St Johns win in a thriller as Demons reach new heights

Billy Bolch

The first match of the round saw Eley Park take on Box Hill North in a very high-scoring match. Despite the wet ground, the first quarter saw both teams make their impact on the scoreboard early with 10 goals kicked for the first quarter (7 for the Demons and 3 for the Sharks). It was the Demons that held a 20-point lead heading into the first break. In the second quarter, the Demons wiped out chances of an upset with a whopping 11 goals for the quarter, extending their lead to 93 points in the process.

The conditions of the ground then came into effect as both teams slowed right down when it came to their attacking play. However, the Demons were once again able to win the quarter, kicking 5 goals to a single Sharks goal, extending the Demons’ lead out to 123 points with a quarter to play. The final quarter saw the speed of the game pick back up as both teams were able to hit the scoreboard. The Demons were able to capitalise on their opportunities kicking 6 goals from 10 scoring shots whilst the Sharks were only able to kick 2 goals from 8 scoring shots. In the end, it was the Demons that pulled out one of the biggest wins of the season with a 144-point victory over the Sharks. Despite the loss, Eley Park had their second-most scoring shots this season during the match, a positive for the club.

Goal scorers for the Sharks were Bailey Bowyer (2), Andrew Kerr (2), Riley Lockett (1) and Shannon Blewitt (1). The Demons had 12 different goalkickers with the biggest goalkickers being Jack Dullard (6), Blake Williams (5), Rowan Lawrence (3) and Joshua Chivers (3). Among the best for the Sharks were Jacob Rose, Terrence Dingeldei and Zachary Hayes. The best for the Demons were Joshua Hocking, Joshua Chivers and Jack Dullard. Eley Park will now take on St Johns who are coming off a big win. Box Hill North will make the trip down to Albert Park to take on the Falcons in what should be a good contest.

The second match of the round saw Masala host rivals St Johns in one of the best matches we’ve seen this season. Both teams started off incredibly even with neither team giving the other any breathing room when in possession of the ball. Masala though was able to gain a narrow 1-point lead with after a quarter of play. The second quarter was again another even quarter, however, the JOCs were able to kick an extra goal which saw them gain an 8-point lead heading into halftime.

The third quarter saw St Johns able to capitalise in front of goals with 4 goals to Masala’s 2, inaccuracy costing them in the quarter. The JOCs were able to extend their lead to 17 points with a final quarter to play. The fourth quarter saw Masala fight back kicking 3 unanswered goals, and even taking the lead at a point. The JOCs however, were able to steal the game back with a goal with 5 minutes to go to make it difficult for the Tigers, followed by a goal after the siren. Despite winning the quarter, the Tigers were not able to win the game with St Johns winning their biggest game of the year by 14 points.

Multiple goalkickers for the Tigers were Tom Williamson (2), Sean Downes (2) and Zac Pahos (2). For the JOCs, Kailum Newland dominated in front of goal with 6 majors. Other multiple-goal scorers for the JOCs include Nicholas Terrill (2) and Jayke Tuplin (2). In the best for Masala was 100th game player, Brandon Kelly, Dave Velardo and Maurice Mills-Rolfe. In the best for the JOCs were Kailum Newland, Corey Ely and Daniel Cattolico. Masala will now face the undefeated North Brunswick whilst St Johns will look to ride this wave of momentum as they host Eley Park.

The final match of the round saw Albert Park looking to build on their momentum as they faced the undefeated North Brunswick. The Bulls were able to get the jump on the Falcons early with a 4-goal to 1 quarter, ending the quarter with a 25-point lead. The second quarter saw the Bulls build on their efforts with a 3-goal to 1 quarter, extending their lead out to 39 points with a half of football to play.

The Bulls ran away with the match in the third, kicking a dominant 9 goals to the Falcons 2, extending their lead out to 83 points. By the final quarter both teams were gassed, with only 1 goal scored. In the end, it was the Bulls that were able to add another major victory to their season resumé with a 90-point win over the Falcons, their third largest win of the season.

Goal kickers for the Falcons included Sam Lee (2), Christopher Marson (1) and Reece French-Lightfoot (1). The Bulls had 12 individual goalkickers with multiple goalkickers including Nicholas Watson (4) and Jake Horwood (2). Amongst the best for the Bulls were Simon Woodward, Tai Cameron Sardone and Zac Dicianni. The Falcons will face another tough opponent as they face Box Hill North at home. The Bulls will make the trip to North Dandenong to take on Masala, a team that has been competitive with them at times this season.