Ex-AFL stars Andrew Gaff and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti star for country football clubs

It was another dramatic day of local footy with stunning comebacks and ex-AFL players dominating. Here are all the talking points from Saturday’s action.

Olinda Ferny Creek sent a statement to the rest of the competition on Saturday. Olinda Ferny Creek captain Lachlan Taylor celebrates a goal with a teammate. Picture: Andrew Batsch

This weekend of local footy had it all.

There were wild comebacks, kicks after the siren to win, a draw in the Outer East and premiership statements made by some clubs.

Ex-AFL stars also dominated in country and metro footy as some donned the boots for the first time while others continued to play a major part for their sides.

It’s all here in the talking points for this weekend.

TWO UMPIRES INJURED

A Mornington Peninsula league Division 1 game was stopped for almost 30 minutes after a goal umpire was concussed. An ambulance was called to Emil Madsen Reserve in Mt Eliza at 4pm after Rodney Young lost consciousness after he was caught under a pack of players as he adjudicated a shot for goal in the Mt Eliza-Rosebud match. The game was halted for almost 30 minutes as trainers attended to the stricken Young. A Mt Eliza trainer supported Young’s head and a blanket was placed on him until the ambulance arrived. The game eventually resumed and more drama was to follow when another umpire injured his leg and had to be helped off. Young’s place in goals was taken by injured Mt Eliza and Richmond VFL player Bob Girolami. The third quarter went for over 58 minutes and the game was finished under lights as darkness descended. Top-of-the-ladder Rosebud won by 15 points, 12.8 (80) to 9.11 (65). You can read more about the umpires here.

BRILLIANT BLOODS

Olinda Ferny Creek was at its scintillating best, thrashing Healesville by 69 points to prove its premiership credentials in Outer East Premier Division. The Bloods booted seven goals in the third quarter to power clear for its sixth win in seven games, 20.9 (129) to 9.6 (60). Ned Ford and Lachlan Taylor kicked four goals apiece and Peter Lucas and ex-AFL Magpie Matthew Scharenberg were superb for Olinda Ferny Creek, which has emerged as Wandin’s main threats this season.

DRAMATIC COMEBACK FOR IMPS

Former Essendon livewire Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has helped Imperials comeback from 40 points down at quarter time to stun Red Cliffs in one of the games of the year in the Sunraysia league.

The reigning premiers looked down and out as the Tigers kicked 6.4 (40) to nothing to build a handy lead.

But Imperials responded with the forward turning it on just like his days at the Bombers.

He kicked four goals in the second quarter as Imperials kicked 10 in the term to lead at the half-time break by 10 points.

McDonald-Tipungwuti would end the match with five goals, tied for the most he’s kicked at the club since joining last year, as the Imps held on to win by 16 points, 14.11 (95) to 12.7 (79).

ABERS FORWARD’S HUGE HAULS

As Aberfeldie recorded a 304-point win over a battling East Keilor in the Essendon District league’s top flight, Sam Paea and former AFL forward Callum Moore filled their boots. Paea finished with a whopping 17 goals alongside Moore’s 10 as Abers kicked 48.29 (317).

TIGERS STORM HOME TO TIE

Mt Evelyn players walk off the ground after the game was a draw. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Upwey Tecoma and Mt Evelyn had the first draw of the season in Outer East’s Premier Division. Upwey stormed home, kicking four goals to one in the last quarter, to knot the scores at 12.7 (79). Spencer Richards-West slotted six goals for Upwey Tecoma, while Jason Want, Nick Hoskin and Michael Gibbons (three goals) were terrific for Mt Evelyn.

ROOS REIGN SUPREME

East Ringwood remains the only unbeaten team in Eastern’s Premier Division following a 17.8 (110) to 4.13 (37) win over Blackburn in a top-of-the-table clash at Morton Park.

The Roos led by seven points at the half before taking control in the third term off the back of a midfield brigade led by the unrelenting pressure of reigning Chandler medallist James Belo. The visitors turned a 23-point three-quarter time lead into a statement 73-point victory, piling on nine final-term goals.

Meanwhile, South Croydon broke through for its first victory of the season, edging Mitcham 9.12 (66) to 8.10 (58).

