SHARP FOCUS
NEWTOWN & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon has welcomed the return to form of forward Jacob Sharp as the Eagles stayed inside the top three with a 16- point win over St Albans.
Sharp booted four goals in the 12.10 ( 82) to 10.6 ( 66) victory, his best return since his six goals against St Mary’s in Round 3.
The speedy forward booted 18 goals in the first five rounds of the year, but had kicked just five majors in his past five matches after an injury- interrupted run.
However, Sharp was back to his best against St Albans, according to McMahon.
“He’s a very important player to us. He adds a different dynamic and he kicked four and should have had eight,” McMahon said.
“He’s hit- and- miss, Jacob, but in tough conditions he kicked some great goals and was back to his best.
“He has probably been trying to find form after his injury, and today he was back to the Jacob Sharp of old.”
Newtown & Chilwell opened up a 29- point half- time lead thanks to Sharp and Sam Nichols ( three goals).
But the Eagles endured a third- quarter lapse that allowed St Albans back into the game.
Despite the best efforts of Supersaints pair Andy Higgins and Billy Beardsell, the Eagles proved too good.
“Doug Palmer had his best game for our club across halfback,” McMahon said.
“He’s one of our better users and he’s finding his feet after we used him as a forward.
“Jai Sheahan was one of our best again and controlled the ball through the middle of the ground. We had Jacob Russell too as a late inclusion on debut, which was great for everyone.”
Newtown is a game ahead of fourth- placed Leopold with matches against Bell Park and South Barwon to come.
“Every win counts at the moment,” McMahon said.
“We need to maintain our position on the ladder and make sure we finish top three. It’s tight up there.” ST JOSEPH’S nearly cracked the three- figure winning margin against Lara, cruising to an 18.13 ( 121) to 3.6 ( 24) victory.
Lucas Anderson and beston- ground Alex Hickey both booted four goals, with Dan Capiron and Jordan Keras also impressing.
Brock Van Doren ( two goals) was Lara’s lone multiple goal kicker. LEOPOLD proved too good for Grovedale again, winning 11.16 ( 82) to 4.6 ( 30).
The usual suspects of Jai and Marcus Thompson and Sam Scott ( two goals) were all influential for the Lions, who had nine goal- kickers in an even performance. Midfielders Nathan Deans and James Tsitas were Grovedale’s best.
The game swung in the second quarter. After the Tigers went to the first break eight points up, Leopold kicked seven unanswered goals in the second quarter to go 40 points up at the half. COLAC thumped North Shore 24.20 ( 164) to 4.3 ( 27) at Central Reserve for their 11thstraight win.
Luke Hillman and Jake McGuane both booted six goals, while best afield Kody Spokes kicked four as the Tigers continue to finetune their game ahead of a serious premiership assault.
Jacob Miljevic was North Shore’s lone multiple goalkicker after producing yet another strong performance for the Seagulls. BELL Park had a comfortable win over Geelong West, 16.11 ( 107) to 6.7 ( 43), at Hamlyn Park.
Despite Giants captain David Peel booting four goals, the Dragons stayed inside the top five, with veteran Tim Sheringham booting four goals of his own as he continues to be a threat in attack.
Kristian Bucovaz was thrown forward and booted three goals, while Kyle O’Connor and Tom Mathieson kicked two apiece.