Movement in the top four as Parkdale lose two in a row

Round 10 saw more great football in Premier C with many close contests fought across competition. At this stage of the season, sides are beginning to feel the effects of players taking a mid-season hiatus over the equator, so teams without depth in their list will need to find a way to ensue momentum.

In a thrilling match up where both sides fought tooth and nail, it was AJAX who came out on top, defeating PEGS by 14 points. The monstrous task of facing AJAX on their home turf didn’t deter PEGS who came out firing in the first quarter with three goals to two.

AJAX turned things around in the second term to find themselves with a 15-point lead at the main break. PEGS narrowed this gap in the third with five straight goals, and another goal early in the fourth term saw the scores level.

However, AJAX responded and continued their good form in 2024 to get themselves over the line with Jordan Cohen at the helm leading the charge with 6 majors. This win sees AJAX sitting in 2^nd place, only a small percentage out of top spot, whilst PEGS’ loss hurts their final prospects, but they are certainly not out of the race yet.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon had a good day out at Marcellin College, coming home with a 35-point victory over Marcellin. The first quarter was tight with both sides eager for the contest and showing their intent early. However, the Gryphons picked up some momentum in the second term, limiting Marcellin in front of goals and extending their lead to 19-points at the main break.

This continued in the third quarter with Marcellin again remaining goalless whilst the Gryphons continued to pile on the goals at the bookends of the quarter. Marcellin fared better in the final term, however the day belonged to the Gryphons who claimed the four points.

In his 100^th game, Matthew Capetola was among the best players for Marcellin, whilst for the victorious Gryphons, Sean Bass impressed up forward with four goals to continue his good season.

Old Carey produced a significant 60-point victory to claim the four points against the Monash Blues. Old Carey started the game well with two early goals, putting on a dominant display in the first three quarters to lead by 62 points at three quarter-time.

The game was all but sewn up in Old Carey’s favour, however Monash didn’t go down without a fight and had a competitive last term matching the home side on the scoreboard. Despite the Blues’ best efforts, it wasn’t enough as Old Carey won comfortably, ensuring they retained 1^st place with a favourable percentage.

Lachy Godden and Riley Thompson each kicked 3 goals for Old Carey, whilst Alex Bennett, James Flett and Nixon Hall were among the best on ground for the Blues.

A massive top-four encounter saw the Hampton Rovers defeat the Parkdale Vultures by 30 points, which sees a shuffle in the top 4 order – the Rovers claiming 3^rd while the Vultures slip to 4^th.

The first half was incredibly even with not much separating the two sides. It was clear this game would come down to the wire and both sides were hungry for the contest. The Rovers broke away in the third quarter as the Vultures were inaccurate in front of goal, taking a 10-point lead into the final term.

The Rovers built on this momentum and dominated in the final stages of the match with four goals in the last quarter as Parkdale could only manage seven behinds. Jai Elcock was key up front for the defeated Vultures with four goals, whilst Max Coughlin and Thomas Ellinghaus were among the best players for Hampton.

In an incredibly close game, Oakleigh almost claimed their first win of the season but ultimately were defeated by Mazenod by 17 points. On paper, Mazenod were clear favourites to win this game but were seriously challenged by a competitive Oakleigh outfit.

The two teams could not be separated in the first three quarters, matching each other’s efforts and pressure, with the only difference being Oakleigh’s accuracy on the scoreboard as Mazenod struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. However, Mazenod found more fight in the final quarter kicking five goals to Oakleigh’s two to see themselves over the line and holding onto fifth spot, just one game behind the Parkdale Vultures.

Hayden Boyce kicked three goals for Mazenod whilst Oakleigh had a variety of players share the goals around on what was a promising day for this side.

The action continues in Round 11 with Glen Eira/Old McKinnon hosting AJAX at Packer Park. The Gryphons have done well in Premier C winning three of their last six games, whilst AJAX will be looking for the win to keep their top-two spot.

Marcellin meet the Parkdale Vultures in a big game for both sides. Marcellin have something to prove looking for their third win of the season, whilst the Vultures too need to redeem themselves after two consecutive losses.

It will be an interesting battle between 9^th and 10^th as Oakleigh search for their first win of the season against the Monash Blues.

Elsewhere, PEGS host a dominant Old Carey side, whilst Mazenod travel to the beach to play the Hampton Rovers.