Two big blowouts almost lock the race for the top four

As the top four get prepared for a huge final series, teams are striving to be in good form at the right time of the year. Parkside and Prahran continue to go from strength to strength winning convincingly at home.

Prahran have won ten on the bounce and certainly flexed their muscles against Old Peninsula winning by 101 points. It was an electric start from Prahran kicking the first six goals of the game as their efficiency inside 50 was a highlight.

Midfielder Joey Bell was superb for the men in blue and the transition from end-to-end was hard for the Pirates to defend. Bailey Payze brought up the Pirates’ first in the second term, but Prahran’s midfield proved too strong. Clinton Angove stood up in the absence of Rory Brodie and Shaun Chapman in the ruck showing the top sides great depth.

Meanwhile, it was much of the same in the second half as Prahran welcomed back Jesse Waters who kicked a great long-range goal when Taylor Bamford kicked one from the boundary, they could do no wrong. The Pirates were looking for pride in the last term and credit to players like Rob Bambery and Jake Lovett who provided great pressure around the ball, but Prahran were too good.

Parkside had a commanding 99-point win over West Brunswick at Pitcher Park. It was an arm wrestle in the first term, as both sides had turns to lock the ball in their forward half. The Devils brought up the first two majors, thanks to Luciano Logozzo and Ciaran Cotter as Brock Ward got the first for the Magpies. The 16-point margin in favour of the Devils was blown up in the second term.

Rick Frost’s side kicked seven goals in a row keeping the Magpies scoreless and Corey Mckay showed his ability to be a goal-kicking midfielder with four of his own. Devils midfielders continued to get on the scoreboard including Benedict Douglas with three and two from Max Doyle. A game clear in third position the Devils go to and are looking dangerous.

The Preston Bullants responded from last week defeating the Old Yarra Cobras by 38 points. Luke Green had a big presence from the moment the ball was bounced for the Preston Bullants with great ruckwork.

Tom Hill’s side kicked the first five goals of the match with Old Yarra unable to capitalise on opportunities until they brought up their first midway in the second term. Stefan Ganci proved a tough matchup for Old Yarra, being explosive around the stoppages as they kicked away.

When the Preston Bullants are playing their brand of footy, they can take it up to the best which is why it’s been a frustrating season for them. Old Yarra fought hard in the last term outscoring their opposition, but it wasn’t enough.

Therry Penola brought the heat and caused a huge upset against UHS-VU. First half was a tight battle between the two midfields – Esubalew Ramsay showed plenty around the stoppages for the Vultures and Therry Penola’s Matthew Lyons had plenty of it. At half time it was all tied up with Therry Penola wanting to finish the season off well. Jarrod Egglestone was dangerous up forward for Therry Penola who ended up with four goals for the game.

Second half saw Therry Penola’s pressure go to another level; Blake McKinnon provided great run off the half-back resulting in his teammates having good looks inside 50. An inexperienced Vultures defence were under siege as a five-to-one goal third quarter gave Therry Penola a four-goal lead at three-quarter time.

After a poor performance in round 14 against the Pirates, Therry Penola knew they needed to continue to be brave in the last term and got a much-deserved four points.

Ormond proved why they are one of the flag contenders this season, responding to an early scare from Kew to win by 32 points. The Bears had another strong start kicking five goals to one in the first term- Max Waters and William Llewelyn looked threatening and got on the scoreboard early.

Second term saw the Monders respond profusely, elevating their forward half pressure by Ethan Hanley and Aaron Taylor. Territory was owned by the Monders forward half as they kicked six goals straight, keeping the Bears to just two inside 50s for the quarter.

Bryan Cole’s Bears lifted in the second half but the rapid ball movement from Rhys Kennedy and Harrison Burt made it tough for the Bears defence.

Round 17 sees a potential finals matchup with Parkside travelling over to E.E Gunn Reserve to take on the Monders. Last time they met it was a two-point thriller going in favour of the Devils and it certainly will be another cracker.

Therry Penola has a huge challenge against Prahran this weekend. If Therry Penola brings the intensity of the past fortnight there could be another upset brewing.

Old Peninsula will be looking to respond against the Old Yarra Cobras this week. Old Yarra forward Anthony Raso continues to have a strong season kicking 27 goals in 13 appearances.

West Brunswick are at home against UHS-VU in what is an intriguing contest. The Vultures would want to get some momentum coming into finals as they get some players back.

The Preston Bullants found some form last week as they take on the Bears. With two games left, both sides will have one eye on the next season and could introduce some reserve players.