Div 1 sticks to the script

Brin Duggan – @BrinDuggan

History says that 11 wins will cut the mustard in Division 1. Going back five years, that figure would have placed you into finals each year, with breathing room in some. At the other end, four wins will generally see you safe from relegation. This year, well, it is basically going to script. Although, fifth position is wedged firmly between a Preston shaped rock and an Oakleigh looking hard place. Round 15 gave us some clues about the end of the year but many questions remain unanswered.

The match between Ivanhoe and Therry proved to more important to the Lions than the Magpies. Therry had clenched the Hoes firmly between their teeth by half time and kicked away in the last quarter to run out 30-point winners. The Lions found success by shutting out Ivanhoe’s most influential operators and drying up their scoring avenues. In form Matthew Lyons played a huge part in their success but he was ably assisted by a number of his teammates, in particular Jedd Taylor. Alex Whitehead fought the hardest for Ivanhoe and Reece Cotter continued his strong season. The win was enormous for Therry Penola who secured their fifth win, likely Division 1 survival and eased some of the pressure on coach Anthony Palmer.

Brutal PEGS came up against hapless Whitefriars in a match that was destined to be a percentage booster for the former. Everything went to plan with PEGS taking the early ascendency and increasing the 35-point half time lead to 80-points as the final siren sounded. In a grim indication of the Friars’ season, they allowed 7.10 and scored just one behind in the last quarter.  80-points is painful but Hewitt Murray and Marlon Simboldon can hold their heads high. For the victors, Trent Skurrie booted five majors as he gears up for finals footy while Andrew Khallouf was named his side’s best for the second week running. The win maintains PEGS’ top two standing, despite the breath of Ormond steaming down their neck, while the loss all but consigns Whitefriars to 2018 life in Division 2.

Looking to continue their surge towards the top two, Ormond hosted Brunswick. This one meant plenty to both sides, however, with the NOBS looking for their all-important fifth win. Ormond started well early but could not capitalise on the scoreboard, booting 3.8 to quarter time. Luckily for them, the same issues besieged Brunswick in the second quarter as they finished the half on 3.7. Half time was again the remedy for Ormond as they came out to boot 5.10 in the third to blow the lead out to an insurmountable 46-points. A late quarter surge from the NOBS got it back within 29 but it was a bridge too far in the end. The Monders’ third win in a row came on the back of Blair Atkins’ and Matt Oaten’s best games of the year. For Brunswick, it was Daniel Mott that took home the Victoria Hotel meal voucher. Brunswick now has games against Whitefriars and St Johns to come that they need to win to maintain their spot in Division 1.

Meanwhile, SMS faced Preston hoping to maintain top spot on the ladder while Preston was eager to consolidate their top four spot. Preston have been a bit of a mixed bag over the past eight weeks and it is impossible to predict which side will show up on each given day. Unfortunately, Round 15 gave us pitiful Preston. This was evident from the opening bounce as they trailed by 36 and 57 points at quarter and half time, respectively. Credit must go to the Saints, though, as they stifled the potentially prolific Bullants, holding them to just four points as the main break beckoned. SMS increased their lead at each quarter after the half to end 70-point winners. Saints superstar, Manny Dolan, managed to maintain an equilibrium despite his overly inflated head to boot three majors while Joel Mattiske continued his strong form in being named BOG. In the sombre losers change rooms, Olsen Clark received the Bullant’s share of back slaps as the best player for Preston. The heavy loss inflicted over eight percentage points damage on the Bullants which may prove costly come the end of round 18.

Making matters worse for Preston, Oakleigh pummelled, battered and pillaged St Johns to the tune of 100-points, claiming their tenth win and boosting their percentage by seven and a half. The result? Oakleigh leapfrogged Preston into fourth place and began to serve their doubters some dinner rolls. The Krushers increased their lead at every change and were never troubled on their way to an astronomical victory. Aaron Cloke romped through nine majors, Trevor Bromley added five and Tim Scott chipped in three, along with a BOG nod, as “The Trident” once again was impossible to stop. “The Trident” now makes up three of the top five goal scorers in division one. A special mention must be made to Chops Chapple who managed his first goal of the year in his 200^th game. The Jocs are locked on three wins and will face an uphill battle to remain in division one. However, Travis Hendy and, typically, Glenn Costas, were handy on a dirty day.

Round 16 could see a reshuffling of four and five again as Oakleigh host SMS. The Saints claimed the reverse fixture by 20-points and I expect them to win in another close encounter. Preston trudge out to Therry in what should be a hotly contested battle. It will depend on the attitude Preston brings, Bullants by 26. Without reprieve, The Jocs face PEGS. Things will not get any easier, Bombers by 68. Another important game looms for Brunswick as they face off against Whitefriars. They should get this one done in a close one. Finally, Ormond welcome Ivanhoe as they continue to march on towards the finals. They match up well against the Hoes and should not face any problems here. Monders by 45.