Snakes make Vultures work, House Power passed Cobras

UHS-VU AFC remain unbeaten on top of the Division 3 ladder after a gritty victory over Richmond Central. The Vultures were made to work for their 10th win of the season as the Snakes put in a strong performance. Richmond Centrals have been somewhat of a surprise package this season after failing to win a senior game in the past two seasons and have played some impressive footy over the past month. UHS- VU began the game well as they lead by 19 points at quarter time and then increased their lead to 25 points at halftime. Connor McCuthcheon was at his prolific best as was Mitchell Sweeney (3) and Sam McSweeney (2) who combined to do most of the damage in front of goal for the Vultures. On the back of Jake Munro (3) and Stewart Beswick’s good work, the Snakes fought back in the third quarter and cut the deficit back to just four points, igniting hopes of a comeback victory. However, it was to no avail as UHS kicked away to be eventual winners by 21 points.

Albert Park had a must-win assignment against bottom placed South Melbourne Districts. The game was crucial in defining relegation with only eight games left in the home and away season. Albert Park begun the game having eight scoring shots and leading by 18 points at quarter time. From then onwards on it smooth sailing for the Falcons as they kicked away in a dominant performance having 36 scoring shots for the day. Stephen Pilgrim, Nicholas Materia and Daniel Ella combined to kick goals apiece as the Falcons had ten goal scorers overall. Around the ground, Thushan Shrimpton was at his devastating best to collect best on ground honours. For the Bloods, Tobin Wright and Andrew Minichello lead the resistance as Hamish Robinson kicked three goals. The win for the Falcons, means that they join the cluster of teams with a 4-6 win/loss record as the battle for relegation becomes more intense.

Two of best teams in the competition, Power House and Canterbury did battle at the Ross Gregory Oval in a game that will define home final positions and one that would show the rest of the competition what each side was made of. The match-up lived up to expectations as the two sides were neck and neck for much of the game. Power House held a slender lead of one point at quarter time and the second quarter couldn’t separate the sides as the scores were locked at 47 points apiece. The House, through the good work of Nicholas Nagel and Sam Confait, found themselves leading by 15 points at three quarter time. In the final term, Power House flexed their muscles to be eventual victors by 30 points. Nagel had a day out kicking a bag of nine goals and gaining best on ground honours, while Sam Confait was immaculate around the ground; two guns showing off why Power House are a genuine premiership contender in 2017. For the valiant Cobras, Scott Fitzgerald was their impressive as Thomas Lowden found form with four majors for the day.

Swinburne had one of the biggest wins of the Division 3 season as they hosted La Trobe University at St James Park. Swinburne have declared themselves at premiership smokies as they now sit third after the 98-point victory over La Trobe. The writing was on the wall early for La Trobe as the Razorbacks sprinted to a 61-point lead at halftime, Richard Lugg was at his destructive best booting seven majors and being best afield in the process. Daniel Close (4) and Michael Daly provided able support. Ryan McMinn and Mathew Ogle were the away side’s best players as Edward Buffon kicked two goals. It doesn’t get much easier for La Trobe as they travel away to play Power House at the Ross Gregory in Round 11.

Westbourne Grammarians had a hard fought eight-point victory over Point Cook at the Westbourne School Ground. Both sides are apart of the log jam of clubs that make up the mid table, with sides a chance for a finals spots but wary of slipping into the relegation zone. There was nothing between the two sides for much of the day, as Patrick O’Brien and Will Wright were the most impressive players for the home side while Charles Hunter booted four goals. Westbourne had a slender eight-point advantage at three quarter time and managed to hold to win the game by eight points despite the intrepid performance of Point Cook. For the Bulldogs, Alex Grigg continued his standout season as Shane Sinclair was dangerous in front of goal kicking three. Point Cook have an even tougher assignment next week when they face unbeaten UHS-VU away from home.