In a wet day of Peter Jackson VFL action, Port Melbourne and the Northern Blues prevailed.
The results added to the battle for final positions in the top eight, with the Blues remaining in the eight, and Port Melbourne jumping back into the top four, whilst Box Hill continue their recent slide down the ladder.
Blues break losing streak as Hawks slide
The Northern Blues broke their recent three game losing streak, defeating the Box Hill Hawks by 16 points. The Blues keep their spot in the eight for another round after adapting to the conditions better at Box Hill City Oval, inflicting the Hawks third defeat in a row.
In the first term Tom Wilson scored the only major at the 10 minute mark, giving the Blues the lead. Daniel Pratt's 100th VFL game was not a memorable one, as he left the field in the first term not to return after a concussion. The Blues set up the game in the second term as Troy Menzel and Levi Casboult kicked two each to give the visitors a six goal to two quarter to set up a commanding 30-point lead at half time. Mitch Robinson and Nick Graham led the midfield in the first half, and were proving hard to stop.
While Box Hill won the second half the damage had been done, the final margin did not reflect the Blues dominance. Robinson was by far the best for the Northern Blues with 33 disposals, followed by Graham (34), Kane Lambert (31) and Jeremy Laidler holding Jon Ceglar to one goal. Casboult, Tom Wilson and Menzel kicked two each for the Blues. Mitch Hallahan was one of the shining lights for the Hawks with 31 disposals, with Jordan Kelly, David Mirra and Sam Cust (28 disposals) impressing in his first senior game for the season.
Port’s giant leap up ladder
Port Melbourne jumped back up the VFL ladder with a convincing win over Williamstown in trying conditions at North Port Oval. In the battle of the longest VFL rivalry in the competition, nothing separated the sides in the first term as both were able to kick two goals to set up a close contest. It was to be far from a close contest as the two first quarter goals were to be the Seagulls only goals for the game after the Borough restricted the visitors to just four behinds after quarter, while adding 11 of their own to run out 69-point winners.
Port Melbourne led by 17 points at half time, but an eight goal to nil second half saw Port Melbourne jump from seventh to third as results last night and today went their way.
It was Port Melbourne’s mids that led the possession count with Chris Cain (26), Shane Valenti (21), Toby Pinwill (21) and John Baird (20). They were among the best along with Julian Rowe (17) and Sam Pleming (15) who did his job in the backline. Danny Hughes and Rowe kicked three each, with Dale Whelan and Dean Galea with two each.For Williamstown, Stephen McCallum, Mark Austin, Willie Wheeler (19 disposals) and Ben Jolley (30) were their best, with Christian Howard and Lukas Markovic their only goal scorers.
Last night:
Geelong clear on top
Geelong reversed one of their two defeats from earlier in the season, recording a 43-point win over Collingwood. In a close first half only two points separated the sides at half time, with the Cats in front. The Magpies started the second half the better hitting the front, with Brodie Grundy working hard in the middle in the ruck. But it sparked Geelong into action with Jordan Schroder and Ryan Bathie leading the way with four goals each. A seven goal to two final term helped Geelong run out winners underlights at Simonds Stadium.
CLICK HERE for best and goals
CLICK HERE for the updated ladder
SUNDAY GAMES
Coburg vs Werribbe Tigers
Casey Scorpions vs Essendon
Frankston vs North Ballarat
Sandringham vs Bendigo
Last Modified on 20/07/2013 22:00