Three home and away rounds remain and the race for a top five spot is well and truly on for several sides in Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1.
Heidelberg continued its dominant season with another convincing victory, Diamond Creek produced the biggest win of the round, while Banyule kept its finals hopes alive with a crucial victory over Eltham. Montmorency completed a remarkable comeback against Greensborough, and Hurstbridge and North Heidelberg played out a thrilling draw in a contest that went down to the final siren.
Montmorency 11.12 (78) def. Greensborough 9.6 (60)
Montmorency produced one of the great comebacks of the season, overcoming a 34-point quarter-time deficit to defeat Greensborough by 18 points.
The Borough came flying out of the blocks, dominating the opening term to take a commanding 36-2 lead into the first change. However, the Magpies refused to go away, producing a stunning second-half turnaround where they kicked eight goals to one to storm home and claim a valuable victory.
Marcus Lentini led the charge through the midfield, topping the disposal count with 28 touches and seven clearances in an influential performance. Nash Holmes continued his outstanding season, collecting 25 disposals and a goal as he played a key role in Montmorency’s fightback.
For Greensborough, Tom Mitchell was one of the side’s strongest contributors with 27 disposals and seven clearances, while Jackson Davies stood tall in defence with 19 disposals and six intercept marks.
Banyule 16.8 (104) def. Eltham 8.7 (55)
Banyule kept its finals hopes alive with a dominant 49-point victory over Eltham.
The Bears produced a strong second-half performance away from home, breaking the game open after half-time to claim a crucial four points and remain in the hunt for September action.
Jack Langford continued his incredible run of form with another best-on-ground display, collecting 30 disposals and two goals in a complete performance. Jean-Luc Velissaris was also influential through the midfield with 29 disposals, while Kye Yodgee provided a significant impact inside forward 50 with 21 disposals and three goals.
Eltham showed fight throughout the contest, with Alexander Bellchambers leading the way with 29 disposals and nine clearances. Lachie Swaney also impressed with 21 disposals and eight clearances as the Panthers look to rediscover their early-season form.
Heidelberg 24.14 (158) def. Bundoora 7.7 (49)
Heidelberg continued its remarkable season with a dominant 109-point victory over Bundoora, securing its 14th win of the year.
The Tigers set up the result with a commanding first half, controlling possession and applying scoreboard pressure to take the game away from the Bulls early.
Luke Bunker was outstanding once again, producing another dominant midfield performance with 39 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances. Jordan Smith was unstoppable in attack, booting seven goals to move into second place on the league’s goalkicking tally, while Dylan Clarke continued his strong season with 29 disposals and eight clearances.
For Bundoora, Liam Mallia was a shining light despite the defeat, producing a remarkable individual effort with 30 disposals and five goals. Isaac McMillan also battled hard with 24 disposals.
Diamond Creek 20.7 (127) def. West Preston-Lakeside 2.8 (20)
Diamond Creek produced the most dominant performance of Round 15, cruising to a 107-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside.
The Creekers wasted no time asserting their dominance, kicking nine goals in a stunning opening quarter to put the result beyond doubt early. Their pressure and ball movement proved too much for the Roosters, with Diamond Creek continuing its strong form heading towards the finals.
Captain Nathan Searl was everywhere for the Creekers, producing a huge performance with 40 disposals, 15 marks and 10 rebound 50s. Joel Randall was also outstanding with 36 disposals and 18 marks, while James continued his impressive form in front of goal with seven majors to go with 21 disposals.
Despite the difficult afternoon for West Preston-Lakeside, Aleksandr D’Arro continued to fight hard, dominating around the contest with 44 disposals and 16 clearances.
Hurstbridge 15.13 (103) drew North Heidelberg 15.13 (103)
Hurstbridge and North Heidelberg played out a thrilling draw at Ben Frilay Oval, with neither side able to be separated after a dramatic finish.
In a contest that went down to the final moments, North Heidelberg had a chance to steal victory late, but Kyan Carman’s shot missed, with the behind ensuring the points were shared.
Former St Kilda player Angus McLennan was outstanding for North Heidelberg, leading the way with 33 disposals, while Jamison Shea and Josh Hamilton were also important contributors with 25 touches each.
For Hurstbridge, midfielder-forward Cooper Perrin continued his excellent form with three goals from 20 disposals, while Cam Wild impressed with 22 disposals and two goals as the Bridges fought hard throughout the afternoon.
