HILLSIDE 16.15-111 def. TAYLORS LAKES 12.6-78
IN the battle of the Calder Freeway, it was the Sharks who came out on top.
Hillside got off to a promising start, kicking five goals to two in the first quarter.
But Taylors Lakes fought back in the second, reducing the margin to just two points at the main break.
Matthew Morelli impressed again for the Lions, this time, producing a marvellous four-goal performance.
But it didn’t seem to worry the home team, as they piled on the goals after half time and sunk Taylors Lakes’ hopes of a victory.
Brandon Coletta continued his form in front of goal, booting four majors for the day.
He is proving to be a crucial player for the Sharks, and will be a key contributor come finals time.
But it was Jackson Volpato’s day, as he kicked two goals and was named the best-on-ground for the Sharks in their 33-point win.
OAK PARK 20.12-132 def. WESTMEADOWS 11.12-78
After narrowly going down to one of the premiership favourites last week, Oak Park looked to continue their promising form.
The home team went into the match as favourite, as Westmeadows’ 2017 season hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
Oak Park were dominant from the beginning, and they didn’t give up the lead for the whole match.
The Tigers had an opportunity to wrestle back the momentum in the last quarter, but missed some crucial chances in front of goal.
But at the other end, it was Aden Harris who dominated for the Kangaroos, contributing five goals towards his team’s 54-point win.
Michael Hooper was a beast in the ruck and complemented his dominance with a goal in the last quarter.
Daniel Callegari played a great game for Westmeadows but it wasn’t enough, as they succumbed to their fifth loss of the season.
TULLAMARINE 16.10-106 def. AIRPORT WEST 11.10-76
Tullamarine again proved their finals credentials, this time against fellow premiership contender, Airport West.
The Demons earned a 14-point lead at quarter time, but the margin was reduced to three points at half time after an Airport West fightback.
The Eagles kept fighting into the second half but couldn’t wrestle back the lead from the determined Tullamarine outfit.
The second-placed side held strong, and finished off the tight tussle in style, kicking six goals to one in a telling last quarter.
Justin Marcy contributed five goals for the Demons, while Dean Bartrop had one of his best games for the season.
Jack Formosa provided plenty of highlights for the Eagles, including taking an absolute screamer.
Teammate, Jack Cripps also chipped in with three majors for the day.
But unfortunately for the Eagles, they couldn’t get the job done against the red-hot Demons, recording their second consecutive loss.
EAST KEILOR 11.9-75 def. by GLENROY 18.14-122
Coming off a massive 242-point win against Hadfield, Glenroy easily kept their winning streak alive at Overland Reserve.
The Cougars had no match for Glenroy’s flare all over the ground, but to their credit, pushed through the tough contest.
The Roys led for the whole game, increasing the margin each quarter.
Peter Di Cecco played his best game of the year for Glenroy, and was named best-on-ground for his efforts.
Cougar co-coach Nick Grigg was great again up forward with four goals, but was outdone by Glenroy’s Josh Trembearth up the other end.
Trembearth kicked five goals for the day, making a big contribution to his side’s 47-point win.
Regular goal-kickers, Adam Winter, Luke Capuano, Judd Brewster and Jayden Walker were all among the goals again, and continue to dominate for the Roys.
The win sees Glenroy consolidate their top spot on the ladder, sitting four points ahead of Tullamarine.
