Round 2 of MC Labour Division 2 is in the books and it threw up a mixture of thrilling contests as well as some big blowouts.
Lower Plenty were able to overcome a 27-point quarter-time deficit to claim victory over the Fitzroy Stars, with recruit Jack Chubb leading the way with six majors.
The Stars got the jump early, and it looked like it was their day when they kicked five goals to the Bears one in the opening term. Matthew Williamson was a focal point in attack, with the big forward clunking everything that came his way and kicking truly when given the chance.
The Bears got themselves back into the contest by gaining control in stoppages. It was their ruckman Seth Hill who led the charge, recording 47 hit outs for the day. Lower Plenty made the most of their entries, managing seven goals from their eight inside 50’s during the second quarter.
The third term was a seesawing affair, with goals hard to come by. The lead changed four times during the period.
The final quarter began with the Bears leading by two-points, and the advantage was extended when they found the first goal. The joy was short lived however, with Fitzroy going onto kick the next three goals and holding a 12-point advantage halfway through the final term.
Lower regained the lead at the 24-minute mark, after Jack Madgen held his nerve with his set shot from 30 meters out directly in front. Shortly later, Tyler Wallace kicked the sealer from a tight angle which saw the away crowd erupt.
A seven goal third quarter was the catalyst for Northcote Park’s 51-point victory in its clash with Panton Hill. The contests was even early, with the visitors holding a three-point advantage at the first break.
Ricky Fandrich was the leading goal-kicker for the afternoon, finding the big sticks on four occasions. He was well supported by the likes of James McArdle (24 disposals, 21 kicks) and Matthew Perry, (18 disposals, 7 tackles).
Facing a 50-point deficit at the final break, the Redbacks managed to fight-out the rest of the contest, keeping Northcote Park to just two goals for the final term, as well as managing two goals themselves.
Despite the heavy defeat, Michael Farrelly will be pleased with the amount of goal contributors his side had, with seven different players managing a goal. Co-captain Sam Parks (18 disposals, 9 tackles) was among the best for his team.
South Morang made a statement win when they hosted a strong St Marys outfit, with the Lions dismantling their opponents by 55 points.
The Burra had the jump early in the piece, leading by 13-points at quarter-time. The Lions managed to work their way back into the contest, drawing level at the main break.
The third term is what set the teams apart- South Morang found the big sticks on nine occasions and kept the Burra to just two goals. David Cameron was inspirational in the period, finding the ball 13 times as well as slotting two goals.
Youngster Tyson Gresham (28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 2 goals) was among the best for the Lions, as well as Tyrone Leonardis (32 disposals, 12 score-involvements). Joshua Lansfield, Nick Lawson, and Ethan Lowe also all managed three majors each.
Old Paradians clenched an important win in their matchup with Thomastown, triumphing by six points.
The Raiders found themselves trailing at half-time and three-quarter time, but three goals in the opening 12-minutes of the final period was enough to get them over the line. Connor McDonald was sensational for the victorious side, accumulating 37 disposals as well as 23 clearances, eight of which were in the last term.
Old-Paradians dominance at stoppages went a long way to them claiming victory, winning the clearance count 13-5 and centre clearance count 6-1 in the last quarter.
Youseph Dib (25 disposals, three goals), Zain Yamak (30 disposals, two goals) and James Lucente (17 disposals, three goals) were among the best for the Bears. Michael Boundy was the most prominent forward on the ground, slotting four majors for the Raiders.
Closing out the round, Macleod sent a message to the rest of the competition prevailing over Whittlesea by 68-points.
In a surprise to no one, Darcy Barden was the star of the show slotting seven majors. Alongside Jasper Howell were the only multiple goal scorers of the day, with the former managing four goals.
It was a dominant performance from start to finish, with the Kangaroos lead growing at every change. Connor Hetherton (35 hit outs, 10 to advantage), Mackenzie Hogg (26 disposals, one goal) and Kobe Brandt (25 dispsoals at 84% efficiency) were named in the best for Nick Lynch’s side.
The only sides that remain undefeated in the MC Labour Division 2 competition are Norhtcote Park and Old-Paradians, while Fitzroy Stars and Panton Hill are still searching for their first victories.
