It might be the long weekend but there was still plenty of local footy action across Victoria. Check out the big results and the debut of a former No. 1 draft pick.
It might have been a long weekend but there was still plenty of local footy action.
There were several metropolitan league matches, while almost every country footy league took to the field.
Check out our wrap off all the major results from around the grounds.
BULLS ON PARADE
Reigning premier Noble Park stunned Eastern Premier Division ladder-leader Balwyn to the tune of 41 points on Saturday in the annual King’s Birthday weekend fixture. The 12.15 (87) to 6.10 (46) win boosts the Bulls after a lean month, who entered the match with just two wins from their previous five matches. It’s just the Tigers’ second loss of the season, with its four-game winning streak coming to an end.
SHARKS BITE BUDS
A dominant second half propelled Sorrento to a 39-point win over Rosebud on Saturday in MPFNL Division 1. Rosebud held an eight-point lead at half-time at Olympic Park before the visitors took complete control of the match, slamming on eight goals in the third quarter and 12 goals to three for the half to record a 16.12 (108) to 9.15 (69) victory. League medallist Shannon Gladman continued his sizzling start to the season with another best-on-ground performance
WAYWARD TIGERS SURVIVE
Despite kicking 6.21, Albury Tigers clawed its way to a heart-stopping one-point win over Ovens and Murray league rival Lavington on Saturday. Albury very nearly threw the game away with its kicking for goal, sitting 3.19 and trailing by four points at three-quarter-time. However, it somehow managed come from behind and win 6.21 (57) to 8.8 (56). Kolby Heiner-Hennessy was best afield for the victors.
BULLDOGS’ DEFENCE IN TATTERS
South Bendigo delivered reigning Bendigo league premier Gisborne’s title defence a hammer blow on Saturday with a 68-point mauling. Former Coburg VFL forward Steven Stroobants finished with six goals and Brody Haddow was best-on-ground in the Bloods’ 20.11 (131) to 8.15 (63) victory at Harry Trott Oval. South sits fifth with a 5-3 record, while the Bulldogs languish in eighth at 2-6, three games out of the finals.
PATTON MAKES COUNTRY DEBUT
Former No. 1 draft pick Jonathan Patton was a surprise late inclusion for Kangaroo Flat’s clash against Kyneton in the Bendigo league. Not named on Thursday and not on the PlayHQ team sheet, Patton none-the-less suited up. Despite it being the former Giant and Hawk’s first game in almost two years he still made his presence felt. Patton didn’t kick a goal on the day but had limited supply as Kyneton triumphed 10.15 (75) to 4.13 (37) at Kyneton Showgrounds.
REBELS WITH A CAUSE
With the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show in town the Rebels put on a show of their own on Saturday, smashing Broadford by 79 points. The highly-efficient 17.5 (107) to 4.4 (28) victory sees Alexandra in second, behind leader Warburton-Millgrove on percentage. A blockbuster clash against reigning premier Powelltown looms next week in a test of both club’s title credentials.
FIFTH UP FOR GRABS
Not even half-way through the season and the top-four looks locked away in the Gippsland league. Traralgon’s eight-point win over Sale in Sale on Saturday not only ended the Magpies’ four-game win streak, but sees the Maroons move three games clear in fourth spot. Sale remains in fifth but is now only two points ahead of Bairnsdale, while Morwell is another two points back.
SAINTS COMEBACK FOR THE AGES
Despite trailing for the majority of the day, Hampden league power Koroit snatched a thrilling two-point win over second-placed Terang Mortlake at Terang Recreation Reserve on Saturday. The Bloods jumped out to a 26-point lead at quarter-time but were slowly wound in by the reigning premier as the Saints triumphed 14.12 (96) to 13.16 (94) to potentially get their title defence back on track. Clem Nagorcka was the hero, kicking the winning goal.
KANGAROOS ON THE BOARD
Hamilton Kangaroos broke their duck in the Hampden league on Saturday with a stirring four-point win over fourth-placed Camperdown in Camperdown. Hamish Cook was the hero with a five-goal, best-on-ground performance to propel the underdogs to victory. Hamilton simply couldn’t miss on a golden afternoon and were rewarded with a 13.4 (82) to 10.18 (78) victory.
EAGLES’ DOUBLE TON
Travis Head fell just short in the World Test Championship but Robinvale Euston brought up the magical double ton in the Sunraysia league. The ladder-leader showed no mercy to struggler South Mildura in a 168-point humbling. Isaiah Johnson booted eight goals and Ricardo Liparota finished with seven in the 30.20 (200) to 4.8 (32) drubbing.
HEY, ARNOLD
Cameron Arnold had a big day out as Mansfield romped to a 111-point win over Shepparton United on Saturday. Arnold finished with nine goals in the 15.14 (164) to 8.5 (53) victory. The win and significant percentage boost sees the Eagles move into fifth on the Goulburn Valley ladder but Echuca, Seymour and Kyabram all won to keep a gap between the top three and the rest of the competition.
DEES TORCH MUSTANGS
Montrose has powered to a 50-point win over Mooroolbark in the Eastern league’s Division 1, marching into third spot on the ladder. The 14.7 (91) to 5.11 (41) victory came courtesy of a six-goal-to-one third term after just 15 points separated the sides at the main break.
SCORESBY, CHIRNSIDE PARK TAKE POINTS
Scoresby has handed Surrey Park its first loss of the Eastern league Division 4 season, edging the ladder-leader 11.8 (74) to 9.13 (67). The Magpies, third, turned the tables on the Panthers after the pair met last round – with Surrey Park winning by 15 points. Meanwhile, Chirnside Park recorded a 44-point victory over Croydon North-MLOC to keep its finals hopes alive.
Originally published as Check out all the big results in local footy from the King’s Birthday long weekend