NORTHERN SAINTS 12.21-93 def. MOONEE VALLEY 12.8-80
A FINALS-LIKE atmosphere was on the cards and the hype was definitely delivered in a skilful yet tough outing down at Charles Mutton Reserve.
Speed and poise of the Saints matched up well against Moonee Valley’s size and force around contests.
These qualities were highlighted through the pace of Ali Saad for the home side and determination for the ball by Ryan Gleisner, resulting in a close encounter.
Moonee Valley, after gaining a three-point lead after one quarter, lost control from there, with a dominant forward-running Saints outfit against them.
The Northern Saints kicking 7.21 for the afternoon showed how powerful they were, but they didn't capitalise and it’s something they will have to look at and improve come finals time.
This ultimately kept the Fog in the game, but the home side got over the line by a small margin of 12 points.
EAST SUNBURY 7.10-52 COBURG DISTRICTS 14.10-94
Extreme winds were a feature at Goonawarra Reserve, helping the home side shock all fans and start the game with six unanswered goals.
Speed and length from the Thunder’s Caine Schofield really set up this run, and also showed the consistency the Thunder have in their side across the board with another new player in their best.
Coburg Districts seemed depleted but as the game went along they clicked, showing their real colours and after the first quarter blowout, only allowed East Sunbury to kick one more goal the entire game.
A real leader in Spencer Aitken steadied the away side, using communication around the forward half and showing his teammates how it's done in front of goal with three for himself in tough conditions.
It was a dominant seven-goal win in the end for the Lions, jumping the Jags to top spot on the ladder by a mere 0.19 percent.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 10.8-68 JACANA 15.14-104
With two of the most skilful and powerful forwards of Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 on display, fans were treated to bags of goals from all distances and angles.
Cameron Cloke managed to kick six majors guiding his team to victory, but Bears fan favourite and star Josh Covelli was able to win the shoot-out and gave his all, finishing with seven of the team’s 10 goals.
Burnside Heights’ desire to still stay above the bottom of the ladder was shut down by quarter time with a commanding 40-point lead for Jacana - who didn't take a backwards step thereafter.
A big last quarter from the home side made the score line prettier for Bears fans and dropped the Jags’ percentage minimally and, surprisingly, enough to lose top spot.
Despite the fight back, the Jaguars’ experience in all positions allowed them to take a 36-point win.
KEILOR PARK 6.3-39 ROXBURGH PARK 9.13-67
A thriller unwound at Keilor Park Reserve in another close encounter between two fierce rivals.
The Devils controlled the game through the first three quarters.
Through slick ball movement and pace out of contests, highlighted through Kris Thomas, they showed tenacity to lift off the wooden spot
Roxburgh Park, who have had a rocky season, stayed positive and calm, even without the lead.
This ability to still have a mindset on the job at hand for a win helped the Magpies slot an astonishing five goals to the Devils none in the last.
On the back of class and a great second half of the game and season for Kajanithen Gnanapragasam, Roxburgh Park claimed a 28-point win.
