Parkdale edge Eagles in thriller as Oakleigh get on the board

Round 11 was headlined by a nail-biting contest between Marcellin and Parkdale Vultures which saw the latter claim the four points in a thrilling finish.

This weekend was a chance for teams to make an impact before the two-week break, and indeed many teams did leave a positive footprint heading into the rep footy bye.

AJAX put on another dominant display, defeating Glen Eira/Old McKinnon by 44 points.

The first quarter was one to remember for the away side, kicking 7.5.47 to the Gryphons solitary one goal.

The Gryphons did show some fight and determination in the rest of the game but could not chase AJAX on the scoreboard as both teams went on to kick a further seven goals.

Jordan Cohen and Richie Simon were key in front of goal for AJAX with five and four goals respectively.

This victory sees AJAX hold onto 2^nd position, still just percentage from top spot. Whilst the Gryphons sit in 7^th with some breathing space, two games clear of 8^th place.

In what was the most exciting game of the weekend in Premier C, the Parkdale Vultures defeated Marcellin by 2 points.

The first half was largely controlled by the Vultures who lead on the scoreboard and showed a lot of hunger for the footy.

Their lead of 20-points at half-time could’ve been higher if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal, but it was a good lead nonetheless.

Marcellin needed to deliver a response, and that is what they did, reducing Parkdale’s lead to 17-points by three quarter-time to give themselves a realistic chance in the final term.

Marcellin kicked four of the first five goals in the fourth quarter to give themselves a 1-point lead, however a trio of behinds from the Vultures allowed Parkdale to get over the line and claim the four points.

In his first senior game this season, Marcus Alessi made a good contribution with two goals for Marcellin.

After having a tough start to their Premier C campaign, Oakleigh recorded their first win of 2024, defeating the Monash Blues by 26 points.

Oakleigh set the tone early with a dominant display in the first half, giving it their all in the contest and showing an eagerness to claim their first win.

Despite Monash’s best efforts and intent to fight back in the second half, Oakleigh broke further away in the third quarter and comfortably got home.

Nixon Hall, James Flett and Charles King were among the best players for the Monash Blues, whilst Rogan Kitts lead the way in front of goal for the victorious Oakleigh.

The result of this game has implications for the ladder, with Oakleigh jumping to 9^th position, slightly ahead of the Blues on percentage.

Old Carey continued their run of good form with an impressive 43-point victory against PEGS.

The first half belonged to Old Carey who had amassed a strong 39-point lead by half-time with good ball movement and pressure in the contest seeing them through the first-half.

To PEGS’ credit, they kept Old Carey scoreless in the third quarter, however Old Carey were back to their normal ways in the final term to comfortably win.

Riley Thompson and Trent Warren continued their good seasons with three-goals each for Old Carey.

This loss will make it more difficult for PEGS to make finals now sitting four games out of the finals placings. Whilst Old Carey remain on top of the ladder with AJAX not far behind them on percentage.

Hampton Rovers reinforced their top four credentials with a 23-point victory over Mazenod.

Mazenod had the lead at quarter-time as the Rovers were inaccurate in front of goal, but the home side quickly turned things around to build up a 9-point lead at half-time.

The lead from the Rovers only increased that throughout the afternoon to find themselves once again on the winners list.

Jamie Delaney and Dillon Melnjak lead the way for the Rovers who find themselves in a good position, just one game behind Old Carey and AJAX, whilst Mazenod are two wins and a percentage boost out of the top four.

The action resumes after the two-week break with Round 12, some teams will still be feeling the effects of a limited playing list with many players taking the opportunity to catch some warmer temperatures away from Melbourne.

AJAX host the Parkdale Vultures in an exciting match-up between 2^nd and 4^th. If Parkdale are back at full-strength they may get over the line, however AJAX have shown a lot of promise in recent weeks.

The other top-four battle sees Old Carey host the Hampton Rovers. A win for the Rovers could see them with a top-two spot by the end of the round.

The Monash Blues host Marcellin in a game that both sides have a strong chance of winning. Both teams have shown they have a lot of potential and when they get going and build some momentum will play a good brand of footy.

The other match-ups see 5^th v 6^th meet as Mazenod play PEGS, whilst the two sides promoted from Division 1 last season, Oakleigh and Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, will meet on Oakleigh’s turf.