Bocky shake up top four

By Gav Southern – @gavsouthern

Round 13 certainly turned out to be lucky for some, as Westbourne and North Brunswick simply out-classed their opposition. Eley Park survived and held off the Cobras but, the story of the day though belonged to BHN for shaking up the top four, upsetting Mt. Lilydale. To last week’s games:

North Brunswick Def Masala  

The greatly improved Masala were looking to keep any finals chances alive, as they headed out to face the Bulls of North Brunswick. The Tigers needed to come out hard in the first but, kicking 1-5 didn’t help. The second quarter saw the game open up as both teams hit the scoreboard. That’s where it started and finished as the Tigers allowed North Brunswick to kick away but, only scoring 3 points for the rest of the day wasn’t ideal. North Brunswick’s Paul Notaro booting 5 but, this time had support in BOG, Tom Falconer also with 5. For Masala, James Logan was their best. Anthony Dorrington and Matt Decarne 2 goals apiece.

Box Hill North Def Mt. Lilydale

Box Hill North were looking for redemption this week, hosting Mt. Lilydale. With a dis-satisfying season so far, no-one thought there would be a 100 pt turnaround except the Demons. After a see-sawing 1st quarter, the Rams put on a 5 goal to 3, 2nd quarter to hold a 10pt lead into the long break. BHN reduced the margin to 4 by the end of the 3rd. Come the 4th both sides had a goal in the first 5 minutes of play then no goal scored after that until the dying moments of the match thanks toJordan Gasparinni (1) for slotting the winning goal to secure victory. BOG, Rhys Mehlstaubbler had endless run and carry and broke lines all day. Damon Earp (3) and Daniel Witanga (2) led the BHN goal-kickers. For the Rams, Max Hampton had 3 goals after booting 9 on the Demons last time whilst, Daniel Dimitriou was their best

Manningham Def By Eley Park

Our match of the Round went off to a slow start at Koonung Reserve with low scoring in the first quarter. By the 2nd, the Sharks were able to show some grit and get on the board early in the second and were looking the better side, winning the quarter 5 goals to 3. The third didn’t start too well for the Sharks as Dave Viola (2 goals), went down injured and didn’t return. To Manninghams credit, they fought their way back into the game with some good hard footy. Led by Adam Pianto and Chris Arman. the Cobras were also able to hit the front midway through the last until some brilliance from BOG Jesiah ‘Magic’ McGarvie, who was able to kick the last two goals of the game to give Eley Park a hard fought 8pt win. 

Westbourne Def Chadstone

We can report about Westbourne and how great the Warriors are going: being undefeated, BOG Dale Collins booting an incredible 17 goals for the day with Nick Schiano 6, Justin Johns 3 and the Hudson boys 3. Kicking 49 goals for the day, 15 individual goal-kickers and the list goes on. If they had have stopped at quarter time, 96 points actually would’ve been the second highest total score of the day for all teams. The game was ultimately, a dead rubber. With a tear in my eye, the underlying story is of Chadstone. Being unable to field a reserves side and could only manage 19 players for the Seniors. Westbourne are on fire and Chadstone appear to be declining as the season comes closer to the end. Dave Fernandez, Blake Stewart and Leigh “Lamb Chop” Perry never stopped trying for the brave Synners.

PREVIEW

Fourteen down, five to go and it’s STILL, mathematically possible for eight teams. 3/4 tipping but, we can’t deny Bocky’s win can we? To this week’s all important games:

It JUST misses out on my match of the round but, this game has the most importance both sides. Masala (8th) heading out to Elgar Park and the rejuvenated, Box Hill North, who just stole 7th from them. Separated only by 3.23%, the winner can still make the finals and the loser will prepare for next season. This is their Grand Final. Masala got it done last time and have a few back but, BHN’s best is better than Masala’s. BHN

North Brunswick (6th) will be hungrier than ever this week as a solid win, sees them climb to 5th. I’m unsure when but six, strong Bull strong senior players are going overseas soon, Chadstone (9th) hope it’s this week at home. I’m also predicting 2 matches to be played. North Brunswick.

The next two matches belong to the top 4. Point Cook (2nd) make the arduous trek out to Mt.Lilydale (4th). Mt. Lilydale are tough at home and if they are ever going knock the Doggies off, now is the time do it. Point Cook.

Match of the Round is Eley Park (3rd), heading out to Westbourne (1st). I touted this as a Grand Final preview last time and the Warriors destroyed the Sharks on their own ground. A much larger ground this time round. Warriors again.

Manningham (6th) have the bye this week and it’s time for them to step up a gear, as the week after is against Point Cook.

TIPS

Box Hill North Vs. Masala

Chadstone Vs. North Brunswick 

Mt. Lilydale Vs. Point Cook

Westbourne Vs. Eley Park