Nodders on the up, Jackas and Wellers upset

Madison Talarico

After an extended break, Williamstown CYMS look stronger than ever defeating Hampton Rover by 97 points at Boss James Reserve in Round 12. A seven-goal to one opening quarter for the CY’s put them in pole position to dictate the match at their own pace. Williamstown CYMS would go on to boot 17 more which makes it their sixth game tallying 100+ points. A remarkable 15 players contributed to the score, with Nick Ebinger, Jack Noonan, and Lachlan Fairley booting three each, and Thomas Johnstone earning BOG for the CY’s. Daniel Corp was best for the Rovers. Round 13 can expect a clash between Williamstown CYMS and Old Camberwell Grammarians at Fearon Reserve, as the Wellers look to shock once again after defeating Marcellin in Round 12. Hampton will travel to Marcellin where both sides heading into Round 13 aren’t playing their best footy. This could be the start of a turn-around for one of these teams.

After a defeat that ended their marvellous run of form, Mazenod proved it wasn’t luck beating Old Ivanhoe Grammarians by 19 points at Central Reserve. The Nodders let the away team know they weren’t intimidated by their higher-ranking, solidifying a 21-point lead at quarter time. This first quarter buffer proved instrumental, as Mazenod held off the Hoers, who matched their output for the remainder of the contest. Brad Kovac helped the Nodders get over the line with a BOG outing while Nicholas Pascuzzi, Matthew Fewings and Mitchel D’Angelo were responsible for two goals each. Luke Velluto kicked three goals, with Oscar McIntrye the best for Old Ivanhoe. Mazenod will relish the opportunity to re-face Old Mentonians in Round 13, considering they defeated them by 47 points in their last contest in Round 8. Mazenod can enter the top four for the first time this season with a win, and potentially boot Old Mentonians out if all goes well. Old Ivanhoe face a tough challenge in Ormond at E.E. Gunn Reserve for Round 13 and will be hoping to keep their spot in the four. A win will ensure that’s the case, but it’s not an easy feat against the Monders.

Ajax surprise once again in Premier C with a gutsy 21-point victory over Old Mentonians at Gary Smorgon Oval. Only three points in the Jackas favour separated the sides come half time, before the home team notched eight goals to five. Ajax now sit six points out of the top four, but they’ve put the Panthers (3^rd) in a precarious position with a chance to fall out of the four in their next game. Jake Lew amassed five majors, alongside a BOG performance from Daniel Goodman, to secure it for the Jackas. Samuel Roberts also had a day outscoring six of the Panthers’ nine goals. Ajax will face PEGS for a home clash in Round 13, and will expect to attain the four premiership points to continue their campaign towards finals. Old Mentonians will face a Mazenod side hungry to make finals and challenge for a title. The Panthers need a win or an unfortunate series of events may oust them from the top four.

Ormond (2^nd) sit comfortably following their 44-point win over PEGS at PEGS Sporting Fields in Round 12. Ormond came out firing, banging in six goals to one, and looking to make a statement of the bottom side. PEGS controlled the second quarter with five goals to one, closing that buffer to just eight-points heading into the second half. The Monders converted only one-third of their chances; 6.12 for the second half, yet still managed to overpower PEGS. Max Kennedy was impressive earning himself best-on-ground, while Ethan Hanley and Henry Simon kicked three apiece for Ormond. For PEGS, Aaron Bell contributed three while Cameron Livori continued with another outstanding performance. Ormond takes on Old Ivanhoe Grammarians at home in a contest with finals implications as they sit second and fourth, respectively. PEGS face the in form Ajax at Gary Smorgon Oval, and will hope to put a roadblock in front of the Jackas’ potential finals berth.

Old Camberwell Grammarians stunned Marcellin in a satisfying 17-point win in Round 12. The Wellers overcame the early pressure, which led to a 22-point deficit, before booting four goals to two in the second term. An important third quarter saw the Wellers hold a one-point lead going into the fourth, before a strong fourth-quarter performance kept Marcellin goalless while Old Camberwell scored themselves three goals to get their hands raised. Marcellin must feel their finals slipping as they now sit with three straight losses. James Allen was honoured with the BOG accolade once again for the Wellers, while George Vitinaros donated four to the scoreboard. Jackson Green and James Robertson scored two each for Marcellin. Old Camberwell face Williamstown CYMS in Round 13, with the idea to challenge the top side after an impressive victory in Round 12. Form aside, it’ll be an intriguing clash to say the least when Marcellin expect Hampton Rovers at Marcellin College as both squads look to revitalise their finals chances.