SUPER COUGARS STUN PANTHERS TO GO TOP OF THE LADDER
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This week’s NXP Match of the Day saw East Keilor continue their dream Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division run, defeating Pascoe Vale on the road at Raeburn Reserve, and inevitably going 2-0 in the process.
The Panthers had all the dominance early, and led the inside 50 count by a considerable amount, but were not able to capitalise on the scoreboard. Pascoe Vale would take a 20-point lead early in the second quarter thanks to Matthew Watson, but the Cougars were able to grind their way back into the game, and trailed by just a solitary point at half time.
From there, East Keilor were able to stem the flow of Pascoe Vale possessions and in turn were able to counter attack and catch the Panthers off guard.
Watson would finish the game with three goals, however his direct opponent, Lockie Rayner, made sure that the electrifying forward wasn’t able to take control and dominate the game.
The final quarter was a slog, with East Keilor able to hold on for the 10.13.73-8.7.55 victory. Josh Gabrowski, Ben Caluzzi and Chris Stewart all slotted two goals each for the visitors, whilst there were all single goal kickers behind Watson for the Panthers.
The Cougars will look to press on and continue their brilliant start to the season as they host Greenvale back home at Overland Reserve, whilst the Panthers will look to bounce back after the break as they host Essendon Doutta Stars also at home.
JETS SOAR AT SECTION ROAD
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Greenvale has shrugged off a poor opening round performance and have kick started their 2022 campaign smacking Glenroy by 74 points at home.
The Jets looked commanding from start to finish, piling on the majors as they came away with the 20.14.134-9.6.60 victory.
A seven goal third term blew the game even more wide open than it was as the Jets went into the main break 41 points ahead.
Jacob Thompson was dominant up forward booting seven goals, whilst Fort Caruso (3 goals) filled the stat sheet. Dylan Aridas, Adam Maric, Mark Merlino and Nat Caruso also piled on multiple majors as the Jets finished the afternoon with nine goal scorers.
It was a tough afternoon for the Roys, who would’ve looked for positives after last week’s competitive encounter with Pascoe Vale. It wasn’t to be, but familiar names stood up, as Aaron Kite and Reid Nilsson (3 goals each) did what they could up forward. Daniel Ferraro and Jacob Grigg were also admirable in defeat.
Things don’t get any easier for Glenroy, as they look to host Strathmore at Sewell Reserve in Round 3, whilst the Jets host an in-form East Keilor side at Overland Reserve.
BURGERS MAKE MASSIVE STATEMENT
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West Coburg has put Strathmore Community Bank Division One on notice after a commanding win against fellow finals favourites Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve.
The visitors absolutely burst out of the blocks, kicking seven goals to one in the opening term, before taking a 61 point lead into the main break. They would eventually win by 55 points, with the 17.13.115-9.6.60 victory giving the Burgers a 2-0 start to the season.
Liam Bowkett (4 goals), Lynden Dunn (3 goals) and Mitchell Miller (3 goals) led from the front for the visitors, whilst it was Reece Field (4 goals) and Omar Saad (2 goals) who influenced up forward on what was a tough day for the Tigers.
West Coburg head back to the Shoretress in Round 3 and will look to go 3-0 as they host Moonee Valley after the week off. Westy have another tough matchup on the way, and will need to wait a couple of days longer as they headline the NXP Match of the Day on Anzac Day against Airport West at Hansen Reserve.
BEARS SEEK REDEMPTION AT THE HAWKS NEST
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Burnside Heights have turned the tables on Hadfield, picking up an important two goal win at Martin Reserve in the process. Having been beaten by 43 points last year on the same deck, the Bears made sure that their competitive start didn’t elude them again and led at every change in what was a tight contest from start to finish.
With the obvious absence of Josh Covelli up forward, the question of “Who would stand up?” was answered. Jacob Elia and Theodore Sapountzis both booted four goals, whilst Gabriel Cristiano added two as the visitors held on for the 12.6.78-9.12.66 victory.
The Hawks will rue missed opportunities as they had chances to hit the front, and inevitably had more scoring shots (21-18). Their third quarter score of 1.4 will be hard to swallow for Brett Pitts, as the Hawks had moments to open up the game.
Last season’s leading Division Two goalscorer Mark Sabatino kicked three goals for Hadfield whilst Heath McKerchar added two of his own, but it wasn’t enough.
Both sides have challenging matchups in Round 3, with the Bears hosting Coburg Districts at Brookside Recreation Reserve, whilst Hadfield host ladder leaders Oak Park in back-to-back home games at Martin Reserve.
- By Steven Zois
TIGERS COME HOME LIKE A WET SAIL
The Airport Toyota Women’s Premier Division saw a belter down at Joe Brown Oval on Saturday morning.
Westmeadows rallied themselves to a spirited comeback in the last quarter, overcoming a strong Keilor side at home.
The tight contest saw scores level 18 a-piece at half time, followed by Keilor leading by 10 points heading into the final quarter.
A spirited effort by Westmeadows, saw them keep Keilor scoreless for the final term, all while kicking 2.2 to get over the line 5.5.35 to 5.1.31.
Multiple goals from Danielle Linton and a strong performance from Courtney Munn aided Westmeadows in their victory.
Keilor have the chance to bounce back and bring the chocolates home next week, as they face bottom of the ladder Hillside in a twilight fixture on Good Friday.
INACCURATE LIONS GET FIRST WIN ON THE BOARD
The Sunbury Lions have bounced back from a Round 1 loss to kickstart their 2022 Airport Toyota Women’s Division One season.
Facing a Moonee Valley side also looking to atone for an early season loss, the inaccurate Lions accounted for the Fog by 22 points.
Amy Starzer starred for the Lions with two goals, aided by strong performances from both Audrey Follett and Molly Hemburrow.
Squaring the ledger at one win and loss a-piece, the Lions come up against ladder leaders Gisborne in Round 3, in a marquee Friday night clash at Gardiner Reserve.
Round 3 provides Moonee Valley with the chance at a first win, a visit from Greenvale on Saturday week.
LOW SCORING INACCURACY ALMOST PROVES COSTLY
A five-point win from Coburg Districts against Westmeadows 2 was almost derailed by the inability to capitalise on the scoreboard.
In a two goal affair, inaccurate kicking proved the weakness of both sides.
Coburg Districts finished the contest on top with 1.10.16 to Westmeadows 2’s 1.5.11.
The lone goals coming from Emily Fabris and Shannon O’toole respectively, with the latter being the best for the Westmeadows side.
Looking forward to Round 3, Westmeadows 2 are met with current ladder leaders Airport West, who will be looking to continue their ascendancy in the Airport Toyota Women’s Division 2 competiion.
- By Jordan Zoch
