With the finals just around the corner, Round 15 of the VFL promised a scintillating weekend of football and Saturday didn't disappoint, writes David O'Neill
Roosters hold off Tigers
North Ballarat Roosters continue to press for a finals berth after holding off the fast finishing Werribee Tigers at Eureka Stadium today.
A goal after the final siren to Billy Driscoll (two goals) saw the Roosters post a well-deserved 17-point victory, 12.12 (84) to 9.13 (67).
For the second week in a row, the Tigers came from beyond five goals down to threaten late in the final term.
Two quick goals from debutant and 23rd player George Cameron (Geelong Falcons) had the visitors within nine points at the 20-minute mark and a come-from-behind victory loomed.
But again the Tigers’ late surge proved in vain with Steve Clifton dribbling through a goal from outside 50 to stem the tide and help his side clinch the much needed four points.
Captain Michael Searl and the elusive Nathan Horbury joined Driscoll with two goals apiece, while Lachlan George, with a goal and 21 disposals, was named best -on-ground.
He was well supported by midfielders Liam Anthony (30 possessions) and Nick Rippon (27), while Oliver Tate (27) and Luke Delaney controlled the back half for most of the afternoon.
The Tigers’ resistance was led by three goals to Ben Warren and two to Majak Daw, including an impressive long bomb in third term that sparked the visitors into action.
The Roosters must now wait for the Northern Blues' clash with Coburg tomorrow to see if they will finish Round 15 in the top eight.
Essendon blitzes Bendigo
Essendon’s Peter Jackson VFL season remains well and truly alive after a commanding 111-point victory over Bendigo Gold today.
Experienced forward Scott Gumbleton (four goals and 10 contested marks) and utility Trent Shinners (four goal) led the way, while Nick O’Brien and Nathan Lovett-Murray (two goals) ran riot through the midfield.
Alywn Davey (three) and captain ben Duscher (two) joined the party as the Dons finished with 11 individual goalkickers.
Bombers-listed tall Dylan Van Unen was another to the catch the eye with his efforts in the back half, while Alex Browne, David Hille and Anthony Tipungwuti were all significant contributors.
The Bombers piled on eight goals in the first term as Gumbleton took charge and never looked back.
Bendigo showed some fight after half time but despite two goals from Shannen Lange and the best efforts of Nathan Beck in defence, they were simply outclassed.
Casey shrugs off Collingwood
Melbourne’s great hope Jesse Hogan has put in another standout performance to lead Casey Scorpions to an eight-point win over Collingwood.
Hogan finished with 25 possessions, 12 marks and three goals to help the Scorpions cement their place in the top four.
The Magpies trailed by more than four goals early in the final quarter, but rallied to send the game into a thrilling conclusion.
Kyle Martin, after being well held by Scorpions’ tough-nut Jams Magner for most of the afternoon, bobbed up with a crucial goal, before Matthew Boland sent through a long bomb cut the margin to just eight points.
But after being in control for the majority of the match, the Scorpions stood firm to triumph 13.12 (90) to Collingwood 12.10 (82)
James Strauss (27 touches), Josh Tynan (25) and Magner (25) joined Hogan in the Scorpions’ best players, while Jake Best, James Spencer, Nick Lang and Rory Taggert each booted two goals in the win.
Andrew Krakouer (28 possessions) and Alan Didak (27) led the way for the Magpies, while Quinten Lynch returned to form with 27 disposals.
Boland and fellow key forward Jackson Paine finished with three goals apiece.
Box Hill ousts Port Melbourne in thriller
Box Hill Hawks have put an end to a three-game losing streak with a 15-point triumph over Port Melbourne.
Three final term goals to Sam Grimley (four in total) proved the difference as the Hawks held off the Borough in a thriller.
Grimely’s fourth and Sam Cust’s second finally broke the back of the Borough, who led by seven points at three quarter time.
Tim O’Brien and Veteran Michael Osborn each booted three goals, while Derek Wanganeen shone in the windy conditions. His pace and the ball use of David Mirra were both crucial factors in the season-defining win.
Earlier Dean Galea threatened to blow the game apart with four first quarter goals. With the Borough transitioning the ball with speed, the Galea continually found space in the forward half.
But with Hawks lifting their pressure around the ball carrier, his supply dried up and the Borough spearhead wasn’t able to add to his tally for the remainer of the afternoon.
Danny Hughes and Toby Pinwill bagged two majors each, while Sam Pleming and John Baird did their best to drag the Borough over the line.
Williamstown overrun Frankston
An eight-goal final term has fired Williamstown to a comfortable victory over Frankston.
The Seagulls turned a two-point three-quarter time deficit into a 36-point win, 14.20 (104) to 10.8 (68).
Young gun Jake Stringer finished with three goals, and Josh Bench and Stephen McCallum two each as the Seagulls ran riot after three tight quarters.
Tom Campbell did his chances of a recall to the Bulldogs' line-up no harm with a best-on-ground display, while Ed Carr and Daniel Pearce were both four-quarter contributors.
Jarrod Irving and David Gallagher kicked two each to be among the best for the visitors, and Russell Gabriel battled manfully in the ruck.
The loss leaves the Dolphins’ final hopes in tatters, while the Seagulls are now entrenched in the top four.
Last Modified on 27/07/2013 18:48