Trobers stamp authority as St Francis Xavier claim top spot

Connor Hoetzel

It was agony again for Masala Dandenong, who have faced back to back close losses after going down to Elsternwick by just five points in Round 5. Elsternwick led from start to finish, but a red-hot finishing Tigers came home strong in front of their own crowd. From 23 points down at three quarter time, the Tigers held the Wickers to just one goal in the final term, all whist kicking 3.6 in what they will see as one that slipped away. Julian Yeatman was powerful all day for the Wicks, finishing off with six goals to his name, while Sean Gibson battled hard all day to be named the Bombers best. Brandon Kelly was the Tigers man of the match, while Scott Becker and Benjamin Abraham kicked two goals apiece. Next week, Masala Dandenong head to South Melbourne, while Elsternwick will hit the road again, travelling to Eley Park.

South Mornington earned themselves a much needed four points following a comfortable 47-point win over Box Hill North. The Tigers led at each break, and will stroll into their fixtured Round 6 bye full of confidence. Three goals each to Greg Pullen and Robert Wilson led the way for South Mornington, and Luke Conway was their best. Benjamin Pearce was the only multiple goal scorer for Box Hill North, kicking two, while teammate Phillip Mimino was hard at it all day and named best accordingly. Box Hill North head back home next week to Elgar Park, were they will face the table topping St Francis Xavier.

La Trobe University pulled off an impressive feat on Saturday, holding the then ladder leaders, Eley Park, to just three goals all day (including a goalless first half) which led to a 44 point margin come the final siren. Scoreboard inaccuracy will plague the Sharks following this clash, as the side documented a wasteful 3.21.39 final score. Brady Schubert claimed two of Eley Park’s goals to himself, and Terrance Dingeldei picking up the other, while teammate Jesiah McGarvie was picked as the best on ground. La Trobe were led by Billy Higgins and his five snags plus Ricky Nolan’s BOG performance in their important win. Next week Eley Park will host the soaring Elsternwick, and La Trobe will be back under lights when they host Albert Park on Saturday night.

Last but not least, it was another win for St Francis Xavier as they took care of business on their home deck, rolling out as 65-point winners over a hot starting South Melbourne Districts. The Swans looked on top going into quarter time, but from then on it was all the X-Men and Harrison Coe. Coe extended his lead atop the goal kicking leaderboardwith another bag of seven to go with the 20 he has previously kicked in 2019. Stephen Richards-Gill wouldn’t leave it up to Coe to have all the fun though, taking home with him five majors, while David Hunter (2) joined the party as well, taking with him the best on ground accolade. For the Swans, Toby Parish and Jason Clifford were strong up front, with three goals each, and Vincenzo Armenia was spirited in his performance, being named the best for the visitors. South Melbourne Districts will look to return to form next week when they host Masala Dandenong, and St Francis will be on the hunt for another win, heading to Elgar Park where Box Hill North will be waiting.

Preview

In what promises to be another exciting week of Division 4 football, St Francis Xavier will head to Box Hill North where they should strengthen their hold on the top of the table and claim victory. Don’t expect this to be easy for the X-Men, as Box Hill North will be desperate for their first win of the season.

South Melbourne and Masala, both coming off losses, will be very interested in returning to the winners list. This contest will bring some heat with it, so bring your sunglasses folks. Look for Masala Dandenong to come out on top in another close game.

Eley Park will be disappointed with themselves after last week’s performance in front of goals. The only way is up, however, and this week they should be rampant in their efforts to improve. Elsternwick will be the opponents who won’t be beaten easily, as they proved last week when knocking off the favourites Masala Dandenong. Another close match-up here that could be decided late in the last quarter.

A rested Albert Park will be roaring to go, but will have to wait till all the other games have finished before they get their turn, as they will be playing under the Saturday night lights at La Trobe University. The Trobers, who are coming off an impressive victory, will be a mountain to overcome. Good thing Falcons have wings though… another contest that could go either way and will be exciting to watch.