BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — Round 15 brought plenty of upsets in the Northern Football Netball League’s Second Division, which may prove pivotal for those with finals aspirations.
Panton Hill defeated Fitzroy Stars by 10 points at AE Cracknell Reserve, claiming their fourth win of the season in the process.
The Redbacks led at every break, but were aided by the inaccuracy in front of goal from their opponents. The Stars kicked more behinds than goals in every quarter, but it was the second term which left them licking their wounds, where they managed 1.7 from 15 inside 50’s.
Riley Livingstone was instrumental for the victorious side, accumulating 28 disposals with half of those being rebounds out of defensive 50. Thomas Blake was the biggest focal point in attack, finishing the day with four majors, two of which came in the final term with the game well and truly on the line.
Ethan Penrith was named best afield for the Stars, having 18 disposals alongside nine inside 50’s and 12 tackles on the day. Matthew Williamson led the way in attack with four goals, while Pat Farrant and Elijah Taylor added two each.
Macleod kept their finals hopes alive with a commanding 71-point win over Lower Plenty at De Winton Reserve.
The Roos controlled the contest from start to finish. Their first term saw them kick four goals and limit the Bears to just three behinds.
Spearhead forward Darcy Barden continued his strong form, slotting six goals, taking the division’s leading goal kicker to a tally of 57 majors for the season – 20 more than second place.
It was a strong team performance from the Roos, with eight players finishing the day with 20 or more disposals. Kobe Brandt (25 disposals, 10 clearances) and Zach Hudson (21 disposals, nine clearances) were recognised among the best for the victorious side.
That result saw Lower Plenty lose their fifth consecutive game, leaving them sixth on the ladder but still well and truly in the finals hunt, sitting just two points behind fifth-placed Fitzroy Stars.
Jordon Smith (23 disposals,14 contested pos) was named best afield for the Bears. Joel Leslie (22 disposals, 13 contested pos) and Jasper Collins (21 disposals, one goal) were also among their top performers.
Northcote Park 17.6 (108) prevailed by 46 points over St Mary’s in their top-of-the-table clash at Whatmough Park.
The Cougars produced one of their most polished performances of the season. Their efficiency going inside 50 was a defining feature, converting 17 goals from just 23 scoring shots. Their defence also held strong under pressure, as the Burra won the inside 50 count by 17. The result also prevented St Mary’s from jumping them on the ladder and claiming top spot.
Superstar Jordan Perry had another strong outing, leading the way with 31 disposals – 15 of which were clearances. Daniel Tallariti was also busy, having 26 disposals and 11 marks.
Michael Amad was the most prolific goalkicker on the ground, finishing the day with five majors to his name. Tighe O’Brien, Leo Amad, Charlie Fawcett and Nathan Perry were also impactful, all kicking two goals apiece.
The win sees Northcote Park reinstate their one game lead at the top of the ladder with three weeks to go in the race for the minor premiership.
South Morang 13.8 (86) continued its strong campaign with a hard-fought 10-point victory over Old Paradians 11.10 (76) at Garvey Oval.
The Lions found themselves in a genuine contest throughout the afternoon, with Old Paradians leading at the first two breaks. However, the Lions had the answers in the second half, regaining the lead heading into the final term after four goals and keeping the Raiders to the sole goal in the premiership quarter.
South Morang big man Nathan Stefanile had an entertaining battle with Connor McDonald for most of the afternoon, but the Lions ruckman was instrumental with 28 disposals, 45 hit-outs and 13 clearances. Davin Cameron was also prolific with 33 disposals, nine clearances and a goal while Carter McCall booted four goals for the visitors.
Kyle O’Sullivan continues to lead from the front for Old Parade week in, week out with another 26 touches, 11 tackles and six clearances, and Josh Iacobaccio collected 25 disposals and a goal. Three players kicked two goals apiece – Lachie Kerr, Rufus Jones and Marcus Nolan all hitting the scoreboard.
The result just about secures a second chance for the Lions, while the Raiders sit in fourth with the Stars and Lower Plenty hot on their tail.
Thomastown continues its late-season charge and is now one of the form sides of the competition, making it three wins in a row with an eight-point win over Whittlesea, which sees them secure four wins from their last five outings.
The Bears led from start to finish at Whittlesea Showgrounds, stretching the lead to as much as 26 points at the final change before the Eagles mounted a fourth quarter fightback to close the gap.
Ultimately the home side left itself too much to do with too little time on the clock and despite keeping the Bears goalless in the final quarter couldn’t overhaul the lead, seeing them relinquish seventh spot to Macleod.
Anthony Capeci collected 28 disposals and two goals in a best-on-ground performance, but was aided by three goals to James Lucente, 23 disposals and a goal from Zain Yamak and 18 disposals, five clearances and a goal from Youseph Dib.
For Whittlesea, the trio of Thomas Falls (31 disposals, nine clearances), Mitchell Andrews (25 disposals) and Deakin Tennant (20 disposals, eight tackles) were prolific ball winners across the day, and Khaled El-Leissy was best afield with three goals and 42 hitouts in the ruck. Caden Allen also finished with three majors.
The win helps Thomastown keep Panton Hill at bay, but the relegation discussion is far from settled and will be a fascinating watch for the remaining three rounds.
