Local footy wrap: Brendan Fevola booted six while two sons of guns starred on debut
Brendan Fevola filled his boots in a loss, Heath Shaw helped Wallan to victory and a pair of sons of guns starred on debut. All that and more in our local footy wrap.
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There was no shortage of highlights in this weekend’s round of local footy.
Here are all the talking points from another cracking day of action.
FEV’S BAG COULDN’T HELP HAWKS
Half a dozen goals from two-time Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola wasn’t enough for Heidelberg West to steal victory over Fitzroy Stars.
Fevola, 43, kicked six of his side’s 11 majors in front of a massive crowd at Heidelberg Park.
The former Blue and Lion had his kicking boots on, as Heidelberg West kicked just three behinds as a team for the afternoon.
Fitzroy Stars spoiled Fev’s party however, winning 17.13 (115) to 11.3 (69).
Fevola’s one-off match follows two games of over-35s football this year where he has kicked 19 goals in two games.
SHAW BOLSTERS MAGPIES
Collingwood premiership player Heath Shaw has helped Wallan to another important Riddell District league win.
In a familiar jumper, and with his favourite no.39 on his back, Shaw helped the Magpies defeat Kyneton 13.16 (94) to 6.10 (46).
It was a one-off appearance for Shaw who wanted to play with a friend he’d played with previously.
Wallan is now outright third on the ladder after Diggers Rest (fourth) lost to Romsey.
DEBUTANTS THRIVE FOR KEILOR
Essendon VFL small forward Oskar Smartt booted five goals in his debut for Keilor.
The Blues, who are undefeated since the start of 2023, put Essendon Doutta Stars to the sword by 147 points at Keilor.
Keilor coach Mick McGuane’s son, Tom, 16, who is a father-son prospect in the 2025 AFL national, also made his debut and was named in the best after booting three goals.
Cody Brand, formerly of Essendon, kicked four goals.
RELEGATION BATTLE HEATS UP
There’s just six points separating the four teams fighting to avoid relegation in Division 1 of the Mornington Peninsula league after Langwarrin and Mornington secured crucial wins on Saturday.
Langwarrin (ninth) notched a strong win over Frankston Bombers (seventh) while Mornington (10th) defeated Pines (eighth).
The Bulldogs are still last and the Roos are still ninth but the gap between the four has closed, with just two points between each from 10th to seventh.
Langwarrin looked far from a ninth-placed side in the 14.11 (95) to 4.12 (36) victory.
Mornington, meanwhile, burst out to a strong lead and had to hold off the fast-finishing Pythons, 12.15 (87) to 9.16 (70).
The Doggies’ win comes days after playing-coach Josh Newman stepped away from football due to ongoing concussion symptoms.
TONNERS DO IT FOR KARAYANNIS
Old Brighton has celebrated Michael Karayannis’ milestone match in style with a come-from-behind win over reigning premier Collegians.
It was a VAFA match that deserved a classic finish and it got it, with the Tonners kicking ahead with 24 minutes gone in the last quarter.
Collegians had two more attempts on goal late but missed on both occasions.
Karayannis hit the scoreboard and found plenty of the footy.
The 11.16 (82) to 12.8 (80) win keeps Old Brighton on top of the ladder.
IT WASN’T EASY
North Albury walked away with a strong win but it certainly wasn’t the easy kill the scoreboard suggests.
Myrtleford, with just three wins, took it right up to the Ovens and Murray league contender for a half until the hosts class shun through.
North Albury had a strong second half to skip away to its seventh win of the season, 20.11 (131) to 12.8 (80).
DOGS DOWN DINGOES
St Paul’s McKinnon has announced itself as the second best side in the Southern league with a brilliant win over Dingley.
The Dingoes jumped out of the blocks with the first four goals of the game before the Bulldogs kicked seven goals in nearly as many minutes during the second quarter.
Christopher Rousakis was among the Doggies’ best while Michael Dolan started well for the Dingoes.
The 14.8 (92) to 10.3 (63)win propels St Paul’s McKinnon a win clear in second behind only the undefeated Cheltenham.
Dingley hosts Cheltenham next week.
ROOS ROLL ON
North Ringwood’s sizzling run of Eastern league form is showing no signs of slowing down after the Roos recorded their sixth consecutive win.
The Roos kicked nine goals to three across the second and third quarters to defeat Vermont — which too had won five on the spin — 14.12 (90) to 9.6 (60).
Josh Fox, Connor Weightman and Corey Preston each kicked three goals.
East Ringwood secured the win without star Jamie Bennell, who is set to miss a significant period through injury.
IT’S AN OUTER EAST DATE
Narre Warren and Woori Yallock have set up a battle of the undefeated sides next week when they meet for the first time this season.
The Magpies kicked seven goals to two in the final quarter to blitz past Mt Evelyn while the Tigers fought off a plucky Pakenham.
Woori Yallock and Narre Warren, which are both 8-0, met in the grand final two years ago.
BY HOW MUCH?
Heidelberg has dismantled Hurstbridge in what was meant to be one of the games of the Northern league season.
The visitors – led by 10 majors from Nathan Honey – defeated their opponent by 100 points.
The Tigers piled on 15 goals in the second half to clinch the 25.14 (164) to 9.10 (64) victory.
Zane Barzen also filled up with five goals.
ECHUCA SENDS STATEMENT
Echuca has affirmed its stamp of authority on the Goulburn Valley league with a crushing victory over Shepparton.
The hosts poured cold sweater on the highly-anticipated clash by kicking seven of the first eight goals to quarter time.
Shepparton fought back in the second term, kicking the last three goals before the main break, but the start ultimately cost the Bears top spot.
Cody Walker, the teenage son of former Carlton high-flyer Andrew, chimed in with two goals on debut.
The 20.10 (130) to 9.6 (60) result was Shepparton’s first defeat of 2024.
BLUES BREAKTHROUGH
Hastings has tasted its first victory of the Mornington Peninsula Division 2 season with a stirring seven-point win over Bonbeach, 11.9 (75) to 9.14 (68).
The Blues trailed by 24, 18 and 16 points at the first three changes before unleashing a six-goal final quarter to snatch a famous victory.
Former Frankston VFL forward Luke Clark kicked four goals for Hastings, while Brad Kovac, Jake Hewitt and Patrick Wilson were named among the best.
A THRILLING DRAW
Werribee Districts and Caroline Springs played out a thrilling draw with the latter undone by poor goalkicking.
The Brian Lake-coached Lakers kicked 10.12 for the afternoon.
Jack Bonnett and Lachlan Rainbow kicked three each for Districts.
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