SOULEIMAN LIVES THE DREAM

Zane Souleiman lived every footballer's dream on Saturday, kicking the match-winning goal after the siren. With North Heidelberg trailing South Morang by a point, the Bulldogs young gun marked seconds before the final siren rang. With everything on the line, he kept his cool to kick truly and seal a five-point triumph, 18.11 (119) to 17.12 (114) and spark wild celebrations for the visiting fans at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. It was a cruel blow for South Morang, the club still hunting its first win in its return to NFNL Division 1. Josh Lansfield booted five goals, while Kobe van Zwienen was the Lions’ best.

GAFF ENJOYS THE SERENITY

Andrew Gaff dominated in country footy on Saturday. The former Eagles player played for (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Former West Coast Eagles player Andrew Gaff put on the boots for the first time since retiring, playing for Bonnie Doon in the Ovens and King league on Saturday.

He kicked a goal and was the best player on the ground as the Bombers beat King Valley by 75 points, 17.14 (116) to 6.5 (41).

Gaff played the match, which doubled up as a sportsman’s dinner at the club, so he could run around with some close mates he went to school with.

OLD SCOTCH AWAKENING

The VAFA Premier men’s flag holders might have just clicked into gear. Old Scotch recorded an 80-point thumping of finals aspirant St Bernard’s to improve their record to 3-4 in a result they can help kick start their season. A nine-goal to one opening term set up the victory.

HOPPERS WIN A THRILLER

Hoppers Crossing proved why it’s going to take some stopping in the WFNL with an impressive come from behind win against Yarraville Seddon. The Warriors ran out 18-point winners with former VFL gun Josh Pickess and ex-AFL midfielder Jed Anderson among the best. Arki Van Wills enjoyed a strong performance against his former Eagles teammates with three goals.

PANTHERS POUNCE

Melton South secured the upset of the Riddell District season with a stunning 37-point win over last year’s grand finalist Wallan. The Panthers were an unknown commodity, returning to the RDFNL from the Ballarat league but showed they are a finals contender with a 13.10 (88) to 7.9 (51) triumph at Greenhill Reserve. The Magpies were held to just two behinds in the first half, South charging to a 45-point lead. While the home team won the second half it was too little, too late. Alec Goodson booted four goals, while ex-AFL gun Marlion Pickett was prolific in a man-of-the-match showing, along with Broden Collins and Riley Theo. The win sees the Panthers leap-frog Wallan into fifth.

WILLIAMSON AND RATS CHARGE CONTINUES

Tom Williamson continued his push for a mid-season AFL draft selection, kicking two goals for Ararat as the Wimmera league ladder leaders won by 20 points over Minyip Murtoa.

Williamson, who successfully fought a striking charge during the week, which allowed him to play, was one of the best players for the Rats who extended their winning streak in the league to 16 matches.

The former Blue earlier this week nominated for the draft, which will be held this week.

He could have played his last game for the Rats, for the time being, if an AFL club gives him another chance.

Williamson played 44 games for Carlton from 2017 to 2022.

BENTLEIGH SENDS STATEMENT

A six-goal opening term has helped Bentleigh to an impressive win over East Brighton to stay within striking distance of the top in the Southern league Division 1.

In the battle between two finals aspirants the Demons got the jump early and were never headed, despite a six-goal final term from East Brighton.

Bentleigh won 13.11 (89) to 8.10 (58).

Matt Colak and Jack Hastings kicked two goals for Bentleigh who kept East Brighton to one goal in the first half.

East Brighton remains second, behind Dingley, with Bentleigh moving to third with the win.

Both teams are 4-2 to start the season.

BIG HAUL BY EX-POWER FORWARD

Peracedale and former AFL player Brett Eddy. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Former Port Adelaide sharp shooter Brett Eddy fired off eight goals in Pearcedale’s 63-point win over Rye, 21.14 (140) to 11.11 (77). Dales’ electric small forward Cruiz West joined the goal frenzy with six majors. Eddy has kicked 15 goals in his past two games, and leads the league with 29 majors.

