DIVISION ONE
Edithvale-Aspendale has set up a mouth-watering round two clash against reigning premier Pines after an impressive – but inaccurate – 45-point victory over Mornington at Regents Park on Saturday.
The Eagles, who kicked a wayward 3.13 in the second and third quarters, were well served by several new recruits with Shayne Allan booting three goals and Tom Lamb two, while Trent Robertson was more than serviceable on debut.
Jackson Calder was the most dangerous Bulldog forward on the ground with four goals for the afternoon.
Pines ruckman Russell Gabriel also shined at his new club with a dominant stoppage display in the Pythons 16-point victory over Mt Eliza at Emil Madsen Reserve.
Gabriel gave silver-service to gun midfielders Luke Potts and Perry Lewis-Smith, while Luke Dalmau slotted two in his first-up attempt as a Python. The versatile Guy Hendry adequately filled the shoes of injured full-forward Aaron Edwards, booting four, while Shawn Watson was dangerous on debut for the Redlegs, slotting five.
Sorrento’s resilience was put to the test against a fired-up Frankston YCW and the Sharks passed the examination with flying colours after a stunning 13-point victory at John Coburn Oval.
The Sharks trailed by 40 points at the first break but kicked 16 goals to six after the first interval to register the biggest statement on the opening day of the season.
Leigh Poholke (4 goals) and Luke Tapscott (3) did most of the damage for last year’s runners up, while Shannon Gladman, Mitch Hallahan and Sam Gibson ran riot after an early dose of sleepiness wore off.
Daniel Hughes, Lachie Wallace and Matt La Fontaine were solid four-quarter contributors for the Stonecats, who will look to rebound against Mornington in round two.
Former Western Bulldog Jarrad Grant has started his second season at Frankston in impressive fashion, booting a lazy seven goals in the Bombers seven-point victory over Bonbeach at Greg Beck Oval.
Grant was a clear best on ground and the key reason the Bombers could overcome a 10-point deficit at three-quarter time. Dale Sutton was also superb for the Bombers while gun-recruit Harry Prior gave a great first-up effort in the ruck.
The class of Shane McDonald stood out for the Sharks, while Dylan Jones lost no admirers after a terrific battle with Prior at the stoppages.
Frankston Bombers player Sam Drake (3) makes Bonbeach forward Joe Fisscher earn a tough possession at Greg Beck Oval on Saturday. Picture: Cheryl Cameron
And Dromana looks to have made a successful transition to division one after the Tigers ran away with a 33-point victory over Rosebud at Olympic Oval.
The Tigers dodged a bullet in the first quarter with Rosebud kicking 1.7, but kicked nine goals to four after the first break to score a thoroughly deserved victory. The Tigers rounded out their first win in style, booting 4.6 to 1.1 in the final term.
Ethan Johnstone booted four, and Sam Fowler and Josh Bateman two each for the winners, while Reid Nanscawen and Ben Dwyer were impressive performers for the Buds.
This Week – Round Two
Pines v Edi-Asp
Mornington v YCW
Sorrento v Mt Eliza
Dromana v Frankston
Bonbeach v Rosebud
DIVISION TWO
The Hastings medical department might be due a pay rise after the Blues scored a courageous 41-point victory over Tyabb in today’s WorkSafe Game of the Month at Hastings.
A star-studded luncheon was held to mark the occasion with netballers Eloise Southby and Renae Ingles joining former Carlton champion Anthony Koutoufides and Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney as Sunday guests of the Hastings Football Netball Club.
From left; Jack Viney, Renae Ingles, Hastings President Karen Gay, Anthony Koutoufides and Eloise Southby.
Tyabb had the better of the early exchanges before the Blues settled to play some exciting football in the first term. Midfielder Sean Hewitt carved up the Yabbies with his pace, Ben King and James Marasco were terrific performers in the ruck, while club stalwart Col McVeigh made reading the game of football look very easy from the back half.
The Blues injury concerns started early, with Joel Williams forced from the field with what looked to be a major shoulder complaint, before key defenders Joel Standfield and Terry Green left the field with hand injuries.
The Blues had further issues and were forced to finish the contest with no bench – and injured players on the ground.
Coach Ricky Ferraro was at his busy and inspirational best for the Blues, while Adam Wilson, Darcy Sawyer, Paul Ransom and Ethan Rahilly worked hard in defence for the Yabbies.
Hastings coach Ricky Ferraro had plenty to be pleased about at quarter time after a five-goal opening term against Tyabb.
Karingal full forward Marc Holt has done what he does best – perform in big games – kicking seven goals in the Bulls nine-point victory over Red Hill at Ballam Park.
Holt’s career is laced with stunning big-game performances and he added another as the Bulls narrowly held sway at the end of all four quarters. The Bulls led by seven, six and 11 at the first three breaks before holding firm in the final quarter.
Matt Robinson was also impressive for the Bulls, while Sean Marchetti and Jono Ross snagged a couple each for the Hillmen.
Langwarrin’s recruiting staff will be giving itself a healthy pat on the back after Tim McGenniss and Billy Rolfe made significant contributions in the Kangaroos 27-point win over Chelsea at Lloyd Park.
McGenniss led the scoring for the Kangas with three majors while Rolfe joined Shane Paterson, Jesse Murphy and Matt Peynenborg in hitting the scoreboard on multiple occasions.
Jed Brain booted three for the Seagulls, who had Matt Ponton and former Hastings star Shaun Foster in terrific form to start the season.
Seaford will be breathing a massive sigh of relief after the Tigers walked away from Somerville with the narrowest of victories – a one-point win at Jones Road.
The Tigers looked in total command at half time, playing an attractive brand of footy to open up a 31-point lead. But the Eagles stormed home, with Paul Fermanis and Ryan Gillis dangerous in front of goals, and Ben Sedgwick and Jack Barbour playing leading roles in the fightback.
Matt Terech was a formidable force in the ruck for the Tigers, while three goals to Aaron Walton made all the difference in a nail-biting start to the season.
Improved accuracy in front of goals has helped Devon Meadows chalk up its first win of the season with an impressive 45-point victory over Pearcedale at Tractor Park.
Devon kicked itself out of the contest against Karingal last week but straightened things up kicking 18.7.115 to 10.10.70. Michael Theodoridis slotted half-a-dozen for the winners while skipper Mat Fletcher oozed class with a five-goal haul.
Pearcedale captain Trav Bravo was outstanding for the home side who had recruits Luke Adams, Daniel Baker and Max Gearon all in the thick of the action.
And Rye has opened its 2019 account with a comprehensive 42-point win over Crib Point.
The Demons had 10 shots at goal in the opening term but left the door ajar by kicking 1.9 to lead by just 12 points at the first break. The Demons slammed the door shut with a six-goal second term before running away with a comfortable victory.
Playing coach Adam Kirkwood booted five for the winners, while Josh Gana and Nick Strickland chimed in with four and three goals respectively. Tyrren Head was a standout for the Demons, with veteran performer Luke Herrington booting three goals for the Magpies.
This Week – Round Two
Chelsea v Karingal (6pm)
Seaford v Langwarrin
Tyabb v Somerville
Devon Meadows v Crib Point
Rye v Hastings
Red Hill v Pearcedale