DIVISION 2 MEN: ROUND 2 REPORT
By Rod Carpenter
Suns def Western Rams
The Suns produced a strong second-half performance to defeat the Western Rams by 38 points, 13.9 (87) to 7.7 (49), breaking the game open after a tightly contested opening two terms to post their first win of the Division 2 Senior Men’s season.
The opening quarter was evenly fought, with the Suns taking a narrow 3.4 (22) to 2.3 (15) lead into the first break. In the second quarter the visitors stayed within reach, applying pressure and capitalising on their opportunities to trail by just five points at halftime, 5.5 (35) to 4.6 (30).
However, the game shifted dramatically in the third quarter as the Suns found another gear. Their midfield lifted around the contest, delivering cleaner ball inside 50 and allowing their forwards to take control. The hosts piled on seven goals for the term to open up a commanding 12.7 (79) to 6.7 (43) lead at three-quarter time. From there, they managed the final quarter well, maintaining their advantage and closing out a convincing win.
Nicholas Gregson was the standout up forward, finishing with five goals, while Adam Scarpino added three goals in a strong supporting role. Across the ground, Cassius White, Rohan Matthews, Daniel Oā€™Leary, Nathan Halapio and Brandon Donald were all influential in the Suns victory.
Meanwhile, forĀ the Rams, it was a competitive first half, but they were unable to match the Sunsā€™ surge after the break. Aaron Way, William Markovski, Beau Arnautovic, Ty Duff, David George and Corey Cooper were among their better performers.
Laverton def by Sunshine Heights
Sunshine Heights delivered a dominant performance to defeat Laverton by 77 points, 19.19 (133) to 8.8 (56), overrunning their opponents after a competitive opening quarter.
The match began in entertaining fashion, with both sides trading goals early. Laverton, with Ex-AFL hard-nut Mitch Robinson in their side for a one-off appearance, held a narrow three-point lead at quarter time, 4.4 (28) to 4.1 (25), showing strong intent and efficiency going forward.
The game shifted dramatically in the second term as Sunshine Heights took control. The Dragons piled on five goals in the quarter to open up a commanding 9.8 (62) to 5.5 (35) halftime lead, capitalising on their midfield dominance and increased pressure around the contest. That momentum continued after the main break, with Laverton managing just one behind in the third quarter as Sunshine Heights extended their advantage to 50 points.
The final term saw the visitors finish emphatically, adding another seven goals to blow the margin out to 77 points. Jackson Viola (eight goals) and Bol Kolang (five) combined for the 13 of the 19 Dragons majors, while Arian Sarandis added three in a standout display.
Sarandis was also named among the best alongside Majok Bol, Patrick Eliepa, Leo Eliepa and Matthew Dettman, all of whom played key roles in the win. For Laverton, Robinson was the only multiple goal kicker with two, while James Sadler, Mitch Robinson, Christopher Sivanesan, Sebastian Boyd, Brody Mitchell and Duy Nguyen were among their better contributors.
North Footscray def Tarneit
North Footscray had their explosive scoring power on full display in Round 2, dismantling Tarneit by 176 points in a one-sided contest, 32.18 (210) to 5.4 (34).
The home side wasted no time asserting control, piling on 7.3 (45) in the opening quarter while restricting Tarneit to just a single goal. Their midfield dominance and rapid ball movement set the tone, and it only intensified in the second term as they surged to a commanding 15.6 (96) to 3.4 (22) halftime lead.
North Footscray continued their onslaught after the main break, extending the margin to 22.9 (141) at three-quarter time, with the Titans unable to stem the flow. The final term saw the scoreboard blow out further, as the Devils added another 10 goals to cap off a complete four-quarter performance.
Lynden Dunn was outstanding, finishing with a remarkable 11-goal haul in a best-on-ground display. He was well supported by Jarrod Johns and Archie Thomson, who both booted five goals, as North Footscrayā€™s forward line proved unstoppable.
For Tarneit, it was a tough outing, though Samuel Roberts, Jake Ottone, Jye Manic, Connor Le Noury, Dylan Mark and Zachary Heywood battled hard under constant pressure.
West Footscray def Braybrook
West Footscray secured a 33-point victory over Braybrook, 16.8 (104) to 10.11 (71), with their early efficiency in front of goal proving crucial to help set up the result before pulling away late.
The hosts got off to a good start, kicking 4.0 (24) in the opening term while Braybrook struggled to convert, only managing 1.4 (10). The second quarter saw the Brookers respond, lifting their intensity and applying pressure around the contest. However, West Footscray continued to find scoring avenues, taking an 8.3 (51) to 5.5 (35) lead into halftime in an entertaining and competitive first half.
After the main break, Braybrook remained in the fight despite some costly inaccuracy, trailing 7.10 (52) to 11.7 (73) at the end of three quarters. While they were able to generate opportunities, their inability to convert consistently kept them chasing the game.
In the final quarter, West Footscray stepped up, kicking five goals to three to seal the result and run out convincing winners. Jackson Cordner and Matthew Turcinovich were the standout performers up forward, each booting four goals in dominant displays.
Cordner was also named his sideā€™s best alongside Henry Lovell, Jonathan Stelluto, Jai Haines and Michael Brown, all of whom contributed strongly. For Braybrook, Yoel Fessehaye, Nathan Spackman, Chase Wassell, Sam Clifford, Joshua Cassar and Lewis Clifford battled hard, in a match that they visitors were left to rue missed opportunities.
Albanvale vs Wyndhamvale
Match abandoned due to an injury in the opening quarter. Both teams awarded a draw and two points.