BFNL Review - Round 10, 2024

East Point extended their winning run to eight, moving into second spot on the BFNL ladder with a spirited win over North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

Only four points separated the two sides at three quarter time before the Kangas went into overdrive adding six goals in the final term to run out 27-point winners.

Ironically the scoreline resembled both sides’ season average for points scored v top five opposition.

The Roosters averaged 51 heading in, the Kangas 73.

In form Kangas’ forward Bryson McDougall added another game high four goals taking his season tally to 31.

The mobile focal point has kicked a goal in every game this year.

Jacob Brown starred again for the winners. What an asset he is proving to be after returning to the club from East Keilor following the start of the season.

The Johnston brothers Matty and Jordy were again significant contributors. For the record it was Matty's eighth appearance in the best players this year from nine games while Jordy notched up number five in vote contention.

It was a typically hard contested affair, no surprise to anyone familiar with North Ballarat's style of play.

Combative beasts Brock Leonard, Cam McCallum and Fletcher Loader were named best for Brendan McCartney's Roosters ahead of Will Quinlan, Ryan Hobbs and Isaac Carey.

Youngster Taj McMillan was their only multiple goal scorer finishing with two.

The Kangas were made to fight for any ascendancy before recording their second win at the venue on the trot.   

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Jacob Brown (East Point) - 20 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 11 marks

Cam McCallum (North Ballarat) - 94 hitouts, 14 disposals, 13 contested possessions

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 20 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT
Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Gave ourselves a chance to win with our fight and method. Disappointing end to the game where we needed to be much better. Lots of learnings to take forward. They are a good team and will shape much of the season in the competition."

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Really hard-fought win against quality opposition. North were really good around stoppage but we kept at it and managed to move the ball well with a bit more speed in the last quarter. A very contested game so it was great to get the win."

Visiting Sebastopol consolidated its recent bout of improvement with a stirring 45-point win over Ballarat.

Six unanswered third quarter goals to the Burra proved the difference and a potential turning point for Tony Lockyer's band getting their season back on track.

The win puts the Burra just a game and percentage outside of the six.

Three goals and a best on ground performance from popular veteran Luke Kiel gave us further indication he is nearing his peak, having suffered the ill effects of a broken leg and later infection that kept him on the sidelines.

Lockyer prodigy Riley O'Keefe, Adam Forbes (two goals), Ben Hutt and Lachlan O'Keefe also received the nod of approval from the Burras’ powers that be to finish among the better players.

Unfortunately, just as Burra look to signs of being 'up and about' the club has the bye next week before the Interleague lay off. Essentially a 21-day break.

For Chris Maple's Swannies, there was an heir of familiarity in the names of their more prominent best players, namely - Marcus Powling (one goal), Wil Liston, Lachie Dalgleish and Tristan Maple.

Promising types Rhys Perry (one goal) and Luke Gray did everything they could to keep the game in check up until the main break when scores were level.

Unfortunately for the Swans however, scoring was a battle as they finished with just six individual goalkickers.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Riley O'Keefe (Sebastopol) - 20 disposals, 14 intercept possessions, 10 marks

Tristian Maple (Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 7 marks

Bailey Medwell (Sebastopol) - 29 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 clearances 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"We started well, and should have been further in front early. We gave them a sniff off the back of turnover mistakes and credit to Sebastopol - they had a very good third quarter which ultimately won them the game."

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Very pleased for the boys to get reward for the effort they've been putting in over the last few weeks. Credit to Ballarat who jumped us early and put some pressure on. Our boys grinded back into the contest and took the opportunity in front of them after half time. Couple of weeks to regroup with two byes in a row for us."

A brave Bloods outfit came from 20 points down midway through the third quarter to finish with their noses in front following a thriller at Clarke Oval.

Elusive talent Kyle Borg kicked the last goal of the game to send Bloods fans into a frenzy.

The 25th minute sealer was aptly described as 'the Borg moment' which will surely be relieved by the club faithful during the week.

Sunbury forward Jake Sutton had an opportunity to win the game after the siren but his old school torpedo attempt from beyond 50 metres went off the side of the boot.

While the 1v2 clash lived up to its billing with a grandstand finish there was no denying the overwhelming somber feel around the ground following the recent passing of Melton utility Billy Sullivan.

There wasn't a dry eye in the place before or after the game - both sides are to be commended with the spirit in which the game was played.

Somehow, the Bloods found a way while Sunbury lost no admirers in defeat.

Bloods’ forward Ryan Carter booted four goals for the winners and Braedan Kight two.

Goals came at a premium for both sides as Mitch McLean and Jake Egan ended the game the only multiple goalscorers for the hosts.

