X-Men, Trobers put on a classic under lights, Swans fly higher

Connor Hoetzel

It was St Francis Xavier who came out on top by two points over La Trobe University under the Saturday night lights, and who else but goal scoring machine, Harrison Coe did the damage for the X-Men, as he added another five goals to bring his season tally up to 20 from just four games. And he wasn’t the only Coe to do damage, as Marcus claimed the best on ground honours for St Francis, along with his two goals. While Ricky Nolan did his best for the Trobers, his two goals and man of the match performance, his side fell just short of those elusive premiership points. St Francis are back at home next week, with a matchup with South Melbourne awaiting, while La Trobe take on top of the table Eley Park.

Eyes now turn to Eley Park, as they managed to claim top spot off Masala Dandenong, and remain as the only undefeated team in Division 4. Top spot didn’t come easy, however, as the Sharks were made to fight hard for their 10-point win over the Tigers. At times, Marcus Baxter looked like a one-man wrecking ball, as he strolled his way to a best on ground performance, taking nine goals with him along the way. Masala Dandenong stay at home for another week, taking on Elsternwick, while Eley Park hit the road again as they head to La Trobe University.

Meanwhile, Elsternwick started off strong and never looked back in their 33-point win over South Mornington. It was Justin Hunter who did the damage, with four goals to his name, while Lewis Yeatman also contributed nicely for the Wicks, with three goals for himself, and Sean Gibson was man of the match. For South Mornington, it was Jordan Waite (3) who led the goal kickers and Jason Bland who was named best. Next week, South Mornington head back home where they will do battle with a rested Box Hill North, and Elsternwick take on a new tiger foe, playing against a hungry Masala Dandenong.

The Swans flew higher than the Falcons as South Melbourne were able to overcome Albert Park in a low-scoring contest by eight points. Coming from 10 points down at the final change, the Swans stormed home to claim victory, in what could be an important win for their season. Jamie Brooker was the best on ground for South Melbourne, as Ryan Chirgwin (2) and Jason Clifford (2) were their only multiple goal scorers. Jack Amies (3) was the lead goal kicker for the Falcons, and that was enough to earn himself a spot atop the best for his side. Next week, Albert Park take a break with the bye, and South Melbourne head to Stathaird Reserve to take on the red-hot St Francis Xavier side.

Down to the Peninsula, Box Hill North will face off against South Mornington in Round 5 a game both teams will fancy themselves as a red hot chance. Sitting in last and second last place, these two teams are desperate for the four points. The Tigers should get back onto the winners list, but the visitors simply can’t be discounted.

Fresh off a win, Elsternwick will be backing themselves to go hit for hit with their divisional heavyweight opponents, Masala Dandenong. The Tigers, however, will be looking to take charge early on in the contest, and should play their way back onto the winners list.

Ladder leaders Eley Park will travel to La Trobe, who come fresh off a narrow loss. Eley Park will start as favourites, but the Trobers will be searching for an upset, one they just might get.

In the final game of Round 5, St Francis Xavier host the up and about South Melbourne Districts team. Both sides are coming off close wins, and each set of supporters will be hoping for a little more breathing room this week. The X-Men should claim victory in this matchup, and continue their steady start to the season.

And finally, Albert Park will take the four points and the week off, as they rest up for a launch into Round 6.