There was high drama in the Peter Jackson VFL on Sunday, with the reigning premier Footscray defeating the ladder-leading Williamstown while Frankston just failed to record its first win of 2015 in heartbreaking circumstances against Coburg.
On the day when the club celebrated the 50-year anniversary of its entrance into the VFA/VFL, the Dolphins nearly produced a memorable triumph for their loyal supporters in attendance at Frankston Oval, leading until very late into the final term.
However, Coburg’s last-gasp victory keeps its finals hopes alive, with the Lions joining a group of teams on six wins chasing the Casey Scorpions’ last spot in the finals.
WERRIBEE 15.13 (103) d ESSENDON 11.9 (75)
Win/loss: Werribee 10-6 / Essendon 9-6
Telling facts: This was an important third straight win for Werribee in a game that could prove crucial for each team’s finals positions. The Tigers kept themselves in top-four contention ahead of a bye next week with five unanswered goals to close out the first half at Windy Hill. Their 27-point half-time lead turned out to be match-defining.
Leading goalkickers: Daw 3 (Werribee) / Hardingham 3 (Essendon)
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NORTH BALLARAT 11.10 (76) d GEELONG 4.5 (29)
Win/loss: North Ballarat 6-10 / Geelong 6-9
Telling facts: The Roosters claimed their third consecutive victory by strangling the Cats and holding them to just one second-half goal at Eureka Stadium. Geelong had a three-point lead at half time, but couldn’t match North Ballarat’s barnstorming finish to the match. The result leaves both teams on six wins and with a very difficult task to see September action.
Leading goalkickers: Black 2, Hooper 2 (North Ballarat) / all singles (Geelong)
BOX HILL HAWKS 18.15 (123) d CASEY SCORPIONS 7.7 (49)
Win/loss: Box Hill Hawks 12-3 / Casey Scorpions 8-7
Telling facts: The Hawks reclaimed top spot with a comfortable win over the Scorpions at Box Hill City Oval. After holding a 27-point lead at half time, it was Box Hill’s third term that put the result beyond doubt, booting 6.3 to two behinds. The loss leaves Casey’s hold on eighth position shaky, only two games in front of several chasing teams and with a tough draw to come.
Leading goalkickers: Lawlor 4, Grimley 4 (Box Hill Hawks) / Bail 2, Spencer 2 (Casey Scorpions)
COBURG 11.9 (75) d FRANKSTON 10.7 (67)
Win/loss: Coburg 6-9 / Frankston 0-16
Telling facts: It was a heartbreaking result for the Dolphins in skipper Shane Hockey’s 100th match, falling to Coburg after leading late in the last quarter at Frankston Oval. In a see-sawing final term, Dion Hill drew the Lions level before a Lachlan Johns behind put them in front for good just before the siren. The crucial win keeps Coburg’s faint finals hopes alive.
Leading goalkickers: Hill 3, Johns 2 (Coburg) / Gardiner 2, Wilsen 2 (Frankston)
SANDRINGHAM 19.6 (120) d PORT MELBOURNE 12.15 (87)
Win/loss: Sandringham 11-4 / Port Melbourne 6-9
Telling facts: The escape artists at Sandringham did it again – even without injured skipper Adam Cockie – consolidating their spot in the top four by coming from 16 points down early in the final quarter to run over the Borough at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. Port Melbourne’s sixth loss in succession keeps it stranded two games out of the eight.
Leading goalkickers: Membrey 4 (Sandringham) / O’Sullivan 2, Dove 2, Lisle 2 (Port Melbourne)
FOOTSCRAY 10.13 (73) d WILLIAMSTOWN 8.14 (62)
Win/loss: Footscray 10-5 / Williamstown 11-4
Telling facts: In a heavyweight battle of the West at Burbank Oval, the reigning premiers knocked off the ladder leaders. Footscray’s third quarter proved decisive, turning a six-point deficit into a 16-point three-quarter time lead. The triumph was an important one for the Dogs, who were able to hold onto fourth spot while the Seagulls dropped to second.
Leading goalkickers: Boyd 3, Honeychurch 2 (Footscray) / Gallucci 3, Dunell 3 (Williamstown)
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Last Modified on 09/08/2015 18:27
