DIVISION 2 MEN: ROUND 3 REPORT
By Rod Carpenter
West Footscray def by West Footscray
North Footscray has claimed a convincing 38-point Anzac Day victory over neighbours West Footscray, 13.14 (92) to 8.6 (54), setting the tone early and maintaining control throughout the contest.
West Footscray struggled to find their rhythm in the opening term, held to just 0.2 (2) while North Footscray added 3.4 to gain a 20-point lead. That early dominance proved crucial, with North Footscray continuing to build in the second quarter to take a 6.7 (43) to 2.3 (15) advantage into halftime.
Despite a more competitive third quarter from West Footscray, North Footscray maintained their buffer, leading 10.10 (70) to 5.6 (36) at the final change. While West Footscray showed fight, they were unable to close the gap as North Footscray steadied in the last to secure the win, the result built on a consistent effort across four quarters.
Lynden Dunn was the standout on the day, finishing with seven goals in a dominant Anzac Day performance, proving a constant threat inside 50 and capitalising on strong delivery from the midfield. For West Footscray, Reuben Lovell and Damian Furlong were their best.
Albanvale def Western Rams
Albanvale dominated at home on Anzac Day, dismantling the Western Rams by 118 points, 26.8 (164) to 6.10 (46), in a one-sided contest that showcased their attacking firepower.
The Cobras gained an early ascendency, taking a 4.3 (27) to 3.4 (22) lead at quarter time before blowing the game open in the second term. The hosts piled on six goals to head into the main break with a commanding 10.6 (66) to 5.5 (35) advantage.
From there, it was complete control. A devastating third quarter saw the Cobras kick 12 unanswered goals, stretching the margin beyond reach and effectively ending the contest. Their midfield dominance and ability to convert inside 50 proved overwhelming, as the Rams struggled to contain the surge.
The final term was more of the same, with Albanvale finishing strongly to cap off an emphatic victory. Reece Field was the standout, producing a brilliant nine-goal haul in a best-on-ground display, constantly threatening and capitalising on strong delivery forward.
It was a clinical four-quarter performance from Albanvale, particularly after quarter time, while the Rams were left to battle hard under sustained pressure. The visitors were best served by Jordan Chircop and William Markovski.
Braybrook def Suns
Braybrook have produced a stunning final quarter surge to defeat the Suns by 56 points, 17.19 (121) to 9.11 (65), in a dramatic Anzac Day turnaround.
The Suns looked in control early, leading at every break throughout the first half. They set the tone in the opening term with a 4.2 (26) to 2.1 (13) lead and maintained their advantage into half time, 7.7 (49) to 5.5 (35).
At the final change, the momentum started to swing Braybrook’s way holding a 1-point lead, 7.11 (53) to 7.12 (54), in what had been a tight and contested battle. However, the game completely shifted in the final quarter as the Brookers exploded offensively. In a remarkable turnaround, they piled on 10 goals in the last term while restricting the Suns to just two, to come away with a convincing win.
Jayden Danaher, Joe Hamada and Luca Riboni led the way with three goals each, stepping up when it mattered most and capitalising on Braybrook’s dominant forward entries. For the Suns, Hamish Holmes was a standout with three goals, particularly influential in the early stages when his side held the ascendancy.
Ultimately, Braybrook’s ability to lift their intensity and finish strongly proved the difference, delivering one of the most impressive final quarter performances of the season to date.
Laverton def Tarneit
Laverton have edged out Tarneit in a thrilling Anzac Day contest, holding on for a six-point victory, 12.8 (80) to 11.8 (74), in a game that went down to the wire.
Laverton started strongly, taking control early with a 3.3 (21) to 1.0 (6) opening term, applying pressure and capitalising on their forward entries. However, Tarneit responded in the second quarter thanks to the play of Jacob Millar and Samuel Roberts, swinging momentum with a six-goal burst to take a 6.2 (38) to 4.6 (30) lead into the main break.
The third quarter was a tight arm wrestle, with both sides trading goals as Laverton regained a narrow lead, 8.8 (56) to 8.4 (52), setting up a tense final term. In a fitting Anzac Day finish, the last quarter delivered high intensity and pressure. Laverton managed to steady at crucial moments, kicking four goals to three to secure the hard-fought win.
Jordan Lynch was the standout for Laverton, booting five goals in a match winning performance, proving a constant threat inside 50 and stepping up when it mattered most. Tarneit pushed hard all day and refused to go away, but ultimately fell just short in a contest defined by momentum swings and composure under pressure.
Sunshine Heights def by Wyndhamvale
Wyndhamvale produced a strong second-half performance to defeat Sunshine Heights by 27 points in a high-scoring and entertaining Anzac Day clash.
Sunshine Heights started sharply, kicking 4.0 (24) in an efficient opening term to take a narrow lead. However, Wyndhamvale responded in the second quarter, finding their rhythm in attack and piling on five goals to surge ahead 8.6 (54) to 6.1 (37) at the main break.
That momentum carried into the third quarter, with the Falcons continuing to generate repeat inside 50s. However, the Dragons remaining competitive, and matched the reigning premiers on the scoreboard.
The final term saw both sides continue to trade goals, but Wyndhamvale’s forward line eventually got on top, pulling away to claim a hard-fought 15.15 (105) to 12.6 (78) victory. In the end, Wyndhamvale’s ability to take control after quarter time and sustain their pressure proved decisive.
Lewis Stanton was the standout performer, booting season-best eight goals in a dominant display and proving the difference up forward. His ability to capitalise on opportunities was a key factor in the result. For Sunshine Heights, Jackson Viola led the way with four goals, while Arian Sarandis and Kris Vasilovski each added three in a strong attacking effort.