TIV DIVISION 1 MEN: ROUND 2 REPORT
By Rod Carpenter
Point Cook def by Yarraville Seddon
Yarraville Seddon overcame early inaccuracy to produce a dominant second-half performance to defeat Point Cook by 62 points, 13.26 (104) to 6.6 (42) in Round 2 of the TIV Division 1 Senior Men’s season.
Point Cook started strongly, kicking 3.1 (19) to 1.3 (9) in the opening term and applying solid pressure around the ball. The Bulldogs maintained their composure early in the second quarter to hold a narrow lead, but the Yarraville Seddon began to turn the tide despite struggling in front of goal.
The away team’s inaccuracy was evident as they piled on 4.12 (36) by half-time, but their ability to generate repeat inside 50s saw them take a 10-point lead into the main break. That dominance continued in the third quarter, with the Eagles extending their advantage to 8.18 (66) as their midfield control and forward pressure began to wear Point Cook down. The final term saw the game break open, as Yarraville Seddon finally capitalised on their opportunities, kicking five goals to blow the margin out.
Will Hoskin-Elliott booted six goals in a commanding best-on-ground display, while Blake Green added two. Finley Neylan, West Barker, Kane Sexton, Leo Attersall and Lachlan Green were the other key contributors for the Eagles.
For Point Cook, Max Downing and Jalen Jaimangal both kicked two majors, while Cameron Kizan, Braxton Simms, Josh Goble, Lochlan Allen and Jaimangal finished as their best players.
Caroline Springs def Spotswood
Caroline Springs rebounded from its opening round loss by recording a resounding Round 2 win, powering past Spotswood with a dominant 74-point victory built on relentless pressure and attacking firepower.
The home side set the tone early, piling on five first quarter goals to open up a 16-point lead, and never allowed Spotswood to settle. By halftime the Lakers had extended the margin to 25 points, controlling territory and winning the contested ball with authority.
The third term proved decisive, as Caroline Springs slammed on four goals to one, stretching the lead beyond 40 points and effectively putting the contest beyond doubt. From there, they finished strongly, adding six final-quarter majors to seal an emphatic 17.14 (116) to 6.6 (42) win.
Steven Kyriazis was outstanding up forward with six goals in a near best-on-ground display and was well supported by Malik Elfakahani (four goals), while Bailey Raak and Benjamin Davey added multiples. Across the ground, Ben Caluzzi, Max Tessari and Zen Christofi were instrumental in maintaining control.
For Spotswood, Harley Walshe and David Iaccarino each kicked two goals, while Sam Leitch and Max Hewitt battled hard.
Point Cook Centrals def by Werribee Districts
Werribee Districts again proved too good for their opposition with a commanding 98-point victory over Point Cook Centrals, showcasing their class and attacking depth from the outset.
The visitors controlled the contest early, kicking three first-quarter goals to open up a 14-point lead before breaking the game open in a dominant second term. Werribee piled on five goals for the quarter to take a 37-point advantage into halftime, leaving Point Cook Centrals struggling to contain their ball movement and forward efficiency.
The third quarter turned into a procession, with Werribee Districts adding six more goals to one, stretching the margin beyond 60 points and effectively ending the contest. They continued their dominance in the final term, finishing with a clinical 20.15 (135) to 5.7 (37) result.
Daniel Nielson led the way with five goals in a standout performance, while Rani Pavlidis and Jack Fletcher each added four in a potent forward display. Flynn Delaney also contributed with two majors. Werribee’s best were Callan Gilboy, Rani Pavlidis, Nielson, Fletcher, Daniel Schibeci and Seth Clayton
For Point Cook Centrals, Charlie Coughlin kicked two goals and was the best performer for the Sharks along with Bennett Lafaialii, Cooper Langan, Will Archer, Joshua Grech, Josh Gerolemou.
Parkside def Albion
Parkside have launched their season in dominant fashion, overpowering Albion by 54 points with a strong four-quarter performance built on persistent attack and pressure.
