DIVISION 2 MEN: ROUND 6 REPORT
By Rod Carpenter
Laverton def by North Footscray
North Footscray has rebounded from its first loss of the season by crushing Laverton by 99 points, powering away to an emphatic 18.18 (126) to 4.3 (27) victory.
The opening quarter suggested a far more competitive contest, with Laverton taking the challenge right up to last year’s runner up. Just two points separated the sides at the first break as Kade Sullivan helped provide a spark for the home side with strong work inside 50.
But from quarter time onwards, it was complete domination by North Footscray. The visitors exploded in the second term, slamming on six unanswered goals while completely shutting down Laverton’s attack. Their midfield took control, creating repeat inside-50 entries and piling on scoreboard pressure to take a commanding 44-point lead into halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern as North Footscray continued to overwhelm their opponents with relentless pressure and superior ball movement. Laverton struggled to get anything going and managed just one goal after quarter time in a difficult afternoon.
The standout performer for North Footscray was Mathew Serafin, who produced a masterclass up forward with a season-best 10 goals. With Lynden Dunn out of the side, Serafin proved unstoppable inside 50, dominating aerially and punishing every opportunity. Debutant Lachlan Schumann also impressed for North Footscray whose class and attacking firepower proved far too strong in a dominant road victory.
Albanvale def by Sunshine Heights
Sunshine Heights has snatched a thrilling six-point victory over Albanvale with a late goal edging the Cobras home 14.9 (93) to 13.9 (87) in a dramatic final-quarter finish.
Albanvale started strongly and looked in control early, kicking three first-quarter goals to take a five-point lead into the opening break. The home side’s intensity around the contest and ability to convert opportunities had Sunshine Heights under pressure early. But the momentum swung sharply in the second term as Sunshine Heights exploded into life, piling on seven goals for the quarter to turn the game on its head. Aaron Williams and Jackson Viola proving a constant threat inside 50, as the visitors took an 18-point lead into halftime.
Albanvale refused to go away and responded brilliantly after the main break. Led by Macauley Lonergan and captain Brendan Cassar the home side fought back strongly, with the teams locked at 10.6 (66) apiece heading into a tense fourth quarter.
The final term was a shootout, with both sides trading goals in a high-pressure finish. Sunshine Heights had the final say as Aaron Williams slotted his third major of the quarter and fifth of the game in the final minute to hand his side to a memorable win.
Jacob Poa, Elliot Rosado and Viola were also influential for the Dragons, while Macauley Lonergan booted four goals and Jack Burgess three for Albanvale.
Braybrook def Western Rams
Braybrook has delivered a strong Round 6 performance to defeat Western Rams by 68 points, storming to an emphatic 16.17 (113) to 7.3 (45) victory.
From the opening bounce, Braybrook asserted complete control, producing a blistering first quarter that effectively set up the win. The home side piled on seven goals while restricting Western Rams to just a solitary behind, opening up a massive 44-point lead at the first change and putting the visitors immediately on the back foot. The Rams hit back in the second term through the efforts of David George and Corey Cooper but Braybrook still maintained control, leading by 36 points at halftime.
Despite some inaccuracy in front of goal, Braybrook continued to dominate after the main break, controlling possession and winning the contested ball in the third quarter to stretch the margin to 62 points with a term to play. Their relentless pressure around stoppages gave Western Rams little opportunity to build momentum. Braybrook finished with three final-quarter goals to seal an impressive percentage-boosting win and reinforce their credentials as a side to watch.
Sam Clifford starred in attack with a second straight five-goal haul, proving a constant threat inside 50 and capitalising on Braybrook’s dominance through the midfield. Joshua Cassar and Aidyn Bartolo also played key roles up forward with three goals each, helping maintain scoreboard pressure throughout the afternoon.
Connor Korras was again a focal point for Western Rams and finished with three goals.
Wyndhamvale def West Footscray
Wyndhamvale has continued its impressive form with a 37-point victory over West Footscray, running out convincing 15.12 (102) to 10.5 (65) winners.
In an entertaining opening term, the home side made an early statement, booting five first-quarter goals to establish a 12-point buffer at the opening break. Wyndhamvale’s pressure around the contest and ability to move the ball quickly into attack helping the hosts to their early lead.
The margin continued to grow in the second term as Wyndhamvale controlled territory and generated repeat inside-50 opportunities thanks to Ryley McGaw and Rhyland Burgoyne. Although they missed some chances in front of goal, the Falcons still entered halftime with a healthy 28-point advantage after limiting West Footscray’s scoring opportunities.
Wyndhamvale tightened its grip on the contest in the third quarter, piling on another five goals to effectively put the game beyond doubt. Lewis Stanton once again proved a major threat inside 50, booting four goals in a strong performance, while Luke Di Mauro added three majors to provide valuable support in attack.
West Footscray produced its best football in the final quarter, kicking four goals as they added some respectability to the scoreboard. Matthew Turcinovich finished with three goals, while Jaycob Doyle and Jonathan Stelluto were among the better contributors for the Roosters.
Tarneit def by Suns
Suns produced a powerful four-quarter performance to cruise past Tarneit by 128 points, delivering a relentless attacking display to record a 25.19 (169) to 6.5 (41) victory.
From the opening bounce, the Suns completely controlled the contest with slick ball movement and an avalanche of inside-50 entries. The visitors exploded for seven first-quarter goals to open up a commanding 36-point lead at the first change.
They continued to assert their authority through the second term, the Suns piling on another five goals to stretch the margin beyond 60 points by halftime. Their midfield controlled the stoppages and repeatedly delivered quality opportunities to a dangerous forward line that proved impossible to contain.
The third quarter was complete domination, with Tarneit failing to register a score while the Suns slammed on eight goals to completely blow the game apart. Nicholas Gregson starred with a sensational eight-goal haul, proving unstoppable as he capitalised on the Suns’ overwhelming supply inside 50. Adam Scarpino was equally damaging, booting six majors in a strong showing as the Suns spread the scoring load across multiple players.
Tarneit doubled their goal tally in the final quarter with Samuel Roberts battled hard to finish with two majors on a difficult afternoon as the Suns surged to their biggest win of the year.
GET FULL SCORES & BEST PLAYERS HERE