Box Hill with Hodge romp it in – VFL Wrap Round 17

BigFooty News will be running a quick weekly wrap-up of the Victorian Football League.

The VFL was formed as the VFA in 1877 and was renamed the former in 1995. It took on its current status in 2000, as the reserves league to the Victorian AFL clubs, as well as mantaining its traditional clubs and still creating a pathway for the best local players.

Round 17

Collingwood 4.13 (37) defeated by Box Hill Hawks 23.15 (135)

Victoria Park, 10:30AM Saturday 21st July

Leading goalkickers: Daniel Pratt (BH) Luke Lowden (BH) Bradley Hill (BH) Liam Tobin (BH) 3, Jackson Paine (CM) Michael Thompson (BH) Taylor Gilchrist (BH) 2.

The Votes: 3. Luke Andrews (BH), 2. David Mirra, 1. Luke Rounds (CM).

Sam says: It was very much a preview of what the day would hold for the Collingwood senior side. Box Hill always held the lead in this match, but the term that told the story of the match was the second quarter, where the Hawks kicked 10 goals to none. It was a great spread amongst Box Hill with the goalkickers, with four players kicking three each. Jackson Paine continued his good form for the Magpies, kicking two goals and taking strong marks all day. Box Hill will need to keep up this form if they are to make the finals, with four sides stuck on 32 points. Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge made his return to football and kicked a goal.

Coburg 6.14 (50) defeated by North Ballarat 19.13 (127)

Mantello Holden Oval, 1:10PM Saturday 21st July

Leading goalkickers: Aaron Edwards (NR) 4, Bill Driscoll (NR) Paul McMahon (NR) 3, Adam Saad (CT) Aaron Black (NR) Derrick Micallef (NR) 2.

The Votes: 3. Aaron Edwards (NR), 2. Paul McMahon (NR), 1. Myles Sewell (NR).

Sam says:The Roosters held the ascendancy all day and showed their class with a big win. Kangaroo Aaron Edwards booted four goals and was best on the ground, but due to the senior side’s good form it will be hard to see him getting another game this season. Fortunately for Coburg, their AFL affiliate Richmond put up a better effort on Sunday against the Roosters’ half-affiliate North Melbourne. However, the Coburg-Richmond partnership won’t last much longer, with Richmond to bring in their own rserves side in 2014 to join Collingwood, Essendon and Geelong.

Northern Blues 8.10 (58) defeated by Port Melbourne 18.19 (127)

Preston City Oval, 2PM Saturday 21st July

Leading goalkickers: Luke Mitchell (NB) Dean Galea (PM) 4, Myles Pitt (PM) Adam Bentick (PM) Callan Thornton (PM) 2.

The Votes: 3. Toby Pinwill (PM), 2. Sam Pleming (PM), 1. Luke Mitchell (NB).

Sam says: The round of whitewash’s continued with a big win to reigning premiers Port Melbourne over the Northern Blues. One good sign for the Blues and affiliate Carlton is that Luke Mitchell, son of one-time All Australian Barry Mitchell, booted four goals, while Port’s Dean Galea also kicked four. Former Carlton player Adam Bentick kicked a couple while Norm Goss Medalist Toby Pinwill played another stellar match. The Borough were always in control of this match and they now regain top position on the VFL ladder off the Casey Scorpions.

Bendigo Gold 12.12 (84) defeated by Sandringham 14.11 (95)

Queen Elizabeth Oval, 2PM Saturday 21st July

Leading goalkickers: Matt Little (BG) 6, Daniel Archer (SZ) 3, Dean Polo (SZ) Daniel Markworth (SZ) Marcus Marigliani (SZ) 2.

The Votes: 3. Raphael Clarke (SZ), 2. Elliot Kavanagh (BG), 1. Matt Little (BG).

Sam says: It was up built as one of the matches of the round, and it didn’t live up fully to its hype. It was all level after the first quarter, but then the Zebras kicked away. They lead by five goals at 3QT, but the Gold kept them to only two goals in the final quarter while kicking five of their own. Matt Little is in top form, kicking another bag of six goals while Essendon youngster Elliot Kavanagh looked good and could maybe make his debut before the end of the season. Raph Clarke also played a top game for the Zebras.

Williamstown 14.7 (91) defeated Werribee 13.11 (89)

Burbank Oval, 2PM Sunday 22nd July

Leading goalkickers: Ben McKinley (WT) 5, Ben Warren (WT) Liam Jones (WS) 3, Dylan Conway (WS) Edward Carr (WS) Majak Daw (WT) 2.

The Votes: 3. Ben McKinley (WT), 2. Ben Warren (WT), 1. Ben Jolley (WS).

Sam says: Finally, there was a close match for the round. Coming into this match, Werribee were third on the ladder with Williamstown in ninth, so it was a big upset by the Seagulls. The two Ben’s from North Melbourne, McKinley and Warren, continued on their fantastic form, with the former kicking another bag of five. Despite the senior side’s good form, surely he must ge another opportunity. The Seagulls were the only home team to win this weekend. Kangaroos rookie Majak Daw also played a top game.

Round summary: A few upsets this week as the competition heats up for a spot in the finals series. Port Melbourne had an easy match against the Blues but it saw them regain top spot on the ladder. Casey, Frankston and Geelong had the bye this weekend while in two weeks time, Werribee will take on WAFL-side Claremont in the FOXTEL Cup Grand Final.

The ladder: