Casey are real contenders – The VFL Wrap Round 15 2012

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 15

Geelong Cats 21.13 (139) defeated Box Hill Hawks 13.10 (88)

Simonds Stadium, 1:10PM Saturday 7th July

Leaading goalkickers: Josh Walker (GC) 5, Jackson Hollmer (GC) Jordan Schroder (GC) Daniel Pratt (BH) 3, Amos Frank (BH) Broc McCauley (BH) Mark Corrigan (GC) Jonathan Simpkin (GC) 2.

The Votes: 3. Josh Walker (GC), 2. Orren Stephenson (GC), 1. Cameron Bruce (BH).

Sam says: Geelong really took control of the match in the second quarter, kicking eight goals to one and never looked back. The Hawks looked like they may come back, getting within four goals at 3QT but the Cats were always in control. Orren Stephenson continued his good form with 46 hitouts and Josh Walker was best on ground with 5 goals and 18 disposals. The Cats are now 4th on the ladder and looking good while Box Hill are in eighth position on percentage.

Williamstown 16.22 (118) defeated Collingwood 11.4 (70)

Burbank Oval, 2PM Sunday 8th July

Leading goalkickers: Chris Tarrant (CM) 4, Liam Jones (WS) 3, Tom Sundberg (CM) Charlie Natasi (WS) Anthony Anastasio (WS) Matt Panos (WS) Dylan Conway (WS) 2.

The Votes: 3. James Wall (WS), 2. Jason Johannisen (WS), 1. Brett Goodes (WS).

Sam says: Collingwood were never going to win this match. Williamstown were in control all match. Brett Goodes and Ben Jolley layed 10 tackles each while James Wall had 20 hitouts and 26 disposals. Chris Tarrant is looking good in his return from injury, with coach Tarkyn Lockyer putting him in the forward line, kicking 4 goals. Jason Johannisen had 24 disposals with 18 of them effective. Collingwood big man Cameron Wood also had 35 hitouts. Williamstown are now up to 7th while Collingwood look out of the finals race in 11th.

Casey Scorpions 18.10 (118) defeated Port Melbourne 17.7 (109)

Casey Fields, 2PM Sunday 8th July

Leading goalkickers: Dean Galea (PM) 7, Brad Green (CS) 6, Tom Couch (CS) 4, Tim Smith (CS) Nathan Page (CS) Sam Dwyer (PM) Clayton Hinkley (PM) Will Burstin (PM) 2.

The Votes: 3. Dean Galea (PM), 2. Brad Green (CS), 1. Tom Couch (CS).

Sam says: Casey are the real deal. This match was built all week as match of the round and it didn’t disappoint. Port had a 33-point lead at half time but Casey realed them back in and got the victory. Dean Galea was man of the match however with 7 massive goals, while Brad Green put forward his case for a return to the senior Melbourne side with 6. Young gun Tom Couch also looks good, chipping in with 4 goals and 26 disposals. Both sides now sit equal top of the ladder.

North Ballarat 11.8 (74)  defeated by Bendigo 15.10 (100)

Eureka Stadium, 2PM Sunday 8th July

Leading goalkickers: Matt Little (BG) 6, Corey Dell’Olio (BG) 3, Travis Colyer (BG) Sam Hughes (NR) Bill Driscoll (NR) Nic Couch (NR) 2.

The Votes: 3. Michael Searl (NR), 2. Tom Bellchambers (BG), 1. Myles Sewell (NR).

Sam says: Bendigo continue their good run of form with a 26-point win over the Roosters. Matt Little starred again with 6 goals for the Gold but it was Essendon listed player Tom Bellchambers who was the stand out with 42 hitouts, 13 disposals and a goal. Michael Searl was the best for the Roosters with 24 disposals, just beating out Myles Sewell. Bendigo now sit 5th on the ladder with 32 points while North Ballarat are now 9th on 24 points.

Frankston 10.9 (69) defeated by Northern Blues 18.9 (117)

Frankston Oval, 2PM Sunday 8th July

Leading goalkickers: Bret Thornton (NB) 5, Tom Bell (NB) Shaun Marusic (FD) 3, Khan Haretuku (FD) Luke Clark (FD) Luke Potts (FD) Nicholas Heyne (NB) 2.

The Votes: 3. David Ellard (NB), 2. Thomas Bell (NB), 1. Luke Potts (FD).

Sam says: The Northern Blues notched up only their 2nd win of the year and broke a seven-match losing streak in the battle of the cellar-dwellers. David Ellard was outstanding for the Blues with 38 disposals and a goal while Luke Potts was the best for the Dolphins with 21 disposals and 2 goals. The Blues will hope to continue this form under their new coach after Robert Hyde resigned. Khan Haretuku is a name to look out for either in the pre-season draft or rookie draft as he looks almost certain to be picked up.

Round summary: Casey VS Port Melbourne could possibly be the Grand Final preview, it certainly lived up to its hype. Williamstown showed they still had it, smashing a disappointing Collingwood outfit. The Northern Blues finally won their second match, albeit against Frankston. North Ballarat’s era may well be over after going down to Bendigo. Coburg, Sandringham and the Werribee Tigers had the bye.

The ladder: