VAFA: How Canterbury launched out of the relegation zone

Canterbury coach Steve Brown has lauded a key player in his side’s bid to avoid relegation while the Cobras unearthed a new young gun who booted six on debut.

Canterbury secured its second win of the season. Photo: VAFA Media.

Canterbury coach Steve Brown had plenty of reasons to be excited after his side’s second win of the season.

The midfield, led by Michael Topp with four goals, got back to his brilliant best and the Cobras unearthed a young gun they hope to see more of.

Brown’s side secured a 19.12 (126) to 8.15 (63) win over finals contender MHSOB to climb out of the relegation zone in what the coach hopes is a fire starter for the back half of the season.

“We’ve got a lot of new guys, it has taken time,” Brown said.

“Michael Topp was outstanding. His work rate just allows him to run all day, I reckon he would be doing 14-plus kilometres every week.

“Michael Wheeler was strong in the ruck, Seb Gotch is having a brilliant season, Fraser Richards played a strong game. And there’s Mark Collins who sorts them all out.

“He’s one of our most experienced guys and he just helps to set us up around the footy.”

While the familiar names made their presence known, it was the debut of Ryder Daffy which caught the eye.

Out of Xavier College, Daffy booted six goals in his first senior game after playing under-16s footy last season.

“He’s a mate with a few of the young kids,” Brown said.

“Just a really polite and quiet kid. He was able to protect space well for a young guy and compete in the air. It was a bit of fun.”

After the first 10 games of the season, Brown is now hopeful of seeing further improvement from his side.

In recent weeks, they’ve been bolstered by the returns of Matt Fotia and John Nicolopoulos.

“I’ve been lucky the club has such a good group of people,” he said.

“When we bring people in, it’s a bonus if they’re good footballers.”

The Cobras will next face ladder leader St Mary’s Salesian before a crunch clash with Hawthorn in a critical game as both sides fight relegation.

NOAH SEALEY THE ANSWER UP FORWARD

Noah Sealey is proving to be the man Whitefriars needed inside forward 50 this season. With Sam Kieseker sidelined, Sealey has stepped into be his side’s leading goalkicker so far this season. He booted eight in the win over St John’s on the weekend to take his season tally to 26. Before this year, he hadn’t kicked more than two in a season. Talk about a find.

YOUNG GUN MAKES HIS MARK

Oakleigh now sits just .21 per cent outside of the top-four in Division 1. It comes after a statement win over Preston Bullants on the weekend with a young gun showing his class in front of goal. Elliot Black booted four, his best tally of the season, to be named among the better players and show his class. Luke Ashen extended his lead at the top of the goalkicking charts with four of his own.

BRUNSWICK FORWARD’S FINE RUN

Paul Scamporlino has enjoyed a fine run of form since being recalled to Brunswick’s senior side. He’s booted nine goals in his last three games after being a three-week period in the reserves. His latest performance was a five-goal haul against Therry Penola. Ben Wilson was named best on ground.