A win for the ages for Box Hill North

Billy Bolch

Round 15’s matches featured the competitive balance we’ve all been striving for. This round was one to be excited about as battles within battles take place and a genuine fight for fourth between Albert Park and Masala. 

Albert Park and Masala faced off in what was a genuine must-win game. Both teams started off slowly but fairly even as the Falcons took a narrow 8-point lead into the quarter-time break. The second quarter saw Masala capitalising on kicking with the wind as they managed to kick three goals to one and take a 5-point lead into the major break.

The second half saw Albert Park come back into the game through a high-scoring third quarter which saw the Falcons kick four goals, despite kicking three goals themselves the Tigers lost their lead and went into the final break down by 2 points. 

Kicking against the wind in the final quarter, the Falcons got off to a much-needed quick start to lead by 12 points. Masala started to make a late charge with multiple scoring opportunities however they were unable to capitalise and turn the momentum, going down by 10-points.

Sam Lee, Alexander Evans and Reece French-Lightfoot were amongst the best for the Falcons. The best for Masala included Dale Gibb, Anthony Dorrington and Matthew Decarne. Albert Parks’ goal contributors included Jack Lee (4), Sam Lee (3), James Bordin (1), Brett Tottenham (1) and Jack Amies (1). Masala’s goalkickers were Declan Fowler (5), Tom Williamson (1), Brandon Kelly (1) and Noah Scott (1).

Albert Park will take winning form into their next battle against a dominant La Trobe outfit. Masala will look to regroup as they face an Eley Park side that has struggled in 2022 but a side that has a win over the Tigers. 

La Trobe and Swinburne went toe-to-toe in a top of the table clash. Similar to the first reviewed game, both teams got off to a slow start, however, Swinburne was able to start off the better over the Trobers and take an 8-point lead into quarter time. The second quarter saw La Trobe swing the momentum in their favour kicking three goals whilst keeping the Razorbacks goalless and taking a 13-point lead into the major break.

The Razorbacks started to make a slight comeback adding on an extra goal over the Trobers as they were able to decrease La Trobe’s lead from 13 to seven setting the scene for a competitive final quarter. La Trobe dominated the final quarter having 10 scoring shots to 0, however, the Trobers were unable to capitalise on these opportunities kicking 1 goal and 9 behinds. However, most importantly, La Trobe was able to secure the 4 points, taking them a win clear on the top of the ladder.

The best players for La Trobe were Harrison Tanner, Samuel Benetti-Baker and Ben Vicary. The best players for the Razorbacks included Zachary Cooke, Zachary Lassey and Nicholas Coad. La Trobe’s goalscorers included Riley Alexander (2), Joseph De Angelis (2), Charlie Scanlon (1), Riley Keath (1) and Joshua Rogerson (1). The goalscorers for the Razorbacks were Tyson Wiegold (2), Zachary Cooke (1), Harrison Bernado (1) and Bradley Field (1).

La Trobe will now make the trip to Albert Park to take on the Falcons who will need to win to have a good chance at making the finals. Swinburne will also take on a formidable opponent in the currently second-placed St John’s. 

The final match of the round saw Eley Park take on Box Hill North in a bottom-of-the-ladder clash. It was Box Hill that got off to the better start taking a 13-point lead into the second quarter. The Demons were then able to dominate the second quarter kicking an unanswered five goals and extending their lead out to 45 points. 

Momentum was on their side as the Dees added on another two goals to extend their lead out to 65 points with 25 minutes left of football to be played. In the end, it was the Demons who after their incredible first half were able to hold off the Sharks and leave with a 66-point win, their first win of the season. 

Amongst the best for Eley Park were Ben Field, Mackenzie Field and Shannon Blewitt. The best for the Demons included Marcus Lorkin, Rowan Lawrence and Peter Cassidy-Marsh. Eley Park’s only goal kicker for the day was Tyler Johnston who slotted 2 majors. Joshua Best was a star for the Demons slotting 7 goals with other contributors including Jamie Marro (1), Cameron Liston (1) and Thomas Cheslett (1).

Eley Park will make the trip to North Dandenong where they will take on Masala, a side that they beat earlier in the year but a side that has improved since. Box Hill will have the bye in round 16 before they return to take on La Trobe in the second last round. 

St Johns who had the bye will now host Swinburne in what will be a big game for the JOCs as they look to secure the double-chance.