Stars hold in five
Garfield maintained its position in the West Gippsland Football Competition top five with a thumping win over Kilcunda-Bass.
The Panthers, who have struggled following the exodus of some key players in the off-season, were competitive early to enter the first change just seven points in arrears.
But the visitor couldn’t sustain the effort with their next score, a solitary behind, coming in the final term as the Stars took full control of the contest.
Sam Batson and Daniel Helmore feasted with bags of seven and five goals respectively as the Stars kicked away to win, 22-15 (147) to 2-2 (14).
Six goals in the second term established a handy buffer, while a further four goals in the third term ensured the match was in the Stars’ keeping.
With the Stars in a battle to lock down fifth position on the ladder, the home side took the opportunity to add some percentage and slammed through nine goals in the final term.
Alongside goal kickers Batson and Helmore, Jonathon Sauze, Lachlan Sauze, Tim Hatherall and Alex McMillan were other influential players for the Stars.
The Stars now enjoy a two game and almost 16 percentage point advantage over sixth-placed Cora Lynn.
Goon on top
Nar Nar Goon continued its good form to comfortably account for Bunyip, 9-19 (73) to 2-4 (16).
While Bunyip were strong defensively, wasted opportunities prevented the Goon from playing out a percentage booster.
The Bulldogs entered half time trailing by 23-points and still in touch, but the Goon were able to kick away to a comfortable 40point lead at the final change.
A return of 2-5 while keeping the Bulldogs scoreless in the final prevented the margin from creeping past 10 goals.
Brendan Hermann kicked three goals in a best afield effort, while Trent Armour, Tyler Payroli, Jake Blackwood, Shannon Stocco and Sam Blackwood also helped the Goon to a strong victory.
Matthew O’Halloran, Nathan Allen, Brandon Allen, Robert Hughes, Jason Williams and Brad Walker battled against the odds for Bunyip.
Cobras fall short
Cora Lynn matched it with fellow finals aspirants Koo wee rup.
Inaccuracy in the middle stages hurt the Cobras, who fell short despite a final quarter comeback.
Trailing by a point at quarter time, the Cobras could only manage four behinds while the Demons put through four goals to establish a handy 22-point buffer.
A return of 4-6 in the third term hurt the Cobras’ ability to make inroads to the margin, with the Demons accurate return of 5-2 keeping their opponent at bay.
The Cobras played an inspired final term but the deficit proved too much, the home side falling 14-points short, 10-14 (74) to 1310 (88).
Despite missing the dynamic Jason Wells, the Demons were able to remain effective up forward with Ryan Wilby stepping up to kick four goals and Nathan Voss chipping in with three majors.
Nathan Lieshout proved another handy addition for the Demons in a best afield effort, while Luke Walker, Mitchell Leek, Dominic Paynter and Luke McMaster were other key players.
Jai Rout kicked three goals, while Brayden Weller, William Thomas, Rylan Smith, Kevin Vandenberghe and Andrew Green also helped the Cobras work their way back into the contest.
Eagles back to best
Reigning premier InverlochKongwak displayed a return to their best form with a thumping win over Dalyston, 21-16 (142) to 1-2 (8).
Jackson Brooker kicked the Magpies’ only goal in the third quarter as the Sea Eagles established a match-winning lead.
The Sea Eagles, who had suffered a couple of losses in the past month, were ruthless in the final term with nine goals to blow the margin out to three figures.
Giants goalless
Phillip Island kept KorumburraBena goalless on the way to a strong victory, 9-12 (66) to 0-2 (2).
The Bulldogs stepped up to kick six goals in the second half after leading by 20-points at half time in a dour, low scoring contest.