Saints go back to back

With blustering conditions and inaccurate kicking around the grounds, some questions have been answered. The cream has risen to the top with the Animals remaining undefeated, with one hand on the cup. Swinburne survived a scare from Power House. Glen Eira achieved the impossible and did it for Alex.

Aquinas defeated La Trobe

La Trobe University ventured out to Aquinas College to take on the Bloods in windy conditions. After a modest first quarter, La Trobe struggled in the second going scoreless as Aquinas were able to add 6 goals. Come the second half, La Trobe quelled the onslaught putting on 3 goals as the Bloods found it hard to pull away with inaccurate kicking. In the fourth, La Trobe was at a stand-still again as Aquinas finished them off winning by 75 pts. For the Bloods, Benjamin Nucifora piled on 6 goals and BOG was Philip Jurkovsky. Grant Dowler was the only multiple scorer with 2 for La Trobe.

Glen Eira defeated UHS-VU 

Glen Eira was the main story last week and the Saints did it again with a huge win over UHS-VU at Packer Park. Whether it was confidence from last win a week prior or club legend Alex Tsirogiannis’ 250th game, what I can tell is that there’s “buy-in” to what the Saints are doing on the field. Despite not scoring in the opening term, a quick goal just after the 2-minute mark kicked the Saints into gear. By halfway through the 2nd, the Saints, managed to get a 1 pt lead momentarily before UHS quickly snapped 2 goals before the main break. The Saints however, had a sniff and weren’t going to let this go. By the first 5 minutes of the 3rd, the Saints had kicked 2 more goals UHS-VU were up by 3 pts at orange time. Despite UHS-VU getting the first goal for the 4th, the Saints were hungry and aggressive. By the end of the seesawing affair, the Saints through that man, Daniel Entwistle, who led with 5 goals and BOG performance, had won by one straight kick. John Clark was best for UHS-VU.

West Brunswick defeated by Emmaus St Leo’s

The Grand Final preview at Ransford Oval, didn’t live up to the hype and the Magpies are searching for answers. Despite a strong side and wind making things difficult, it was a tight first quarter with the Animals kicking 4 points to West’s one goal. The Animals slowly built up the pressure despite losing a couple early through injury. This didn’t seem to slow them down as they were able to adjust and go on with it to manage an 8 pointt lead at half time. The strong marking of Ryan Harding and pressure around the packs from the Baranello brothers opened up the second half with the Animals booting 10 goals to two, leading to an eight goal win. Jack Taylor and Evan Lloyd battled hard against the odds for the Magpies. The Animals finished the game making a very large statement on the competition. I hope the Hawks were there watching.

Swinburne Uni defeated Power House

Swinburne hosted Power House at St James Park and came our firing with a handy 6 goal lead. By the second, Power House were able to stem the tide and actually win the subsequent quarters. Power House really did their homework by shutting out leading goal-kicker, Tom Kennedy and restricting the in-form Danny Manning. By the end, Power House had run out of time and lost by 23 points. For Power House, Jacob Whelan was best and Grant Murphy led all scorers with 3 goals. Scott Ashton was judged best afield for the Razorbacks

Eley Park defeated by Albert Park

Albert Park headed out to Whitehorse Reserve to take on Eley Park. An Albert Park 5 goal to 1 first quarter, would have not been what was ordered for the Sharks who were celebrating past-players day. The Sharks responded in the second, outscoring the Falcons, 7 goals to 3 to be down by just 3 points over the main break. The Falcons used their opportunities better, as the Sharks shot a woeful 1.12 in the second half. The Falcons weren’t perfect with 7.9, but still would be smiling running out 6 goal victors. Patrick McMahon was the Sharks only multiple goal scorer. Ashley McNaughton was on fire with 5 goals for the Falcons and BOG was Adrian Snowden who also chipped in with 2 majors.

PREVIEW

With a week off for the Queen’s birthday, all the teams should be fit and firing for Round 9. Emmaus St Leo’s (1st) host an extra rested Hawthorn (5th). Did the Hawks scout the Animals? I hope so but, it’s still the Animals for me. La Trobe Uni (11th) host UHS-VU (6th). UHS-VU simply can’t drop another if they want September action, going with UHS.

Albert Park (7th) host Aquinas (3rd) who are travelling nicely. Aquinas all the way. Can Glen Eira (9th) make it 3 in a row against Swinburne Uni (4th)???? Surely not. Swinburne (Unless there’s a milestone). Lastly, Eley Park (8th) travel to West Brunswick (2nd) for their 2nd encounter. The Magpies will shake it off quick smart and celebrate Warrick “Wokka” Bakers, 100th game in style. Power House (10th) have the bye.

Emmaus St Leo’s Vs. Hawthorn

La Trobe Uni Vs. UHS-VU

Albert Park Vs. Aquinas

Glen Eira Vs. Swinburne Uni

West Brunswick Vs. Eley Park