Pies winning fans in Div 3

Gavin Southern

@gavsouthern

Not many people get the opportunity to play football on ANZAC day, but Saturday was a chance for all amateur footballers to stand tall and remember our Diggers past and present. Hearing pre-game, the last post, the minute silence and the Australian National Anthem, is truly awe-inspiring. If that doesn’t get you fired up for footy, nothing will. With another 4/5 tipping, I’m glad it was Hawthorn who foiled me to get their first win. Swinburne Uni and Eley Park showed tremendous spirit but, fell just short and I’m starting to worry about Glen Eira.

Aquinas AC defeated by West Brunswick

What many would have touted as the match of the round, Aquinas again finished with only 17 on the ground, which enabled the Magpies to get a few late. For Aquinas, Nick Morrison-Story and Lachlan Barnes caused headaches for the Magpies and will be the focus for all opposition sides to try and stop.  Evan “Red” Lloyd was BOG for the Magpies who rebounded beautifully from full back. Inaccurate kicking with a large number of “posters” (both sides hitting the woodwork regularly) would be a concern for the Magpies, despite the conditions. Special mention to reserves player, Richard ‘The Chairman” Benjamins on his 150th Magpies game and his 200th VAFA game this week.

UHS-VU AFC defeated Eley Park

Rain and the sliding ball made this contest an arm-wrestle. Eley Park controlled the ruck contests early on through Patrick Mc Mahon and had a slight advantage at the first break. Goals were hard to come by in the 2nd even though Eley Park controlled the ball for most of the qtr. Matt Dyson battled well all day in the midfield along with Ivan “Icepick” Gridchin using his body well to win several 2nd half clearances. UHS VU, lead by Robert Churkovich and Jack Bishop, came good at the right time of the match hitting the lead for the first time late in the final term after the sharks had led by 14 with 15 minutes to go.

La Trobe Uni defeated Glen Eira

Glen Eira headed out to La Trobe Uni for their ANZAC day clash and it certainly wasn’t a day too remember. The Saints could only mange 1-5 by half-time and the match was well and truly over. Shaun Field (4 goals) and Declan O’Connor (3 goals) are glad to be back on the scoreboard after one to forget last week. This might have something to do with Mithchell Pearson (5 goals) being that extra option after he missed last week. Daniel Entwistle couldn’t get it going for the Saints but the evergreen, Nathan Dennis, would be the early favorite for the Saints B&F

Hawthorn AFC defeated Power House

Despite Power House winning 2 quarters, Hawthorn’s 2nd and 3rd quarter of 11 goals to 5, dictated the days play. Hawthorn spread the love with 9 goal-kickers and Glenn Gromadovski topping the list with three. Xavier Hallam, Stephen Gunn, Matthew McNeil and David Upton all dominated for the second week running and have are now starting to get on a roll. Rhys Matthew-Gregory and Luke Stubbs (5 goals) were the shining lights on this overcast, rainy day.

Swinburne Uni defeated by Emmaus St. Leo’s 

Early premiership favorites,  Emmaus St. Leo’s went Swinburne Uni who were fresh off a bye. Slippery conditions at James park led to a tense struggle all day with the Animals having the better of the first quarter. The eleven point margin was maintained in the 2nd as Swinburne took it up to them. Emmaus got the early break with some strong marks and straight kicking from their key forwards. The Razorbacks clawed back and were able to level the scores during the 3rd but, then the game opened up. The Animals took advantage and it looked like they would go away with the game but, Swinnie out scored the Animals in the last but fell short by 23 points. The Animals defence put up a great effort with Ronan ‘Wolfgang’ Stafford leading the way. Kane Fitzpatrick was best for Swinburne

PREVIEW

This Saturday, Eley Park have a short trip to Bennettswood and Emmaus St Leo’s. The Sharks, can hold their head high from last week and are gradually getting some players back. This will be another massive test. Emmaus St Leo’s for me.

Glen Eira host Aquinas this week. It appears as though the Saints will see another big loss because Aquinas have a point to prove.

La Trobe Uni have a short road trip to West Brunswick and I’m predicting a long trip home. West Brunswick at home is the toughest road game this year.

Power House host a refreshed Albert Park, who were able to enjoy ANZAC day on their couches. We haven’t had a proper look at the Falcons but, on Saturday we will. Falcons to win

Finally, Hawthorn travel 2 minutes to Swinburne Uni for my match of the round. Swinburne Uni did lose last week but, certainly gained belief that they can beat anyone. Hawthorn are now starting to hit their 2014 form but, Swinburne for me.

UHS-UV have the bye and they’ll need it. Hosting West Brunswick the following week.

Emmaus St. Leo’s Vs. Eley Park

Glen Eira Vs. Aquinas

West Brunswick Vs. La Trobe Uni

Power House Vs. Albert Park

Swinburne Uni Vs. Hawthorn