Around the Grounds - Local report: August 27/28
01 September 2022
As home and away seasons draw to a close and final get underway in competitions across the state, see who all the top performers were and who enjoyed wins with their community clubs last weekend.
WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Saad El-Hawli – Altona (Qualifying Final) – Local Player of the Week
His second half play was a big reason the Vikings were able to overcome a 23-point deficit at halftime before going on to beat Deer Park by 21 points. Had 17 quality possessions at 82% efficiency.
Spencer Johnson – Altona (Qualifying Final)
Was also one of the best for the Vikings after another good week down back. Did a job defensively to go with 21 disposals (18 kicks), including five rebound 50s.
Lochie Smart – Deer Park (Qualifying Final)
Held to just one goal in the loss to Altona but had his moments throughout the contest. Finished with 14 disposals and three tackles.
Harrison White – Werribee Districts (Elimination Final)
Had a strong second half as Districts fought back to beat Hoppers Crossing by seven points. Played on the wing and behind the ball and on several occasions opened the game up for crucial scores. His 15 disposals included four clearances and four inside 50s.
Sam Clifford – Hoppers Crossing (Elimination Final)
One of the best for the Warriors in their loss to Werribee Districts. Timed his runs nicely for handball receives and was hard at the footy collecting 23 disposals with 19 kicks.
This week: Altona vs Caroline Springs at Avalon Airport Oval, Saturday 3 Sepetmber, 2:15pm.
This week: Deer Park vs Werribee Districts at Avalon Airport Oval, Sunday 4 Sepetmber, 2:15pm.
GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Gennaro Bove – Newtown & Chilwell (Qualifying Final)
Lined up as a small forward for the second week in row in a comfortable win for the Eagles defeating Colac by 62-points to set up a second week matchup with minor premiers St Mary’s. Finished with 11 disposals and two tackles.
Logan Wagener – Leopold (Elimination Final)
Another strong midfield showing in a 53-point win over St Joesph’s. Got a good amount of ball on both the inside and outside and took the right option to kick long or hit up a short target. Finished with 26 disposals to be one of the best for the Lions.
Sam Clohesy – St Joseph’s (Elimination Final)
Kicked one of just four St Joseph’s goals against Leopold in what was a disappointing result after entered the finals by upsetting minor premiers St Mary’s in their last home and away game.
This week: St Mary's vs Newtown & Chilwell at West Oval Reserve Oval, Saturday 3 Sepetmber, 1:30pm.
This week: Colac vs Leopold at West Oval Reserve Oval, Sunday 4 Sepetmber, 2:10pm.
ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Lucas Rocci – Aberfeldie (Qualifying Final)
Played forward and worked his way into the game nicely. Kicked two goals but had five scoring shots with his class and speed standing out. Finished the day with 16 disposals as Aberfeldie advanced to this year’s decider with a 52-point win.
Sam Paea – Aberfeldie (Qualifying Final)
Was one out as a tall for the game and provided a great contest in the air and on the ground. Helped set the tone early by jumping through one of Strathmore’s main defenders. Had 12 disposals and added two goals along with some good pressure and repeat efforts.
Darcy Cassar – Keilor (Elimination Final)
A good performance playing predominantly high half-forward and wing, in a 17-point loss to Pascoe Vale. Ran hard and showed the ability to win contests all day. Collected 26 disposals (20 kicks) including five inside 50s to finish amongst the Blues' best.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Tom McCaffrey – Balwyn (Elimination Final)
Played in a 73-point loss as Doncaster East piled on 11-goals to two in the second half to see the Tigers’ season come to an abrupt end. Contributed 12 disposals, four tackles and a goal.
OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Tom Boyd – Wangaratta Rovers (Round 18)
Played an important role in attack for the Rovers who defeated Albury for the second time this season. Had 13 disposals, four marks and two goals in the 43-point victory.
Nathan Cooper - Wangaratta Rovers (Round 18)
A handy addition for the Rovers defence to help them wrap up fourth position on the ladder. Strong defensively while gathering 17 disposals with nine marks.
Jack Driscoll – Lavington (Round 18)
Took some good marks up forward and bagged a couple of goals in a comfortable win over Wodonga Raiders. Battled in the ruck facing the competition’s best bigman.
Shaun Mannagh – Lavington (Round 18)
A best on ground performance in his only appearance for the Panthers in 2022. Led the way with a game-high seven goals and a team-high 28 disposals.
Hudson Garoni – Wodonga Bulldogs (Round 18)
Didn’t miss out on a day that saw the Bulldogs kick 23 goals in a 99-point victory over North Albury. Nailed four majors in a 16 disposal and six mark showing.
Dom Brew – North Albury (Round 18)
Found plenty of football in his second outing with the Hoppers this season, racking up 37 touches and seven tackles to be one of the best in defeat to the Bulldogs.
This week: Wangaratta Rovers vs Myrtleford at Albury Sports Ground, Sunday 4 Sepetmber, 2:00pm.
GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Lou Pinnuck - Seymour (Round 18)
Played his first game for Lions and showed his class through the midfield in a 78-point win over Shepparton United. The margin wasn’t quite enough to secure a finals berth for Seymour as they missed out on the top six by just 0.19 percent.
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Harry Stubbings – Old Scotch (Round 18)
A disappointing final round result for the Cardinal’s whose inaccuracy resulted in a 13-point loss at Caulfield Grammarians. Had some highlight moments including a run-down tackle in the first half.