With only two matches of Round 16 today, all eyes turned to the Sandringham/Essendon clash and to whether Bendigo Gold could recover from a tumultuous week to take it up to the Box Hill Hawks.
Bombers outclass Zebras
A finals’ berth remains a distinct possibility for a rampaging Essendon after a 43-point demolition of Sandringham today.
The undermanned Zebras 9.1 (65) were no match for the visiting Bombers 16.11 (108), boasting experienced AFL players on every line.
And while Ben Howlett (37 disposals), Tayte Pears (32) and Nathan Lovett-Murray (31) were instrumental in the win, it was VFL-listed midfielder and captain Ben Duscher who was the main destroyer.
Duscher finished with five goals, including three in the opening term to ensure his side was never seriously challenged.
Smalls forwards Alwyn Davey and Matthew Firman – in his 100th VFL game – provided valuable support with three apiece in the windy conditions.
The late withdrawal of a host of St Kilda-listed stars, including ruckman Tom Hickey, Seb Ross and Nathan Wright, left the Zebras at long odds before the opening bounce.
Despite Tom ledger running himself into the ground with 40 possessions, and three goals from Beau Dowler, the hosts were never in the contest.
Kicking with the aid of a strong breeze in the opening term, the Bombers had six behinds on the board before finally registering their first major.
With David Hille giving his on-ballers an arm chair ride, they soon had three on the board before a goal from Dowler into the breeze helped the Zebras sit 23 points down at quarter time.
In difficult conditions for key forwards, the turnovers mounted as both sides struggled to find their rhythm.
But with the Zebras failing to capitalise on the scoring end, the Bombers stepped up to slam on three goals in succession and take a commanding 34-point lead into the main break.
The third quarter was all the Bombers as Firman pounced on his opportunities, and Stewart Crameri hit the scoreboard.
Crameri and youngster Joe Daniher were well-held by an unheralded Zebras’ defence, led by Cam Shenton and Hamish Shepheard, but both never stopped competing.
Shenton's long kicking had been a feature of the Zebras' play and was again important at the start of the final term.
With their season hanging by thread, the Zebras booted the opening two goals of the quarter, the first after Shenton's kick out from full back finished beyond the half way mark and evenutally in the hands of Myke Cook ruinning at goal.
But any hope of a miraculous come-back was soon squashed as Duscher slotted his fifth to cap an amazing day for the in-and under midfielder.
The victory lifts the Bombers to seven wins from 15 matches this season, level on points with the Northern Blues (eighth before Round 16) and the North Ballarat Roosters (ninth).
The Blues and Roosters can move a game ahead tomorrow when they take on Frankston and Coburg respectively.
For Sandringham, now two and half games outside the eight, an appearance in September looks unlikely.
Box Hill Hawks outmuscle Bendigo
The Box Hills Hawks have survived a hard day at the office to defeat Bendigo Gold by 38 points.
After a week of speculation regarding Bendigo’s future in the competition, Aussie Jones’ young side responded with an inspired performance for the first three quarters.
The Hawks were just 13 points up at the final change but with the wind behind them, powered home to clinch a comfortable victory.
Jed Anderson bagged two goals and provided the Hawks with plenty of run in the difficult conditions, especially as the rain came down in the second half.
Sam Iles was another significant contributor and added goal of the day with a fine effort in the final term charge.
David Mirra continued his stellar season with another standout performance, while Luke Lowden was lively across half forward, and Kyle Cheney and Matt Spangher pivotal in defence.
Captain Steven Stroobants led the way as usual with two goals for Bendigo Gold, while Alik Magin worked tirelessly through the midfield.
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Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 05/08/2013 12:45