Old Carey establish themselves as the team to beat

Round 9 of Premier C produced some exciting games this past weekend, particularly Old Carey knocking off ladder leaders, the Parkdale Vultures, to claim top spot for themselves at the halfway mark of the season.

All clubs have now played each other once so as the second meetings begin from next weekend, many teams will be looking to settle some scores against their rivals and rise up the ladder. 

Hampton Rovers extended their winning streak to three games, defeating Glen Eira/Old McKinnon by 58 points.

The first quarter was dominated by Glen Eira/Old McKinnon who took a narrow three-point lead into quarter-time as the Rovers were inaccurate in front of goal.

However, the home side turned their fortunes around in the second quarter kicking five goals, whereby the Gryphons only managed to score just the one point.

The Rovers further built on this lead after half-time to lead by 59-points at three-quarter time, which ultimately proved to be too big a buffer for the Gryphons to overcome, as the Rovers comfortably got over the line 13.21 (99) to 6.5 (41).

This was an important game for the Rovers to win in order to keep fifth-placed Mazenod out of striking distance with the two separated by two wins and a healthy percentage gap.

In what was deemed by many as the most exciting match-up of the weekend, Old Carey successfully knocked off ladder leaders, the Parkdale Vultures, by 15 points in a thrilling contest at Gerry Green Reserve.

Old Carey well and truly dominated the first half, taking a 34-point lead to the main break, with the Vultures noticeably missing their star forward Mitch Brown. To their credit, in the absence of their key forward, Lewis Castle and Jai Elcock stepped up for the vultures slotting 3 apiece.

However, after half-time Parkdale did manage to match Old Carey’s scoring in the third quarter, finding themselves with a 30-point deficit at the final change.

To their credit, the Vultures fought hard in the final term kicking five goals to two. Although, it wasn’t enough as Old Carey claimed the four points and now find themselves on top of the ladder in Premier C.

Luca Anderson and Isaac Ellwood were deemed best afield while Riley Thompson led the charge in front of the big sticks with 3 majors.

Mazenod beat the Monash Blues by 34 points in what was a pivotal game for the home side, in order to stay in touch with the top four.

Mazenod got off to a good start with two early goals and by quarter-time they were 11 points up. The hosts continued to put their foot down in the second term with three goals to one, carrying a healthy lead into the main break.

The Blues improved in the second half as their intent translated into more successful opportunities in front of goal. However, in front of their home crowd, Mazenod found a way and kicked a further 6 goals to 4 in the second half.

The final score read nicely for Mazenod, a 12.8 (80) to 6.10 (46) win.

Monash are certainly a capable side with a lot of potential. Their clash next week against Old Carey will no doubt test them, nonetheless it will be a challenge the Blues look forward to.

 AJAX had an emphatic 105-point victory over Oakleigh at Scammell Reserve. Like all top four sides, this was an important game for AJAX to re-iterate their dominance in Premier C and continue to push for a top two spot.

Oakleigh kicked the first goal of the game opening their account, but the momentum quickly swung back in AJAX’s favour as they kicked eleven of the next twelve goals to find themselves with an impressive 10-goal advantage at half-time.

AJAX continued their brilliance in the third term as some good ball movement and pressure up forward allowed them to kick six majors to Oakleigh’s one as the travelling side comfortably cruised home to claim the four points.

Richie Simon continued his stellar run of form for AJAX kicking a mighty seven goals to take his total goals this season to 48 at the half way point. Jordan Cohen also chimed in with seven of his own.

In the final game of the round, PEGS defeated Marcellin by 52 points to record their fourth win of the season. The home side burst out of the blocks scoring 5.5 (35) in the first term to Marcellin’s 0.1 (1).

Marcellin needed a response and that is what they delivered in the second quarter, kicking five goals to PEGS’ two to lower the deficit to 14-points at half-time.

It was emerging that there was a scoring end at the ground, this was again reflected in the third term. PEGS picked up their first term dominance which saw their lead increase to 49-points by three-quarter time in a quarter in which Marcellin were kept scoreless.

The final quarter was rather even, and despite PEGS faring better on the scoreboard, Marcellin’s pressure improved to limit PEGS’ scoring. PEGS ultimately in front as the final siren sounded, 15.12 (102) defeating Marcellin 7.8 (50).

Round 10 presents some intriguing matchups across the entire grade as the double-up matches begin.

AJAX host PEGS at Gary Smorgon Oval. PEGS have shown they have a lot of promise and a win this weekend will keep their finals hopes alive.

Marcellin host Glen Eira/Old McKinnon in a battle of 8^th v 7^th. These teams are well-matched with just the one game separating the two sides.

Old Carey takes on the Monash Blues. A win for Old Carey should keep them up the top however AJAX are breathing down their neck with percentage.

Meanwhile, the Parkdale Vultures meet the Hampton Rovers in a game that will feel more like a final as 3^rd and 4^th battle it out to improve their standings in the race for finals.

Finally, Mazenod host Oakleigh with the Krushers searching for their first win.