Northern Blues cause a big upset – The VFL Wrap Round 18 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 18

Geelong 18.12 (120) defeated Bendigo 7.11 (53)

Simonds Stadium, 10:00AM Saturday 28th July

Leading goalkickers: Shane Kersten (GC) 3, George Burbury (GC) Jordon Bourke (GC) Shannon Byrnes (GC) 2.

The Votes: 3. Jordan Schroder (GC), 2. Mitchell Brown (GC), 1. Brent Prismall (BG).

Sam says: This match was built as match-of-the-round material and it somewhat failed to deliever. It was tight up until half time when the Cats slammed on seven goals in the third term. Jordan Schroder was best on the ground with 26 disposals and a goal while Mitchell Brown also impressed 23 disposals and also a goal. Orren Stephenson had a massive 60 hitouts for Geelong in another dominant performance. Geelong now move up to third while Bendigo slip to seventh after a few bad weeks.

Franskston 10.9 (69) defeated by Casey Scorpions 15.15 (105)

Frankston Oval, 1PM Saturday 28th July

Leading goalkickers: Toby Thoolen (FD) Anthony Simpson (FD) 3, Tom Couch (CS) Cale Morton (CS) Jordan Gysberts (CS) Leigh Williams (CS) 2.

The Votes: 3. Jordan Gysberts (CS), 2. Luke Potts (FD), 1. Luke Tynan (CS).

Sam says: Frankston stunned a few people in the first quarter, with the last ranked team on the ladder actually leading the Scorpions. But from then on, it was all Casey with the Scorpions taking the lead by the half. Former Magpie Toby Thoolen kicked three goals as did Anthony Simpson for the Dolphins. Melbourne-listed player Jordan Gysberts was the best player on the ground with two goals and 26 disposals. Casey are now the top side outright on top of the ladder again while the Dolphins are still on the bottom.

Box Hill Hawks 5.16 (46) defeated by Werribee 10.4 (64)

Box Hill City Oval, 2PM Saturday 28th July

Leading goalkickers: Xavier Murphy (BH) Ben McKinley (WT) Ben Ross (WT) Ben Warren (WT) 2.

The Votes: 3. Leigh Harding (WT), 2. Levi Greenwood (WT), 1. Stephen Gilham (BH).

Sam says: It was predicted to be a hard and tough match and it lived up to it. A very low-scoring affair with only 15 goals being scored in the whole match. North Melbourne listed player Hamish McIntosh had 23 hitouts. Leigh Harding kicked one goal and had 25 disposals as best on ground. Werribee move up to fourth on the ladder while Box Hill are sixth.

Williamstown 7.14 (56) defeated by Port Melbourne 6.9 (45)

Burbank Oval, 2PM Saturday 28th July

Leading goalkickers: Justin Sherman (WS) Dean Galea (PM) 3, Dylan Addison (WS) Tom Langford (WS) 2.

The Votes: 3. Justin Sherman (WS), 2. Tom Langford (PM), 1. Thomas Campbell (WS).

Sam says: Another tight match in the VFL this week, Williamstown restricted Port Melbourne to just one point in the final term and kicked 25 more points than their opposition to run over the top of them. Western Bulldogs’ Justin Sherman was easily the best on ground, kicking three goals and collecting 29 disposals. Seagull Thomas Campbell was the best of the ruckman, getting a staggering 58 hitouts. As a result of the loss, Port Melbourne move to second on the ladder while Williamstown look threatening, sitting in fifth position.

Northern Blues 22.11 (143) defeated Coburg 6.8 (44)

Preston City Oval, 2PM Sunday 29th July

Leading goalkickers: Thomas Wilson (NB) 4, Tyson Thomas (NB) Patrick McCarthy (NB) 3, Jarrad Waite (NB) Kane Lucas (NB) David Ellard (NB) Rohan Kerr (NB) 2.

The Votes: 3. Adam Macron (NB), 2. Thomas Wilson (NB), 1. Matthew Watson (NB).

Sam says: What was seen as a routine win for Coburg tuned into a nightmare. The Blues kicked 8 goals 3 behinds in the first quarter to nothing. The trend continued and the second-last placed Blues upset the Tigers. Carlton’s affiliate has had a very poor year, but this would have to be the highlight. Adam Macron had 38 disposals and kicked a goal and was best on the ground. After that slip-up, the Tigers go down to tenth while the Northern Blues move up to third-last, passing Collingwood.

Round Summary: The race for a finals spot is really heating up, with the all the sides looking to be defined before the finals get underway. Port Melbourne slipped up and they moved dowwn to second, a game behind Casey. The Northern Blues created the upset of the year, smashing Coburg by 98 points. Sandringham and North Ballarat had the bye.

The ladder: