By ADAM RUSSELL
Maribyrnong Park 14.14-98 def. by Aberfeldie 17.11-113
THE fans who ventured out to Monk Oval were not disappointed as a highly-entertaining contest declared Aberfeldie winners by 15 points against Maribyrnong Park.
Aberfeldie jumped out of the blocks as Caleb Hislop kicked three first-quarter goals to see the Gorillas lead by 20 points at quarter time.
The defensive unit of Daniel Thompson, Ryan Allan, Josh Toy and Luke Davis stood out as Aberfeldie controlled the early stages of the match.
An improved second quarter from Maribyrnong Park saw Robbie Castello’s men trail by just five points at the main break.
However, a seven-goal third term put the match beyond doubt as Aberfeldie ran away with their eighth win of the year.
Caleb Hislop finished with five goals while James Breust and Jock Cornell slotted three goals apiece down the other end.
Aberfeldie trail Greenvale by just percentage in second place on the ladder.
After its first home defeat for the season, Maribyrnong Park remain third at the completion of Round 9.
Greenvale 15.17-107 def. Essendon Doutta Stars 9.3-57
Greenvale has cemented its position on top of the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division ladder with a comprehensive 50-point win against Essendon Doutta Stars.
Inaccurate kicking troubled the Jets early, seeing them lead by four points at the first break.
However once the boys in green and black found their mark they kicked away from the depleted Stars.
Courtenay Dempsey returned to Jets line-up to be named amongst the bests, while Fort Caruso and Addam Maric continued their impressive form.
Jacob Thompson kicked a season-best six goals to take his tally to 27 for the year.
Lachie Ronaldson proved to be a lone target up front for the Stars kicking five goals.
The win sees Greenvale set up a top-of-the-table clash with Aberfeldie next Saturday at Section Road and Essendon Doutta Stars will take on fellow finals aspirant Keilor away.
Keilor 23.32-170 def. Craigieburn 3.1-19
Keilor returned to the winner’s list in emphatic fashion, thrashing a hapless Craigieburn at Joe Brown Oval.
Under the pump after a shock loss to Avondale Heights a fortnight ago, Mick McGuane’s men responded aptly running away 151-point victors.
The home side put on 55 scoring shots to four, with inaccurate kicking the only thing in the way of an even severer percentage-booster for the Blues.
Dean Galea kicked eight goals in a best-on-ground performance for Keilor.
The spearhead is now seven goals clear on top the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division goal-kicking ladder with a season total of 40.
Josh Young battled gallantly for the Eagles once again, while team mate Jamie Gorgievski played his best game for the season.
West Coburg 14.13-97 def. Strathmore 12.18-90
Round 9’s biggest upset came courtesy of West Coburg as Digby Morrell’s side knocked off the previously up-and-about Strathmore.
The Burger’s best win of the year coincided with the team’s return to their spiritual home, Shore Reserve.
In a tightly-fought contest, the sides could not be separated at quarter time before West Coburg edged in front by a point at the main break.
A five-goal-to-two third term saw West Coburg take ascendancy in the match, running out seven-point winners at full time.
Setanta MacAodha was best-on-ground, kicking two goals for the Burgers in their third win of season 2017.
Matt Little converted twice in just his second appearance for the Mores this year.
Despite the loss Strathmore remain in the top four on percentage while West Coburg have climbed to eighth.
Pascoe Vale 10.12-72 def. by Avondale Heights 13.5-83
The Raeburn Reserve curse has continued for Pascoe Vale as the Panthers slumped to ninth on the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division ladder following an 11-point defeat at the hands of Avondale Heights.
Finishing off games positively, particularly at home, has troubled Pacco all season and the weekend’s result was no difference.
Leading by 10 points at the final break, the Panthers squandered their chances conceding five goals to one in the final term.
A resurgent Avondale Heights was led by Charlie Nastasi and Patrick Rose, who kicked two and five goals respectively.
Michael Ross and Dean Soncin were valiant performers for Pascoe Vale.
Donald McDonald’s untarnished EDFL coaching journey will take him back to Canning Reserve this Saturday against Craigieburn, while Pascoe Vale will look to shake the home ground voodoo against West Coburg.
