LAKERS GO CLEAR IN FOURTH, NEWPORT & SUNSHINE BACK TO WINNING WAYS
By Connor Pain |Â
Caroline Springs had too much in the last quarter as they overcame Spotswood in a tight Match of the Day, running out 24-point winners in cold and windy conditions in Round 8.
Buoyed by the breeze early, it was the Woodsmen who got the jump with the game’s first three goals before the Lakers steadied but still trailed at the first break.
Despite three goals from Spotswood in the second the hosts couldn’t contain the Lakers as Steven Kyriazis (four goals) and Ryan Allan (three goals) inspired a six-goal term for the visitors.
Trailing by 10 points at the main break, Spotswood cut into the margin in the third but couldn’t capitalise on a multitude of chances, as they trailed by four points entering the last quarter.
It was as close as they’d get as the Lakers put their foot down with four goals (eight total scoring shots) in the fourth to see them salute 14.9 (93) to 10.9 (69).
Brian Lake was also influential for Caroline Springs with four goals, while David Iaccarino was Spotswood’s best in game 300.
The Lakers now sit a game clear of the Woodsmen in fourth and host Point Cook this week, while Spotswood will look to get back to winning ways against Albion.
Sunshine produced its best win of the season, knocking off Altona 13.8 (86) to 8.15 (63) away from home.
In just their second win of 2025, the Kangaroos got the perfect start with a five goal to zero opening term and then held their advantage all afternoon.
A 35-point buffer at three quarter time put the visitors in a great spot going into the last and they ultimately proved too good in the 23-point upset of the sixth placed Vikings.
Xavier Kardachi and Riley Buckland (three goals) were the standouts for Sunshine.
For Altona, Riley McDonald was again one of the best performers.
Sunshine hosts reigning premiers Hopers Crossing next, while Altona will battle Yarraville Seddon.
Newport claimed its first win since Round 4 thanks to a convincing 43-point win over struggling Point Cook Centrals.
The Panthers’ defence was outstanding all day, as they held the visitors to just four majors through the first three terms.
Only inaccuracy kept the margin from ballooning out in the 12.17 (89) to 6.10 (46) triumph.
Nayef Hamad had an immediate impact in his first match since the opening round, as did Mohamed Ibrahim and Jackson Fullerton in their first senior appearances of the season.
Newport will look to make it two straight when they face Parkside, with the Sharks to take on league leaders Werribee Districts.
Yarraville Seddon needed all four quarters to overcome a dogged Point Cook, the game not decided until the last as the Eagles booted four goals to zero in the final term to record victory 13.14 (92) to 7.10 (52).
The home team led by 25 points at the first change before the Eagles finally got on the board in the second, adding six goals for good measure to draw level at the main break.
Michael Selsby and Akol Deng continued to dominate in the centre of the ground after halftime, while Josh Helliwell was terrific in defence as the visitors gained the ascendancy.
Tyson Brazel finished with four goals for Yarraville Seddon, with Michael Cilmi also kicking four majors for Point Cook.
Harrison White’s five goals led Werribee Districts in a decisive 18.15 (123) to 10.11(71) win against Albion.
Just three points separated the teams at quarter time, but it was the hosts who had too much in the tank, kicking 14 goals to seven over the next three terms to again comfortably triumph.
Hoppers Crossing also botted 14 goals after quarter time with Parkside only able to add five as they ran away 16.15 (111) to 6.11(47) victors at Hogans Road Reserve.
Josh Pickess continued his good form finishing with three goals and best on ground honours.