TULLAMARINE 5.5-35 def. by TAYLORS LAKES 9.4-58
TAYLORS Lakes surprised the competition on the weekend with a big upset over the now third placed Tullamarine.
What looked like what was going to be another Tullamarine win turned into a big loss in the context of the Essendon Ford Division 1 season.
Taylors Lakes went into quarter time a goal down and it looked like it was going to be a tough day for the visitors at Leo Dineen Reserve.
However this wasn’t the case, with some of Taylors Lakes’ key players standing up to get them over the line by 23 points.
After a six-goal haul against Airport West the week before, it was a certainty that James Vistarini needed to be watched closely.
But it didn’t seem to be the case, as he kicked another three goals and featured in the bests again.
He was definitely a major factor to the win alongside Jake Hobbs, who was named best-on-ground for the second time in three games.
The huge win puts the Lions right back in the finals race as they sit on equal points with Airport West.
EAST KEILOR 8.6-54 def. by HILLSIDE 18.16-124
The home side struggled against an in-form Hillside outfit.
Going into the first break it looked like East Keilor were going to push Hillside right to the final siren, as they came out strong.
But the composure of the Sharks saw them stay in control for the last three quarters of the game.
East Keilor kicked three goals straight in the first quarter to challenge the visitors, only to kick three points until the last.
From there it was too late to fight their way back.
Ash Arrowsmith was good again for the Cougars, kicking half of their score for the day.
However, it was a team effort from Hillside, with multiple goal kickers from players in all positions.
Hillside would be confident with the form they are beginning to find going into the finals, now holding the second spot after the weekend.
HADFIELD 10.10-70 def. by AIRPORT WEST 25.12-162
Hadfield kicked their highest score for the season on the weekend, but it wasn’t good enough to get the four points.
In fact, Airport West forward Tyson Young nearly outscored Hadfield off his own boot with a 10-goal haul.
Airport West had control of the game in what was a very important win, as they sit on equal points with Taylors Lakes.
Hadfield showed good signs though, with good games from Patrick Fairhead and Steven Angus - who have both featured in the bests over the last three games.
Airport West need to be stronger in their final games of the season or they might just let their finals chances slip to a in-form Taylors Lakes, who are biting at their heels.
WESTMEADOWS 13.9-87 def. by GLENROY 19.8-122
It was a strong fight from the home side, which saw them go down by only 35 points.
Westmeadows came out strong and confident against Glenroy and managed to stay within range all day.
However it was never enough.
Glenroy proved again why they sit atop of the Essendon Ford Division 1 ladder, standing up to the battle and getting the four points.
Big man Adam Winter had a day out, kicking six goals.
Meanwhile Ryan Capron did all he could to try and keep Westmeadows in the game with a best-on-ground performance.
There were some good signs for Westmeadows, as they have shown they can match it with the best.
If the Tigers can grab a few more wins they could climb the ladder and make something of the 2017 season.
After a Tullamarine loss, Glenroy now sits comfortably on top, two games clear of second.
