By LIAM McALLION
Burnside Heights 15.12-102 def. Roxburgh Park 12.8-80
BURNSIDE Heights has been building and playing with confidence and positivity, while Roxburgh Park needed a win to establish some consistency.
A strong first half for the Bears, commanding the play by 20 for the most part, proved to the division they can hold their own.
The Magpies, however, did have players step up, keeping the scoreboard tight.
The run and carry of Tumay Hamza and Brenden Egberts led the charge for the Magpies, not only catapulting many forward entries and defensive acts, but both finishing with two majors.
A three-point game at three-quarter time had the crowd at Burnside Recreation Reserve buzzing to get their Bears over the line.
They were not disappointed with a five-goal-to-two last quarter.
The keys in Anthony Fawcus and Josh Covelli showed class and in the clutch were able to provide some great contested marks and finishes in front of goal.
Burnside Heights shocked everyone with their second win for the season by 22 points.
Jacana 22.9-141 def. Northern Saints 10.20-80
Both sides’ speed and high-scoring ability made for another highlight-filled game.
A commanding 10-goal-to-four first half for Jacana helped them stamp authority on the Saints.
The continuous improvement and lift from different players each week help the Jags be as powerful as they are, with Rhys Brown gaining plenty of the footy and using nifty foot skills around the ground to have the game played on the Jags’ terms.
Leaders and key players for the Saints did step up at times through speed of Wally Abbouchi and aerial ability from Mohamed Taleb.
However, although this pace out of clearances was prevalent, it wasn't matched up forward with inaccuracy in front of goal.
The Northern Saints had 30 shots on goal, only converting 10, which was disappointing but made from great pressure by Jacana.
Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 has become accustomed to a bag from Cameron Cloke, who finished with seven goals.
Keilor Park 10.4-64 def. by East Sunbury 23.14-152
Both sides went head-to-head and players had to step up and work hard for the footy.
East Sunbury were skilful and smart with the footy all day, leading by 30 through the first half.
In saying this, Keilor Park had some individuals provide their best performances for the year.
Brett Thomas ran, tackled and hit targets all game and Errol Salih was monstrous in a seven-goal performance, which was exciting for the home fans and very promising for the future.
A shootout built as at the other end the Thunder’s Tom Burnside had his best match, also finishing with seven goals and using his long strides and lengths to great advantage.
Although goal-for-goal at times between these two, the Thunder's fitness and pace across the turf was no match for the Devils, mainly through Mitchell Ash, who was extremely efficient.
He helped his team kick 13 goals in the second half to Keilor Park’s five, getting over the line by a huge 88 points.
Moonee Valley 8.6-54 def. by Coburg Districts 16.13-109
Some of Moonee Valley’s best stood up but the Lions’ consistency across the board was too much to handle.
Rhys Gleisner and Patrick O’Donoghue have been building each week for the Fog and their will and hunting of the ball around the ground gave plenty of spark for the home side to counter on.
However, not enough of their team mates lifted… unlike the Lions who had 11 different goal kickers and new players in the best, showing how consistent they are in all areas.
Chris Bottomley lifted. His defensive pressure and ability to work hard both ways definitely complimented the Lions’ style.
James Reid was a presence in the forward half, creating many opportunities with great delivery and finishing with three majors himself.
Size around the ground was a big factor, creating for many big hits and contested ball.
