Despite a certain air of predictability looming ahead of forecasted results in round 12, all the underdogs (bar Melton South) improved on their earlier 2023 meetings with their respective opponents.
In fact, East Point overcame Redan to be just .57% outside the six and while the race for finals is down to seven, there's plenty more to play out to determine its ultimate order.
North Ballarat
def.
Ballarat
A five-goal-to-one final term gave North Ballarat the separation on the scoreboard they were longing for on their way to an eighth win of the season and second place on the BFNL ladder.
It’s a winning trend they must continue with their remaining five home and away games against top seven opposition, the toughest run home of any.
While the Swans weren't expected to win given North Ballarat's imposing record at Mars Stadium under Brendan McCartney, they did surprise to be within nine points at the final change.
But, the unpredictability of youth, discipline and the onset of fatigue led to the Swans conceding four goals from free kicks in the final term - essentially game over in a low scoring affair.
Werribee VFL listed, North Ballarat dangerman Jack Riding was given the nod as best on ground ahead of mid-season returnee Ryan Hobbs and ever consistent midfielder Riley Polkinghorne.
Swans’ forward Andrew Hooper's four goals kept the visitors in the game along with the efforts of Sam Fisher and Mitch Bishop who is enjoying a welcome return season in defence.
STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE
Jack Riding (North Ballarat): 38 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 12 score involvements
Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat): 40 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 16 clearances
William Liston (Ballarat): 27 disposals, 13 tackles, 10 clearances
COACHES’ VERDICT
Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat): “Genuinely tough game to play in. Lots of long contests and tackling pressure. Ballarat were very good with their chase and tackling. Our boys did what they have done all year and wore them down to have a great last quarter."
Chris Maple (Ballarat): "We were very good for two and a half quarters and probably should have been further in front. Unfortunately, our last 40 minutes of football wasn't strong enough. Credit to the North boys, they sustained the pressure throughout.
Sunbury
def.
Melton South
Sunbury trounced Melton South by a whopping 204 points at the Clarke Oval on the weekend.
The win rockets the Lions into the number one scoring team after 12 rounds.
The 36.20 scoreline was the highest posted of any team this year and the third time a score of 200 points or more had been inflicted against the struggling Panthers.
As the unwanted records continue to fall for the embattled club, they registered their 2000th point against after just 11 games, at an average concede of 176pts per game.
But more on the winners....
Lions coach Travis Hodgson debuted four players ahead of six changes for the game due to player management, VFL selection and injury. No less than 15 Sunbury individuals cashed in on the goal front as Mitch McLean and Cody Brand shared the honours with bags of five goals each.
Harry Minton-Connell, Harry Power and Riley Miller enjoyed a day out on the possession front to join McLean and Brand in the best players on an afternoon that culminated in an 'easy watch' for Lions fans.
Usual suspects Rhys Lee (in best 6/10 games), Aydin Reilly (5/11), Jarrod Bibby (7/11) and Mitch Fino (5/10) were again named in the best for the visitors.
STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE
Harrison Minton-Connell (Sunbury): 41 disposals, 18 score involvements, 11 inside 50s
Joshua Guthrie (Sunbury): 34 disposals, 17 score involements, 85% disposal efficiency
Broden Collins (Melton South): 22 disposals, 21 hit outs, 13 contested possessions
COACHES’ VERDICT
Travis Hodgson (Sunbury): "Repeat of last week really. We had a full complement of contributors including four debutants who blended in seamlessly. Looking forward to next week’s challenge (v Ballarat)."
Ryan Hoy (Melton South): "Competitive for two quarters. The four Under 17 players stood tall for us today. Sunbury were way too quick and super-efficient in front of goal."
Redan
def. by
East Point
Hats off to Jackson Merrett and East Point by responding for arguably their most important win of the season.
The seventh placed Kangas simply had to win (tick) and win well (tick) to narrow the gap on sixth placed Redan who were a game and considerable percentage ahead after 11 rounds. Such was the nature of the Kangas win and away from home mind you, the 2018 and 2019 premiers are within .57% of Gary Learmonth's Redan, and level on six wins.
More credit to the Kangas for overcoming Redan, who had arguably their best side in for the year.
In the race for a top six finals berth, Redan has the easier run home with 2/5 remaining games against top seven opposition while East Point have 3/5.
The Kangas will need another scalp that's for sure, but they've proven more than capable already this season and rank #4 in offence against top seven opposition, averaging 74.1 points per game.
Redan on the other hand rank #7 (v top 7 opposition) averaging 72.6 points per game.
The Kangas 'leak spot' against the top seven lays in their defence, the only side in the sample who concedes more than 90 points per game on average.
So, who got it done at the weekend? Bryce McDougall booted a game high five goals for the winners ahead of Jack Jeffrey and Brad Whittaker who booted three apiece.
