COUGARS THUMP JETS TO KEEP DREAM START ALIVE
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It’s a start that absolutely no one saw coming, but East Keilor have made it three from three in Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division, thumping Greenvale by 127 points at Overland Reserve.
It was a dismal day for the visitors, who managed two goals from 14 scoring shots as the Cougars stormed away with the 22.19.151-2.12.24 win.
Tim Bongetti’s men wasted no time and opened up a five goal lead at quarter time. They would then restrict the Jets to two goalless quarters, with Greenvale’s inaccuracy adding more misery to a tough afternoon. They would post a three-quarter-time score of 1.10.16, whilst trailing by 92 points.
Nicholas Grabowksi dominated the scoresheet, booting seven goals, whilst Charles Van Der Byl added three. In total, the cougars would finish with 11 goal scorers.
The percentage boosting win means that East Keilor jump back on top of the ladder, with Keilor and Aberfeldie close behind also still undefeated.
A big test is sure to come for the Cougars, as they face reigning premiers Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve in Round 4, whilst Greenvale will venture back to Section Road to host Pascoe Vale.
GRITTY ABERS GRIND OUT WIN OVER PLUCKY HEIGHTS
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Aberfeldie have also made an undefeated start to their 2022 campaign, closing out a tough win on the road against Avondale Heights.
The Adam Marcon era at Abers has seen an encouraging start so far, but it wasn’t without a few hiccups at Canning Reserve.
The Heights led at all changes, which included a 22 point lead at the main break. From there it was the home side’s game to lose, and Aberfeldie sniffed an opportunity to grind their way back into the game.
A four goal to two third quarter saw the margin cut to single figures, before a scoreless final term from the Heights saw the visitors hold on for the 13.13.91-12.6.78 victory.
Aaron Clarke was dominant up forward for the hosts, booting five goals, followed by the Robb brothers who also combined for five goals.
For Aberfeldie, it was midfielder-turned-forward Zach Hislop who led the way booting three goals, whilst Jordan Foster and James Peters contributed with two each.
Avondale Heights will look to bounce back in round four, when they travel to Nipper Jordan Oval to face Essendon Doutta Stars.
For Aberfeldie, they set up an absolutely monster clash with Keilor back home at Clifton Park in one of the games of the round.
EAGLES SEEK REVENGE AGAINST TIGERS ON ANZAC DAY
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Airport West have redeemed themselves after last year’s tough result in the same fixture, defeating Westmeadows by 38 points at Hansen Reserve in an Anzac Day classic.
It was a see-sawing affair throughout on the NXP Match of the Day at the Nest in the West, with both sides exchanging leads and momentum swings.
It was the Eagles who bounced out of the blocks early, kicking five goals to two in the first term before Jayden Ranno decided to take the game into his own hands for the Tigers, booting all of his five goals in the second quarter. The visitors would tally nine majors in the second lot of 20 minutes.
After the main break, it was all Airport West, as the home side choked up the Tigers’ ball movement. They would pile on seven goals to one in the third term, before a three goal to one final term saw the Eagles take out the 18.14.122-13.6.84 win.
For the home side, Lachie De Sebastiano was fantastic down in defence with plenty of intercept marks, whilst Ben Nelson was strong through the midfield. Up forward it was Luke Muratore who led the way with four majors and was followed by 10 other goal scorers.
Aside from Ranno, Omar Saad contributed well on the scoreboard for the Tigers, adding three goals, whilst Ferras Merhi added two.
Airport West remain one of three teams still undefeated in Strathmore Community Bank Division One, and will look to continue their brilliant start when they face Moonee Valley at Ormond Park.
For the Tigers, they’ll be looking to shrug off their recent run of poor form as they venture back home to lock horns with Roxburgh Park.
PIES OUTLAST EAGLES IN A THRILLER AT LAKESIDE
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Roxburgh Park has held off a gusty Craigieburn side in the battle of the 3064 postcode, defeating the Eagles by two points at Lakeside Reserve.
The game was even throughout, with both sides winning two quarters each. It was the Eagles who started well and led by nine at the main break, before Roxy wrestled some momentum back to lead by a goal at three quarter time.
The arm wrestle continued in a tight final quarter which saw only three goals kicked collectively, before the magpies managed to hold on for the 11.14.80-12.6.78 victory.
