BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — With just two rounds remaining in the NFNL Division 1 season, the finals race is beginning to take shape, with Round 16 producing plenty of movement on the ladder.
Banyule delivered one of the biggest results of the season with a stunning victory over second-placed Diamond Creek, while Montmorency climbed into second spot with a dominant win over Hurstbridge.
Heidelberg continued its dominant season with another huge victory, Bundoora produced a similarly emphatic result against West Preston-Lakeside, and Greensborough moved into the top five after defeating North Heidelberg.
With so little separating the teams fighting for finals positions, every result is becoming increasingly important heading into the final fortnight of the home-and-away season.
Banyule 9.14 (68) defeated Diamond Creek 9.7 (61)
Banyule have produced a major upset in their charge towards the finals, defeating second-placed Diamond Creek by seven points in a thrilling contest.
The Creekers appeared to have control of the contest for much of the afternoon, leading at every change, but Banyule refused to go away and produced a decisive final quarter to overturn the deficit and claim one of their most important wins of the season.
Banyule’s ability to capitalise on Diamond Creek turnovers proved a major factor in the result, with 51 of their 68 points coming directly from turnover.
Liam Mackie was a standout contributor for the winners, finishing with 30 disposals, eight intercept possessions and seven rebound 50s as he played an important role in helping Banyule transition the ball out of defence.
Jean-Luc Velissaris was equally influential through the midfield, collecting 30 disposals and 11 clearances while also hitting the scoreboard with a goal.
Oliver Poole provided another strong performance with 29 disposals, 10 intercept possessions and five inside 50s.
For Diamond Creek, Nathan Searl was busy across half-back and finished with 28 disposals and 16 rebound 50s, while Dale Marshall and Jacob Booth both collected 32 disposals.
Marshall was particularly influential around the stoppages with 13 clearances, while Booth worked hard defensively and finished with nine tackles.
The result is a huge boost for Banyule’s finals hopes, while Diamond Creek will be left to regroup after surrendering a game they led at every change.
Montmorency 16.21 (117) defeated Hurstbridge 6.9 (45)
Montmorency have moved into second position on the ladder after cruising to a 72-point victory over Hurstbridge.
The Magpies controlled the contest for long periods, eventually finishing with 16 goals to six to secure another important win as they look to lock away a top-two finish.
For Hurstbridge, the defeat sees them slip to sixth position, leaving them half a game outside the top five with only two rounds remaining.
Nash Holmes was one of the key figures for Montmorency, producing an outstanding all-round performance with 34 disposals and two goals.
Stefan Uzelac was also dominant around the stoppages, collecting 30 disposals, 15 clearances and 34 hitouts to give the Magpies a strong presence around the contest.
Hurstbridge battled hard throughout, with Liam Middleton leading the way in possession with 28 disposals and seven clearances.
Lachlan East also worked hard around the ground, collecting 21 disposals and taking 13 marks.
With the finals race so tight, Hurstbridge now face a huge challenge over the final two rounds, needing results to go their way as they attempt to break back into the top five.
Eltham 8.4 (52) defeated by Heidelberg 22.25 (157)
Heidelberg continued their dominant season with another emphatic victory, dismantling Eltham by 105 points.
The Tigers ran out 22.25 (157) to 8.4 (52) winners, maintaining their position among the competition’s leading sides and producing another imposing performance heading into the final two rounds.
The forward line was once again a major weapon, with Zane Barzen proving almost impossible to contain as he finished with seven goals.
Luke Bunker was outstanding through the midfield, collecting a huge 46 disposals and 12 clearances while also managing to hit the scoreboard with a goal.
Dylan Clarke was another prominent contributor for the Tigers, finishing with 33 touches as Heidelberg controlled possession and territory throughout the contest.
Eltham found it difficult to match Heidelberg’s dominance, although Kai Turner continued to provide plenty of drive through the midfield with 31 touches.
The result continues Heidelberg’s impressive campaign, while Eltham will now turn their attention to finishing the season strongly.
North Heidelberg 7.10 (52) defeated by Greensborough 19.11 (125)
Greensborough have moved into fifth position on the ladder after a commanding 73-point victory over North Heidelberg.
The Boro put together another important performance at the right time of the season, kicking 19 goals to seven to claim the four points and move into the finals positions with two rounds remaining.
Blake Watson was one of Greensborough’s best performers, collecting 27 disposals and contributing two goals.
Brody Glenn provided plenty of scoreboard impact, finishing with three goals from his 20 disposals as the Boro’s forwards made the most of their opportunities.
North Heidelberg were led by Jamison Shea, who finished with 29 touches as the Bulldogs battled to stay in the contest.
The result is a significant one for Greensborough, who now find themselves inside the top five with the finals race entering its decisive stage.
With just two rounds remaining, the Boro will be desperate to hold their position and secure a finals berth.
Bundoora 20.18 (138) defeated West Preston-Lakeside 5.3 (33)
Bundoora produced one of the most dominant performances of Round 16, smashing West Preston-Lakeside by 105 points.
The Bulls finished with 20.18 (138) to 5.3 (33), controlling the contest and producing a relentless performance from start to finish.
Keegan Downie was the standout inside forward 50, booting seven goals from 22 disposals to play a major role in Bundoora’s commanding victory.
Jesse King also had a major impact in attack, finishing with four goals from 18 touches, giving the Bulls another dangerous option close to goal.
Through the midfield, Liam Mallia was prominent with 31 disposals as Bundoora controlled possession and territory throughout the afternoon.
West Preston-Lakeside found it difficult to generate enough scoring opportunities, with Arben Dani their leading possession winner with 36 touches. Dani also managed to hit the scoreboard with two goals.
The emphatic victory gives Bundoora plenty of momentum heading into the final two rounds, while West Preston-Lakeside will be looking to finish the season strongly.
Finals race heats up
With two rounds left in the home-and-away season, the Round 16 results have added another layer of intrigue to the finals race.
Greensborough’s victory sees them move into fifth, while Hurstbridge have dropped to sixth and now sit just half a game outside the top five.
Banyule’s upset victory over Diamond Creek could also prove season-defining, giving the Bears a huge boost as they continue their push towards September.
At the top end of the ladder, Montmorency’s victory sees the Magpies climb into second, while Heidelberg and Bundoora continue to build strong momentum heading into the final fortnight.
With only two games remaining, there is little room for error for the teams fighting for finals positions, setting up a huge finish to the NFNL Division 1 home-and-away season.
