Local footy: Ex-AFL players run hot

Big goal hauls, drought-breaking wins and former AFL players starring...here’s all the news from a huge Saturday of local footy.

Jake Aarts on the move for Dromana against Frankston Bombers. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Big goal hauls, drought-breaking wins and former AFL players starring...here’s all the news from a huge Saturday of local footy.

MIRRA UNSTOPPABLE

Former Hawthorn and Box Hill Hawks defender David Mirra relished a new role up forward, firing off 10 goals for Collegians in their thumping 123-point win over Old Melburnians in VAFA Premier. Mirra played 11 AFL games after making his debut at the age of 27 in 2018. Collegians, 3-1, have climbed to fourth spot. Meanwhile, University Blues scored a big upset when they knocked over Old Brighton at the Brighton Beach Oval, 10.13 (73) to 9.6 (60), with former Western Bulldog Ayce Cordy best-afield.

David Mirra.

LAKERS BREAK DROUGHT

Talk about a turnaround! Lake Wendouree snapped an 18-game losing streak with an eye-popping 102-point win over Melton South in the Ballarat league, 24.18 (162) to 8.12 (60). The Lakers are on the rise, coached by former Hawthorn and Melbourne player Jack Fitzpatrick.

JACKO GOES BANG

Former Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs star Jackson Trengove had a day out for Mooroopna, slotting 10 goals in its 19.10 (124) to 9.5 (59) victory over Rochester in the Goulburn Valley Football League. He has kicked 19 goals in five games.

Jason Winderlich.

WINDERLICH LEADS BLUES

Celebrations were pumping in the Gippsland farming community of Thorpdale on Saturday night after the Blues gained their first win under favourite son and returning AFL-Bomber Jason Winderlich.

Thorpdale secured a thrilling three-point victory at Mirboo North, 11.8 (74) to 10.11 (71). It’s their first win for the season after three competitive losses and it was a great boost for the club which won only one game last year.

BERGERS SIZZLE

Heidelberg beat Bundoora by 19 points in a grand final rematch in the Northern league’s Division 1. Brody Tardio and Lachlan Wilson were named best, while Jed Rule and Dylan Clarke booted two goals apiece for the 3-1 Bergers in the 9.8 (62) to 6.7 (43) victory.

MAJAK STARS

Former North Melbourne player Majak Daw continued his impressive form for North Heidelberg, kicking seven goals in its 25.11 (161) to 8.6 (54) win over West Preston-Lakeside in in the NFNL.

DEMONS ON THE BOARD

Chelsea Heights broke through for its first win of the season in Division 1 of Southern league.

Last season’s Division 2 premiers kicked six goals to one in the final quarter to beat St Kilda City by 34 points, 14.19 (103) to 11.3 (69), with former Corowa-Rutherglen forward Tim Brook kicking six goals and Port Melbourne VFL-listed Cody Stackelberg starring.

Joel Williams at half back and ball magnet Aaron French were also dominant for the 1-4 Demons.

“It gets us moving,” Chelsea Heights player Jackson Fry said. “We hunted the footy in that last quarter and our tackle pressure was outstanding.”

Frankston Bomber Jake Berry and Dromana’s Billy Geurts go at it. Picture: Valeriu Campan

DYNAMIC DROMANA

Ethan Johnstone slotted five goals as undefeated Dromana increased its lead atop the MPFNL Division 1 ladder with a resounding 39-point win over the Frankston Bombers. Sam Fowler also starred with three goals, while ex-AFL Tiger Jake Aarts continued his impressive form.

BULLDOGS OFF THE LEASH

Wandin continued its unbeaten start to the Outer East Premier division season with an 89-point win over Monbulk, 18.21 (129) to 5.10 (40). Patrick Bruzzese was best-on-ground and Aaron Mullett slotted six goals.

Patty Bruzzese was brilliant for Wandin. Picture: Valeriu Campan

SANDHURST SIZZLE

A red-hot Sandhurst improved its record to 5-0 in the Bendigo league with a decisive 52-point win over South Bendigo. Hamish Hosking capped a best-afield display with a goal, while Lachlan Wright kicked three goals to boost his season tally to 15. The teams were playing for the Graeme Wright Memorial Cup

SHARKS BITE IN WRFL

Point Cook Centrals secured its first win of the Western Region Division 1 season with a 21-point victory over Hoppers Crossing.

The Sharks, who were promoted to the top tier this season, broke away in the final term.

EDFL BOILOVERS

It was a huge Saturday in the Premier Division of the Essendon District league.

East Keilor caused the biggest upset of the season with a nine-point win over Strathmore.

Meanwhile, Greenvale stunned Aberfeldie by 19 points.

NORSEMEN, EAGLES FIND FORM

Norwood has dealt Noble Park a second-consecutive loss in the Eastern league’s Premier division, pipping the reigning premier 8.6 (54) to 7.11 (53). The upset marks the Norsemen’s third win of the season from five starts, drawing level with the Bulls who began their campaign unbeaten after three rounds.

Meanwhile, Vermont has etched a third win in four weeks to keep pace with the pack, cruising to an 18.10 (118) to 10.11 (71) victory over 2022 finalist, South Croydon. The result consigns the Bulldogs to a third-straight loss.

WOODSMEN WIN AGAIN

Brandon Walshe fired off six goals to spearhead Spotswood’s 27-point win over Yarraville Seddon Eagles in the Western Region league’s Division 1. Walshe has kicked 10 goals in the past two matches and the Woodsmen have improved their record to 2-3.

MATCH ABANDONED AFTER INJURY

A Mornington Peninsula league match was abandoned after a player collided with the fence after being tackled on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the final minute of the reserves match between Devon Meadows and Hastings, with Meadows captain Daniel Tocknell sustaining head injuries.

He was taken by ambulance to Frankston hospital.

An hour-long delay caused the seniors match to be abandoned without it starting.

Devon Meadows president Chris Langley said Tocknell was talking to club medical staff before being transported to hospital.

“He’s got concussion and a big lump on his head,” he said.