Round 4 for Division 2 MC Labour has come and gone, and the results have further highlighted just how even the competition is.
In a top of the table clash at Mill Park Lakes Reserve, it was South Morang 14.10-94 who prevailed by 27 points over Northcote Park 10.7-67.
The visitors started the contest strongly, slotting the first four goals of the game resulting in a 25-point advantage at the first change. The Cougars had a dream start to the match, winning the first centre clearance before Michael Amad swooped on a spoil towards the pocket, and snapping truly from a tight angle. The lead was quickly extended when Ricky Fandrich pounced on a turnover and found Charlie Fawcett, who made no mistake in converting from just inside 50.
Despite not managing a single goal in the first term, Matthew Penn’s men were up for the challenge and responded with seven majors in the second quarter. Former Richmond player Noah Cumberland led the charge for his side, splitting the big sticks three times during this time, two of which came shortly before the main break, leading to a ten point gap at half time.
After a dull third quarter which only saw three goals between the two sides, a quick start to the final quarter would go a long way to finishing the match with strong momentum. It was South Morang who would gain that momentum, kicking the first five goals of the term within a 15-minute period, well and truly putting the result beyond doubt.
Fitzroy Stars 13.10-88 claimed a massive scalp on the road, defeating Whittlesea 8.12-60 by 28 points to move to 2-2 on the season.
The Stars were dominant from start to finish, leading at every break. Despite losing the clearance count 30-42, Fitzroy were able to generate more inside-50’s through their ability to force turnovers, which made up nearly half their score.
Jai Burns was named best on for victorious side, accumulating 28 disposals and kicking two goals. He was well supported by the likes Pat Farranat (20 disposals, two goals) and Keadin Ronnan (25 disp, eight score involvements).
Caden Allen continued his strong goal kicking form for the home side, managing three majors. Zane Anderson (19 disposals, one goal) and Thomas Falls (23 disposals, 16 contested posesssions) were also named in the best for the Eagles.
Old Paradians 11.9-75 was able to clinch a 10-point come from behind victory as the Raiders defeated Panton Hill 9.11-65.
Despite trailing at every break, the visitors were able to come away with the four points. Michael Boundy starred for the victorious side, booting five goals on the day including the sealer late in the piece.
Boundy reduced the deficit to just seven points on the three-quarter time siren, kicking truly with his set shot inside-50. His side would start the final term as they finished the previous one, with Liam McVeigh levelling the scores with a long bomb.
Ben Turner’s men had several chances to build an unassignable lead, with their next six scores resulting in behinds. It was Lachie Kerr who broke the drought, pouncing on a loose ball close to goal and snapping truly to give his side a four-point advantage.
Redbacks co-captain Riley Livingstone gave his side some hope late, taking a mark in a packed inside-50 and converting from close range to bring the margin to under a goal. The Raiders however quickly had the answer, with Michael Boundy reeling in a contested mark on the flank and holding his nerve from the tight angle.
Lower Plenty 15.14-104 managed an impressive 23-point victory at home over St Marys 12.9-81.
Jack Chubb was the standout for the Bears yet again, kicking five goals, taking his season tally to 16 majors including 15 in the last three weeks.
Lower started the contest hot, kicking six goals in the first term through five separate players. The Burra had the answer though, on the back of an efficient second term they managed four goals from 10 inside 50’s.
Travis Stephen’s men held a four-point advantage at the main break, and an even third quarter saw the margin remain the same heading into the final term.
The Burra drew first blood in the last quarter through Wil Ryan who perfectly crumbed a marking contest at the top of the goal square. The sides would trade goals, but the Bears gained breathing room when they found two goals via Chubb and Kyle Templeton within a minute in red time.
Jasper Collins (22 disposals, two goals) and Mitchell Brownhill (24 disposals, one goal) were among the best for Lower, while Dom Akuei (18 disposals, five intercept marks) and Will Dean (24 disposals, one goal) were stand outs for St Marys.
Macleod 16.12-108 overcame a 37-point half time deficit to claim a 16-point victory over Thomastown 14.8-92.
An even opening term saw the Kangaroos hold a 12-point lead at the first change. The second term well and truly belonged to the visiting team though, with the Bears piling on a whopping nine goals for the term.
Nick Lynch’s message to his Macleod troops at half-time definitely got through, with his side responding with seven majors in the premiership quarter to level the scores at three-quarter-time.
The Roo’s were dominant to start the final term but failed to capitalise on chances with their first three scores all resulting in behinds. It was the ever-reliable Darcy Barden who got his side going, managing the first goal after ten minutes of play – his fifth major for the day.
Bears co-captain Anthony Capeci brought the margin back to just ten points with his long set shot sailing through to give his side some life. The Roo’s had a quick reply through Zac Howell, who converted after taking a diving mark inside 50.
Barden was among the best for his side with his five-goal performance, as well as Mackenzie Hogg who kicked four goals from his 23 disposals. Lawrence Lo Piccolo was named the best for the visitors, alongside Capeci who was the leading goalkicker for his side with three goals.
Northcote Park remains at the top of the ladder but their loss to South Morang sees those two and Old Paradians as the front runners with three wins a piece, followed by five sides with two wins.
