Local footy talking points: Long streaks broken as ex-AFL names shine

Long losing and winning streaks were broken in the bush and ‘burbs as a wealth of ex-AFL names shone in the city and country alike. Here are the talking points of the weekend.

Long losing and winning streaks were broken in the bush and ‘burbs as a wealth of ex-AFL names shone in the country and city alike.

Here are some of the biggest talking points from the weekend’s local footy action ...

SWAN IN COUNTRY BOILOVER

Collingwood great Dane Swan helped Gol Gol to an almighty upset in the Millewa league’s opening match of the season on Friday night.

A finals-like crowd assembled to watch the premiership Pie feature in a one-off appearance to toast footy’s return to the north-west Victoria region, as Gol Gol ended reigning-premier Bambill’s 20-match winning streak.

Hawks president Paul Mensch said it was “all hands on deck” as his club posted the 12.10 (82) to 9.10 (64) victory.

“The crowd was as big as what we would have at a grand final,” Mensch said.

“Cars were lined up for four or five-hundred metres and we had eight people on the gate trying to get them through.

“It’s great for the league … especially small country leagues who are struggling, to showcase the Millewa (league) in that regard.”

Swan earned his keep playing off the half-back flank.

“He definitely helped and added something – the boys really enjoyed playing with him and the opposition really enjoyed playing a game of footy with him as well,” Mensch said.

Swan’s next stop is Eastern league club The Basin on April 29.

Swan (left) played off half-back in his one-off match for Gol Gol. Picture: Ricky Nixon

BELGRAVE ENDS DROUGHT

The wait is over for Outer East Division 1 club Belgrave, which broke through for its first victory in 1449 days with a 9.20 (74) to 9.6 (60) win over Hallam. The Magpies suffered one of Victorian local football’s longest dry-spells, last tasting victory in July 2019. Star Noble Park recruit Josh Wynen finished best afield, while Chris Campbell and Nathan Dawson each booted two majors.

Belgrave’s Nathan Dawson celebrates on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

HAWKS END BLUES’ BIG STREAK

One of local football’s longest current winning streaks is no more, with Boronia ending the Waverley Blues’ run of 20 consecutive victories in the Eastern league’s Division 2.

The Hawks held off a second-half Blues surge in the 9.17 (71) to 8.13 (61) result, after leading by 35 points midway through the second term.

It’s the first time the Blues have tasted defeat since Round 1, 2022, claiming the Division 3 flag last year before breaking the club record for most wins in a row in their recent Good Friday clash.

EX-AFL BLUE, LION STARS ON DEBUT

Doncaster East demolished cross-town rival Doncaster in the Eastern league’s Premier Division, with ex-AFL man Tom Bell kicking six goals on debut for the club in the 27.16 (178) to 6.6 (42) win. Three-time league medallist Chris Annakis marked his 250th match for Doncaster.

PIGEONS CLAIM BRAGGING RIGHTS

Yarrawonga extended Wangaratta’s early season pain with a 31-point win in the Ovens and Murray grand final replay, prevailing 16.18 (114) to 12.11 (83).

It was the first time Wangaratta could earn points following the club’s salary cap breach, but the Magpies remain winless after a dominant display by the Yarrawonga midfield.

The Pigeons blew the game open early in the second quarter when they banged on eight goals to three to lead by 36 points at half-time.

Young forward Ned Pendergast and last year’s O and M leading goalkicker Leigh Williams kicked four goals each.

EX-AFL NAMES ON SHOW IN VAFA UNFURLING

In VAFA Premier Division, St Kevin’s unfurled its 2022 flag at a sun-drenched TH King Oval, powering to a 14.13 (97) to 10.9 (69) victory over Caulfield Grammarians – coached by ex-Gold Coast mentor, Guy McKenna. St Kevin’s pulled away in the last quarter with a team that featured former Western Bulldogs mainstay Mitch Wallis, ex-Carlton forward Patrick Kerr, former Williamstown stalwart Nick Sing and ex-AFL Demon Josh Tynan, as well as hot VAFA prospect Luke Winter.

It’s believed VFL clubs took the opportunity to scout Winter.

The Caulfield Grammarians team included former AFL Giant Matt Buntine, and Port Melbourne premiership duo Tom O’Sullivan and Hugh Sandilands.

CRICKETERS CLASH IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Suburban football hosted a battle of the cricketers in the Southern league’s Division 1, with the Nick Jewell-coached East Brighton posting an 18.14 (122) to 4.6 (30) victory over a Doveton side featuring James Pattinson, who finished in his side’s best with two goals.

DUAL LEAGUE MEDALLIST LEADS THE WAY

Springvale Districts has continued its bright start, nosing out Southern league Division 1 power St Kilda City, 9.12 (66) to 9.10 (64). The Demons were led by two-time league medal star Matt Wetering, who kicked a bag of five.

Wetering, who has 12 majors from two outings following a haul of seven against Mordialloc last weekend, is back at Districts after a season on Collingwood’s VFL books.

REAL-DEAL DEMONS?

Mernda hasn’t played Division 3 finals since 2015 but has started 2023 superbly. The Demons knocked off last year’s preliminary finalist Old Eltham Collegians by 30 points in Round 1 and backed it up with an eight-point victory over grand finalist Laurimar on Saturday. The fight for a top-four finish looks a seven-horse race.

WYNDHAMVALE WINS A THRILLER

Wyndhamvale has won its second straight game in an after-the-siren thriller against Sunshine.

The Falcons held on after the home side missed a shot on the siren, which did not score.

The Roos had fought their way back into the contest with two goals in the final minutes.

KEILOR THE TEAM TO BEAT

Keilor has established itself as the team to beat in the Essendon District Premier Division with a statement win against Pascoe Vale.

The Blues held on by 12 points in a game which had plenty of momentum swings.

OAK PARK WINS BATTLE OF THE ROOS

Oak Park held on in a thriller against Sunbury Kangaroos. The home side won by two points.

PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Saturday might be almost over, but that doesn’t mean the local footy will stop.

To coincide with Anzac Day, there will be a number of games across the state at local level.

Berwick will also host Noble Park in a stand-alone Eastern league Premier Division clash on Sunday, before a Monday night game between Burnside Heights and Coburg Districts in the Essendon District league.