Hawks still flying, Cobras still striking

Sheridan Harris

With the second league-wide bye coming after the weekend, the teams in Division 3 Men’s have given us a lot to stew over in the break to come. 

Hawthorn took said bye into consideration, kicking enough goals to cover two games and breaking the 200 threshold against the unfortunate Westbourne Grammarians, while Emmaus St Leo’s have slipped out of the top 4 given their own bye and due to some winners of the round. 

Canterbury have added another win to their ever-growing list, taking down North Brunswick at Allard Park by 46 points. It was a case of missed opportunities for both sides, with the Cobras missing scoring chances all game but the Bulls being unable to capitalise on the mistakes, with the home side lucky the final margin wasn’t more. The away side had eight individual goalkickers, with Ryan Murray, James Saliakos, and John Nicolopoulos all kicking two majors each. Mark Collins was best on. For the losing side, Patrick Notaro (2) was the only multiple-goalkicker, and Andrew Ramzy (1) their best. 

South Melbourne Districts have cemented their spot on top of the ladder with a 19-point win over Richmond Central at Lindsay Hassett Oval. It was an arm-wrestle all day but the Bloods started on front foot, taking an eight-point buffer into the main break. Ultimately, while still in it, the Snakes could never get close enough to clinch the win. It was the Dufficy Show on the scoreboard, with Michael (3) and Oliver (2) getting their team over the line, while Samuel McGinn (2) continued his form in front of goals, but it was Thomas Foley who took top honours. For the losing side, James Rudolph was the only multiple-goalscorer with two, and Jack Baxter their best on. 

Elsternwick have suffered another loss, this time at the hands of Parkside at Pitcher Park by eight points. The Wickers took it Red Devils, taking the lead by a small margin at the first break, before the home side kicked into gear. With one point in it at the beginning of the final term, it was the away side’s inability to score that cost them. Shane Doherty (3), Samuel Gilfedder (2), and Matthew Soligo were Parkside’s multiple-goalkickers, while Ian Romano was their best. For Elsternwick, Matt Ball kicked three goals and Julian Yeatman two, but it was Dylan Convery who took top honours. 

In their annual WINGS match, Hawthorn have had fifteen individual goalkickers to beat the Westbourne Grammarians by 158 points at Rathmines Road Reserve. Nine goals right out of the gate painted the picture early for the Hawks, before going into the main break having already surpassed 100 points. It was rather the usual happenings for the Warriors, however they managed to get on the board in a way they haven’t done consistently, finishing the game 8.7. For the home side, William Meehan (8) and Justin Raiti (5) starred in front of goal, while Jack Wilson, Aaron Downie, Jack Kenny, Charlie Boots, and Luke Piccolo all kicked two each. Joshua Wain was best on. The away side had seven individual goalkickers for their seven goals, while Ben Stoios took top honours. 

When VAFA footy returns, Emmaus St Leo’s will have had two weeks off to assess how they beat North Brunswick, when they take to Bennettswood Reserve. Every game is important for the Animals, who run the risk of not playing finals if they don’t get more wins on the board. 

Hawthorn are on the rise once again and will face the in-form team of the division when they travel to Lindsay Hassett Oval and face South Melbourne Districts. Despite a less-than-ideal first half of the season, the Hawks have steadied and look set to compete for the coveted fourth spot on the ladder. 

Westbourne Grammar awaits Richmond Central, who face a brutalised Westbourne Grammarians outfit. Both teams suffered losses in round twelve and will be looking to use this game as an opportunity to get back on the winner’s list. 

Canterbury Sportsground is the destination for Parkside where they will take on a Canterbury side going from strength to strength. There were wins for both teams and it’ll be top priority to continue that, while for the Red Devils their finals hopes are pinned on every game. 

Elsternwick have their second bye of the year.