Round 2 action in the Peter Jackson VFL produced a number of varied results, with Port Melbourne dominating, and the Northern Blues and Essendon fighting off serious challenges to record their wins.
We take a quick look at how each result was achieved today:
Blues win after the siren
The Northern Blues have escaped with a win after the siren, defeating Frankston by three points to keep their recent home ground record against the Dolphins intact.
The Blues led for all but five minutes of the game, but a final term challenge from Frankston almost saw the visitors steal the four points when they hit the lead via Michael Lourey’s first goal of the day at the 26 minute mark of the final term. However Luke Reynolds settled 20 metres out from goal after the siren to slot through the sealer for the Blues.
Brock McLean led the way for the Northern Blues with 36 disposals, Tom Bell had 30 (three goals) and Sam Docherty 26, with White, Nick Holman and Cameron Wood (47 hitouts) among their best.
For Frankston Jarrad Matheson helped them back into the game in the third term, kicking four goals for the game, along with Khan Haretuku three, and Ben Cavarra and Ziggie Alwan two each. Their best were Haretuku, Shane Hockey and Leigh Kitchin.
Port hard to beat at home
Port Melbourne made their intentions known early against Collingwood, kicking nine goals to one in the first term to set up their second win of the season.
Despite the final margin being reduced to 53 points, the Borough led by as much as 74 points late in the third term.
A fit and firing Shane Valenti led the way for the home side with 30 disposals, joined in the best by Mitch Wooffindin and Toby Pinwill with the Port engine room proving the difference. Josh Scipione and Dan Connors led the way up forward with four goals each.
For Collingwood their best were Tom Couch in his first game back at Collingwood VFL, Cory Gault and Jake Williams. In a day the Magpies struggled for accuracy, Quinten Lynch and Lachlan Ferguson were their only multiple goal kickers with two each.
Bombers on the board
Essendon recorded their first win of the season, holding off a persistent North Ballarat to win by 14 points. While North Ballarat kicked the first major of the day, it would be the only time they held the lead for the afternoon, despite making a late charge in the second half with a more determined effort.
Essendon SA recruit Orazio Fantasia was the key when they needed him, kicking four goals for the game, supported by Alistair Kefford with three. Captain Ben Duscher helped set up the win in the first half, and dominated in the middle with Kurt Aylett and Nick O’Brien (28 disposals).
North Ballarat struggled for a forward option, and eventual Andrew Boseley was thrown forward resulting in two second half goals (his first in the VFL), along with 100 game player Lachie George with two.
Best for the Rooster were defenders Oliver Tate (24), Liam Hoy (23) and George in the middle.
Sunday matches:
Casey Scorpions vs Geelong (live on Casey Radio)
Williamstown vs Footscray (Multicultural Community Day)
Coburg vs Richmond (live on VFL Radio & Tiger Radio)
Box Hill Hawks vs Sandringham (3WBC)
Werribee Tigers vs Bendigo (at Highgate Rec. Reserve)
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 12/04/2014 20:01