Outer East FN: Warburton Millgrove halts Pakenham’s unbeaten run in Division 1
Warburton Millgrove played its best footy of the season to halt Pakenham’s undefeated run in OEFN Division 1, with a gun forward, a new dad and ruthless midfield fuelling the display.
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It was the challenge Warburton Millgrove was craving.
The Burras, after five early wins this season, set themselves for undefeated Pakenham on Saturday, treating the clash at Mac Sparke Oval like a final.
And the result? A Burras blitz.
The home side kicked seven goals in the opening quarter and then six in the third to power clear for a 66-point victory, 18.9 (117) to 7.9 (51).
Warburton Millgrove coach James Iacono labelled the slick display “definitely” his side’s best of the season.
At 6-1, Warburton leapfrogged Pakenham to second spot.
“We really set ourselves for Pakenham, and we went in with a plan,” Iacono said.
“There’s a definite excitement when you play a team that’s 7-0, undefeated, and a team that you probably have no idea about because there’s no real history.”
A red-hot Bailey Humphrey slotted seven goals in a best-on-ground display for Warburton Millgrove.
With Burras forwards Liam Westlake and Jakob Upton missing through injury, Humphrey has been crucial in recent weeks.
“He’s only 21, and he’s been promoted to deputy vice captain this year and he’s really stepped up,” Iacono said.
Jack Farrugia kicked three and ruckman Nelson Aldridge went forward and kicked a couple.
Aldridge became dad on Friday — welcoming a son — and wasn’t sure if he’d take his place in the side.
He did, and was among the best players on the ground.
Warburton Millgrove’s midfield of Patrick Huynh, Thomas Marr, Thomas Baker and Tom Barr combined well to set the tone.
Another shining light this season for Warburton has been defender Shannon Noonan. After a couple of years away overseas, he’s returned in fine style and Iacono says “he’s the first magnet that’s put on the board each week’'.
“He just does a great job down back, week in week out, and a lot of our players have mentioned to me how well he’s slotted back into the team,’’ Iacono said.
After such an impressive start to the season, Pakenham hit a flat spot, despite strong games from Jaiden Camenzuli and Sam Cachia, who kicked a season-high four goals.
Also on Saturday, Josh Hawkins kicked another seven goals as Yarra Glen powered away from Powelltown after quarter time to win 22.15 (147) to 8.8 (56). Sam Wood also slotted four goals for the River Pigs, who counted Austin Smith as their best player.
An eye-popping 10-goal second quarter propelled Belgrave to a thumping win over Yarra Junction, 23.13 (151) to 4.5 (29). Kyle Nunn and Nathan Power were unstoppable, kicking seven and five goals respectively for the Magpies.
Alexandra cruised home over Yea 15.16 (106) to 7.6 (48), William Stewart nailing seven goals.
*Terry Walker played his 400th league game in Powelltown’s reserves on Saturday. “Tossle’’ was named Powelly’s best player in the 99-58 victory. It was a real family affair, with Tyson Walker, Bobby Walker, Jason Walker, Lindon Walker and Jonnie Walker also in the best. Terry is a Warburton Millgrove premiership player and club life member.
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