VFL
Essendon 8.7 (55) def. by Casey Demons 15.6 (96)
Essendon’s unbeaten streak was put to a halt this weekend after being defeated by Casey Demons by 41-points.
Essendon were unable to match the pressure of the Demons and two injuries in the first half left them two men down for the remainder of the game. Edyn Sibbald sustained a leg injury whilst Nino Lazzaro suffered a concussion.
Dylan Clarke and Kyle Langford were the leading ball getters for Essendon, gathering 28 and 24 disposals respectively. Langford was omitted from the senior side this week but responded with five tackles and a goal.
Down forward, Jordan Ridley made great impact with six marks and two goals, whilst Josh Begley and Noah Gown also added to the scoreboard, kicking one goal each.
Essendon hope this loss is their first and last. They look to redeem themselves against Sandringham Zebras this week.
The Casey Demons led at every break, giving their all until the final siren.
Braydon Preuss was a star player for Casey against Essendon. The ruck recruit finished with a game-high 40 hit outs alongside two goals, earning him a spot among Casey’s best.
Tim Smith and Oskar Baker also added to Casey’s scoreboard pressure, kicking four and two goals respectively. Other notable mention includes Corey Wagner who was attacking at the ball, laying 11 tackles.
Casey search for their third win for the season as they come up against the strong Port Melbourne.
North Melbourne 17.11 (113) def. Geelong 14.9 (93)
North Melbourne prevailed in the must win match against Geelong.
Despite trailing at every break before the fourth quarter, North Melbourne were able to muster the strength in the final term to defeat Geelong by 20 points.
Nathan Hrovat produced a best on field performance for North Melbourne, placing him in contention for an AFL recall. The small forward finished with 16 disposals, eight marks and an impressive six goals.
North Melbourne gets to bask in the ambience of their win for a little while longer. A bye this week will see them return in round eight where they will face Footscray.
Geelong were graced with the return of AFL listed players Jed Bews and Lachie Fogarty, both playing their first game of the season after returning from injury. Fogarty kicked a goal for Geelong, with his strong performance being rewarded with a spot in the best.
Geelong will face Collingwood this week as they continue to chase their second win for the season.
Hawthorn 12.12 (84) drew with Footscray 12.12 (84)
The thrilling mother’s day match saw both sides work desperately to get their team over the line, however when the final siren went, the scores were even at 84 apiece.
Veteran player Jarryd Roughead was omitted from the senior side for the first time since 2012. The former skipper responded with a best on-field performance, kicking five goals and even gave his opponent Rueben William some friendly on-field advice.
Hawthorn’s leading ball getters included the likes of Conor Glass (24 disposals), Oliver Hanrahan (22) and David Mirra (21).
Box Hill is tasked with a challenge this week. Round seven will see them face the undefeated Richmond Tiger’s.
From Footscray, Tory Dickson finished with 19 disposals and three goals after being demoted from the senior AFL side. Kyle Dunkley and Josh Schache also added to scoreboard with five goals between them.
Down the other end, young defender Bailey Williams led the disposal count with 30 possessions and nine marks as he continues to push in contention for a senior recall. Pat Lipinski was a key player for the Dog’s, asserting his dominance in the midfield with nine marks and five tackles.
Footscray will host Werribee this round, both sides looking to walk away with the four points.
Frankston 7.8 (50) def. by Richmond 19.10 (124)
Richmond sprinted out of the gates and got an early lead over Frankston. Holding them goalless in the second quarter, Richmond continued to dominate and secure a comfortable 71-point win.
Patrick Naish emerged as the leading goal scorer for Richmond, booting four goals for Richmond this week and earning him a spot among the best.
Maverick Weller was damaging around the ground and scored himself a goal, his efforts earning himself a spot among Richmond’s best.
Richmond looks to walk away with the four points and continue their perfect start to the season when they face Box Hill this week.
Collingwood 8.7 (55) def. by Sandringham 7.14 (56)
The nail-biting match that went down to the wire saw Sandringham prevail whilst Collingwood suffered yet another loss in the 2019 season.
Collingwood booted four goals in the final term but it wasn’t enough to get the win. Travis Varcoe was the leading goal scorer for Collingwood, finishing with two goals.
Collingwood will be given the opportunity to secure a win this week as they face the also struggling Geelong.
The low scoring affair saw Sandringham defeat Collingwood by one point. The exciting game saw draftee Max King play his first VFL game and first game in over a year after rupturing his ACL. He finished with seven disposals and a goal.
Hunter Clarke was omitted from the senior side this week, his response, a game high 28 disposals, seven marks and three tackles.
Sandringham will have to work hard this week if they wish to beat Essendon in round seven.
