VFL
Richmond 18.15 (123) def. Coburg 6.3 (39)
Richmond enters the mid-season bye 9-1 after a convincing 84-point win against Coburg. Richmond held Coburg scoreless in the first quarter whilst simultaneously adding four majors of their own. The Tigers continued to pile on the scoreboard pressure finishing the match with 18.15.
There was plenty to watch in this game with Shai Bolton, Jacob Townsend and Mav Weller all dominating the game and producing outstanding performances.
Bolton was omitted from the senior side after round 11 and responded with a game-high 36 disposals and goal. Townsend, who was also omitted from the senior side, responded with an impressive five goal haul off of his 21 disposals. Weller was also dangerous around the ground with his nine tackles and 21 disposals. The premiership forward also added two goals to the scoreboard.
Richmond return from their bye to face Sandringham Zebras in Round 13 at Trevor Barker Oval.
Northern Blues 10.7 (67) def. by Footscray 17.19 (121)
A close first quarter saw Footscray lead by only three points at the break but a dominant second quarter saw the Northern Blues being held to one goal whilst Footscray secured four goals on top of 12 behinds. Although the Northern Blues fought hard they were unable to match the pressure bestowed upon them, ultimately leading to their 54-point defeat.
After being omitted from the senior side this week, Jack Silvagni was sure to make it the last time that happened. Silvagni impressed with 26 disposals and 11 tackles as well as slotting three goals.
Matt Owies earned himself a spot in the best for Carlton after a stellar performance. The rookie laid five tackles and booted a career-high five goals.
Matt Kennedy and Darcy Lang were solid in the midfield finishing with 29 and 26 disposals respectively and having a combined total of 13 tackles. Ruck duo Andrew Phillips and Matthew Lobbe were strong for Carlton, each finishing with 20-plus hitouts.
The Northern Blues have the opportunity to regroup this week before returning after the bye to face Geelong where they hope to redeem themselves.
Despite inaccuracy in front of goal, Footscray were able to seal the deal and defeat the Northern Blues by a convincing 54 points.
After two months sidelined with injury, Taylor Duryea returned as if no time had passed. The experienced defender finished with a game-high 24 disposals whilst also laying four tackles and kicking a goal.
Ben Cavarra and Jordon Sweet were two of the multiple goal scorers, booting two goals apiece. Also slotting two goals was midfielder Rhylee West, he also gathered 15 disposals.
Other notable mentions include Josh Schache and Will Hayes who had 13 and 18 disposals respectively as well as three goals between them.
Footscray have the opportunity to secure another win in round 12 when they host Collingwood.
Essendon 10.11 (71) def. Box Hill Hawks 9.7 (61)
Essendon got over the line in their match against Box Hill over the weekend. With both sides evenly matched, only one point separated the sides at quarter time, and two points at the main break as well as at three quarter time. Essendon were able to hold on to the lead and defeat Box Hill by 10 points.
David Myers recently omitted himself in order to give younger teammates an AFL opportunity. The veteran midfielder finished a game-high 30 disposals, laid five tackles and finished with a goal.
Will Snelling was strong in the midfield whilst Matt Dea was dangerous across the back. Both players found plenty of the ball, finishing with 22 disposals apiece. Forward duo Mitch Brown and Jordan Houlahan were attacking in front of goal, kicking two goals apiece.
Essendon have the opportunity to rise to second on the ladder when they come up against Port Melbourne in Round 12.
Jarryd Roughead was unable to provide scoring pressure for the Box Hill Hawks. In his third successive VFL appearance, Roughead was held goalless for the second game in a row. Jackson Ross and Mitch Lewis stood up in Roughead’s absence and dominated across the forward line.
Ross scored four of the Hawks nine goals for the day whilst Lewis finished with two goals from five kicks and seven marks.
Harry Morrison and Teia Miles were able to gather 26 and 25 possessions respectively, much to the thanks of Marc Pittonet who was solid in the ruck with 49 hitouts and 21 disposals.
Box Hill Hawks have the opportunity to redeem themselves and break into he top eight this week when they host the Sandringham Zebras on Saturday afternoon.
Frankston 16.14 (110) def. North Melbourne 8.12 (60)
After ten rounds Frankston Dolphins finally got their first win. The Dolphins ran over North Melbourne in the second quarter, scoring eight goals to North’s three. They continued to dominate before ultimately handing North Melbourne a 50 point defeat.
North Melbourne had 11 AFL listed players in their side this week but it was not enough to stop the Dolphins who were hungry for their first win.
Big man Tom Campbell finished with 21 hitouts and gathered 23 disposals as well as a goal in what was another impressive and consistent performance. Ruckman Tristan Xerri was also impressive with 18 hitouts and a goal of his own.
Lachie Hoise finished with 1.2 from 11 disposals whilst fiery midfielder Joel Crocker was busy with 20 possessions.
North Melbourne have the chance to regroup and straighten out issues they faced in Round 11 before returning to face Collingwood after the bye.
Sandringham 9.9 (63) def. by Werribee 13.9 (87)
Sandringham burst out of the gates with five goals in the opening term but were put to a halt by Werribee in the second quarter, being held to one mere point. A tough third quarter saw the score close to a goal. The final term saw Werribee too strong for the Zebras, leading to a 24 point loss for Sandringham.
Daniel Hannebery showed some positive signs for Sandringham. The three-time All Australian worked up and down the field, finishing with 23 disposals.
Jake Carlisle made his return to football following a serious back injury. The veteran player came out of the game unscathed where he gathered 15 disposals and seven marks.
Max King went down with injury, limping off of the field early on. Whilst there were fears and concerns surrounding the re-injury of his ACL they have been put to rest after initial scans came back positive.
Sandringham will face Box Hill Hawks this week, both teams looking to secure a win after losses in Round 11.
