By PEPPE CAVALIERI - Division 1 Seniors
FIVE teams find themselves grappling for the final three spots in the Division 1 top five, after the gulf between Deer Park and Spotswood and the rest became clear.
The Lions and Woodsmen are locked on nine wins atop the table, two wins and percentage clear of third-placed Hoppers Crossing.
Sunshine and Werribee Districts round out the five with six wins, while Altona again falls out and joins Albion on five wins.
Deer Park again signalled its credentials with a hard-fought win against Altona.
Five goals to three in the final term sealed the win, as the Vikings again find themselves outside of finals calculations.
James Condos and Jase Perkins both nailed four goals for the winners, as Brett Shiels, four goals, and Jordan Robbins continued their good form for Altona.
While Spotswood – along with Deer Park – is enjoying some breathing space from the chasing pack, the Woodsmen were forced to come from behind to beat Sunshine.
Trailing by 23-points at the final change, Spotswood booted six goals to one in the final term to storm home and snatch a nine-point triumph.
The result means the Kangaroos have lost three of their past four encounters, and desperately need to find something to strengthen their position in the five.
Albion survived a late scare from Caroline Springs on Saturday to remain one game outside the top five.
The Cats battled their way to a 16-point win thanks to strong performances from Josh Bench, Pat Savage and Jason Butina, while Todd Finco was in fine touch with four goals.
Three goals to Brian Lake and strong showings from Keenan O’Shea and MacKenzie Bristow couldn’t quite drag the Lakers over the line.
Meanwhile, seven goals to Jordan Mead helped Hoppers Crossing keep itself in the top three, as the Warriors beat St Albans by 46-points.
And a ten-goal win to Werribee Districts against Wyndhamvale ensures the Tigers hang on to the final spot in the top five.
ALTONA CONTINUES UNDEFEATED SEASON, SUNSHINE HOLD-OFF FAST FINISHING SPOTSWOOD
By CONNOR PAIN - Division 1 Reserves
ALTONA was forced to come from behind to earn its ninth win of the season, beating Deer Park by six points in a hard fought contest on Saturday.
The Lions jumped out to an early lead, as it was clear goals would be at a premium throughout the day. The visitors led at each break, however the Vikings were always in it as low scoring from both sides meant it was anyone’s game.
Altona was able to turn a seven-point three quarter time deficit into a 8.8 (56) to 7.8. (50) win, as they held Deer Park to just one behind in the final term to earn their ninth of the season.
The Vikings will travel to Hoppers Crossing on Saturday, with the Lions looking to redeem themselves host Spotswood.
Sunshine was able to hold on against Spotswood, edging out the Woodsman by one-point, keeping their undefeated season alive.
The game was tight all day, as the biggest margin at any break was just four points. Neither side could counter the other and break the game open.
The Woodsmen had more chances to hit the scoreboard in the fourth however their inability to capitalise saw the Kangaroos ran out 10.9. (69) to 10.8(68), winners.
Round 11 will see Sunshine host Albion.
Lachlan Calder’s five goals for St. Albans was not enough to secure his side a win, with Hoppers Crossing claiming an 11.9. (75) to 9.8.(62) victory.
The Saints jumped out of the blocks and booted five first-term goals, however their offence turned stagnant shortly after as they were held to just four goals over the remaining three quarters.
The home side led going into the main break, but the Warriors turned it around, kicking six goals to two in the second half to run over the top of the Saints and consolidate third spot on the ladder.
The 13-point loss sees St. Albans sit second last ahead of its clash with the Werribee Districts this week.
A seven goal to three second half helped Albion earn just its third win of the year, downing Caroline Springs. Jesse Thompson booted three majors to lead all goalkickers.
The Werribee Districts cruised to a 52-point win over Wyndhamvale as it sits a game ahead of sixth place.
The Districts turned it on in the second half to condemn the Falcons 14.13. (97) to 6.9. (45), their 10th consecutive loss.
Last Modified on 26/06/2017 11:57