POWER HOLD-OFF STORM, SCORE THREE-POINT WIN
By RHYS WOOSNAM
Round 3 of the 2018 WRFL season saw an early contender for match of the year, with the Newport Power holding off Manor Lakes to secure a thrilling three-point victory.
The Power jumped out of the blocks early with a four goal to nothing first quarter, but after the first break both teams were inseparable.
Manor Lakes displayed a lot of heart and are unlucky to be sitting in last place with zero wins after the performance they put in on Saturday at Bryan Martyn Oval. After quarter time, it was goal for goal with the margin barely reaching double figures for the entire three quarters. Ultimately it came down to accuracy in front of goal, as Manor Lakes kicked one goal and six behinds in the final stanza which cost them dearly.
The victors were led by stellar performances from Abdul Elkurdi, Alex Hawli and a three goal contribution from Mitchell Taleb. The brave Manor Lakes side were kept in the contest thanks to Justin Palmer and Jesse Shell, who booted two goals for the Storm.
Looking to next week, Manor Lakes will hope to replicate their hunger at the contest as they take on Parkside in a very winnable match, while Newport battle Albanvale.
Three rounds down and we still have two undefeated sides in the form of Yarraville Seddon and Point Cook, who both had strong wins on the weekend.
Yarraville Seddon easily accounted for West Footscray, who fell away after a decent start in the first quarter. Despite the Roosters holding a one point lead at the first break, it was all the Eagles afterwards, booting a crazy 17 goals to just five in the following three quarters.
The Eagles shared the goals around, with contributions from Corey Salavador who booted four and three each to Lachlan Huell and Eddie Ford.
Point Cook also managed to defeat their opponents with relatively ease, winning every quarter and eventually trouncing Albanvale to the tune of 79 points. Joel Dwyer was best on ground for the Bulldogs, while Kirk Heberle kicked six majors.
In the final match of the round, North Footscray kept in touch with the ladder leaders by thumping Parkside in a 70-point victory. They kept Parkside to a single goal in the first half and never took the foot off the gas, sending a message to their fellow premiership contenders. Jason Butty was superb kicking five goals, with Rylan Williams chipping in with three.
Round 4 action will see a Footscray derby as North and West face off and there will be a bonafide blockbuster as the two remaining undefeated teams, Yarraville Seddon and Point Cook, will battle to see who is the true contender to the title.