Check out all the big talking points from Saturday’s local footy action
There were top-of-the-table blockbusters, stunning comebacks, emotional returns and plenty more on a bumper day of local footy. Check out the big talking points.
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Get the wrap of all the big talking points from Saturday’s local footy action.
From stunning come-from-behind wins and ex-AFL players starring to emotional returns.
We saw winning and losing streaks end, top-of-the-table blockbusters and plenty more.
BENNELL HELPS COLTS TO UPSET
Harley Bennell made his local footy debut for Port Melbourne Colts in a heart-stopping three-point win over reigning SFNL Division 1 premier Cranbourne.
Bennell kicked two goals and was named in the best as Colts won 15.10 (100) to 15.7 (97) at JL Murphy Reserve.
Chris DeLuca was the hero for the home team, kicking four goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Billie Smedts also featured.
The result square Port Melbourne’s season at 3-3, while the Eagles fall from top spot after Cheltenham defeated Springvale Districts.
JONES MAKES EMOTIONAL RETURN
Nathan Jones made a winning return to his junior club, Mt Eliza, on Saturday.
Jones was kicked two goals and was named in the best as the Redlegs crushed MPFNL Division 1 rival Sorrento by 67 points at Emil Madsen Reserve.
A bumper crowd turned out to see the former Melbourne captain wear the famous red and navy blue once more.
Long-time friend and childhood teammate Sam Gill said before the match “the excitement around the club … it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere” and so it proved as the home team won 15.20 (110) to 6.7 (43).
LIONS INSPIRE LIONS
Still in the Mornington Peninsula league, Dayne Beams and Ryan Bastinac’s Pearcedale stormed home to defeat Mornington.
The former Brisbane Lions teammates starred as the Lions booted nine goals in the final quarter to turn a 17-point deficit at three-quarter-time into a 24-point win.
The stunning 17.10 (112) to 13.10 (88) come-from-behind victory against the second-placed Bulldogs is Pearcedale’s third of the Division 2 season.
CORNES NO GOOD
Kane Cornes proved a bad luck charm for Moyston Willaura in his Carlton Draft appearance.
The Pumas snapped a 27-game losing streak last week but, despite addition of Cornes, were no match for Hawkedale-Macarthur in the Mininera league.
Cornes wore his famous No.18 for the match at Willaura Reserve but was powerless to stop the 119-point defeat, 20.14 (134) to 1.9 (15).
Four-time Hawthorn premiership star Jordan Lewis is the next legend to feature when he runs out for Buchan against Lindenow South in the Omeo District league on Saturday, May 27.
KEVS’ STREAK ENDS
St Kevin’s undefeated start to the VAFA Premier Division season is over.
A seven-point loss to Old Brighton at TH King Oval makes for a log-jam at the top of the table.
St Kevin’s, Old Brighton and Old Scotch are all 5-1, while 4-1 Collegians can join them on Sunday when they face Uni Blues.
Felix Flockhart produced a best-on-ground performance to lead the visitors to a stunning 12.8 (80) to 11.7 (73) victory.
A WIN ON OFFER
Both Preston Bullants and Ivanhoe are winless after six rounds of VAFA Division 1.
However, the two teams face each other in Round 7 at the Bullants Ruthven Reserve.
It will be much-needed reward for one club, while the other faces a daunting task in an even competition.
Ivanhoe went down to ladder-leader Glen Eira by 18 points, while Preston lost a thriller to West Brunswick by six points on Saturday.
CREEKERS STOP PANTHERS RUN
Eltham’s undefeated start to the NFNL Division 2 season is over, losing at home to premiership rival Diamond Creek.
The Creekers’ 19-point victory at Central Reserve sees them re-join the Panthers at the top of the ladder.
Jacob Booth returned from Collingwood VFL duties to kick three goals, together with Jack Prosser, while defender Nick Barro continued his outstanding season with a best-on-ground performance.
BLOODS HEARTBREAK
Lalor’s losing streak has extended to 31 games after a heartbreaking loss to fellow NFNL Division 3 strugglers Reservoir.
The Bloods had a kick to win the game in the dying seconds but it went wide as the Mustangs held on for a two-point victory at Lalor Reserve.
In front of Lalor’s 1991-93 premiership hat-trick heroes, the two teams put on an entertaining display as it ended 10.11 (71) to 10.9 (69).
DEMOLITION DERBY
In the Essendon District Premier Division top-of-the-table battle of undefeated teams, Keilor put the hurt on derby rival East Keilor.
A five-goal best-on-ground display from Kane Barbuto fired the Blues to a thumping 69-point win at Joe Brown Oval.
Damien Cavka and Matt Clark kicked three goals in the 18.7 (115) to 6.10 (46) romp, while former AFL player Corey Ellis also impressed.
The win sees Keilor move a game clear on top of the table ahead of the Cougars and Pascoe Vale.
ROOS’ HOP ON TOP
The Eastern Premier Division also saw a top-of-the-table blockbuster with East Ringwood prevailing over Doncaster East.
Trent Farmer booted five goals and James Belo starred in the Roos’ 14-point victory at East Ringwood Reserve.
James Appleby was Doncaster East’s best in defeat.
East Ringwood and Balwyn are now level at the top of the ladder on five wins from six matches after the Tigers squeezed past South Croydon by six points.
SOUTH STILL UNDEFEATED
Damien Garner booted four goals as South Belgrave kept its winning streak alive.
The Saints made it six from six so far this EFNL Division 1 season, stretching their undefeated run to 13 games.
Unlucky for some, South faces winless Lilydale next week.
Sean Bartels was best-on in the 16-point win over Mooroolbark at Belgrave South Reserve.
HAWKS GO DOWN
After a tumultuous week, Boronia suffered its first loss of the EFNL Division 2 season.
The club saw its captain Harry Burgess suspended for eight weeks for punching Cameron Cloke last week.
It was a heart-breaker for the Hawks too, going down by a solitary point against Ringwood at Tormore Reserve.
The home team had four more scoring shots but was wasteful, kicking 6.14 (50) while the Redback took their chances, 7.9 (51).
DISTRICTS DOMINATE
There was more top-of-the-table action in the WRFL too.
Werribee Districts claimed a handsome 47-point win over Altona at Keogh Homes Oval.
The 12.15 (87) to 6.4 (40) victory keeps Districts perfect at six for six and inflicts the Vikings’ first loss of the season.
Chris Molivas and Daniel Schibeci both kicked three goals, while Josh Kellett was BOG.
LIONS CRASH PARTY
East Point celebrated East Ballarat’s 1993 premiership reunion but Redan spoiled the fun.
The Lions claimed a 13-point win at Eastern Oval to leap-frog the Kangaroos into the Ballarat league top four.
Izaac Grant, nephew of Western Bulldogs legend Chris, shone with four goals in the 14.8 (92) to 11.13 (79) victory.
Liam Canny booted five majors for East in defeat.
‘What we play for’: Wallan ready for grand final challenge
Wallan returns to the RDFNL grand final stage, defeating Macedon in the preliminary final, and is looking to cause a boilover on the big stage.
REPLAY: St Kevin’s storm home in VAFA Premier Women’s semi-final
They refer to the third term as the premiership quarter and St Kevin’s have answered the call by cutting down Old Scotch to storm into the VAFA Premier women’s grand final. Full REPLAY.