Sam Rexhepi single handedly kept Craigieburn in the game, booting an insane nine goals. Billy Morrison would add three, but the lack of options made it difficult for the Eagles to maintain consistency, as they would be the Eagles’ only two goal kickers for the afternoon.
On the flip side, Roxburgh Park managed six goal kickers, led by Raafat Rachrache (three goals) and Jake Talintyre (three goals).
The Magpies’ inaccuracy kept the visitors in the game, especially in the final term as they posted 1.5.11.
The Magpie’s victory ensures Craigieburn remain winless to start the season, whilst the boys from Lakeside Reserve move into fifth on the ladder, equal fourth with Rupertswood.
BRILLIANT BEARS PROVE SUPERIOR AT BROOKSIDE
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Burnside Heights has posted a massive win in Strathmore Community Bank Division Two, holding off a valiant Coburg Districts side by 13 points at Brookside Reserve.
The Bears led at all breaks on the NXP Match of the Day, but not without multiple lead changes throughout each quarter. The Districts were able to hang around, and until the 20 minute mark of the final quarter were within striking distance. However, a brilliant goal by Jacob Elia deep into time on sealed the deal for Aidan Stott’s men.
Bailey Wilemen was fantastic for the Districts, adding some much needed run through the midfield, whilst adding some spark up forward. He would eventually finish with two goals, whilst Zach Kuret added three, but was inaccurate in front of goal. Nikolas Dimeski was also impressive in defence.
For the home side it was Jordan Hughes who dominated all over the park, and seemed to bring his own footy to Brookside Reserve. The big bodied midfielder booted four goals, whilst Elia contributed with three.
It’s a comforting sign for the Bears in the post “Covelli” era, who are finding different avenues to goal from a number of players.
The Districts will definitely rue missed opportunities, as inaccuracy hindered their chances of grabbing the win. The Bears would eventually run out 16.9.105-13.14.92 victors.
ROOS HOLD OFF LIONS IN LOW SCORING SLOG
Oak Park remains on top of the Airport Toyota Women’s Premier Division ladder after a massive victory over Maribyrnong Park at JP Fawkner Reserve.
It was touted as the game of the round, and both sides brought the pressure. Scores were level at quarter time before the Roos kept Marby scoreless in the second.
Inaccuracy kept the visitors in the game, but Oak Park were still able to lead at all changes after that to finish with the 3.8.26-3.1.19 win.
Sam German led the way on the scoreboard with two goals for the home side, whilst for the visitors it was Caitlin O’Reilly who also added two majors.
In Round 4, Marby will host the in-form Moonee Valley at Walsh Oval, whilst Oak Park will look to go 4-0 as they travel to Shark Park to take on a struggling Hillside outfit who is yet to win a game.
STARS TOO STRONG IN SUNBURY
Essendon Doutta Stars have posted their first win of the season, taking care of the Sunbury Kangaroos by 23 points at Eric Boardman Reserve.
Douttas started well, and opened up a handy lead before taking a five goal buffer into the main break. A nervous third quarter saw the Roos bounce back with three goals to none, but the Stars were poised enough to hold them off to take out the 7.10.52-4.5.29 victory.
Harmony Mitsos was impressive for the visitors, booting two goals. She would then be followed by five other goal kickers who were able to spur her teammates on to victory.
For Sunbury it was Lisa Borg who added two goals of her own, but a slow start made it difficult for the Roos to maintain consistency for four quarters.
Sunbury Kangaroos will remain at Eric Boardman Reserve as they play out the Sunbury derby in Round 4, albeit as the away side with the Sunbury Lions host the Roos on Oval 2.
The Stars have a tougher matchup, as they face Strathmore.
EAGLES ROMP TIGERS AT WILLOWBROOK
Airport West has continued its early season dominance, making light work of Westmeadows 2 away from home. The girls from the Nest in the West remain undefeated after their 15.19.109-2.2.14 win, with only one other side (Tullamarine) still without a loss.
It was a brilliant display from Airport West who weren’t shy of goal scorers. Lauren Clark booted six majors, whilst Chey Macumber and Emily Gipp added three each.
It was a tough afternoon for the Tigers who were kept scoreless for the first half. Shelby Best and Shannon O’Toole were able to add a couple of majors on the board for Westy, but by that time the damage had already been done.
Airport West travel to Leo Dineen Reserve in round four to face Tullamarine, whilst the Tigers remain at home against Maribyrnong Park 2.
