SUNSHINE SECURES A THRILLER, TOP TEAMS WIN BIG
Sunshine has scored its first win in TIV Division 1 Senior Men since 2022 with a thrilling two-point victory over Point Cook in Round 5.
Going into Saturday’s contest the Kangaroos had lost their first four games by an average of 52 points, while the Bulldogs had shown plenty of improvement since Round 1 and almost stunned reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing in their last outing.
Sunshine led early but were behind at the main break and entering the final term, however a fourth quarter comeback saw the visitors flip a 10-point deficit at the last change into a momentous triumph.
They went ahead early in the last with two quick goals, but the hosts twice retook the lead before Sunshine had the last say to claim a stunning 10.7 (67) to 10.5 (65) win.
Mark Mazzeo and Thomas Schwarzenberg were again two of the Kangaroos’ best, while Riley Buckland was important with three majors in his season debut.
After their first win of 2025, Sunshine now faces Werribee Districts away, while Point Cook heads to Albion.
Caroline Springs flexed its muscle in a dominant 66-point win against Albion, proving too good against the newly promoted Cats across all four quarters.
A strong start was hurt by early inaccuracy as the Lakers just couldn’t find their range.
Racking up marks inside 50 for fun, the home team turned it on after the quarter-time break breaking the game open with a six goal to one second term, all but ending the contest at the half.
The pain didn’t ease for the visitors in the third as the Lakers piled on a further eight goals, the first real reality check for Albion since moving back up to Division 1.
The Cats weren’t without effort though and won the final term (three goals to zero) but the damage had been done, the Lakers comfortably seeing out the 16.17 (113) to 6.11 (47) win.
Malik Elfakahani and Ryan Allan starred in attack for Caroline Springs with six and five goals respectively while Cooper Pepi was again busy.
The Lakers can move to 3-0 with a win against Point Cook Centrals in Round 6.
Tom Condon’s five goals highlighted Parkside’s comprehensive 18.15 (123) to 10.5 (65) win against Point Cook Centrals, as the Magpies also secured their second win of the campaign.
Six of their seven goal kickers booted multiples, with Jordan Filakis and Jy Lambley chipping in with three each of their own, the hosts leading start to finish and condemning the Sharks to last place through five rounds.
Werribee Districts offensive firepower proved too much for Altona in their 15.11 (101) to 7.3 (45) triumph.
Veteran defender Sean Gregory was brilliant at one end, while at the other Daniel Nielson led the way with four goals.
Debutant Billy Collins kicked a pair of majors and was one of the best for the Vikings.
Hoppers Crossing rebounded from its first loss of the season with a strong display at both ends of the ground to knock off Spotswood by 69 points.
Building its lead after each break, the Warriors were rarely troubled as they confined the Woodsmen their second consecutive heavy loss.
Spotswood host Parkside next with the chance to arrest an early season slide.
Meanwhile, Yarraville Seddon trounced Newport 27.17 (179) to 10.6 (66).
The Eagles piled on 10 goals in the second quarter and 13 over the final two terms as more than half the team hit the scoreboard, Tyson Brazel booting five for the second straight week.
Ezzat Haddara was the top performer for Newport who now host Altona, while Yarraville Seddon visits Hoppers Crossing in an early finals preview.