BLOODS ON THE BOARD

Lalor claimed its first win of the NFNL Division 3 season, storming to a 38-point win over Old Eltham Collegians at Lalor Reserve. The impressive 15.9 (99) to 8.13 (61) triumph, snaps the Bloods’ 17-game losing streak dating back to last season. The home team made the most of the wind blowing down Sydney Cresent, kicking six goals in the second term and another seven in the fourth to break its drought. Reigning NFNL Division 3 leading goalkicking Sam Rexhepi was unstoppable with eight goals, while Alex Dao and Hayden Hunt also starred. The win also moves Lalor off the bottom of the ladder, condemning the Turtles to bottom-placed on win percentage, having played an extra game.

RONALDSON STARS IN OAK PARK’S STATEMENT

In a potential finals preview, Oak Park recorded a 34-point win over St Albans in EDFL Division 1. The Roos led from start to finishing, even holding the Saints scoreless in the final term. Lachlan Ronaldson was named best afield in a performance which included three goals.

MONASH BLUES ON THE BOARD

In Division 1 of the VAFA, Andrew Batten’s Monash Blues secured their first win of the season, holding on against Elsternwick, who remain winless. The scoreboard read 12.10 (82) to 8.20 (68) in trying conditions. Blues skipper Mitch King kicked three goals with John Walker best afield.

SAINTS ON TOP

South Belgrave’s Taylor Garner kicked six goals on Saturday. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Six goals from ex-AFL Kangaroo Taylor Garner propelled South Belgrave to a commanding 16.16 (112) to 5.3 (33) victory over Bayswater to remain unbeaten and on top of the ladder in Eastern’s Division 1. The Saints’ win was set up by seven second-quarter goals after trailing by five points at quarter-time. Daniel Wynd, Mitchell Garner, Charlie Peters, Tyreece Leiu, Oskar Taylor and Brayden Ryan featured among the victors’ best.

DEVILS DO IT FOR DAN

Wantirna South held off a third-quarter charge from the Waverley Blues in Eastern’s Division 2 to salute favourite son and flag hero Daniel Cromb with a 31-point victory in his 250th match.

The Devils kicked away to a 40-point half-time lead at Walker Reserve before the Blues cut the deficit to just 17 by the final change. But the hosts weren’t to be denied, led by best-afield and captain Jake Denes with two goals. Taylor Leggate, Jarryd Van Grondelle, Salele Feagaimalii, Ethan Kiker and Nathan Denes were also among the best. Wantirna South sits second on the ladder with a 5-2 record.

GRAMMARIANS WIN A THRILLER

Caulfield Grammarians underlined its premiership favouritism in the VAFA Premier Women’s competition after securing a four-point win. They were able to hold on against reigning premier Old Scotch.

TIGERS PARTY IN STYLE

Springbank celebrated its 100th birthday in dominant fashion, securing its best win of the season over Bungaree in the Central Highlands.

The Tigers won by 57 points over last year’s grand finalists to move into the top eight with their fourth win of the season.

Springbank led at every change and had the contest wrapped up after half time, extending the margin to 42 at the final break.

Todd Finco and Brant Haintz kicked three goals each for the Tigers.

Springbank, formed in 1925, is based in the small town of Wallace, located around 20km from Ballarat.

KANGAS REAL DEAL

Macleod cemented itself as one of the teams to beat in the NFNL Division 2 premiership race after a strong 29-point win over fellow contender Whittlesea at DeWinton Reserve. The scores were level at quarter-time and half-time before the Kangas charged home in the second half, booting eight goals to three to win 13.14 (92) to 8.15 (63). The win solidifies Macleod in second-place on the ladder, now a game ahead of Whittlesea and a game behind undefeated leaders Diamond Creek.

DOGS HAVE THEIR DAY

Gisborne have exacted some revenge for last year’s grand final loss to Sandhurst by beating the Dragons by 12 points in the grand final replay.

The Bulldogs led all day and survived a late challenge from the Dragons to win 13.7 (85) to 10.13 (73).

Pat McKenna kicked five goals for the Dogs with Braidon Blake and Brad Bernacki among the best for Gisborne.

PANTHERS CHARGE HOME

Chirnside Park staged a 40-point turnaround to defeat Kilsyth in an Eastern Division 4 top-of-the-table bout, 12.16 (88) to 10.3 (63).

The Panthers, led by Jake Cawsey with four goals, trailed by 15 points at the final change before rattling home in the last term despite a depleted bench.