State league wrap-up

Published by
Ben Pahor

VFL

Williamstown 18.10 (118) def Casey 11.7 (73)

First qualifying final

First placed Williamstown advanced to the preliminary final, defeating Casey by 45 points. After just five points separated the two sides at quarter-time, the Seagulls kicked eight unanswered goals in the second term with a strong wind, to take a big lead into the main break. However, the Dees fought back with the wind to get within a point a three-quarter-time, before Williamstown booted eight goals to one in the last term.

Arryn Siposs and Sam Dunnell were vital for the Seagulls in the final term, kicking three and two goals respectively when the game was in the balance.

Angus Brayshaw, Delcan Keilty and Corey Maynard were among the best for Casey, while youngster and potential draft prospect, Bailey Fritsch, kicked four goals.

Richmond 12.13 (85) def Collingwood 11.7 (73)

First elimination final

Richmond advanced to the semi-final next week, where Casey awaits after going down to Williamstown.

The Tigers got off to a blistering start in the first half, leading by 29 points at half-time, before the Pies fought their way back into the match, cutting the margin 11 points at the last change, before the Tigers held on to win by 12.

Mason Cox kicked three goals for Collingwood and was instrumental in his side getting back into the match, while out-of-favour Pie Chris Mayne booted two goals.

Anthony Miles had another impressive game for Richmond as he pushed his case for a senior return, with 37 disposals, 19 of which were contested, while Sam Lloyd had 26 disposals. Callum Moore kicked three goals.

Box Hill 11.11 (77) def Port Melbourne 9.10 (64)

Second qualifying final

The Box Hill Hawks are through to the preliminary final, after a hard fought 13-point win over Port Melbourne.

Jono O'Rourke led all comers with 32 disposals, while Mitchell O'Donnell and Andrew Moore finished with 27 and 26 disposals respectively.

Skipper David Mirra was crucial in defence, while youngster Teia Miles booted two goals.

Essendon 13.13 (91) def by Footscray 14.2 (96)

Second Elimination final

The Bulldogs advanced to next week's semi-final with a biting win over Essendon.

Trailing by 18 points at the main break, the Bulldogs slowly pegged the Dons back, kicking nine goals to five in the second half to record a five-point win.

Last year's premiership hero for the Western Bulldogs, Tom Boyd, starred for the winners, booting four goals and taking four marks. Clay Smith was also impressive, kicking two crucial goals late in the game, while the retiring Matthew Boyd had 24 disposals.

Shaun McKernan kicked three goals for Essendon, while Matt Dea starred in defence.

WAFL

South Fremantle 9.8 (62) def by Peel Thunder 12.8 (80)

Qualifying final

Fremantle affiliate, Peel Thunder advanced to next weekend's semi-final with an 18-point win over South Fremantle.

Nick Suban was best on ground for Peel, collecting 32 disposals, while Gerald Ugle booted three goals. Draftee Sean Darcy was also impressive with 42 hitouts, while Griffin Logue had 17 disposals and took four marks in defence.

Peel face Subicao in next weekend's semi-final.

Swan Districts 11.9 (75) def West Perth 8.12 (60)

Elimination final

Swan Districts were too good for West Perth in the elimination final, leading all day, eventually recording a 15-point win to set up a clash with South Fremantle next weekend.

Former Docker Ryan Crowley finished with 30 disposals for the victors, while Freddie Clutterbuck had 29 and Jesse Turner 27.

For West Perth, Shane Nelson picked up 36 touches and eight inside 50s, while Aaron Black had 30 disposals and took six marks.

SANFL

Norwood 10.7 (67) def by Central District 17.13 (115)

Elimination final

A six goal opening term helped Central Districts to a comfortable win over Norwood. Nick Holman was best on ground for the Bulldogs with 32 disposals, while Josh Glenn (four goals) and Justin Hoskin (three goals) were important up forward.

Mitch Grigg and Brad McKenzie did all they could for Norwood, finishing with 56 disposals between them.

Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) def Sturt 11.8 (74)

Qualifying final

Brett Eddy starred for the Magpies, kicking four goals, while Matthew Lobbe kicked two and had 45 hitouts.

Onballer Aaron young had 29 disposals, six tackles, 10 inside 50s and kicked a goal in an impressive performance.

Jack Trengove, who is rumoured to be open to continuing his career elsewhere in 2018, had 14 disposals, nine hitouts and kicked a goal.

NEAFL

Sydney 21.16 (142) def Gold Coast 11.8 (74)

Semi-final

Sydney is through to next week's NEAFL grand final thanks to a thumping win over the Gold Coast Suns.

Swans midfielder Dan Robinson had 28 disposals, while fellow AFL-listed players Harry Cunningham (24 possessions and two goals) and James Rose (23 and four goals) also impressed. Ruckman Sam Naismith had 16 disposals and four marks in his return game form a hip injury.

For the Suns, Michael Rischitelli (20 and five clearances) and Mitch Hallahan (27 and nine inside 50s) were impressive, as was half-forward Ryan Davis (29 possessions and seven marks).

Brisbane 16.19 (115) def Sydney Uni 12.1 (83)

Semi-final

Brisbane won its way through to the NEAFL grand final next Saturday, with a 32-point win over Sydney Uni.

Claye Beams starred for the Lions with 36 disposals and seven marks, Josh Clayton (26 disposals, two goals), Ben Keays (26 touches, six tackles) and Rowan Bewick (23 disposals, 11 marks) were also instrumental in the win.

Published by
Ben Pahor