BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — Round 13 delivered one of the biggest weekends of the Northern Football Netball League’s Division 1 season, with upset results, thrilling finishes and statement performances shaking up the race for finals.
Banyule stunned Montmorency with a dominant victory, Hurstbridge claimed a crucial win over fellow finals contender Bundoora, while Greensborough strengthened its top five position against Diamond Creek.
North Heidelberg survived one of the biggest final-quarter scares of the season, and Heidelberg continued its march towards the minor premiership with another commanding performance.
With only a handful of rounds remaining, every result is becoming increasingly significant, and this weekend has left the race for September more open than ever.
Banyule 16.7 (103) def. Montmorency 6.8 (44)
Banyule produced arguably its finest performance of the season, overpowering Montmorency by 59 points in a result that few would have predicted before the opening bounce.
The Bears brought relentless pressure around the contest from the outset and controlled territory for most of the afternoon, consistently forcing turnovers before converting their opportunities on the scoreboard. It was a four-quarter effort that highlighted exactly what Banyule is capable of when playing at its best.
Jack Langford was outstanding through the midfield, finishing with 39 disposals, 10 marks and six clearances in a best-on-ground display. Jean-Luc Velissaris continued his outstanding season with 32 disposals and an enormous 15 clearances, repeatedly giving his side first use at stoppages, while Kye Yodgee provided a dangerous target inside 50 with two goals from 19 disposals.
For Montmorency, Nash Holmes fought hard despite the disappointing result, collecting 28 disposals and eight clearances.
The victory gives Banyule plenty of confidence heading into the final month of the home-and-away season while handing the Magpies a costly defeat in the battle for a top three finish.
Greensborough 10.11 (71) def. Diamond Creek 6.11 (47)
Greensborough continued its strong form with a composed 24-point victory over Diamond Creek in another important result for the finals race.
The Borough gained ascendancy through contested possession and clearance work, controlling large periods of the contest before gradually pulling away during the second half. While both sides created opportunities, Greensborough’s ability to win the ball around stoppages proved the difference.
Tom Mitchell delivered one of the individual performances of the season, finishing with 34 disposals, 29 contested possessions and 10 clearances in a dominant display around the football. Brody Glenn made the most of his chances inside forward 50, kicking three goals from 16 disposals.
Nathan Searl was among Diamond Creek’s best, gathering 28 disposals, taking 12 marks and recording 11 inside 50s as he continually drove his side forward.
The win keeps Greensborough firmly in the finals mix while Diamond Creek will be eager to respond next weekend.
North Heidelberg 18.7 (115) def. Eltham 16.10 (106)
North Heidelberg survived one of the most remarkable finishes of the season, holding off a fast-finishing Eltham outfit to secure a thrilling nine-point victory.
The Bulldogs looked to have the contest well under control after opening up an eight-goal lead by three-quarter time. However, Eltham produced a stunning final-quarter comeback, kicking seven of the opening eight goals of the term to pile enormous pressure on the home side.
With momentum completely in the Panthers’ favour and the margin rapidly disappearing, North Heidelberg desperately needed a response. That moment came through ruckman Nash Ramage, whose sealing goal finally halted Eltham’s charge and ensured the Bulldogs escaped with the four premiership points.
Jamison Shea was outstanding with 34 disposals, eight marks and seven inside 50s, while Bode Stevens continued his excellent form with 28 disposals and 10 clearances. Ben Bath finished with four goals from 18 disposals in an influential performance inside forward 50.
David Evans kicked four goals for Eltham, while Alexander Bellchambers was exceptional with 26 disposals, seven clearances and two goals as the Panthers came within touching distance of one of the biggest comebacks of the year.
Although Eltham fell short, their final-quarter fight ensured the contest became one of the most memorable games of Round 13.
Hurstbridge 8.6 (54) def. Bundoora 6.10 (46)
Hurstbridge strengthened its finals credentials with a hard-fought eight-point victory over Bundoora in a tense contest where every possession mattered.
Goals were difficult to come by throughout the afternoon, with both sides applying fierce defensive pressure and refusing to give the opposition easy opportunities. In the end, Hurstbridge’s ability to capitalise on its chances proved decisive.
Blake Fitzgerald led the way with 25 disposals, 12 tackles and seven clearances in a tireless midfield display, while Cam Wild provided the biggest impact forward of centre, finishing with three goals from 15 disposals and laying eight tackles.
Isaac McMillan battled hard for the Bulls with 26 disposals, 12 tackles and six clearances, but Hurstbridge’s defensive pressure held firm during the closing stages.
The result could prove pivotal in the race for fifth spot as the season heads towards its conclusion.
Heidelberg 24.23 (167) def. West Preston-Lakeside 6.2 (38)
Heidelberg continued its dominant campaign with another emphatic victory, defeating West Preston-Lakeside by 129 points to remain the benchmark of Division 1.
The Tigers controlled the contest from the opening bounce, winning the ball at stoppages, dominating territory and generating repeated scoring opportunities. While they left several goals on the table with 23 behinds, they still produced one of the highest scores of the season.
Luke Bunker continued his outstanding form with 37 disposals, nine clearances and three goals in another complete midfield performance. Brayden Sier was a constant aerial threat, kicking five goals from 17 disposals, while Dylan Clarke added 32 disposals and two goals in another influential display.
For West Preston-Lakeside, Felix Dreher never stopped competing, collecting 32 disposals and 10 rebound 50s as he continually repelled Heidelberg attacks despite the scoreboard pressure.
The Tigers remain the competition’s team to beat as they continue building momentum towards another finals campaign.
