Round 7 Review

Projected to be improvers this year, Sunbury’s season is on a knife's edge after a 13-point home loss to Redan on Saturday.

Despite leading at every change, Sunbury was unable to hold off the visitors who overcame a 14-point deficit at three-quarter time by adding five goals to one in a barnstorming finish.

The Atchison boys shared ground honours, while underrated wingman Pat Fitzgibbon thrived on the big ground that is Clarke Oval.

Sunbury coach Travis Hodgson conceded it was a game of missed opportunity from his group.

"We played reasonably well and mostly controlled it for two and a half quarters, had numerous chances to kick away halfway through the third and didn't take them," he said.

Harry Power, Haydn Ross and Jayden Eales were acknowledged for their efforts in a losing side that simply came up short.

"Redan clearly outplayed us in the last quarter," Hodgson said.

The nature of the come from behind win for the visitors will be a major confidence booster for the group, according to Redan coach Jarrett Giampaolo 

"I'm absolutely stoked for the boys after a great fightback in the second half," he said.

"(We) showed plenty of character, never gave in and deserved the win for the effort they put in."

Two road trip challenges await these clubs in round eight and neither will be easy by any stretch. Sunbury head to Sebastopol to take on the Burras who have won three in a row, while Redan meets an improving Melton South. 

The Swans got it done on the road, bringing their best when it mattered most to hold off an inaccurate Devils by 18 points. The win was thoroughly deserved and a just reward for the Swans’ superior work rate and ability to outnumber the Devils at the contest, especially in defence. Devils key forward Nick Rodda (3.7) often had two or three to beat in the air yet somehow the Swans were able to win the ball at ground level.

Swans mid Aiden Domic was damaging with his outside run, Nick Weightman was influential with his drive off half-back and captain Sam James was important with his work around stoppage. Coach Joe Carmody praised his boys post-match and welcomed the return to the winners’ list.

"Our ball movement was very good, and our pressure and tackling were at a high standard," he said. 

For the Devils, Duncan Cadman and Shane Page battled like warriors, while Brett Bewley, despite much attention, is clearly a class above. Coach Dan Jordan is not one to explore the could’ve, would’ve, should’ve despite a run of eight consecutive behinds from midway through the second quarter until late in the third.

"Sure, we didn't take our chances, but there's plenty more we'll learn from the game," he said.

"We're a young group, seven rounds in and tracking in the right direction."

While the round eight bye is timely for the Devils, their next hit out isn't until June 18, when they embark on a road trip to East Point. The challenge for the returning young list will be to hit the ground running given the club has won just one first quarter in 2022.      

The Kangas stormed back into second place on the BFNL ladder with a convincing 47-point win over the Cobras at Eastern Oval. The (still) reigning back-to-back Premiers put the game to bed early, opening up a 27-point lead at the first change.

Jordy Johnston (5 goals) was the star of the show yet again, taking his tally to 21 goals from his last five games, while marquee recruit Jackson Merrett was named best afield. Midfielders Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Joe Dodd won more than their fair share of the ball through the midfield to aid the supply to Johnston, Bryce McDougall (2 goals) and impressive young talent Jack Jeffrey (2 goals).

Kangas coach Jake Bridges said it was, “a four-quarter effort with plenty of evidence around our trademarks and opportunities for growth."

Cobras forward Aaron Willetts (4 goals) returned from a hip complaint, confirming his importance to the lineup to be named among the best with newcomer Sam Crea and defender Simon LaFranchi. Dangerous forward Jake Owen finished with two goals and continued with his terrific run of consistency.

Coach Tom German conceded his boys were made to work hard for their goals while a skilful East Point took their opportunities. The Cobras sit just outside the top six on percentage and face North Ballarat at Mars Stadium on Saturday. Good luck.

Sebastopol kicked the last five goals of the game to secure the points against a spirited Melton South at the weekend.

Star utility and Burra captain Tony Lockyer (3 goals) were the catalysts behind the tough win after the visitors were ahead in the last quarter.

Panthers coach Heath Pritchard was full of praise for Lockyer in the aftermath.

"Tony was the best on ground by the length of the straight, simply outstanding," he said.

Pritchard went on to express the pride in his own group who again were crippled with illness to key players including their general and captain, Shaun Wyatt. While the Panthers struggled to get their best 22 on the park, Pritchard made no excuses, remaining positive on the trajectory of the club’s improvement over the last month.

"We are getting better every week and believe in what we're doing," he said. "More wins are around the corner."

Burras’ coach Michael Searle was clearly relieved with the win after an almighty scare.

"We knew it was a danger game for us," he said. "They applied good pressure and took risks that we struggled to defend against."

While Michael Powell (5 goals), Jed Hill (4 goals) and Bailey Veale (2 goals) featured prominently for the winners there was no disputing the most influential player on the ground.

"Thank goodness for Tony Lockyer," Searle said.

The Panthers showed plenty of dash to reel in a 34-point halftime deficit before their run ended. Dylan Jones, Cody Chapman, Jacob Thornton-Gielen maintained their recent good form while Dylan Conway booted four goals in his return. 

Undefeated Melton showed no signs of mercy at the weekend cruising in a systematic fashion to an 81-point win over Lake Wendouree.

The Bloods booted five goals in every quarter, refusing to take their foot off the gas.

Progressive half-forward Luke Heaney (5 goals), along with Liam Carter (4 goals) took the honours on the scoreboard while regular duo Ryan Carter and Braeden Kight took a back seat settling three goals each of their own.

Bloods midfielder Jaycob Hickey is starting to give teammate Jack Walker a run for club Best and Fairest with another best on ground performance ahead of those who did the damage in front of goal. Kyle Borg, Lachie Watkins and Lachlan Walker shared good numbers of their own to feature in yet another four-quarter Bloods blitz.

Lakers coach Jack Fitzpatrick found some positives in his young group’s performance but was under no illusions about the difference between the two sides.

"The scoreboard might not reflect it, but the competitiveness was far better than last week," he said.

"That said, we got a lesson in using the footy - schoolboy errors hurt us, but to Melton's credit their ball use was exceptional."

Another tough assignment awaits the Lakers this week when they face Ballarat at Alfredton Oval. Melton's week culminates with a top of the table clash at home with East Point. We look forward to that one!