With the Peter Jackson VFL Legendary final series quickly approaching, today's four games were always going to prove season-defining.
And so it proved with North Ballarat Roosters replacing Collingwood in the top eight, and Geelong, Werribee and Casey all clinching important victories.
Cats thrash Seagulls
Geelong has sent an ominous warning to its rivals with a 49-point victory over Williamstown in the Peter Jackson VFL top-of-table clash today.
While the Cats were plagued by inaccuracy early, their star-studded line-up, consisting of 14 players with AFL experience, found their rhythm in the second half to prevail 19.21 (135) to 13.8 (86).
Geelong champ Paul Chapman was solid in his second game back with 25 touches but was over-shadowed by an array of youngsters keen to press their case for selection in the AFL side.
Jordan Murdoch, Jackson Thurlow, George Horlin-Smith , Taylor Hunt and Shane Kersten all booted three goals, with Thurlow adding 29 touches to stake his claim for best-on-ground honours.
Flashes of brilliance from Billy Smedts (20), the clearances work of Jordan Schroder and Josh Cowan, and the defensive work of Mitch Brown were other features.
Ben Jolley (32 disposals), Nick Lower (25) and Brent Prismall (24) led the way for the hosts, with Patrick Veszpremi and Ayce Cordy chipping in with two goals each.
The win ensures the Cats remain three games clear at the top of the ladder, while Williamstown will be looking to regroup fast to ensure a top four finish.
Casey runs over Frankston
A nine-goal final quarter has fired Casey Scorpions to a 31-point victory over Frankston, killing off any chance of the Dolphins sneaking into the Legendary VFL finals series.
The Scorpions trailed by 28-points at three quarter time but, with the wind at their backs, rallied to triumph 14.13 (97) to 10.6 (66).
Neville Jetta nailed two goals and won 21 possessions to be named best-afield, combining well with Jimmy Toumpas (24) and David Rodan (23).
Tim Smith, James Sellar and James Magner all finished with two apiece as the Dolphins’ home crowd was left stunned by the final term onslaught.
Michael Lourey booted three for the hosts, with Scott Simpson and Corey Buchan also significant contributors.
The win ensures the Scorpions are now entrenched in the top four and almost certain to have a double chance in the first week of finals.
Werribee outmuscles Port Melbourne
The Werribee Tigers remain in the hunt for a top four finish after a commanding 65-point victory over Port Melbourne today.
What started out as a shootout finished in a rout as the Tigers turned a 13-point quarter time deficit into a 20.16 (136) to 10.11 (71) win.
Addam Maric, Majak Daw and Ben Warren chimed in with four goals apiece, while Borough spearhead Dean Galea played a lone hand up forward with five.
Ben Ross was everywhere with 32 possessions, and was well supported by Jordan Gysberts (27) and Tim McGennis (26).
Michael Firrito was superb across half back, while Brett Meredith’s class was clear for all to see.
For the Borough, it was usual suspects Mitch Wooffindin, Chris Cain, Danny Hughes and Sam Pleming that led the way.
North Ballarat holds off Pies
The North Ballarat Roosters have replaced Collingwood in the top eight after holding off the Pies in a thriller at Eureka Stadium.
The Roosters clinched eighth spot on Bailey Ladders ladder on the back of four goals from small forward Billy Driscoll, three to captain Michael Searl, and the midfield dominance of Myles Sewell and Steve Clifton.
In front of a large boisterous crowd, comprising of plenty of Collingwood faithful, it was the visitors that held sway at the main break.
But an 18-point lead evaporated as the Roosters surged to an 11-point advantage at the final change.
Despite Collingwood threatening in the dying minutes, the Roosters held on to seal a season-defining victory.
Kyle Martin bagged four goals in the loss, while Andrew Krakouer and Adam Oxley (25 possessions) were others to impress.
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Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 13/08/2013 09:49