The hosts set the tone from the opening bounce, controlling territory and piling on four first-quarter goals while restricting Albion to just two behinds. That early 27-point lead gave the Magpies control, and despite a spirited Albion response in the second term, the margin remained 22 points at halftime. Despite the Cats creating scoring opportunities early, costly inaccuracy, 4.10 in the first half, prevented any real scoreboard pressure.
Parkside reasserted their authority after the break, winning the midfield battle and generating repeat inside 50s. Their ability to convert at key moments ensured the margin steadily grew, with the game almost out of reach by three-quarter time. The final term capped off an encouraging performance, as Parkside ran away with the contest to secure a convincing 14.19 (103) to 6.13 (49) victory.
In a testament to their even contribution, six Parkside players Jy Lambley, Bruno Laguda, Zachary Morris, Justin Cappelletti, Tiernan McCormack and Isaac Dukic each finished with two goals. Callum Micallef was the only multiple goal kicker for Albion with two majors.
Parkside’s balance and consistency proved too strong with Julian Janev, Jackson Barrett and Dean Simmons named in the Magpies’ best alongside Lambley, Laguda and Dukic. For Albion Caleb McPherson, Josh Bench, Judd Brewster, Daniel Bramich, Micallef and Juy Capp worked tirelessly for the visitors.
Sunshine def by Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing have stormed home to secure a hard-fought 21-point win over Sunshine, finishing full of running in an entertaining second round clash which also marked Corey Muscat’s 400th outing for the club.
Sunshine looked sharp early despite inaccuracy, controlling play but managing just 1.5 in the opening term to trail by four points at quarter time. They responded strongly in the second quarter, finding more efficiency going forward to level the scores at halftime in a tight, contested battle.
The third term continued in similar fashion, with both sides trading goals and neither able to break clear, as Sunshine held a narrow three-point lead at the final change. However, it was Hoppers Crossing who lifted when it mattered most.
Dominating the final quarter, Hoppers Crossing slammed on five goals to one, capitalising on their opportunities and exposing Sunshine’s inability to convert. Their cleaner ball use and forward efficiency proved decisive, turning a tight contest into a 11.10 (76) to 7.13 (55) victory.
Riley Kitchen led the way with three goals, while Jared Polec, Ryan Kitchen and Riley Fisher each contributed two in a well-rounded forward effort. For Sunshine, Steven Nabaki battled hard with two goals, but their 7.13 return ultimately proved costly in a game that slipped away late.
Sunshine was best served by Daniel Torcia, Stuart Purves, Xavier Kardachi, Oliver Doyle, Nabaki and Noah Smallacombe with Fisher, Polec, Liam McMahon, Muscat, Riley Kitchen and Callum Buckingham named Hoppers Crossing’s best.
Newport def by Altona
Altona produced a strong second half to defeat Newport by 14 points in a hard-fought contest under lights on Saturday night, the match tightening the longer it wore on.
Newport made the early running, kicking the first two goals of the match and taking an eight-point lead into quarter time. They continued to control general play in the second term, but Altona stayed within striking distance, trailing by just four points at halftime.
The game turned in the third quarter as Altona lifted their intensity around the contest and began to capitalise on their opportunities. After Newport had built a lead, the Vikings responded with a late burst of goals to level the scores heading into the last. With momentum on their side, Altona carried that form into the final quarter, kicking three goals to one to pull away and secure a 10.7 (67) to 7.11 (53) victory.
Tane Roordink was the main contributor up forward with three goals, while Sam Paton added two in an efficient attacking display by the Vikings. Across the ground, Altona’s composure and cleaner ball use proved the difference in the closing stages.
For Newport, Bilal Chehade fought hard with two goals, but their inaccuracy and inability to halt Altona’s momentum proved costly late. Newport’s best was Archie King, Will Murray, Hussein Kadour, Bilal Chehade, Darcy Cassar, Fawzi Eldanawi. Meanwhile, Roordink, Brodie Hicks, Kyle Crooks, Kobi Harrison, Connor Bulley, Will Taylor were the standouts for Altona.