AROUND THE GROUNDS
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – FINALS ROUND 1
Rowville’s promising season ended in disappointment after a second-half fadeout against Blackburn in their elimination final clash.
With scores level at half time, the game appeared set up for a great finish but it wasn’t to be as Blackburn booted eight goals to three in the second half to claim a big win, 14.16 (100) to 9.8 (62).
Mitchell Garner (two goals) and Nikolas Schoenmakers were best for the Hawks.
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 2 – FINALS ROUND 1
Gembrook Cockatoo’s Division 2 premiership dream is still well and truly alive after a 20-point elimination final win over Alexandra at Woori Yallock on Sunday.
The Brookers took a narrow seven-point advantage into quarter-time and managed to keep the Rebels at arm’s length for the remainder of the contest, winning by 20 points – 13.19 (97) to 11.11 (77).
Andrew Shipp was tremendous for the Brookers – booting four majors despite playing through a persistent knee injury – while Dylan Scott, Daniel Welsh, and Michael Firrito (two goals) were also outstanding.
The Brookers next take on Yarra Glen in the first semi-final.
In Division 1, meanwhile, Emerald closed out its season with a disappointing loss away to Wandin, 20.20 (140) to 11.15 (81).
The Bulldogs got the jump with 12 scoring shots to five in the opening term to set the tone for the remainder of the clash.
Justin Van Unen booted nine majors in a starring role for the finals-bound side, while Rohan Heasley also shone. Harrison Lang, Jake Pedder, and Lachlan Sheppard were some of the strongest contributors for the Bombers.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – FINALS ROUND 2
The Doveton Eagles, in their first season back in Division 2, have progressed through to the big dance. Against Highett, a barnstorming first quarter set up the Eagles’ win as they piled on 6.7 (43) to 0.0 (0).
Highett simply had no answers for Doveton as former Melbourne Demons high-flyer Russell Robertson (five goals) dominated, while Nick Beer, Nick Battle and Darren Sheen (three goals each) also fired up forward.
The Eagles eventually ran out 18.20 (128) to 10.9 (69) winners and will have the chance to make it back-to-back premierships in two weeks’ time.
Despite a slow start, Keysborough won through to the preliminary final after an inspired comeback win over Murrumbeena.
The Burras were down by 21 points at quarter time, but when Matthew Carnelley (six goals) kicked into gear, it was game over as he completely took over the game.
Still trailing by two points at the final break, Keysborough slammed on five goals to zero in a dominant final term to run out 14.10 (94) to 10.10 (70) winners. The Burras will meet Highett in the preliminary final on Saturday at Jack Barker Oval.
DIVISION 3 – FINALS ROUND 1
Minor premiers Springvale Districts won through to the grand final courtesy of a stirring come-from-behind win over Hampton Park.
The Redbacks held a slender one-goal lead at the final break, but the Demons came roaring home booting five goals to one in the fourth term to claim a 9.7 (61) to 6.7 (42) win.
Harley Primrose and Jackson Fry led the way for Hampton Park, who will have another chance to make it to the grand final in this weekend’s preliminary final.
Endeavour Hills got off to a flying start against Ashwood in their semi-final clash and despite inaccuracy in front of goal were too strong all day, claiming a 6.18 (54) to 4.7 (31) win.
Daniel Cann and Brandon Cram were impressive for the Falcons.
DIVISION 4 – FINALS ROUND 2
In a stunning fall from grace, Carrum Patterson Lakes – the Division 4 minor premier – was booted out of the finals in straight sets after falling to Lyndhurst in week one of the finals, and Cerberus on Saturday.
Cerberus held Carrum Patterson Lakes to just one goal in the first term and went one better in the second to hold the top team scoreless.
A 32-point half time lead was a valuable one, but it was far from over. Carrum Patterson Lakes fought hard in the third term, slotting five majors, but Cerberus kept pace with four of its own.
Cerberus scored five goals to two in the final term to book its place in the grand final with a 14.14 (98) to 8.2 (50) win.
Jimmy Miller (seven goals) was unstoppable up forward for Cerberus, while Carrum Patterson Lakes, in a bitterly disappointing day, was led by Mitchell Swinton and Aaron Guy.
