LAURIMAR, VIC. — Patrick Fitzgerald returned to the Laurimar side after several weeks out as they took on Kinglake at Laurimar Reserve. His ten goals helped his team to a record score of 209, the first time a team has eclipsed the double century this season. It was also the biggest win of the year by any side, Laurimar 32.17 (209) to Kinglake 5.1 (31) the final result.
“Fantastic way to celebrate Matt Keys’ 250th, Steve McCallum’s 200th and Patrick Fitzgerald’s 1000th goal,” said Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins. “The boys played very well for them today.”
Liam Waldron kicked six, while Matt Keys booted five in his milestone game.
Liam Lucas, Will Graf and Bailey Hamer were among the best for the travel-weary Lakers.
Mernda recorded a big 126-point win over Epping at Waterview Reserve. While the Blues may not have been operating at their best, the Demons really sizzled in this contest and put the game away early. The more than 12 per cent gained will help them as they aim for the double chance.
“It was our best four-quarter game for the whole year,” said Mernda coach Brent Marshall. He noted that his players were brave with the ball and defended the ground well. Those getting a special mention were Lachlan Potter off half back, James Sekulovski who kicked seven majors, Christian “Billy” Evans who slotted five and forwards who all kicked two goals in Joshua Caputo, Zach Ciacia and Jett Philips.
Corey Middleton has been a high performer for Epping but probably played his best game for the year. Adam Rose and Brent Macaffer also excelled, while Jii Dickinson also did well until injured.
The thriller of the round came at Heidelberg Park when Heidelberg West and Kilmore did battle. The Hawks went to the main break 29 points up and seemingly heading towards a win. But the Blues persisted, and a great third term reduced the deficit to just four points at three-quarter time.
Kilmore made it seven unanswered goals by booting the first three of the final quarter to go to a 16-point lead. Then Heidelberg West kicked a couple of goals to make it a one-kick game. But they were unable to kick the one more they needed to regain the lead.
It was a great win by the emerging Blues, with Eammon McLaughlin-Matthews, Zack Ferguson and Chase Dennis acquitting themselves well.
Fletcher Parkinson, Mitchell Thompson and James Condello did well for the Hawks in a disappointing day for the local fans.
Old Eltham Collegians had their biggest win for the year when defeating Lalor at Eltham College by 83 points. The Turtles were very consistent throughout the day, kicking four goals in each of the first three terms and then five in the last.
Thomas Burns, Mitch Crapper and Saxon Howkins each kicked three in the victory.
Reuben Thomson, Logan Martin and Connor Pilatti all did well for Old Eltham Collegians.
“We played our best footy of the season today,” said Turtles’ coach Stewart McCallum. “It was great to see the things we’ve been working on finally come together. The boys played with plenty of effort, stuck to the game plan, and it was really pleasing to see them rewarded for it.”
Shannon Smith came back into the team for the Bloods and did well, along with Nawid Najafi and Harrison Hasouras. Sam Rexhepi kicked three goals.
Lalor had the Epping game abandoned and then had the bye, so it was a tough assignment for the team being first up for three weeks.
“It was a huge effort from both sides,” said Lalor president Wayne Hutson. “We had the biggest attendance on the training track this week, which goes to show the character of our players, in my opinion. Our turnovers played into their hands and the ball was going straight over our heads with interest. Credit to the Turtles who were clearly the better side and deserved the victory.”
It was top versus third as Ivanhoe ventured to Crispe Park to take on Reservoir. A big second term sent the Hoers on their way to victory. They booted 7.2 to 2.0 to establish a 47-point lead over the Mustangs at half-time and went on with the job to win by 68 points.
“I was really happy with our strong start,” said Ivanhoe coach Wayne Schultz. “The boys were fierce at the contest, and then our ball use with spread helped set the scene.”
Schultz loved the work of Michale Doyle, who played on the dangerous Michael Hurley and gave his team a rebound off half back. He also praised the efforts of centre square stars Riley Loton and Alex Federico as well as winger Joel Kleiman.
This was Joe Palazzolo’s first loss in his role as coach of Reservoir, albeit against top opposition.
“It was a tough day, and Ivanhoe are a class outfit,” said Palazzolo. “We had a few out from last week but the boys we had in had a crack all day and I can’t fault them. They kept fighting all day, and it showed today that we can match it with the benchmark of the competition. But we need to do it for four quarters and not just one. Hopefully, we’ll get a few back next week and go again.”
Joshua Grabowski, Mark Ferraro and Rikki Newton were among the best for the Mustangs.
The loss dropped Reservoir to fourth, and Mernda jumped up to grab their spot. Ivanhoe and Laurimar continue to hold the top two spots.
Watsonia had a good day without playing. The loss by Heidelberg West enabled them to remain in the fifth spot, and now the Hawks have the bye.
Heidelberg West remains a chance to play finals, but it is a very difficult assignment now, and they will rely on other results to go their way. Kilmore is a game back from the Hawks and can press for an unlikely finals berth if they keep winning. The big problem for both teams outside the five is that their percentage is a fair way off that of fifth-placed Watsonia.
