GOALS APLENTY FOR ROUND 16 WINNERS
By Connor Pain |
Hoppers Crossing have moved into fourth spot after a rampaging second quarter helped the Warriors to an impressive 15.10 (100) to 9.14 (68) win against Yarraville Seddon.
Trailing early, it was the visitors who turned the game on its head with 10-goal to two run in a period of 40 minutes.
Having turned a three-point deficit at the first break into a 33-point lead at the main break, Hoppers Crossing were able to ride out the second half despite the home side fighting on.
The Eagles threatened in the third but three goals to one in the final term sealed the 32-point win that puts the Warriors in contention to finish the season as high as third even with a week off in Round 17.
Yarraville Seddon host Point Cook next with a win most likely locking them into third spot.
An eight goal to one first half blitz saw Caroline Springs keep pace with top spot as they ran all over Altona to triumph 16.11(107) to 4.6 (30) at home.
Conceding just two goals through three quarter time, the Lakers were in cruise control heading into the last and still added another five goals, Bailey Raak starring with five majors.
The disappointing 77-point loss drops the Vikings to fifth and just a game ahead of the chasing Spotswood with two games remaining.
The Lakers head to Point Cook to battle the Sharks this weekend with Parkside awaiting Altona in another must-win game.
Werribee Districts shook off any wayward form comfortably defeating Parkside to the tune of 63 points.
A slow start mattered little thanks to a nine goal to one second quarter that all but ended the contest at halftime.
Callan Gilboy and debutant Obie Miller booted three goals each as the reigning premiers were back at their damaging best.
A win against Spotswood and a Caroline Springs loss in the penultimate round will see the Tigers lock up top spot.
Point Cook Centrals claimed local bragging rights after a barnstorming 118-point victory against rivals Point Cook.
Mitch Palma had a day out with 10 majors to become the first player this season to boot a double figure goal tally in a Division 1 Men’s game.
Winning every quarter comfortably, the Sharks were unstoppable as they romped home to the 22.16 (148) to 4.6 (30) win.
With Bulldogs coach Clay Smith set to depart the kennell at the end of the campaign, a loss in Round 17 will all but condemn the 2023 runners up to a wooden spoon.