Airport West 15.9-99 def. by Glenroy 19.13-127
IT was a top-of-the-table clash many did not see coming and, eventually, it certainly delivered.
The Roys stormed out of the blocks despite losing the toss in windy conditions at Hansen Reserve and by quarter time were out to a handy eight-point lead.
But it was the second term where things got out of hand.
Airport West was clumsy with the footy across half back and Glenroy punished the Eagles for it, kicking seven goals to two in the second term to seemingly establish what was a match-winning 43-point advantage by the main break.
With Travis Dulic dominating across half back alongside Matthew Willox, the Eagles again struggled to hit the scoreboard after half time and with two goals each to Josh Trembearth and Jayden Walker in the third, it seemed over by three-quarter time.
However, with gun utility Tyson Young and McVeigh continuing their fight throughout the day, the Eagles finally broke through against the tiring Roys in the final term and staged a gallant fightback.
Clayton Rogers kicked three final quarter goals and Ricky McVeigh added two of his own as the Eagles got within three goals heading into time-on of the last.
But the Roys steadied.
Crucial replies came off the boots of Walker and Trembearth and in the end, it was Glenroy who ended up on top of the ladder with an impressive 28-point win.
Taylors Lakes 16.14-110 def. Westmeadows 12.7-79
It was a battle of two Essendon Ford Division 1 sides that really needed a win to validate their finals credentials.
In the end it was Taylors Lakes who succeeded.
The Lions were in control throughout on their home deck, never allowing the Tigers a genuine sniff of the lead.
Sam Tankard made a concerted effort during the off-season to improve Taylors Lakes’ depth and we’re starting to see the fruits of that labour, as a number of Lions contributed to this win.
Five players kicked two goals while another six scored majors in the 31-point win.
Midfielder Matt Morelli and defender Jackson Wright were both outstanding for the Lions, but it was yet another all-round team performance that Essendon Ford Division 1 rivals will take note of moving forward.
For the Tigers, who came into the game with Justin Taylor, Tamer Abdallah, Ryan Mullen, Mohamed Saad and Daniel Willcocks all listed as outs, it was yet another crucial loss that will dent their finals chances.
Tullamarine 12.13-85 def. East Keilor 8.5-53
Tullamarine came back to the fore in a strong way with a 32-point win over East Keilor.
The Demons had not been in action for three weeks and with Justin Marcy, Anthony Liberatore and Marcus Smith all returning to the line-up, they ultimately proved too good for the Cougars.
They led at every change and with the help of three Liberatore goals and two each for Russell Laurie, Link Robinson and Jack Sims, Tullamarine maintained its top four spot.
Co-coach Nick Grigg again kicked three majors for East Keilor to remain the division’s leading goal kicker, but he simply did not have enough help on the day.
After getting its first win the week before against Hadfield, East Keilor remains eighth with no wins against anyone higher up on the ladder.
Hadfield 4.5-29 def. by Oak Park 28.16-184
The Kangaroos had their chance to gain some very important percentage against the hapless Hawks and did so in fine fashion at Martin Reserve.
Oak Park came into the game at 2-3 but needed to boost its percentage in a division where everyone around them was at 100-plus in that category.
They wasted no time piling on the damage with eight first-quarter goals and by halftime they were out to a 101-point lead.
Aden Harris and Dean Clare both kicked five for the day in the 155-point win.
