The chasing pack

Brenton Mann
 @BrentyMann

Last week marked the end of the first third of the season, and historically, the top-four stays settled for the rest of the year. This may not be the case for Division 2. After their win over rivals Richmond Central, Northern Blues launched into the top-four for the first time this year. At the top end, St Johns sit 6–0, and after its hard fought win over Old Paradians on the weekend, the JOCs are well placed for their first finals birth since 2011. St Johns will be realistic about where it sits, its draw has been accommodating and this week’s game against bogey side Old Eltham is pivotal. Ivanhoe sit below St Johns in second and have been extremely impressive thus far. The Hoes have firepower up forward with an even spread across every line and invaluable depth. This week, they face an inconsistent Raiders outfit at Garvey Oval in what is a must win. Old Eltham, Northern Blues and Old Paradians sit locked on 16 points apiece and unfortunately, three doesn’t fit into two. Eltham and Northern Blues are playing the better footy at the moment, with the Raiders again struggling to spread the load past Boundy and Kandilakis. The latter carried the Raiders on his back whilst on one leg against St Johns last week and he needs greater support. At the other end of the spectrum, South Melbourne Districts unfortunately seem destined for relegation, with Elsternwick or Monash likely to join them. Melbourne High pushed an in-form Ivanhoe all the way last week and seem to have improved. Richmond Central have not been disgraced this year, and are a much better side than their record suggests.

Elsternwick bounced back after a disappointing two weeks with a grinding 30 point win over South Melbourne. The two haven’t set the world on fire but, on the back oval at Elsternwick Park, the pair showed their attacking prowess, with a collective fourteen goal opening term. The Wicks held sway by 20 points at the first change and went on a second quarter blitz which netted five goals and held the Districts goalless. The second-half was a fait accompli, as Elsternwick held the Districts at bay and recorded a much needed win. Elsternwick head to Kevin Bartlett Reserved this week and face a Richmond Central side who will be stinging after its loss to Northern Blues. We were saddened to hear the passing of South Melbourne premiership player Paul Madden at age 37. Madden had a massive impact on South Melbourne and will be sorely missed. The Districts host an improved Melbourne High, will no doubt have the thoughts and memories of Madden in front of mind.

Old Eltham dealt Monash yet another demoralising loss, as the Turtles were simply a class above the Gryphons and ran away with a handsome 12 goal win. Eltham has a raft of options up forward and after the retirement of Sab Ciavolla, look a more balanced side. The Turtles had 12 different goal kickers last Saturday and will need to replicate that feat this week against ladder leaders St Johns. The Turtles burst out the blocks against the Gryphons with six goals to one and repeated that effort in the last in what was a dominant display. Monash host a Northern Blues side that’s starting to hit its straps and will prove a tough assignment.

MHSOB jumped Ivanhoe last week, as the Unicorns made the most of their opportunities and held a four point win at the first change. The Hoes were shocked into action and go their game up and going with a five goal second quarter. Melbourne High however was up for the fight and at the final change, only a goal separated the two sides. The Unicorns couldn’t maintain the rage in the last, as Ivanhoe tightened the screws and ran out victors by 25 points. It was a heartening performance from MHSOB and will need to be built on as they head to Lindsay Hassett Oval to face South Melbourne. Ivanhoe take on Old Paradians, in what should be an enthralling contest. The Hoes will want to keep touch with St Johns, whilst the Raiders need to reclaim their place in the top-four.

St Johns was made to earn every bit of its 28 point win over a determined Raiders outfit in what was an enthralling encounter. Old Paradians kept touch with JOCs for most of the day until St Johns’ on-ball brigade led by Anthony Brannan and Corey Ely. James Kandilakis was gallant in defeat but lacked support. St Johns face the unenviable task of Old Eltham at home and will need to improve its consistency. While the Raiders face an Ivanhoe side that’s firing on all cylinders.

Richmond Central will be rueing it’s goalless last quarter against rivals Northern Blues, and will see the 32 point loss as the one that got away. The Blues stormed home with a match winning six goal final term in what was a dramatic turnaround. At one stage they found themselves five goals down, but they never relented. The Blues have a chance to further cement their place in the top-four this week as they face lowly Monash. While Richmond Central, smarming after its loss will want redemption against Elsternwick this week.

Round 7 Tips

Monash Gryphons vs Northern Blues

Old Eltham vs St Johns

Old Paradians vs Ivanhoe

Richmond Central vs Elsternwick

South Melbourne vs MHSOB