KEILOR 12.11-85 def. by STRATHMORE 18.10-118
IT was another impressive win by Strathmore which helped them breach the gap between fourth and fifth spot on the Strathmore Community Back Premier Division ladder by two games.
The finals contenders are nearly set in stone for 2017, and what a finals campaign it will be this year.
Strathmore’s forward line proved to be too strong with an eight-goal haul and best-on-performance from Alex Grima, who led from the front at Joe Brown Oval on the weekend.
Meanwhile another seven goals were shared between Tom Gleeson and Matt Knight, which left Keilor defenders behind.
Jason Williams was Keilor’s best on the weekend kicking four goals, followed by three to sharpshooter Dean Galea.
In the context of the season, this was a relatively big game.
As Strathmore only sat a game ahead of Keilor, it was important that they got ahead of fifth spot in order to make sure they are playing in September.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 5.5-35 def. by ABERFELDIE 15.12-102
Just as Avondale Heights begun to find some winning form, Aberfeldie quickly shut it down.
After a strong few weeks for Avondale Heights, it was clear that they would come out confident against the Gorillas.
Getting on top of them early going into the short break up by two goals, it looked like the Heights were going to be hard to beat at home.
However, only two goals were scored by Avondale Heights for the rest of the game, and Aberfeldie turned the game around quickly.
A strong game from Zach Hislop, kicking four goals, landed him best-on honours for Aberfeldie.
Yet again, Patrick Rose was Heights’ main avenue to goal, kicking two majors.
The win see Aberfeldie move two games clear and sitting comfortably in second place, and they now should get the double chance.
GREENVALE 29.11-185 def. WEST COBURG 8.6-54
Greenvale made it very difficult for the traveling team, as they have all year.
West Coburg just haven’t been able to do it against the best this season, with big losses to finals contenders like Aberfeldie, Maribyrnong Park and Greenvale.
After being shut down by Strathmore the week before, it was clear Addam Maric was itching to find some space.
With a nine-goal, best-on-ground performance, it is pretty clear that he did that on the weekend.
However, Nick Maric wasn’t far behind, bagging five goals in the 131-point win.
Tom McRostie was good for West Coburg, kicking two goals and earning best-on for the visitors.
It is certain that Greenvale is comfortable on their big ground at Section Road.
PASCOE VALE 18.18-126 def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 13.11-89
The underdog going into Round 12 was Pascoe Vale, which makes this a big upset.
Now sitting fifth on the ladder, Pascoe Vale’s season hasn’t gone as well as they would have hoped, but this was definitely a big win for the club.
Maribyrnong Park have been very strong this season, and that is portrayed by their position on the ladder as they sit third and should play finals come September.
However, this was their third loss in four weeks, which is a little out of character.
Tall Jesse Boyd helped the Panthers control the game for the four quarters, as Maribyrnong Park just didn’t have any answers.
Samuel O’Brien did his best to try and kick Marby back into the game with three goals to his name, while young gun Nathan McLellan got his name in the bests for the second week in a row.
Maribyrnong Park now sit on equal points with the in-form Strathmore.
CRAIGIEBURN 6.10-46 def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 21.16-142
After a few tough weeks for Essendon Doutta Stars, they have finally placed themselves back on the winners list.
Losing six games out of their last eight, Essendon Doutta Stars’ form has been off and they haven’t been playing as well as they were at the beginning of the 2017 season.
However, they did manage to get the win this weekend against the home side Craigieburn, who are having a tough year.
Darren Pfeiffer led the way for the Stars with a best-on-ground performance, and Jack Landt kept Craigieburn’s backline on their toes all day with five goals.
Jeremy Page and Dominic Micallef both played well for Craigieburn and tried to keep them in it, but the Eagles were just no match.
Essendon Doutta Stars currently sit seventh in what has been a season filled with ups and downs but this win will give them some confidence back.
