Kees win in upset
Natimuk United faltered for the first time this season in a 19-point loss to Kalkee at the weekend, but is still sitting pretty as it prepares for a top-of-the-table clash against reigning premier Harrow-balmoral.
The Rams had been enjoying an unblemished start to 2019 through their first five games, while the Kees had been uneven, but prior form counted for nothing on Saturday as Kalkee dispatched the home side 12.7 (97) to 9.6 (60) at Natimuk Showground.
Midfielder Zavier Hobbs was prolific for the Kees, kicking a goal and gathering plenty of the ball, while brother Simon Hobbs booted two majors in another classy display.
Jaydon Stiles, the league’s leading goal-kicker through seven rounds, booted another three for the Rams, but overall they struggled to generate scores.
Backman Callum Cameron was the home side’s best player, along with the likes of Jordan Smith and Justin Bromley.
Natimuk United must regain its focus before its meeting with the Roos this week.
Harrow-balmoral saw off a challenge from Jeparit-rainbow in a low-scoring affair at Jeparit.
Both sides booted three behinds each in the first quarter, but the Roos hit their straps in the second, slotting five goals to none.
The Storm, led by Brad Hunter and a three-goal haul from Peter Weir, were more competitive after the long break but could not make up for a goalless first half.
Midfielder Will Plush booted three goals to lead the Roos in the 9.10 (64) to 5.9 (39) win.
The Storm will lick its wounds before regrouping to face Rupanyup, which pushed Swifts in the second half of their meeting in Stawell at the weekend.
The Panthers’ spirited second half narrowed the
margin but was not enough to prevent a 15.8 (98) to 10.11 (71) win to the Baggies.
Swifts’ tall timber had a big impact on the contest, with ruckman Brett Hargreaves a standout and Ben Martin booting four goals up forward.
Elliot Kelly’s rich vein of form continued for the Panthers and Trent Grant made the most of his opportunities in front of goal with four majors.
The Baggies kept themselves in the thick of the finals race with the win, as did Edenhope-apsley, which overpowered Laharum with a nine-goals-toone second half at Cameron Oval.
Saints George Walker, four goals, and Billy Finnigan, three, led eight individual goal-kickers in the 14.12 (96) to 4.10 (34) triumph, while half-forward Damian Monaghan was the visitors’ best player.
Gerard Matthews, Daniel Griffiths, Tom Crawford and Reuben Launder kicked one goal apiece on what was a lean day for the Laharum forwards, while ruckman Mitch Horwood competed well against Jak Ryan.
The Saints and the Baggies will square off at Edenhope, while Laharum has a bye.
A much sought-after win is on offer for either Taylors Lake or Pimpinio when the two sides meet at Dock Lake Reserve.
The Lakers are at the bottom of the ladder thanks to Pimpinio’s four premiership points from a bye, but will be out to prove themselves after a 17.21 (123) to 4.7 (31) loss to Noradjuha-quantong at the weekend.
Nathan Byrne and Jason Kerr ran rampant for the Bombers, while Shane Oakley and Tom Cooper finished off their good work up forward with seven goals between them.
Coach Brandon Weatherson added some respectability to the scoreboard with three goals for the Lakers.