Round 4 concluded today with wins to Port Melbourne, Geelong and Sandringham. For best players, goalkickers and the all important ladder, click on the links below.
Port Melbourne downs Seagulls
Port Melbourne remains undefeated and in second spot on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder after shrugging off Williamstown today.
In a tough and at times dour affair, the Borough always looked in control and secured a much-deserved 27-point victory: 10.11 (71) to 5.14 (44).
The Seagulls cut the deficit to just six points in the shadows of three quarter time but failed throw any punches in a lacklustre final term.
Gary Ayres’ chargers finished with a four-goal-to-one quarter, playing a committed brand of football with their team defence a feature of an emphatic win.
Adrian Bonaddio and Josh Scipione finished with two goals each in a side of 23 contributors.
Defenders Sam Pleming and Daniel Noonan played starring roles but were well supported by the experienced duo of Toby Pinwill and John Baird.
The Seagulls failed to fire in the much anticipated clash of the traditional rivals, starting with a goalless opening term despite eight scoring shots.
Live-wire Anthony Anastasio finished with two majors but the Seagulls had few winners over the four quarters.
Recruits Nick Meese and Adam Marcon battled hard but weren’t able to drag their side into a winning position at any stage.
Sandringham thrashes Casey
Sandringham remains within striking distance of the ladder leaders after overpowering the Casey Scorpions today.
The Zebras never looked serious threatened on their way to a 14.13 (97) to 5.9 (39) triumph, bringing their season tally to three wins and one draw.
The Scorpions on the other hand were disappointing in front of their home fans, kept scoreless in the opening term and showing no semblance of form until the final quarter.
By that stage, the game was effectively over, leaving coach Rohan Welsh with plenty to contemplate ahead of a big match against the Werribee Tigers next weekend.
Despite an even inside-50-count, the Zebras looked the far superior outfit thoughout.
Myke Cook led the stats sheet with 23 disposals and nine marks, ahead of Cameron Shenton and Blake Acres with 21 apiece.
Trent Dennis-Lane kicked a match-high three goals, while Sam Dunell and Mav Weller finished with two each.
For the Scorpions it was Jordie McKenzie with 27 disposals and 11 tackles that led the resistance.
Geelong keeps Roosters winless
Geelong has survived a scare from a fast finishing North Ballarat outfit to post a 25-point victory.
The winless Roosters looked out of it when the Cats stretched their lead to 29 points mid-way through the final term.
But three quick goals to the visitors cut the margin to just six points and suddenly a boil over loomed.
The Cats held firm, however, slamming on three of their own to finish 12.15 (87) to the Roosters 8.14 (62).
After a quiet first three quarters, Jackson Hollmer came to life with three goals in the final term to lead his side to victory.
Defender-come-forward Matt Sully also managed three in an impressive show of versatility, while the experienced Mitch Brown was wasteful in front of goal but still managed to post two important majors.
First year player Darcy Lang played his best game for the club and finished full of running in the final term. Fellow draftee Jared Jansen also showed he could be a player of the future with a composed display across half back.
Twice he marked going back with the flight to earn the plaudits of the home-crowd and thrilled them again with a booming goal in the third term.
Other key contributors included Jesse Stringer through the middle, Joel Hamling in defence and Jed Bews.
Livewire Steve Motlop was electric times but found the going tough in his second match back from injury.
One instance early in third term seemed to sum up the Cats star's day. Running into an open goal, he slipped and was swamped by a pack of opposition defenders.
Returning North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow faired much better, picking up plenty of possessions in the midfield for the Roosters before being rested for the final term.
Fellow Kangaroo-listed players Liam Anthony and Ben Jacobs shone with 33 disposals each in a losing side, and were well supported by Nick Rippon (23) and Nick Peters (24).
American man mountain Eric Wallace again showed signs of improvement, dominating the hit-outs and kicking a crucial goal late in the match.
But ultimately the Roosters lacked class and remain anchored at the wrong end of the Peter Jackson VFL ladder.
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Last Modified on 28/04/2014 11:45