Crows emerge winners in foggy conditions
The under 16 match between Neerim-Neerim South and Longwarry proved the match of the day in the lower grades of Ellinbank District football.
With the early 8.15am start ensuring most of the match was played under lights in foggy conditions, the second quarter proved the difference as the Crows kicked out to an 18-point lead to go on and win 4-11 (35) to 2-3 (15).
Longwarry simply lifted its intensity after holding a narrow one-point lead at the first change, but the Cats were able to respond and challenge again in the second half.
The home side kicked the only goal of the third term to stay in the contest, before the Crows iced the game with the final goal of the match.
Small forward Tyler van der Heyden proved key to the outcome, booting three goals. He had good supply from captain Kieren Willis, Seth Hudson, Jacob Ventura and Joshua Cantwell.
Leading a competitive effort from the Cats were Keegan Friedlander, Jordan Franz, Kyson Cornwall, Braiden Curtis-Smith, Anthony Tripodi and Joseph Sheehan.
Ellinbank held a slight edge to comfortably account for Buln Buln, 7-11 (53) to 3-5 (23).
The Bankers gradually built their lead throughout against an undermanned Lyrebirds outfit.
Will O'Brien, Logan Joyce, Adam Mills, Ryan Murphy, Vincent Onslow and captain Ripley Pyle led the way for the visitor.
The better players for Buln Buln in an admirable effort were Aiden Smythe, Ryley Huysman, Tyler Best and Chase Gregory.
Yarragon produced another strong win, defeating Trafalgar 12-9 (81) to 3-5 (23).
The Panthers made a fast start, booting six goals in the first term, and were never headed.
Darcy Paul, Lachlan McWhinney, Brodie Fleming, Joshua Mills and Jack Keeble led the home side to victory.
The better players for the Bloods were Tory Clancy, Toby Radford, William Bremner, Heath O'Brien, Oliver Hennessy and Riley Hammond.
Ellinbank further demonstrated the strength of its juniors with a strong win over Buln Buln in the under 18s, 11-16 (82) to 3-3 (21).
The Lyrebirds played it out to the end, winning the last quarter.
Jack Champion, Saxon Rice, Matthew Atherton, Kynan Rintoule, Patrick Alger and Jonty Kennedy helped the Bankers to a winning position.
Helping the Lyrebirds to a strong finish were Jaran Guy, Will Battley, Mackye Rietmueller, Zac Sherrard, Ryan Bradshaw and Matthew Cahill.
Neerim-Neerim South loom as the team to beat in the under 18s.
Matthew Roberts continued his form in front of goal, booting four majors, and was assisted by Ayden Ramm with three goals as the Cats kicked away to win 13-25 (103) to 0-2 (2).
William Johnson, Jarrod Meggetto, Jackson Williames, Blake Appleby and Riley Ferguson were also among the better players.
Liam Kirkman, Ned Bain, Harrison Colvin and Dominic Keane were named best for the Crows.