Demons thump Cobras
Koo wee rup announced themselves as potential West Gippsland football contenders, thumping Cora Lynn in their annual Anzac match on Saturday night, 20-18 (138) to 8-7 (55).
The Demons were aided by the inclusion of Anthony Guiliano, who had been cleared to play after it was feared that he may never play again due to a nasty head knock sustained last season.
Sporting a different number than usual in the Demons’ specially designed Anzac Guernsey for the occasion, it didn’t stop the crafty forward from kicking a trademark goal early in the contest.
Jason Wells also got in the act with a clever roller from the pocket to inspire the Demons to a fast start to lead from start to finish.
Stars rise
Garfield’s young team has continued its meteoric rise under new coach Hayden Stanton, thumping Kilcunda Bass to remain on top of the ladder.
Twelve goals to one in the first half set up the Stars big win, 19-16 (130) to 4-6 (30), with Daniel Johnson leading the way with seven goals.
While the Panthers were more competitive in the second half, it was too little too late as they crashed to a 100-point loss.
Jonathon Sauze, Jayden Goumas, Joseph Verleg, Daniel Helmore and Sam Batson helped drive the Stars to a big win.
All eyes will be on the Stars to see if they can maintain the rage against some of the early front runners through the middle stages of the season.
Goon up top
Nar Nar Goon kept pace at the top end of the ladder with a big win over a struggling Bunyip, 1918 (132) to 6-5 (41).
While the Bulldogs got themselves back into the contest with four goals in the second term, they could only manage one goal after half time as the Goon ran away with it.
Troy McDermott kicked six goals for the Goon, while Matthew Stevens chipped in with three majors.
Todd Beck, Trent Noy, Mitchell Virtue and Eamon Trigg were also among the better players.
Brad Walker, Brent Heus, Damien Szwaja, Justin McCleary, Trent Westwood and Jordan Wyatt battled against the odds for the Buldogs.
Bulldogs bark
Phillip Island proved far too good for Korumburra/Bena to keep their campaign for a finals berth on track.
To achieve their aim the Bulldogs need to defeat the teams below and around them, and didn’t waste the opportunity against a struggling Giants outfit that were competitive early but then fell away.
The Bulldogs kicked away to win 14-13 (97) to 5-10 (40), aided by four goals from Jordan Patullo.
Team to beat
Reigning premier Inverloch/Kongwak showed it could again be the team to beat, thumping traditional Bass Valley rivals Dalyston 21-17 (143) to 5-6 (36).
The Sea Eagles set up the dominant win with an emphatic first half, kicking 14 goals to three before taking the foot off the pedal slightly in the second half.
Toby Mahoney returned to his goal kicking exploits with seven majors, while Adam Cross chipped in with three goals to celebrate his 300th senior match in style.