Star midfield combo Matt and Jordy Johnston delivered when it mattered most to feature one and two listed names in the best.
For Redan, debutant Jonty Faull (four goals) was outstanding ahead of a handful of young Lions who continue to progress at the level, near flying under the radar. Gun mid/forward Isaac Grant was kept goalless for just the third time this season.
The battle for a prized finals spot continues this week - Redan (6th) host North Ballarat (2nd) while East Point (7th) are away to Melton (1st). Every goal counts. Can't wait!
STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE
Jordy Johnston (East Point): 36 disposals, 25 contested possessions, 17 clearances
Matt Johnston (East Point): 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 10 clearances
Lachlan George (Redan): 29 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 13 clearances
COACHES’ VERDICT
Gary Learmonth (Redan): "We were beaten in all aspects of the game by a hungrier East (Point) side. Our skill level and ability to stick to structure was a concern. We need to improve to compete with the better sides in the competition. Jonty Faull was outstanding on debut."
Jackson Merrett (East Point): "Really pleased with the way the group responded after our performance last week. We had a plan going into the game and we executed that for the most part across four quarters."
Lake Wendouree
def. by
Sebastopol
Sebastopol were one of many top six aspirants who were able to collect a win with a bit in reserve following a 46-point victory over an improving Lake Wendouree.
Sure, the result consolidated Luke Kiel and Michael Columbro’s men to third place on the BFNL table but the underdog Lakers did put up a fight before succumbing to their fourth narrowest loss (out of 10) for the season and scoring 2.5 points above their season average along the way.
It was a valiant effort against a top three opposition.
The Burra’s coaching division cited plenty more work to be done in their camp despite an enviable third place standing in the BFNL.
The club welcomed Werribee VFL listed whizz Jay Dahlhaus (three goals), who will now be better for the run with his new teammates.
It's unsure how long Dahlhaus will be made available for the Burra, but given Werribee's 10-game winning streak, the returning dangerous small forward may be around for longer than first thought as reenters his footy fray following recurring concussion issues.
Burra fans will be rapt at the thought of having the 22-year-old, 171cm, 70kg threat as part of their finals campaign.
Connor O'Shea and James Keeble were named best for the winners, while Hugo Papst (four goals) and Dahlhaus did the damage forward.
For the Lakers, youngsters Felix Fogarty, Flynn Loader and Tom Zampatti continue to impress behind experienced midfielder Michael Foster.
STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE
Jay Dahlhaus (Sebastopol): 32 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 11 clearances
Luke Kiel (Sebastopol): 30 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 9 score involvements
Tim Collins (Lake Wendouree): 28 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 11 pressure acts
COACHES’ VERDICT
Tim Shearer (Lake Wendouree): "Pleased with our lad’s ability to respond after Sebastopol got on top just after half time. We've got some areas still requiring improvement but feel we're becoming more competitive generally."
Luke Kiel/Michael Columbro (Sebastopol): "Played three good solid quarters of football, Lakers came at us in the third. (We) focused on a couple of things at the start of the week and made good progress today."
Bacchus Marsh
def.
Melton
Melton simply did enough to earn the points with an eye toward 'bigger fish to fry' as the ladder leaders made it ten wins from eleven games in 2023.
The frugal Bloods kept the Cobras to just 1.1 in each of the opening three quarters to have the game well and truly tucked away, 51 points in front at the final change.
While it wasn't the best version of the Bloods, some credit must go to the Cobras for their willingness to go down fighting with a spirited five-goal-to-three win in the final term.
The effort was in stark contrast to their previous meet against the reigning premiers that amounted to just one goal for the day!
Their 8.6 return was just two points shy of their season average while managing to keep the Bloods below a 100-point tally, the seventh time it’s been done this season.
After 12 rounds last year the Bloods had been reduced to less than 100 points only four times.
Jack Walker (three goals) was named best for the winners, again his endurance ability gives him every chance to accumulate over four quarters - he never seems to tire.
Adrian Monitto had plenty of it and was clean for the most part, unlike many who struggled to execute on a scrappy day with the footy. Key forward Ryan Carter was made to work hard for his three goals.
Cobra youngsters Isaac Nixon and Josh Huxtable had arguably their best games at senior level given the quality of opposition. Jack Parente and Ethan McKercher booted two goals each.
STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE
Jack Walker (Melton): 35 disposals, 12 score involvements, 91% disposal efficiency
Braedan Kight (Melton): 23 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 9 marks
Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh): 78 hit outs, 18 disposals, 10 contested possessions
COACHES’ VERDICT
Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh): "Big improvement today having the (Coates) Talent League guys available and in the side makes a big difference. Our future is really exciting. We battled hard against a really good footy side."
Aaron Tymms (Melton): "Not the prettiest performance but we will take the four points. Pleased with the grind for three quarters and credit to the Marsh for making it difficult all day."