Lachlan Watkins, Jaycob Hickey and Ryan Carter led the resistance for Bloods to feature prominently over four quarters and were deservedly recognised in the best players.

For Sunbury, in just their second loss of the season it was Jake Egan, Jordan Tentonello and Lachie Urbon who got the nod from coach Matty White.   

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Joshua Guthrie (Sunbury) - 38 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 10 marks

Lachlan Watkins (Melton) - 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 8 intercept possessions

Jordyn Cotter (Melton) - 22 disposals, 12 intercept possessions, 10 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT
Matt White (Sunbury)
"What a game in the end! A couple of skill errors cost us in the end but that's footy. Credit to Melton for the way they went about it and being able to finish the game the way they did."

Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Really proud of the club. For us it was effort and adrenaline. We were off in all phases of the game but just focused on managing momentum shifts. To lose key players in game, down ability to rotate we were proud defensively holding up. We absorbed a lot of attack and managed the last ten minutes which has been a focus. Whilst method was off, our effort was strong. Regroup now, stick together and keep moving forward."

A nine-goal haul from Devils’ forward Billy Myers and a best on ground performance from Brett Bewley (three goals) proved too much for a plucky Melton South outfit, as Darley recorded a big win at Melton Recreation Reserve.

The Devils were solid, certainly not great, but did enough to earn a substantial percentage boost due largely to their efficiency on goal, ending the day with 26.9.

Harley Inglis and Leigh Spiteri made a welcoming return for the winners, who remain a handful of players shy of resembling anywhere near their best 22.

Western Jets listed player Jayven Tanner impressed Dan Jordan's crew to finish in the best around Bewley, Myers and Spiteri while progressive defender Zane Le Huray made it a sixth appearance in nine games after another dependable contribution.

For the Panthers, there were encouraging signs posting their second highest score of the season.

Their good players all played well, responding for coach Travis Hodgson after the clubs 174-point loss to tenth placed Lake Wendouree just seven days earlier.

Organic stocks Broden Collins, Jarrod Bibby, Mitch Fino and Cody Chapman continue to fight for the jumper while newbies Darrean Wyatt (two goals) and Darby Schilder had their best game in Panthers’ colours. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 47 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 14 score involvements

Billy Myers (Darley) - 23 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 14 score involvements

Darrean Wyatt (Melton South) - 29 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 10 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Travis Hodgson (Melton South)
"Much improved performance. Our senior players were solid and the dozen under-ages bought in and brought plenty of energy. Darley did what really good sides do and stamped their authority in a couple of excellent five-minute bursts where they scored heavily."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Not a day for results today. Two clubs banded together to remember a good mate. Great effort from Melton South to field a side and play great competitive footy."

The Lions returned to the winners list on the back of a seven-goals-to-one final quarter to keep their top six chances alive.

On the road and with questions around the Lions viable finals chances, coach Gary Learmonth let his boys’ actions do the talking.

The response was emphatic as the Lions led from go to woe.

Developing pair Liam Farnsworth and Kye Jess had arguably their best games for the season and were well supported by experienced quartet Jacob Short, Jacob Werts, Patrick Fitzgibbon and Lachie George (two goals).

Geelong VFL listed Lion Lachie Bond finished with a game high four goals in his second game for the club while consistent forward Grant Bell made it 10 games in a row recording multiple goals to finish alongside Marty Boyer with three goals.

The Cobras will be disappointed with the result given they were in touch of the Lions at three quarter time, trailing by 14 points.

But it wasn't to be.

The eight goal six return was the Cobras’ second lowest score of the season and well below their season average of 68 points against sides above the bottom two.

Joel Freeman led the scoring for the host party with three goals ahead of Jake Owen who finished with two.

Colby Piggott enjoyed a break-out game to finish best for the Cobras ahead of usual suspects Jake Owen, Dennis Armfield, Rye Penny, Jake McCreery and promising young mid Josh Huxtable.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Rye Penny (Bacchus Marsh) - 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 10 intercept possessions

Liam Farnsworth (Redan) - 26 disposals, 12 intercept possessions, 11 contested possessions

Lachlan George (Redan) - 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 7 score involvements 

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"Redan hit the ground running from the first bounce and raced to a three goal lead in the blink of an eye. They were cleaner than us and hurt us on turnover. We had our moments but couldn't capitilise and credit to Redan who were able to repel. We need to keep finding a way to play our way for longer because when we do it's pretty to watch."

Gary Learmonth (Redan)
"It was a good response today. The group controlled most of the game and capitilised late to get the result on the scoreboard. Our young boys followed in behind our senior leaders to get the result we were after. The Marsh had moments of control and looked dangerous but weren't able to get reward for effort."