BFNL Review - Round 8, 2024

East Point made it five wins in a row toppling undefeated Sunbury by 20 points in a cracker of a game at Eastern Oval.

This finals like see-sawing affair had everything. All the traits that make the game of Aussie Rules so unique and a staple in our everyday lives were on show in front of a large crowd unsure which team could outlast the other.

The Kangas booted the opening four goals of the game, the Lions the next five, before a response from the Kangas saw them score another four unanswered.

There was really not much in it for the most part as the Lions arrested a 24-point deficit early to regain the lead before the Kangas steadied late to lead by four points at half time.

All the big guns came out to play and didn't let the show down.

All had their moments of brilliance and unique impact on the game.

The Kangas’ efficiency on goal in the second half was arguably the difference in the game as Joe Carmody's crew added 10.2 to the Lions 7.4. You could also argue that the Lions last three goals of the game flattered the scoreline. But I’m in the 'nothing between them' camp.

The Lions, somewhat shy of their best 22, missing Mitch Lewis, Jake Egan, Nathan Doyle all injured and Ben Cameron to VFL duties with Coburg lost no admirers.

On the flipside, the result confirms East Point's status as the real deal after their win on the road over Melton.

Matty Johnston (three goals) starred for the winners while ever reliable forward Bryson McDougall got the job done forward with a game high five goals.

X-factor talent Jordy Johnston (three goals) bobbed up when the Kangas needed it most including a miracle goal from the boundary line.

There were many good players in this game for both sides as the 'Match of the Round' billing lived up to all expectations.

Lions forward pairing Mitch McLean (four goals) and Jake Sutton (three goals) looked dangerous all day and provided a target combining for seven goals.

Tyson Lever was stoic with his familiar intercept mark game while the run and carry out of defence from Dean Muir and Jack Hannett continued to threaten.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 42 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 17 clearances

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 19 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 marks

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 20 disposals, 12 intercept possessions, 9 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Quality game of footy. We were able to withstand Sunbury's pressure which was high quality. We were able to capitilise on our forward entries in the second half. (We) defended well to limit their dangerous forwards."

Matt White (Sunbury)
"We were beaten by a class outfit. Ten goals, two behinds for them in the second half doesn't help when they kick that straight. So we'll rest and review and go again after the bye."

Ballarat returned inside the top six following a big win over Melton South at Alfredton Oval.

The Swans opened up their shoulders after quarter time piling on 19 goals to one, highlighting the gulf between the two sides. In fairness, the Panthers were undermanned, missing seven players from their Round 7 loss to Sebastopol.

Given the landscape that saw the visiting Panthers have no less than seven under 19 representatives it was more a matter of how far for the Swans on their own deck given the touring party's lack of experience and season form.

The win was emphatic for Chris Maple's group after building on a hard fought 14-point lead at quarter time.

The game opened up as the Swans put their foot down extending the margin to 48 at the half, 88 at the three-quarter mark before 128 at the final siren. Convincing to say the least.

As many as half of the Swans hit the scoreboard led by Zak Rinaldi (four goals), Andrew Hooper and Tom Mooney, who both finished with three apiece.

Amid the rout, Tristan Maple, Zak Rinaldi, Callan Wellings, Will Liston, Paddy Simpson and Keegan Mellington received the Swans’ hierarchy nod of approval to finish in the best players.

While it was another tough day at the office for Travis Hodgson's group, one could not deny the contributions of Panthers’ organic bunch Cody Chapman, John Kovarick, Broden Collins, Lachie Pritchard, Mitch Fino and Jesse Geddes.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tristan Maple (Ballarat) - 42 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 marks

Callan Wellings (Ballarat) - 28 disposals, 13 tackles, 11 clearances

Cody Chapman (Melton South) - 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 12 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"Our boys were pretty consistent in all phases throughout the game. Credit to Melton South, they continued to front up for the fight every contest."

Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
We went in with a pretty undermanned side and I thought we defended pretty well in the first quarter, and it kept us in the contest. Ballarat had good shape and balance around stoppage and once they got outside of us, they really got hold of us.

Melton returned to the top of the table with a big win over Lake Wendouree at MacPherson Park.

Braedan Kight was the star once again with seven goals, moving to 41 for the season, 10 clear of his nearest rival Jake Sutton (Sunbury) in the race for the Tony Lockett Medal.

Troy Scoble's men were super-efficient converting 23 of their 32 shots on goal, to leave visiting coach Rohan Brown scratching his head at the extent of the final margin.

That's very much like the Bloods - blink and you'll miss it!

One minute the Bloods are mopping up in defence, before Braedan Kight is having a shot on goal the next. Clinical. 

A thirty-point lead at quarter time grew to 52 at the half, 82 at the final change before 117 points separated the two sides at game’s end. 

Versatile Bloods quintet Lachlan Walker (two goals), Brodie Sullivan, Lachie Watkins (two goals), Jack Walker (one goal) and Lachlan Phillips were recognised for their support roles aiding Kight's star of the show performance.

Credit to the Lakers for their competitiveness during the game for long periods.

Unlike the Bloods, the Lakers struggled to score and cost them dearly in the wash-up. 

