Eight teams remain in the race for the 2013 Peter Jackson VFL premiership after North Ballarat Roosters and Northern Blues failed to force their way into the top eight today.
Essendon’s 39-point victory over the Roosters saw the Bombers confirm their spot in the Legendairy final series.
The ninth-placed Northern Blues also failed to extend their season, falling to Williamstown by 30-points.
The Seagulls’ victory sees them leap leapfrog Casey Scorpions into third position on the Bailey Ladders’ ladder and avoid a date with top-of-the-table Geelong next week.
Instead they will meet Box Hill Hawks, after the Hawks edged out the Scorpions by two points to clinch second spot.
Sunday’s clash between Port Melbourne and Coburg will still have a bearing on the final make-up of the top eight, with a Borough-win enough to cement 7th position.
A Coburg triumph would see the Borough remain in 8th and destined to meet 5th placed-Werribee in a do-or-die elimination final next week.
Earlier today the Magpies cemented their position in the top eight with a thrilling seven-point victory over the Tigers. The Magpies will face either Essendon or Port Melbourne in the second elimination final.
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Magpies hold off Tigers
Collingwood has shrugged off a late charge from the Werribee Tigers to book a spot in the Peter Jackson VFL Legendairy finals series.
While the Magpies' seven point triumph wasn't enough to leap frog the Tigers in 5th position, it proved the men in and black and white could be force in September.
A third-quarter blitz, sparked by two goals in a minute from Jordan Collopy, had the Magpies 38-points clear at the final change.
But four unanswered goals from Tigers breathed life into the contest and sent the Magpie faithful into panic mood.
The hosts steadied briefly through goals to Kyle Martin and then Caolan Mooney, before the Tigers roared again.
Three goals in quick succession had the Tigers within seven points in the dying minutes but Mooney found space to break their hearts again.
The visitors’ eighth goal for the term kept supporters on edge but ultimately it was too little to late.
Mooney was one of six Magpies two boot two goals, joined by Martin, Collopy, Matthew Boland, Cathal Corr and Jackson Paine.
Jordan Russel was superb in defence, completely shutting out Ben Warren and picking up 22 possessions of his own.
Tim Broomhead (27 disposls), Andrew Krakouer (26) and ruck duo Ben Hudson and Darren Jolley were also highly influential in the win.
Ben Brown booted three goals for the Tigers, while captain Jarred Moore was inspirational in the final term onslaught with two goals and handful of clearances.
Tim McGennis also won plaudits for minimising the impact of Martin.
Seagulls ease past Blues
The Northern Blues’ finals aspirations quickly evaporated today as Williamstown stormed into third position with a 30-point victory.
With Liam Jones on fire early with four first quarter goals (six for the match), the Seagulls surged to a 33-point at the first break.
It was an advantage they would maintain throughout as captain Ben Jolley (28 disposals and two goals), Anthony Anastasio (two goals) and Nathan Hrovat (two) ensured the Blues never really serious threatened.
Willy Wheeler (21 disposals) was also highly effective playing through the middle and across half forward.
Lukas Markovic and Michael Talia were pivotal down back, while Cameron Wood dominated the hitouts.
The standout for the Blues was Kane Lambert with 31 classy possessions and a goal. His consistency and composure with ball in hand surely has AFL recruiters circling.
Fraser Dale bobbed up with the two goals, and Jeff Garlett (19 disposals and a goal) and Andre Gianfagna (21 and a goal) had their moments.
Bombers blitz Roostes
A powerful second half has fired Essendon into the Legendairy Finals Series.
The Bombers piled on 10 goals to North Ballarat Roosters’ six after half time, to clinch a 18.17 (125) to 13.8 (86) victory.
Matthew Bate and goal-sneak Corey Dell’Olio both finished with three goals, while David Hille was a pivotal in the ruck.
Nick O’Brien (30 disposals) and Leroy Jetta (30) dominated through the midfield as the Bombers kept their home crowd cheering until the final siren.
For the Roosters, captain Michael Searl booted four goals, while Luke Kiel and Myles Sewell gave everything for their side.
Despite slamming on five unanswered goals in a 15-minute burst in the opening term the Roosters still found themselves locked together on 37 points with the Bombers at quarter time.
The shoot-out subsided in the second term with both sides struggling to gain the ascendancy.
But a third-term onslaught saw the Bombers extend their 10-piont half time lead to 25 points at the last change.
Captain Ben Duscher then grabbed the important first goal of the final quarter and the Bombers never looked back.
Hawks edge out Scorpions
Box Hill Hawks have edged out Casey Scorpions in a triller to clinch second spot on the ladder.
The Hawks led for most of the afternoon but were forced to dig deep to prevail by two points, 10.12 (72) to 9.16 (70).
Several crucial efforts on the last line of defence helped the Hawks hold sway in the dying minutes as the Scorpions threatened.
Matt Spangher was named best-on-ground after a two-goal game that had everything. Spangher dragged down marks all over the ground to press his case for a recall to the Hawthorn side and power the VFL Hawks to an important win.
Bryce Retzlaff topped the goalkicking list with four, while Sam Grimley also booted two.
Jonathon Simpkin and Kyle Cheney were other important players in the win.
The Scorpions’ charge was led by three goals from Tom Gillies, the work of Max Gawn in the ruck and Neville Jetta's pace at ground level.
The Scorpions trailed by 26 points mid-way through the third term but found their groove to storm home.
The loss, however, leaves them in fourth position on the ladder and destined to meet the all-conquering Cats next Friday night at Simonds Stadium.
Sandringham finish season on high
Sandringham has survived a late challenge from Frankston to finish the season on a winning note.
With both sides out of finals contention, it was pride that was at stake and both sides were keen to show they weren’t about to take a backward step.
A half time melee saw police enter the ground as tempers began to fray.
While it was the Dolphins who played the better footy in the second half, the damage had already been done.
Darren Minchington (3 goals and 21 possessions) starred for the winners and was well supported by Beau Maister with three.
James Munro (18 disposals), Myke Cook (27) Sam Dunnell (26) and Peter Shakallis (16) were others to impress.
Russell Gabriel was named the Dolphins’ best after dominating in the ruck and around the grounds, while Luke Potts (29 disposals), Jayden Cass and Sam Lloyd all finished with three goals.
Joel miller (24 disposals) and Lachlan Delahunty (23) were also significant contributors.
Geelong demolishes Bendigo
The gap between the best and the worst in the Peter Jackson VFL was on show last night as Geelong marched to a 201-point victory over Bendigo Gold.
With 15-individual goalkickers, the Cats put a full stop in a home-and-away season that yielded 16 wins and just two losses.
The minor premiers rammed home 10 goals to none in an opening term demolition and kept the foot down throughout to finish 35.17 227 to 3.8 26.
George Burbury and Shane Kersten booted six goals each while Mitch Brown and Ryan Bathie (four apiece) and Jordan Murdoch (three) were all significant contributors.
In a team of stars, Jordan Schroder was the standout with his work in the clinches setting up countless attacks.
Alik Magan was again the shining light for Bendigo Gold, who finishes the season without a single victory.
The Cats will play Casey Scorpions at home on Friday night in a blockbuster qualifying final.
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Last Modified on 24/08/2013 19:00