Geelong take a share of top spot VFL Wrap Round 20

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 20

Werribee 13.24 (102) defeated North Ballarat 2.8 (20)

Chirnside Park, 1:10PM Saturday 11th August

Leading goalkickers: Ben Warren (WT) 3, Ben McKinley (WT) Robbie Castello (WT) 2.

The Votes: 3. Ben Ross (WT), 2. Ben McKinley (WT), 1. Levi Greenwood (NR).

Sam says: It was the battle between North Melbourne’s affiliates, and they were both at different positions on the ladder. Werribee were in the top four while the Roosters were in the bottom five. There was certainly no upset with the Tigers smashing North Ballarat. Ben Ross was best on the ground with 28 disposals and two goals while Ben McKinley was second best with 2 goals and seven behinds, while also racking up 20 disposals. Cam Pederson also played a good game in the ruck for Werribee with 30 hitouts and 23 disposals. Both sides remain in the same position on the ladder.

Williamstown 9.12 (66) defeated Northern Blues 6.6 (42)

Burbank Oval, 2PM Saturday 11th August

Leading goalkickers: David Ellard (NB) 3, Pat Veszpremi (WS) Kane Lucas (NB) 2.

The Votes: 3. Ayce Cordy (WS), 2. David Ellard (NB), 1. Nicholas Messe (NB).

Sam says: It was a tight affair, with the Northern Blues hitting their straps over the past few weeks and Williamstown falling down the ladder slightly. Western Bulldogs prospect Ayce Cordy was best on ground with 1 goal, 14 disposals and 36 hitouts while David Ellard looked good for the Blues, kicking 3 goals and notching up 29 disposals along the way. The Blues are equal 10th on the ladder while the Seagulls after a close win are sixth.

Coburg 3.11 (29) defeated by Frankston 7.5 (47)

Coburg City Oval, 2PM Saturday 11th August

Leading goalkickers: Luke Clark (FD) 2.

The Votes: 3. Kyle Martin (FD), 2. Kelvin Moore (CT), 1. William Wheeler (CT).

Sam says: Coburg have had a horrible season so far, and it’s just got worse by losing to Frankston. The Tigers, who will split up from Richmond at the end of next season, kicked only three goals and now sit equal second-bottom on the ladder. Frankston still sit last on the ladder, but coach Simon Goosey is building a good young squad for next season and beyond. Dolphin Kyle Martin was the best player with a goal and 34 disposals. Kelvin Moore, who announced retirement during the week, had 20 disposals for the Tigers. Something has to happen at Coburg soon.

Port Melbourne 11.8 (74) defeated Box Hill 10.11 (71) 

North Port Oval, 2PM Saturday 11th August

Leading goalkickers: Dean Galea (PM) Daniel Pratt (BH) 3, Amos Frank (BH) Mitchell Wooffindin (PM) 2.

The Votes: 3. John Baird (PM), 2. Thomas Schneider (BH), 1. Xavier Murphy (BH).

Sam says: This was meant to be one of the matches of the round and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Port started off fast, leading by 15 points at half time but Box Hill reeled them back and in the end it was only a three-point margin. Port captain John Baird was best afield with 34 disposals and a goal. Daniel Pratt and Dean Galea both continued their good form in front of goal with three goals each while Thomas Schneider also impressed with a goal and 24 disposals. Port still share equal top spot but Box Hill slip to seventh.

Casey Scorpions 14.11 (95) defeated by Geelong 16.13 (109)

Casey Fields, 2PM Sunday 12th August

Leading goalkickers: Jack Fitzpatrick (CS) Shane Kersten (GC) 5, Jackson Hollmer (GC) Mark Blicavs (GC) 3, Shannon Byrnes (GC) Jordan Gysberts (CS) 2.

The Votes: 3. Jack Fitzpatrick (CS), 2. Jordan Gysberts (CS), 1. Shane Kersten (GC).

Sam says: It was the story of the goalkickers in this close match at Casey Fields. At one end, Geelong’s Shane Kersten kicked five. At the other, Scorpion Jack Fitzpatrick also kicked five goals, had 22 hitouts and 20 disposals in a best on ground performance. It was a topsy-turvy match, with the Cats holding a 4-goal lead at quarter time before the Scorpions held a 20-point lead at the half. With one quarter to go, the Cats had a one-point lead. In the final term however, the Cats kicked away to win by two goals. Both sides now sit equal top of the ladder with Port Melbourne on 48 points.

Sandringham 24.15 (159) defeated Collingwood 13.7 (85)

Trevor Barker Beach Oval, 2PM Sunday 12th August

Leading goalkickers: Arron Siposs (SZ) Terry Milera (SZ) 4, Jack Newnes (SZ) 3, Dean Polo (SZ) Beau Dowler (SZ) Rob Cathcart (CM) Cathal Corr (CM) John Ceglar (CM) Ricky Ferraro (CM) Lachlan Wallace (CM) 2.

The Votes: 3. Marcus Marigliani (SZ), 2. Thomas Curren (SZ), 1. Cameron Shenton (SZ).

Sam says: Collingwood were never going to win this match. Sandringham are a top side and it showed when they opened with a five goal to two first quarter. From then on the lead for the Zebras only got bigger, ending up in a 74-point win. Marcus Marigliani was the best on the field in a great team performance from Sandringham with a goal and 32 disposals while Thomas Curren had 34 disposals. Collingwood remain equal second-last while Sandringham move to fifth.

Round summary: It certainly wasn’t a round for the goalkickers, except for the shoot-out at Casey Fields. The top four now looks packed with Geelong, Port Melbourne and Casey sharing top spot, with Werribee only four points behind. Frankston recorded only their second win for the year while the Northern Blues continued their good form. North Ballarat continued their slump down the ladder and Coburg and Collingwood remain in the doldrums. Bendigo had the bye.

The ladder: