GDFL Review – Round 15
Thomson’s Nick Martinu climbs high to mark over Bannockburn’s Ned Grant and Matthew Hoe. Picture: VICKI KING
THE chances of Thomson going from wooden spoon to finalists in the space of 12 months remain alive following an impressive 28-point win over Bannockburn at Godfrey Street.
Thomson got the jump on Bannockburn with an eight goal to nil first quarter, which all but sealed the 19.12 (126) to 15.8 (98) victory.
The visitors pulled to within 38 points at half time and 29 points at three-quarter time, however Thomson was never really threatened in claiming their 10th win of the season, keeping it a game clear of sixth-placed Belmont Lions with three rounds to play.
However, the City Tigers play Inverleigh and North Geelong in the next fortnight, before finishing with Corio.
Steve Macleod bobbed up with five goals for Thomson, while Jayden Durran kicked three.
Nick Martinu was best on ground in his third game since arriving from Corio before June 30 the clearance deadline.
Shaun Lewis kicked three goals for the Bannockburn, which was best served by Matt Hoe and Josh Cole.
Belmont Lions ensured it stayed within touch of Thomson with a comfortable 91-point win over Geelong West at West Oval.
The Lions claimed a 18.23 (131) to 6.4 (40) victory thanks to a 7.7 to nil second quarter.
Eugene Stanciu kicked three goals, while Scott Wakeman, Josh Blair, Mitch Boal and former Cheetah Adam Leader finished with apiece.
Defender Brad MacKenzie was the best for the winners.
Adam Vaughan kicked three goals for West. Ben Kelly tried hard for four quarters.
Werribee Centrals kept alive their slim finals hopes with a 22 point-win over Anakie at Anakie Reserve, 12.17 (89) to 9.13 (67).
The Centurions led by just two points at half time, but kicked away with a 5.9 to 1.2 third quarter.
Centrals had 10 different goalkickers with captain Tyren Montebruno and David Todaro both kicking two majors. Interleague wingman Phil Jones and Chris Koutzmanis impressed for the visitors.
Warren Lolicato and Brayden Cotter finished with two goals apiece for the Roos, who were best served by big man Luke Wilson.
Inverleigh bounced back from last week’s loss to Bell Post Hill with a 71-point win over an undermanned East Geelong, 17.19 (121) to 7.8 (50).
The Hawks jumped to a 49-point lead at quarter time at Inverleigh Reserve after holding the Eagles scoreless.
East Geelong responded with seven goals to one in the second term to cut the margin to 17 points at the main break.
However, Inverleigh pulled away again with five goals in the third quarter, while also holding the Eagles scoreless.
Dalton Grundell kicked four goals for the Hawks, with Matt Seed and Mick Grozdanovski both chiming in with three. Justin Diblasio was their best.
Shane Poynton booted three majors for the visitors. Outgoing playing coaching Ricky O’Toole led from the front along with big man Ben Bolton.
The outstanding goal-kicking run of Jamie Pitman has continued as North Geelong claimed the four points with an 82-point win over Winchelsea at Eastern Reserve, 19.11 (125) to 6.7 (43).
Pitman kicked nine goals to take his season tally to 81, of which 51 have come in the last six weeks.
Youngster Darcy Eales contributed three goals, with former Blue Rob Murphy the best for the Magpies.
Graeme McFarlane was the lone multiple goalkicker for the home team. He kicked two majors and was among the best for Winchelsea along with skipper Andrew Leak and Byron Mathison.
Bell Post Hill has made up 14 per cent on North Geelong after a 194-point win over Corio at Shell Oval, 35.25 (235) to 6.5 (41).
The Panthers went into the round trailing the Magpies by 29 per cent, however that has been cut to less than 15 with Saturday’s result.
Nick Costello (10 goals) and Justin Tarr (eight) had a day out for the reigning premier.
Aaron Taylor kicked two goals for the Devils. Jason Laurie and Jack Baker were among their best.
Last Modified on 30/07/2015 21:37