DIVISION 2 MEN: ROUND 5 REPORT
By Rod Carpenter
Western Rams def Tarneit
Western Rams held off a pesky Tarneit outfit to claim their second win of the season in Division 2, a hard-fought 13-point result, 11.12 (78) to 10.5 (65).
The Rams came out firing early, booting five first quarter goals to open up a 16-point lead at the first change. Their pressure around the contest and ability to capitalise inside 50 gave them the upper hand, with Tarneit struggling to contain the early momentum.
Tarneit responded strongly in the second term and gradually worked their way back into the contest. The visitors lifted their intensity through the midfield and reduced the margin to just seven points by halftime, setting up a tense second half.
The Rams steadied after the main break, controlling territory and maintaining scoreboard pressure despite some inaccuracy in front of goal. Connor Korras proved the focal point in attack for the Rams with three important goals, standing tall in crucial moments.
Tarneit continued to challenge late in the game through the efforts of Zach Thornton and Will Magher, who both finished with three goals in impressive individual showings. However, the Rams held their composure in the final quarter, defending strongly and making the most of their opportunities to secure an important win in a spirited battle.
North Footscray def by Wyndhamvale
Wyndhamvale has answered any doubts over the reigning premiers again being the team to beat in Division 2, producing a powerful second half comeback to defeat North Footscray by 16 points in a thrilling top of the table showdown, 17.5 (107) to 14.7 (91).
In a Grand Final rematch that lived up to the hype, North Footscray controlled much of the opening half with sharp ball movement and efficient finishing in front of goal. The home side opened up an 18-point lead by halftime, led by the strong work of Mathew Serafin, who booted three goals and provided a dangerous target inside 50 with Lynden Dunn well held.
But the game turned dramatically after the main break as Wyndhamvale lifted its intensity around the contest and surged back into the match. The visitors slammed on six goals in the third quarter to steal the lead heading into the final term, setting up a grandstand finish.
The star of the afternoon was Wyndhamvale spearhead Lewis Stanton, who delivered a dominant performance with a remarkable nine-goal haul. Stanton proved impossible to contain, marking strongly and making North Footscray pay every time the ball entered attack. Jack Tessari also provided excellent support with three goals.
Despite a brave fight from North Footscray, Wyndhamvale finished stronger in the final quarter to secure a statement victory in one of the games of the season.
Sunshine Heights drew with Braybrook
Sunshine Heights and Braybrook played out one of the most dramatic finishes this season, battling to a thrilling draw that finished 15.3 (93) to 13.15 (93).
Braybrook looked in control early after a strong opening quarter, kicking five goals to take a 15-point lead into the first break. Their pressure and forward efficiency troubled Sunshine Heights early, with Sam Clifford leading the charge in attack. But the Dragons responded brilliantly in the second quarter, turning the game with a six-goal burst while keeping Braybrook to just one major for the term. The home side’s accurate finishing proved the difference as they carried a six-point lead into halftime.
The contest remained tight throughout the second half, Braybrook regaining momentum in the third quarter despite costly inaccuracy in front of goal after Sunshine Heights went two men down. The Brookers held an 11-point advantage going into the last, however Sunshine Heights star Jackson Viola who booted eight goals on the afternoon in a dominant display inside 50 kept his side in the fight.
Bol Kolang put Sunshine Heights ahead late in the fourth but not long after Chase Wassell tied scores after converting a set shot for Braybrook with only minutes remaining. Neither side could break the deadlock in a frantic finish as the teams were forced to share the points after an unforgettable clash.
Sam Clifford finished with five goals for Braybrook, who created plenty of opportunities but failed to fully capitalise, finishing with 10 more scoring shots for the afternoon.
Suns def Laverton
The Suns delivered a ruthless four quarter performance to dismantle Laverton by 102 points, storming to a dominant 21.10 (136) to 4.10 (34) victory.
From the opening bounce, the Suns controlled the contest with relentless pressure, clean ball movement and a strong presence around stoppages. Despite some early inaccuracy from Laverton, the Suns quickly settled and took a 14-point lead into quarter time after restricting their opponents to just five behinds.
The game was effectively over by halftime as the Suns exploded with five second quarter goals while holding Laverton to a single major. Their midfield dominance allowed repeated inside 50 entries, and the scoreboard pressure continued to build throughout the afternoon.
The third term was where the Suns completely broke the game open, piling on six goals with their relentless attack and defensive pressure giving Laverton little opportunity to respond. The hosts finished strongly with seven final quarter goals to cap off a comprehensive win.
Adam Scarpino led the way up forward with four goals in a polished display, while Nicholas Gregson and Mitchell Laan each added three majors in an even team performance inside 50. Laverton struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities, with Zac Grigg and Anthony Pasqua (two goals), bright spots for the Magpies.
West Footscray def Albanvale
West Footscray has held off a determined Albanvale outfit to secure a hard fought 15-point victory, winning 10.11 (71) to 8.8 (56) in a contest that was tighter than the scoreboard suggested for long periods.
The opening term was an arm wrestle, with both sides wasteful in front of goal and unable to break away. West Footscray held a narrow one-point advantage at quarter time, but it was the second quarter where the game shifted decisively. The home side lifted its intensity around the contest, moving the ball cleaner and capitalising with a five-goal burst to open up a 23-point buffer at the main break.
Albanvale refused to go away, responding the third quarter through the efforts of Jye Kotoski, Brendan Cassar and Jack Burgess, all of whom hit the scoreboard with two goals each for the day. Their pressure lifted and they cut into the margin, setting up a competitive final term.
Despite one more surge from Albanvale, West Footscray’s composure and defensive structure in the last quarter proved decisive as they closed out an important win in a tough contest. Nathan Giordmaina and Damian Furlong influential for West Footscray while Matthew Turcinovich finishing with three goals and providing a steady target inside 50 at key moments.
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