UHS-VU sends a message as wayward kicking causes concerns

Ben Black

Inaccuracy in front of the big sticks proved costly for more than one team this round; a concern that would need to be ironed out for some ahead of finals, where every goal will count. Interestingly, the Division combined for 125.125 in goals and behinds.

UHS-VU vs Oakleigh

In the upset of the round, UHS-VU downed the inaccurate Krushers by eight points. Oakleigh unable to escape the lingering demons from their round 5 clash with the Krushers who boasted a 7-point victory.

With weather hardly playing a factor, scoring shots were not hard to come by, but goals were, with only 1-goal apiece going into the quarter time huddle. A half time grid locked at 16 points each way, but Oakleigh had 11 scoring shots to UHS 5. Whilst Oakleigh was getting plenty of the ball, they were unable to convert at crucial times. Finishing with 7 more scoring shots, to then lose by 8 points will be a wakeup call.

James McGee looked deadly as always kicking three majors: his accuracy helping his team over the line. Veteran forward for the Krushers Aaron Cloke was able to be an up-field presence for Oakleigh but sprayed some shots he normally would slot with ease.

The Vultures were able to kick away from Oakleigh and maintain an arms-length from the Krushers with a win being vital to keep them in finals contention come September, possibly becoming a real threat.

Old Peninsula vs West Brunswick

The pirates were able to get home in a thriller down at the Harry McDonald Oval and Peter Williamson couldn’t be prouder of his troops. A big day for loyal clubman, Tom Feldgen, who played his 150th game for Old Peninsula. A big congratulations to Tom and to West Brunswick for clapping him off the ground as he was chaired off.

The Pirates picked up after they beat Kew Bears last week and were able to peel off four opening quarter majors that set the tone of the game. Craig Sanders was instrumental whilst Ben Willamson played a sublime game once again, consistently performing for the last six weeks.

Bailey Payze had his goal kicking boots on as he was able to convert four majors to ease off the Magpies serge. West Brunswick did lead the counterattack post the long break blasting 6 majors to 3. Thomas Zafiropoulos, Luke Buckler and Ben Ablett were all crucial in the magpies’ resurrection. But a late comeback from the experienced Pirates outfit were able to come home with a key win for 2023.

Kew FC vs Therry Penola

Kew Bears played host to a resurgent Lions outfit on the back of some pretty handy games. In yet another game that was determined by the behinds scored. The message at half time from the Bears coach stressed the need for accuracy in front of goals, with missed opportunities plaguing the first half.

The Lions continued to lift with each quarter and were ultimately more potent inside 50. Jarrod Egglestone showed his brute strength and was able to kick two very handy goals. The Bears were needing someone to stand up and Ned Waters did just that, kicking a handy four majors that put the Bears in touching distance. Therry held strong with stars Jackson Young and Joel Costello leading from the front.

A frantic final quarter saw the Bears able to kick 2 quick majors and swing the momentum, as the southern end was boasting a good wind. The game was alive. A 50/50 call with seven minutes remaining could have seen the game go anywhere, but the shot was deemed a behind. The Lions transitioned the ball from coast to coast to slot a major to win the game. The Lions won by 18 points.

Prahran vs Preston

The Two Blues played host to the Bullants at D.W Lucas Reserve. Both teams started well with Preston taking a 1-point lead into quarter time. Very much in the game against a top-4 side, the Bullants were up and about with Alex Cincotta having instrumental influence.

It wasn’t until the Two Blues flicked the switch and made Jonathon Simonetta a crucial target up forward when they looked deadly. Simonetta was able to convert six majors in a goal kicking display boasting deadly accuracy. Whilst the game was not a blowout at half time, the Bullants were able to stay in the contest only being down by a goal at the long break.

The Two Blues went to work after half time and really put the foot down and never looked back. With an impressive 15 goals in the second half, Prahran got the job done against Preston by 95 points.

Glen Eira vs Ivanhoe

Glen Eira travelled to Ivanhoe Park to face Ivanhoe and burst straight out the gates early to solidify their dominance. With 35 goals scored for the game, there was no downtime for either side.

The ever-reliable Tim Johnstone was a masterstroke with 8 majors and his number two-man Sean Bass chimed in with 6 goals. With a lead of 75, the game was really done and dusted at three quarter time.

A highlight for Ivanhoe was Ash Close who was able to convert five majors for the game, earning himself a spot in the best. Glen Eira goes one step further to establish themselves as minor premiers for 2023 as they set their sights on finals.