Division 3: Cement setting on Top 6

By Gavin Southern – @gavsouthern

On perhaps the coldest day for the year, the Reserves copped the rain and the main games were very slippery. The top six are a game clear, as are the bottom two. The Sharks fell short again. Swinburne is struggling and the Saints bubble got burst. Emmaus St. Leo’s are looking at South Melbourne Districts spot. To the games:

Aquinas defeated Glen Eira

Slippery conditions made at Aquinas College made the Bloods/Saints match arm wrestle. By 12 minutes in, only one point had been scored before Glen Eira struck. It took another 12 minutes before the Bloods were able to strike back and hold a slim lead at the first change. It was a struggle again in the second quarter but Aquinas maintained the lead. Come the “premiership” quarter, the Bloods 5-0 dominance jumped the lead to 40 and that’s where it stayed. Callum Buchanan had his best game for the year for the Saints. Stephen Tibb was BOG, booting 2 goals.

Albert Park defeated by Emmaus St. Leo’s 

A scrappy, slippery game up at Albert Park saw the Animals form a lead by as many as 21 in the first quarter. The Falcons hit back in the second with the wind to narrow it down to a 3 point lead to the Animals. The Animals coach Al Sutherland gave the team a big rev up which resulted in an 8 goals to 1 quarter with Ryan Harding kicking 4 of his 6 for the day in the period. The Animals led by the Baranello brothers continued in the last quarter to take out a 74-point victory. Ryan Want and Jack Amies were best for the Falcons

Hawthorn defeated Swinburne Uni

At Rathmines Rd, both teams were struggling there too. Despite kicking with the wind in the first, the Hawks squandered their chances to put the game away early by kicking 1-8. Swinburne then did the same in the 2nd kicking 0-6. By the 4th, the Razorbacks were without a bench and some injuries to key players but still managed to win the quarter, despite being 22 points in arrears and losing the crucial fixture. For Hawthorn, Dave Pritchard was clearly best on ground and “Ranchy” worked hard running both ways. Devan Healey was impressive for the Hawks again and is moving into good form. Goal kickers were spread out with 2 each to Richard Ogge, “Incey”, “Groma” and “Pritch”. Mick Manning was outstanding for Swinny booting 4, as was Ashley Woodhead.
Power House defeated La Trobe Uni

La Trobe Uni travelled to Powerhouse in the hopes of claiming consecutive wins for the first time this season and move a game clear from the bottom. Unfortunately, in wet and muddy conditions Powerhouse kicked 4 goals to 0 in the second quarter, which proved too large of a deficit for Latrobe to chase down in the conditions. Power House was able to build each quarter. Powerhouse ran out 43-point winners. Josh Gibson was best for the students. Luke Stubbs equalled his season-high with 5 goals and Adam Collett was BOG.

Eley Park defeated by Uhs-Vu

After jumping out of the blocks, the Sharks were looking like doing some damage with David Viola (4 goals) and Declan Mitchell taking some big marks in the forward line. It seemed as though whoever’s midfield could get the ball forward more, would win the day as both sides had dominant forwards. The Sharks went into the half with a 16-point buffer. The third quarter was a struggle with both sides scoring 3-1. Nonetheless, the Vultures went on a rampage, outscoring the Sharks 46-13 and running away with the match. Josh “Big Hands” Beasley was the Sharks best. Vultures, Ben Collins enjoyed his 1st senior game for the year with 3 goals and Lachlan Allen had his best game for the year as he took home the BOG honours.

PREVIEW

With a week off for the rep game, round 13 needs to be lucky for some. What we will expect to see is the bottom 4 sides to be 2 games behind the top 7 and Swinburne overtake the Saints for 6th. Some one-sided affairs this week:

Aquinas (3rd) host Eley Park (11th). The Sharks are getting players back and a week off will help to make this a close one but it will be Aquinas at home. Strangely enough, the Bloods/Sharks could be the match of the round however I’ll give that honour to Uhs-Vu (4th) hosting Albert Park (8th). The Vultures at home.

West Brunswick (2nd) travel to La Trobe Uni (10th). The Magpies will come in fresh and should be ready to go. Have they improved their goal kicking? It won’t matter – Magpies. Glen Eira (6th) host Emmaus St. Leo’s (1st). No upset here for the Saints against the indomitable Animals this week.

Lastly, Power House (9th) host Hawthorn (5th). A win for the Hawks will see them 2 games clear of 6th. Swinburne (7th) has the bye and should move up a spot before they have a massive game travelling to Albert Park.

Aquinas Vs. Eley Park

Uhs-Vu Vs. Albert Park

La Trobe Vs. West Brunswick

Glen Eira Vs. Emmaus St. Leo’s

Power House Vs. Hawthorn