EDFL round 14 review

By Ken Moore
NYORA put down a strong challenge by Catani to run away with a 53point victory. After an even first half, good drive from Dean and Glen Hislop, Cory Wilson and Rory Gilliatte helped the Saints rattle on five unanswered goals in the third quarter to wrest control. Nyora shuffled its side after the main break, moving Nathan Osler to centre halfforward. While not a big factor, Osler brought other players into the game, provided a good target despite close attention from his opponent Aaron Alger and went on to slot through five majors. Seventeenyearold Leongatha recruit Jeremy Hopkins did well to curb Blues’ playmaker Josh Tymensen’s regular dominance.
For Catani, Luke Tymensen relished the soft ground and slippery conditions and shone with good tap work and bullocking around the packs. Shane Fitzpatrick, Glen Hall and Chris MacLean impressed with their hard, straight running to be the mainstays of the Blues’ defence. Owen Fitzpatrick kicked two goals but, if he had kicked straighter, it may well have been six. Nyora had a good spread of contributors and went a long way towards dispelling the theory that it would struggle in heavy conditions, forged after Catani rolled the Saints in similar conditions in last season’s grand final.
Cora Lynn gave its strongest hint of being a serious finals threat when it defeated Bunyip by 20 points. The Cobras handled the wet, slippery conditions better but only surged clear in the third quarter when they scored three goals and held the Bulldogs scoreless. The dualpronged attack of Cameron Haynes and Shannon Toner scored four goals apiece and aggressive midfield running by Dave Collins, Chad Ingram, Wayne Robertson and Scott Black slightly overshadowed the Bunyip midfield of powerhouse ruckman Shane Mumford, Clint Meyer and Troy Holmes, who also made their presence felt. Cobra ruckman Ty Esler played his first game in more than two months and appeared to add balance to the Cobras by freeing up utilities Jeremy Duiker and Jason Hall to play vital roles all over the field. Marc Jolley was the pick of the Bunyip defenders and repelled many threatening Cobra attacks and regular defender Nick Henwood moved forward, provided a spark and steered through two goals. After four successive victories it was a wakeup call for the Bulldogs, who will be keeping their fingers crossed for dry weather come finals time.
Nar Nar Goon tried hard against Ellinbank but went home unrewarded. After an even first half the Bankers had gained the upper hand, kicked four goals to two in the third quarter and went on to record a 19point victory. Centreman Mark Johnston was a driving force and had a strong supporting cast led by fellow onballers Matthew Robertson and David Quirk. Peter Joyce play an assured game in defence and Jason Hill floated around centre halfforward to be a regular menace. Clint Sheedy proved a real thorn in the side of Eagles’ defence with five goals, Luke Dore, Bill Handley offered good midfield drive and many good second efforts and Alan McArthur was at his dependable best at centre halfback. Ellinbank is still well in contention for sixth spot.
Kooweerup returned to the winning list with an emphatic 133point victory over NilmaDarnum. After quartertime the Demons were able to prise open the Bombers’ defence far too easily. Scott Morrison bagged nine goals, Peter Doll and Rhys Morgan played a big role midfield, defender Cam McPhillips played an accountable game and 16yearold Gavin Marusic gave another example of his raw potential with a fine performance from the wing. NilmaDarnum started with intent but its intensity waned after the first break. Matthew Brown cut a lone figure up forward with four goals, Shane Youngman worked well in close, Chris Weller, up from the thirds, gave a good account of himself and acting captain Dave Cameron tried hard to lift his team.
Longwarry grafted out a 66point victory over Warragul Industrials. The Dusties only trailed by 17 points at halftime but in the Crows’ midfield Tye Holland and Matt Campbell lifted in the third quarter to help post four goals to one and give themselves breathing space. Defender Leigh McDonald was a pillar of strength and Ken Towt in his 100th game played with his usual authority across halfback. Brad Jose played his first game for the year and was lively around the goals. For the Dusties, Gerard Biongiormo stood out in the ruck, Nathan Vanderplight, Dave Bracken and Chris Ostojic won heaps of possessions in and around the midfield and Matt Willis and Danny Gorman stood up well in defence. Shane Ingham scored all three of the Dusties’ goals.
After scoring four firstquarter goals to open up a 10point lead, Poowong kept NeerimNeerim South at arm’s length for the rest of the match and went on to record a hardfought sixpoint win. The Magpies’ victory was built on the back of sturdy defence by Chris Wilson, Glen Attenborough and Dave Miller. Small ruckman Adam Miller was more than handy and Jess Attenborough was prominent midfield. NeerimNeerim South conjured a late charge to whittle back a 19point threequartertime lead but it was too little, too late. Damian Rhind did well in the ruck and in defence, Chris Urie and Jack Halligan presented well across centre halfforward, veteran Matt Irwin found plenty of touches and Paul Whelan with four goals made the most of his opportunities.