Poowong into EDFL top five
Poowong have defeated Ellinbank to sensationally displace their rivals in the Ellinbank and District football top five.
The Magpies led for the majority of the contest to knock off the Eagles 7-10 (52) to 4-8 (32) and leapfrog their rivals into fifth on the ladder.
The sides could not have followed different paths in recent weeks, the Magpies building momentum and the injury ravaged Eagles struggling to tread water.
Having been bereft of success for some time, the Magpies had entered the season hoping to improve on its one win from last season but now face the realistic chance of playing finals.
The Eagles have acknowledged their injury woes and believe their best side is good enough to challenge, but they now face a big challenge to get there.
Holding a seven-point lead at half time, the Magpies kicked three goals to two in the most productive term of the day to extend the lead to 13-ploints at the final change.
The wintery conditions would ensure it was a bridge too far, and the Magpies made sure of it with the only major of the final term.
Tim Hancock, Chris Robinson, Joseph Bisognin, Jack Hazendonk, James Doria and Mitch Whiting led the Magpies to an important victory.
Michael Urie, Tom Johnson, Ryan Carpenter, Thomas Robertson, Shaun Phelan and Jake Harper were the better players in what the Eagles would have considered an important match to win for its season.
Saints still unbeaten
Nyora maintained its unbeaten status and clear favortism at the top of the ladder with a workman-like victory over Neerim-Neerim South, 10-11 (71) to 2-3 (15).
Similar to the round one match between the sides, the Cats were able to restrict their more fancied opponents who were only able to kick away late.
The Saints worked out to a five goal lead at the final change before they went on the march, booting five goals in the final term to almost double their score and run away with it.
Aiden Cumberland and Iian Osman each managed three goals, while Jordan Anderson, Dylan Heylen in his 100th senior game, Ryan Spooner, Nick Carrigy and Jesse Heylen also led the final quarter charge.
Dane Fawcett, Nathan Bayne, Jack Griffiths, Matthew Quigley, Tim Beaurain and Chris Saunders were the better players for a determined Cats side.
Crows celebrate heritage
Longwarry consolidated its position in the top five with a big win over Nilma-Darnum, 24-17 (161) to 5-6 (36).
Playing in front of its 1968 premiership heroes and no doubt looking to repeat that history some 50 years on, the Crows were dominant from the outset with a six goal to one first term laying the foundation for a big win.
The Bombers responded with four goals in a competitive second term, but the Crows were still able to extend their lead with another six goals giving them a comfortable 46-point buffer.
The visitor could only manage two behinds from that point as it got ugly, with Crows coach Daniel Fry feasting on the Bombers defence to finish with a bag of 12 goals.
Five goals in the third term had the match in the Crows’ keeping, and they didn’t let up as they steered through another seven majors in the final quarter.
Riley Rundell and Braydon McHugh each chipped in with three majors, while ruckman Nicholas Redley gave first use to the likes of Josh Bourke, Russell Lehman, Aaron Serong and Danny Wells.
It was a disappointing result for the Bombers, who are looking to improve and move towards the top five under new coach Matt Shorey.
Chris Larosa, Nathan Campbell, Ben Campbell, Logan Deschepper, Dylan Cann and Sean Viotto battled against the odds for the Bombers.
Blues kick away
Catani also consolidated its position in the top five with a comfortable victory over Lang Lang, 12-8 (80) to 5-9 (39).
The Tigers were difficult to shake early, entering half time trailing by just 14-points and giving themselves every chance of causing an upset.
The Blues put paid to any hopes with four goals to one in the third term to create a handy buffer before controlling the final term, kicking three goals to one.
Owen Fitzpatrick booted five goals, while Tom Keily chipped in with three majors. Dylan Williams, Paul Pattison and Nicholas Visser also helped the Blues kick away in the second half.
Joseph Dalgleish, Jake Dwyer, Stuart Casey, Josh Brown and Aidan Nooy led a gallant first half effort from the Tigers.