each early on.
From there the lead blew out to 62 points at half time as the Bears had no answers for St Mary’s which despite kicking just one goal after half time, had well and truly done enough to have the four points in their keeping.
Kitchell was instrumental with 25 disposals, nine clearances and three goals for the day and was well supported by Josh Carelli who collected 24 disposals and six clearances. Brodie Little also kicked a couple of goals for the home side.
Jack Chubb, Seth Hill and Tyler Wallace all kicked a couple of goals apiece for the Bears and Ciaran Porter and Jordon Smith were among the best, but the loss leaves the Bears on the outside looking in on the top five. The next fortnight will be crucial to deciding Lower Plenty’s fortunes in 2026, with games against Northcote Park and Macleod.
The battle of the felines at Bill Lawry Oval between Northcote Park and South Morang certainly lived up to the billing of a top three clash, with South Morang producing a withering final quarter burst to win by 12 points.
The lead changed hands at every break as both sides struggled to take their chances early on. The Cougars looked as though they might run away with the result at three-quarter time as they kicked five goals after half time to lead by 15 points.
But the Lions refused to lie down and booted the first five goals of the final term to suddenly lead by 15 points. Northcote Park responded with the next couple, but late goals from Rocco Grillo and Christian Mardini sealed the win for the visitors.
Nathan Stefanile and Carter McCall (four goals) were vital for the Lions as were Chris Petroro and Jesse John Christidis. South Morang now draws level on points with both Northcote Park and St Mary’s at the top of the table, ensuring it will be a fascinating run home to the finals as teams jostle for position.
Matt Perry (34 disposals) and Leo Amad (32 disposals) found plenty of ball for Northcote Park and Ricky Fandrich kicked three goals. The Cougars will be keen to get back on the winners’ list after a couple of losses when they travel to face Lower Plenty next weekend.
