By Ken Moore
GARFIELD played far below its best but still managed to establish a 53-point margin between it and Ellinbank by the time the final siren sounded.
The loss put an end to the Bankers’ slim 2011 finals aspirations.
Ellinbank trailed by only 17 points at three-quarter-time but lost traction in the contest when the Stars rattled on five third-quarter goals to one to take an unassailable 44-point lead into the last break.
Garfield’s Ned Marsh was superb in and around the midfield, Jim Bow played a pivotal role at both ends of the field and 15-year-old Eddie Morris kicked three goals to suggest he will be a future star.
As usual, ruck-rovers Ben Marsh and Brent Eastwell were in the thick of the action and skilful forwards Matthew Hobbs and Dylan Collis crumbed the packs, showed good poise and delivered the ball well.
Ellinbank midfielders Ash and Toby Wallace and Malcolm Dow found plenty of the ball, defender Daniel Golding offered plenty of resistance and Brett Masterson did well to contain star Garfield forward Daniel Fry.
NAR NAR GOON monstered Nyora by 190 points.
The writing was on the wall for the Saints early, when the Goon kicked eight goals to nil against the wind in the opening term. Goon forwards Luke McConnell and Matt Keane each kicked three goals in the first quarter to ignite the home side.
On the comeback from injury, ruck rover Phil Cahill, in only his second game for the year, got his hands on ball plenty of times and distributed it well and Dean Kelly excelled in the midfield, gathering 23 disposals to half-time.
Nick Henwood often found space and used the ball effectively, Jackson Payroli provided good drive in the ruck and another promising youngster in Brendan Herman proved elusive and steered through four goals.
Disappointingly for all spectators interested in a contest, Nyora scored only one goal, through coach Corrie Wilson in the third quarter.
Wilson tried hard all game but it was to no avail.
Despite conceding three early goals to Luke McConnell, who went on to kick five, Matt Hutchinson made life tough for the key Goon forward and fellow defender Clinton Yapp also made several spoils. Consistent midfielder Adam Tagliaferro, tallish utility Nick Fairbank and Troy Ferguson had a dip but far too many Saints were unsighted.
CORA LYNN trampled all over Buln Buln – to the tune of 116 points.
For the most part, the Cobras’ midfield, led by Joe Allen, James Bradshaw, Matt Robinson, Brady White and Michael Duiker, ran amok. When the Lyrebirds did work the ball into their forward half, it was often repelled by new arrival and Narre Warren recruit Daniel van den Broek and Matt Pierce.
Ryan Gillis bagged six goals and regular defender Tim Payne made the most of his opportunity to play forward by steering through three goals. Buln Buln scored only two goals – both by its star Springvale District recruit, Anthony Bernardo, who has been one of their only shining lights in a disappointing season.
Ricky Hayes, Luke Harvey and Mark Symons, the latter against his former club, had a dip. Coach Daniel Charles, Adam Jostlear and promising youngster Trent Baker were handy in parts, but many of their teammates went missing.
CATANI chiselled out a 40-point victory over Nilma Darnum.
The Blues looked in trouble when the Bombers led by 17 points at half-time, but came out a different outfit after the main interval and slammed on nine goals while holding the Bombers goalless.
Powerhouse Catani forward Owen Fitzpatrick kicked eight goals – including four in the third quarter – to help revive the Blues, while Jake Delphine, Luke McFarlane, Antonio Benvenuto and Shane Fitzpatrick gathered possessions at both ends of ground to play a big part in the Blues’ revival.
The Bombers spirited resistance was led in the midfield by Andrew Fyffe, Harley Lacunes, James Hammill, Jade Jensen and Luke Shelly. James Hayward battled hard on Owen Fitzpatrick, despite lowering his colours.
WARRAGUL Industrials had a comfortable 39-point victory over Poowong.
The Dusties’ victory was well deserved, because they outscored the Magpies in every quarter except the last.
Will o’ the wisp forward Daniel Johnson kicked four goals and worked well in tandem with Ayden Mills and Nathan and Shane Brewster and Rhett O’Hara pumped the ball forward frequently.
For Poowong the Watson brothers, Daniel and Ben, along with Dan Mullen, offered plenty of competitiveness midfield. Behind the centre, Dave Miller, Jake Cochrane and Alex Rose gave it their all.
