McGrath fills a tall order for Pines
A scuffle on the sidelines erupts Picture: Richard Serong Source: Leader
FORMER St Kilda rookie-listed ruckman Blake McGrath made a spectacular debut with Pines in their 69-point win over Mt Eliza at Alexandra Park on Saturday.
At the opening bounce, the 209cm McGrath tapped to Brendan Neville who speared a pass to Beau Hendry who steered home the first goal of the game - all within 40 seconds.
In a show of unity, the entire Pines side ran to McGrath, who joined the Pythons a couple of weeks ago from the Frankston Dolphins.
Pines kicked four goals in the first eight minutes and went on to notch their highest score of the season in winning 20.15 (135) to 10.6 (66).
But there was controversy early in the game when the siren sounded just 21 minutes into the first quarter.
Pines coach Gary Connolly was furious, believing the premature siren cost his side four goals and important percentage. He sent an official to the time-keeper's box to find out what happened and was shocked by the reply.
"They reckon their timekeeper got the shakes and his hand accidentally pressed the button," he said.
McGrath was one of the best players on the ground and will significantly help the Pythons' bid for a finals berth. They have climbed to fifth spot.
Meanwhile, Seaford coach Craig McIndoe told his players their season was on the line at the last change when they led Mornington by 11 points. The Tigers responded by unleashing their most potent quarter of the season, drilling 10.4, to romp away for a 57-point win.
Champion skipper Michael Kraska performed some magic, finishing with 10 goals, while Bryden Irving and Aaron Turner ran rampant.
In other games, Frankston YCW shook off Karingal in the second half to win by 46 points. Karingal is the last team to defeat YC (back in round 11 last season) and looked like doing the same when it led by eight points at half-time.
But the Stonecats found their range in the second half, kicking 12 goals to the Bulls' four. Michael Chaplin kicked six goals to be best-afield, closely followed by Bundy Barry and Craig Nankervis. Duncan Proud played a great game in defence for Karingal.
Langwarrin scored the upset of the round, blousing Bonbeach by two points with Jayden Grose in great form. Ash Moore (three goals), Dan Wehner and Sean Herdman also sparkled as the Kangaroos snapped a six-game losing streak.
Seaford's Luke Smith was named the VCFL's best player in its under-19 win over the Victorian Amateur Football Association at Shepparton on Saturday.
The rover was a standout in the first half, and was awarded the Peter Knights medal for best afield in the country team's 28-point victory.
Meanwhile, Cranbourne star Justin Berry awarded the David Code medal for the VCFL's best afield in the VCFL's six-point loss to the VAFA. Frankston YCW ruckman Ash Eames was among the best players in his first game since injuring his knee last month.
This week: Mt Eliza v Chelsea, Karingal v Edi-Asp, Langwarrin v Frankston YCW, Bonbeach v Mornington, Seaford v Pines.
