DEVILS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT, RAMS SECURE SECOND VICTORY
North Footscray has continued its upward trajectory to be the cusp of the top six in Division 2 Men after victory in the Battle of Footscray in Round 13.
The Devils trumped rivals West Footscray by 22 points to register their seventh win of the season and now sit just percentage behind sixth placed Suns.
In an enthralling encounter at Shorten Reserve, the difference was never more than five points at every quarter-time break, before a five-goal to one final term saw the visitors home.
Samuel Kater and Patrick Schwagler again starred in attack each kicking five goals for North Footscray, with Tommy Manley their best in the 17.8 (110) to 12.16 (88) win.
For the Roosters Jaycob Doyle and Matthew Turcinovivh (five goals) continued their impressive campaigns.
The Devils can make it four straight wins when they host Sunshine Heights while West Footscray continue a tough run of fixtures coming up against Wyndhamvale.
Sunshine Heights claimed the inaugural Ray Portelli Cup thanks to a 121-point win over North Sunshine on Saturday.
Afte a slow start to the contest the Dragons added 18 goals over the next three quarters to triumph for the third time in 2024.
Arian Sarandis booted seven goals to be awarded the Ray Portelli Medal for the Dragons, while Roadrunners captain Daniel Duggan received the honour for his side.
North Sunshine return to Dempster Park in Round 14 to play Sunshine.
A barnstorming first half has seen Sunshine record a 163-point victory against Braybrook.
The Kangaroos piled on 16 first half goals at Kindersmith Reserve before backing things down over the next two terms with victory well and truly secured.
Nathan Carroll had another day out in front of the big sticks kicking 11 majors, while Matthew Carvino kicked six goals in a best on ground performance.
Aidan Rafferty and Craig Plant were the top performers for the Brookers who should have no trouble rebounding when they head to Tarneit this coming weekend.
Tarneit and Western Rams faced off at Wootten Road in Round 13 with both teams seeking their second win of the season.
In an evenly matched game, the Rams overcame some poor kicking to triumph 10.19 (79) to 9.6 (60), the victory adding to their drought breaking win achieved three weeks earlier.
Tyler Lewis and Mathew Paull led the way for the visitors, while Luke Mann and Benjamin Arabit were strong for the Titans.
The next assignment for Western Rams is a trip to Albanvale who were no match for Newport when they met at Langshaws Reserve on the weekend.
The Panthers controlled proceedings from the outset on their way to a 19.16 (130) to 7.4 (46) victory.
The home team had six multiple goal kickers with young forward Hussein Hasna kicking five majors, his best return at senior level this season, while debutant Talal Abouzeid was named Newport’s best.
The Cobras were best served by Otis Blanch with Reece Field contributing three goals.
Newport will now test themselves against competition frontrunners Albion.
The Cats had no issues against finals contender the Suns in their latest outing, notching a 136-point win at JR Parsons Reserve.
With onballer Caleb McPherson again lining up in the VFL with the Northern Bullants it was Darcy McPherson dictating terms in midfield for the hosts, while Daniel Bramich and Nicholas Cocolaras both tallied four goals.
Chris Lear was best on ground for the Suns in his 100th senior game for the club.
The Suns will be out to bounce back when they travel to Laverton who went down to Wyndhamvale by 67 points on Saturday.
A nine-goal opening half was more than enough for the Falcons to establish an insurmountable lead, before winning out 15.15 (105) to 5.8 (38) with Brodie Meadows outstanding.
Matthew Paul kicked four goals for Wyndhamvale, as did Soni Rainbow for Laverton who were also best served by Alex Grigg.