Lakers’ ruckman Tom Zampatti was stoic in the ruck, while in form trio Lincoln Koliba, Angus Gove and Joel O'Connell enjoyed their fair share of ball.

Bailey Thompson booted two goals, taking his season tally to 16 - impressive given his side hasn't won a game. The wiry, run and carry forward is responsible for near 30% of the Lakers season goals (16/54).

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Lachlan Watkins (Melton) - 38 disposals, 11 score involvements, 11 marks

Jack Walker (Melton) - 41 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Tom Zampatti (Lake Wendouree) - 39 hitouts, 10 contested possessions, 6 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Good competitive game going into the bye. We were a bit inconsistent in all phases today. Our defence was strong and we were able to implement our defensive system. However, full credit to the Lakers, their contest phase was very competitive and challenged us today.Our attack phase was ok at times - we lacked a bit of synergy going forward but overall going into the bye to get through the last four weeks W3L1 gives us a platform to now build into the season. Like all weeks, plenty to learn and improve on, and we welcome that."

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"(I) thought we were well and truly in the game - just the end of chains we would give the ball back to Melton and them being slick and cleaner, would capitilise. Effort and pressure was season high for us today. I walked away a bit bemused that the score ended up being the margin it was. Melton are very good and will be there at the end. Looking forward to the break."

North Ballarat banked an all-important four points on the road to deny Bacchus Marsh at the weekend.

Despite leading at every change Brendan McCartney's men were made to work hard for their reward as very little separated the two sides at the breaks with the margin sitting at 6, 1, 12 and 19 respectively.

The Cobras made a couple of 'runs' at the visitors who led comfortably before Dennis Armfield's group swung into action.

The hosts enjoyed some time in front in the third term but were unable to sustain the levels of consistency and efficiency required to overcome a team like North Ballarat who pride themselves on the 'contest'.

Three late goals to North Ballarat in the third quarter restored the visitors the lead and with it, a healthy momentum push into the final stanza. Game over.

The Roosters essentially shut up shop, denying the Cobras another sniff holding them goalless, an anti-climax of sorts to a game that was entertaining for three quarters.

The Loader brothers Harry (one goal) and Fletcher were named best for the winners ahead of Will Quinlan (four goals), Malachi White and Ned Nash who did the job again for the Roosters in the absence of Jamie Quick, finishing with four goals.

Nash has been a real find forward for the Roosters this year in a real masterstroke by McCartney and his staff. The former defender now has 17 goals (comp rank #7) to his name.

For the Cobras, there were varying opinions on the make-up of their major contributors.

The coaching group, however, settled with Jake McCreery (two goals), Ashton Craig, Ethan McKercher, Jacob Pawlowicz, Luke Goetz and Simon Lafranchi.

Jake Owen was their leading goalscorer finishing with three.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) - 31 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 9 clearances

Jake McCreery (Bacchus Marsh) - 26 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 9 tackles

Cam McCallum (North Ballarat) - 41 hitouts, 12 contested possessions, 10 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"We had our chances....North were able to wrestle back momentum and out worked us. We let in three, third quarter, red time goals which hindered our momentum. Credit to North who were able to squeeze us and force us long and create a contest. Good battle all day which North won at the end of the day."

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Really proud of our players today against a club having a crack and developing quickly. Good day for what we are about as a club. Under pressure we were organised and super competitive. Another good step forward in our development."

A more fancied Darley outfit were forced to dig deep on the road to hold off a gallant Sebastopol at Marty Busch Reserve.

The Devils led by eight points at three quarter time and were kicking into the breeze for the last quarter, asking questions of Dan Jordan's group, who have been struggling to find their best.

But, as good teams often do, the Devils found away, not for a moment taking the result for granted as Jordan praised the efforts of an undermanned Burra outfit in the aftermath.

Devils’ key defender Matthew Brett was named best on ground ahead of the Cadman brothers Joel and Duncan, Brady Wright and midfielders Adam Azzopardi and Matt Denham.

On a day where goals came at a premium, it was Wright and Wil Johnson (three goals each) that proved the difference on the scoreboard.

For the Burra, selfless leader Tony Locker (one goal) was lauded for his effort on Brett Bewley ahead of an experienced group of contributors who went down despite ‘pride in the jumper' performances - namely Luke Kiel (two goals), Bailey Medwell, Ryan Noether, Daniel Widgery and Ryan Birthesel.

Both sides will welcome not only this weekend off, but their upcoming byes in Round 9 (Darley) and round 11 (Sebastopol). A chance to regroup and replenish ahead of a season defining conclusion.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Ben Hutt (Sebastopol) - 34 disposals, 12 tackles, 10 marks

Joel Cadman (Darley) - 31 disposals, 14 contested posessions, 13 marks

Adam Azzopardi (Darley) - 35 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 12 pressure acts

COACHES’ VERDICT
Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Extremely proud of the boys today. A great contest against a quality side played in great spirit. Darley took their chances going forward in the second half and we missed a few that could have impacted the result. Credit to them getting it done after a couple of losses. Looking forward to a week off after a big eight game stretch."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Proud of our boys today. Credit to Sebastopol, they really came to play and challenged us in all areas. The Burra will test a few sides above them on the way home for sure. Our boys showed some 'ticker' into the breeze in the last quarter to get the points."