Tea Tree Gully are the team to beat. Are Henley or Broadview the big dangers or perhaps the Phatoms or Sacred Heart?
By Justin Gerschwitz
Old Ignatians 11.15-81 defeated Henley 8.9-57 by 24 points at Karen Rolton Oval
Old Ignatians dealt Henley their second loss in a row with a strong 24-point win on their home deck. Henley led the way at every break before a last-quarter surge by Old Ignatians saw them pull away with a comfortable win. The stunning 36-point last quarter by Old Ignatians came in testing conditions but showed Old Ignatians have what it takes to defeat anybody in the competition. Will Ferrari led the way for Old Ignatians with a dominant best-on-ground performance including two goals. Patrick Kerin also impressed with a crucial three-goal haul. Jackson Smith once again starred up forward for Henley with a three-goal effort. Henley will rue their last quarter collapse which costs them top spot on the ladder as Tea Tree Gully now lead the way.
PHOS Camden 19.9-123 defeated Seaton Ramblers 13.12-90 by 33 points at Pedlar Reserve
PHOS Camden continued to impress in their 33-point win away from home against a strong Seaton side. Seaton led the way by 14 points at quarter time but an impressive eight-goal second term by PHOS turned it around. PHOS controlled the rest of the game to run away with the much-needed victory. Liam Toohey impressed with a dominant performance for PHOS while Justin Whitford proved too much to handle for Seaton with his four-goal haul. Brett Harland kicked home three goals for Seaton in a solid outing and Bryan Leahy also stood out in a disappointing loss for the home side. The win sees PHOS cement fourth spot on the ladder, tied with Sacred Heart OC at 5-3. Seaton missed out on a huge opportunity and instead drift to seventh on the ladder with a record of 4-4.
Tea Tree Gully 15.18-108 defeated Glenunga 6.7-43 by 65 points at Pertaringa Oval
Tea Tree Gully moved their way into top spot on the ladder as they took care of Glenunga in emphatic fashion despite a poor showing in front of goal. Tea Tree Gully put on an impressive 33 scoring shots and had they made the most of their scoring opportunities, it could have been a much worser result for Glenunga. Leading at every change, Tea Tree Gully never gave Glenunga a chance, sending a message to the rest of the competition on the way to sealing top spot on the ladder. Dylan Schoenmakers was again instrumental for Tea Tree Gully in a dominant all round display and Cameron Tiggemann was again solid up forward with a three-goal haul. Lincoln Bennett again hit the scoreboard for Glenunga with two goals, but his efforts weren’t enough as they remain without a win and entrenched on the bottom of the ladder.
Sacred Heart OC 6.25-62 defeated Scotch OC 4.14-38 by 23 points at Sacred Heart Middle School
Sacred Heart OC overcame a horrendous goalkicking performance to defeat Scotch OC by 23 points in very difficult wintery conditions. Kicking a combined 39 behinds, the two sides struggled immensely in front of goal with the wet and windy weather much to blame. Peter Spurling impressed for Sacred Heart in a best-on-ground effort while Cameron Rankin and Lachlan Button hit the scoreboard with two goals apiece for the Hearts. Rigby Barnes kicked home two goals for Scotch in a disappointing loss to a far superior side. Scotch OC now fall to 3-5 on the season and lose touch with the finals race while Sacred Heart OC firm into third spot on the ladder with a 5-3 record.
TO BE PLAYED – Saturday August 29, 2:15PM
Broadview vs Salisbury North at Broadview Oval
Round 9 Preview
Saturday August 29, 2:15PM
Scotch OC vs Tea Tree Gully at Scotch College
Tea Tree Gully are the form team in the competition right now and Scotch OC will have their work cut out for them if they are to stand any chance. Tea Tree Gully by 34 points.
Saturday September 5, 2:15PM
PHOS Camden vs Sacred Heart OC at Camden Oval
Home-ground advantage could prove a difference maker in this one as two of the main finals contenders face off. Both sides are in solid form but PHOS should have the edge in this one. PHOS Camden by nine points.
Henley vs Broadview at Henley Memorial Oval
Following back-to-back losses Henley will be desperate to get back in the winners column and I expect them to get the job done comfortably at home against Broadview. Henley by 24 points.
Salisbury North vs Seaton Ramblers at Salisbury North Oval
Salisbury North have struggled so far this season and they face a Seaton side who are well and truly amongst the race for a finals spot. It could prove a close contest but expect Seaton to prevail. Seaton by 11 points.
Glenunga vs Old Ignatians at Webb Oval
Old Ignatians will be full of confidence following their win over Henley. A Glenunga win is not far off but it is hard to ignore the form of Old Ignatians. Old Ignatians by 14 points.
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