The ladder positions changed today in the VFL, with Port Melbourne moving to top spot, and North Ballarat challenging the top 8.
We take a look at how the round unfolded in teh Sunday night wrap:
Port moves to top spot
Port Melbourne enters the State game bye weekend undefeated, on top of the ladder, after defeating ladder leaders Box Hill Hawks in an enthralling contest by seven points today at Box Hill City Oval.
The top of the ladder clash between the Hawks and the Borough lived up to the hype, with Port Melbourne remaining the only undefeated senior team after eight rounds.
For the Box Hill Hawks, it was their first defeat since Round 14, 2013, ending a 14-game winning streak which included the last year’s premiership.
Despite Port Melbourne leading from start to finish, they were unable to shake Box Hill all afternoon, with 17 points the biggest margin of the day.
Port was able to overcome the loss of David Fanning after half time to a cheek injury, with Adrian Bonaddio and Sandy Robinson shouldering the ruck duties against Luke Lowden, Sam Grimley and Sam Collins to help Port to a memorable victory.
Julian Rowe did his chances of VFL State selection no harm with five goals, acting as the key target of the Borough up forward.
After Port kicked the first three goals of the game, Box Hill settled late in the first term, turning the match into a goal for goal shootout. This was typified by the second term, with 11 goals scored as the margin fluctuated between eight and two points all quarter; Ayden Kennedy influential up forward for the Hawks.
The same continued in the third stanza, with Box Hill Hawks able to draw level at the 19 minute mark, but not hit the front, in the epic encounter.
Leading by two points going into the final term, the experience of a John Baird, Marcus Marigliani, Chris Cain and Toby Pinwill proved the difference, as Port ran down the clock in the dying stages to deny the Hawks any late chances.
Rowe led the way for Port with five goals, with Sandy Robinson kicking two. Baird, Pinwill, Cain, Daniel Noonan, Rowe and livewire Jack Sinclair were among their best.
Alex Woodward stood out for the Hawks, joined by Luke Andrews, Ben Ross and Sam Cust. Cust and Collins led the goal kicking for the Hawks with two each.
Roosters on the rise
North Ballarat has recorded its biggest win of the year, climbing the VFL ladder with a 99 point win over Bendigo in Swan Hill.
The Roosters showcased their renewed confidence over the last month, recording their third win in a row to see them jump to ninth spot on the ladder: gaining 19% to leapfrog four clubs after a percentage boosting win.
Ben Jacobs continued to amass big numbers, with four goals to half time, and 42 disposals for the match as the young Gold midfield struggled for answers. He was named among the best, along with North Melbourne teammate Liam Anthony, Nick Peters and Liam Hoy.
After Bryce Curnow was a key to the Roosters defence last round, he filled in for missing captain up forward with five majors against the Gold, one of five multiple goal kickers for North Ballarat.
The win was a consistent four quarter performance by North Ballarat, increasing its lead at every change as they restricted the Gold's movement forward.
The Gold struggled for options to goal with the Roosters’ defence providing no opportunities. Bendigo had seven individual goal kickers, with Jeremy Lambden, Matt Farrelly and Jackson Sketcher their best.
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Last Modified on 25/05/2014 19:03