Victoria’s best players are in top form ahead of their upcoming battle with the SANFL this Sunday May 29 at Adelaide Oval.
The Peter Jackson VFL state team’s squad of 25 have played out their final games before the trip to South Australia, with some impressive performances throughout the weekend, as James Szabo reports.
Casey Scorpion forward Tim Smith slotted three goals and recorded 22 touches in his side’s seven-point win over Box Hill, while opposition half-back David Mirra also starred in his 100th game – collecting 19 disposals and nine rebound 50’s. The Hawk’s Max Warren had a quieter day with 11 possessions and two clearances.
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Jordan Russell was dominant once again for Footscray in their 19-point win over Essendon, with the 29-year-old recording an impressive 30 disposals, seven rebound 50’s and 10 marks through midfield.
Lauchlan Dalgleish was also good for the Bulldogs with his 19 touches and three clearances, while teammate Will Hayes had 14 possessions and made an appearance on the scoresheet with a goal.
Midfielder Daniel Coughlan was a gallant performer in the Bomber’s defeat, notching up 21 disposals, three clearances and seven tackles.
Frankston’s only player in the state team squad made an appearance in the best players with his standout performance in the Dolphin’s 37-point loss to Geelong. 20-year-old Ben Cavarra put in a relentless effort from the half-forward line with nine tackles and 17 possessions – 15 of them contested.
Port Melbourne duo Khan Haretuku and Brody Mihocek were also big contributors in their side’s victory over North Ballarat. Haretuku collected eight marks and 29 hitouts, while Mihocek kicked three goals-straight.
The Rooster’s boys were also influential throughout the night with both representative players included in the best players. Nick Rippon was classy through the midfield all game, laying six tackles and collecting 30 touches, while Luke Kiel worked hard for 25 possessions of his own.
Werribee were beaten by 37-points by Sandringham away from home, although their state team representatives were still able to impact the game.
Matt Hanson was one of the Tigers’ best with his 26 disposals and nine clearances and teammate Michael Sodomaco chipped in with nine handball receives and 12 kicks. Jake Wilson had eight kicks and took five marks, while Scott Sherlock influenced the game with his forward pressure – laying six tackles.
Williamstown, who have an impressive eight players left in the VFL squad to take on the SANFL, went down by five-points to Collingwood in a thriller at the Holden Centre.
Michael Gibbons was devastating with his 38 disposals and seven clearances – only bettered by Willie Wheeler who had eight clearances, as well as 25 possessions. Leigh Masters was a hard worker for the Seagulls throughout the day, racking up seven tackles and 12 touches.
Nick Meese helped his side win the hitout count – with 28 of his own, while Jack Dorgan and forward Sam Dunell had a combined 28 disposals.
Arryn Siposs was also a stand out performer for Williamstown, although looks likely to miss Sunday’s blockbuster after pulling up injured.
Sunday’s big clash will be broadcast live into Victoria on 94.1fm by 3WBC, as well as live a video stream of the match on the Official Peter Jackson VFL Website HERE
The game starts at 2.10pm on Sunday May 29 at Adelaide Oval.
Last Modified on 26/05/2016 00:00
