The Magpies swoop to claim a big scalp

With three rounds to go the top four looks almost cemented in Division 1 Men’s. The teams down the bottom end of the ladder may not be able to play finals but can still play the role as the Grinch as well as fighting to stay in the division.

Ormond played a great brand of football to defeat UHS-VU in a huge top-four battle by 16 points.

The Monders went all guns blazing in the first term kicking the first five goals of the game thanks to some great transition by Rhys Kennedy and Harrison Burt.

At quarter-time, both sides had seven inside 50s each for the term but the Monders were clinical, and the home crowd were dead quiet.

Vultures midfielders Esubalew Ramsay and Matt Dimattina went to work in the second term winning the centre bounces, giving their forwards better opportunities.

Jacob Hunt ran into an open goal to kick the first of the term and as Noah Seidermen kicked responded for the Vultures the game was back on.

Thomas Natsikas kicked a much-needed steadier for the Monders as they took a 17-point lead at half-time.

The third didn’t go to plan for the Vultures, giving away two free kicks in the back half to hand the first two goals.

Clearances swayed in favour of the Monders as Ethan Hanley and Jack Mason showed their class.

The Monders had a 27-point lead at three quarter-time which was extended by Jackson Hille kicking two goals in a row in the last term and four for the match.

Hille’s versatility is a huge takeaway for the match. His ability to play as a ruckman who can act like another midfielder is an asset. A late surge by the Vultures gave them some hope but the damage was done.

Ahead of the game, it was a matter of winner takes second place with the loser sliding as low as fourth.

Prahran continued their great form with a hard-fought 27-point win over Kew.

The Bears knew it was one of the biggest games of their season, needing a scalp to give themselves a chance to play finals.

They certainly came out to play in the first half, applying elite pressure around the ball as Joshua Maccarrone led the way in the midfield.

It continued as both sides kicked goal for goal as Ned Waters kicked his second followed by Matt Odicho’s major. It was a solitary point lead for Kew at the main break.

The second half saw Prahran gain back control with some great transition through the middle of the ground by defenders Jayden Williams and Patrick Ribbands.

The top of the table side showed their great running ability as Jonathan Simonetta kicked the Bears out of touching distance.

The win solidifies Prahran’s place as ladder leaders, while Kew now need a perfect run to play finals, sitting two games behind the four.

Parkside moved into 3rd place after having a comprehensive win over the Preston Bullants by 64 points.

Contest was dominated by the Devils with Corey McKay and Cody Lawson working in tandem.

The Devils kicked the first four goals of the match giving themselves a 27-point lead at the first break.

A response was required and was given by the Preston Bullants kicking the first three goals of the second term with Rory Howard bringing up their first.

The Devils struck back with three goals of their own in red time to squeeze the Preston Bullants’ energy at the main break.

Meanwhile, Momentum from the back end of the second term was continued by the Devils. They restricted the Preston Bullants to just one goal in the second half thanks to the reliable Max Balassone and Nathan McIntosh who impressed again for their side down back.

Connection inside 50 was an issue all day for the Preston Bullants as the Devils got the points. The margin grew and grew throughout the second half, cementing a 13.13 (91) to 4.3 (27) win.

West Brunswick spoiled the party for Old Peninsula, defeating them in a one-point nail-biter. The game was neck and neck for the whole match with the Pirates needing another win to continue their battle in making the top four.

The contest battle was a huge one to win and it swayed from one side to the next. For context, the margin at each break was four points, one, three then finally one point at the full-time siren.

Ben Ablett and Bill Irving were in and around the ball and contributed on the scoreboard for the Magpies as Jake Lovett and George Fletcher were willing to their fellow Pirates along.

Magpies forward Thomas Zafiropoulos played a crucial role in kicking the four goals as they took their opportunities when it mattered most.

It’s a tough loss to learn from for the Pirates as the game could have gone both ways. They now fall two games out of the four.

Therry Penola brought up their fourth win of the season defeating the Old Yarra Cobras by 43 points.

The first term was a game won out the middle with both sides having turns at locking the ball in their forward half. It was a real arm for most of the half until Therry Penola scored two goals in the last minute to damage the Old Yarra Cobras’ spirits.

The second half saw Therry Penola starting to use the ball well inside 50 as forwards Jarrod Egglestone and Connor Kilbane kicked nine goals between them.

The quality and quantity of entries made it tough work for the Old Yarra Cobras defence and proved too much.

Round 16 sees Parkside take on the Magpies at Pitcher Park. Last time they met the Magpies caused an upset and will be a must-watch.

An in-form Monders side will be hard to beat at home as they take on the Bears. Kew ruckman Mali Jacobs will have a tough matchup against Jackson Hille and Lucca Beaves this weekend.

UHS-VU will be looking to set the tone early against Therry Penola after conceding the first five goals of the game to Ormond.

The Old Yarra Cobras are back at home against the Preston Bullants. Both will be looking to end the season on a high so expect a heated contest.

The Pirates will be looking to respond and what better opportunity to do so against the top-of-the-table Prahran on their home deck.