BigFooty News runs 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 22

Bendigo 17.11 (113) defeated Box Hill 14.10 (94)

Queen Elizabeth Oval, 7pm Friday, August 24

It was another Friday Night match at the QEO this week, and the Gold, who were sliding down the ladder, took on the Hawks. Bendigo got off to a quick start, leading by 14 points at quarter time before Box Hill kicked eight goals to five in the second quarter to take the lead.

From then on, it was all Bendigo as the Gold raced away to win by 19 points. Essendon veteran David Hille was best on the ground with a goal, 22 disposals and 40 hit-outs. Exciting Hawthorn prospect Amos Frank booted home four goals while former Kangaroo Daniel Pratt kicked three. Both sides finished the season on 36 points.

Leading goalkickers: Amos Frank (BH) 4, Will Johnson (BH) Daniel Pratt (BH) Jacob Thompson (BG) 3, Steven Stroobants (BG) Travis Colyer (BG) Dean Putt (BG) Sam Lloyd (BG) 2.

Votes: 3. David Hille (BG), 2. Amos Frank (BH), 1. Tom Murphy (BH).

Geelong 11.7 (73) defeated by Williamstown 11.11 (77)

Simonds Stadium, 1pm Saturday, August 25

This was always going to be a good match, except it was expected that Geelong would win. That obviously didn’t happen.

Williamstown had the lead at all of the breaks but it was by less than 10 points each time. Bulldogs-listedvplayer Justin Sherman was in fine form for the Seagulls, kicking three goals and disposing the ball 23 times while captain Troy Selwood was best for the Cats with 29 disposals and a goal.

Jesse Stringer was top goalkicker for Geelong with three goals. Geelong finish the season on 52 points while Williamstown finish on 46.

Leading goalkickers: Jesse Stringer (GC) Justin Sherman (WS) 3, Mitchell Brown (GC) Jonathan Simpkin (GC) George Burbury (GC) Nicholas Giorgiadis (WS) Brodie Moles (WS) 2.

Votes: 3. Justin Sherman (WS), 2. Nicholas Sing (WS), 1. Troy Selwood (GC).

Collingwood 8.6 (54) defeated by Werribee 20.16 (136)

Victoria Park, 1pm Saturday, August 25

You could see Werribee would win this match before it started, but the Tigers didn’t really turn up until the third quarter when they kicked eight goals to one.

Collingwood’s third terms have killed them this year and they would have had a lot more wins this year had they not gone to sleep. Levi Greenwood was best afield with 38 disposals and two goals, while Jackson Paine was best for the Magpies with three goals, and 15 disposals from limited opportunities.

Andrew Krakouer starred in the first half before being shut down. Collingwood finish the season with 16 points and Werribee with 48.

Leading goalkickers: Ben Warren (WT) 5, Jackson Paine (CM) Ben Speight (WT) Malcolm Lynch (WT) 3, Levi Greenwood (WT) Ben Mckinley (WT) Cathal Corr (CM) Ricky Ferraro (CM) 2.

Votes: 3. Levi Greenwood (WT), 2. Ben Warren (WT), 1. Malcolm Lynch (WT).

Casey Scorpions 12.14 (86) defeated Sandringham 10.7 (67)

Casey Fields, 1pm Saturday, August 25

This match was going to be a cracker, and it just marginally failed to live up to their previous meeting, where Sandringham missed a shot after the siren.

Sandringham got a fast start to lead at quarter time before Casey got back and led by two points at the main break.

Sandringham retook the lead during the third quarter and looked the goods, leading by 11 at the start of the last term, but Casey ran out the winners.

Jack Fitzpatrick booted another bag for the Scorpions, this time four goals, while Beau Dowler kicked three. Scorpion David Collins was best-on-ground with 32 disposals. Casey finish the season on 56 points while Sandringham finish on 40.

Leading goalkickers: Jack Fitzpatrick (CS) 4, Beau Dowler (SZ) 3, Kyle Matthews (CS) Daniel Archer (SZ) James Hallahan (SZ) 2.

Votes: 3. David Collins (CS), 2. Jack Fitzpatrick (CS), 1. Tom Curren (SZ).

North Ballarat 14.12 (96) defeated Port Melbourne 13.17 (95)

Eureka Stadium, 2pm Saturday, August 25

This was the upset of the round and the result which ultimately cost Port Melbourne the minor premiership.

North Ballarat have had a poor season but this surely ended it in a nice way. North Ballarat were the leaders all match and at the final break, they were out in front by 23 points, before Port Melbourne started to reel them back in.

It wasn’t enough however, as the Roosters got over the line. Paul McMahon was the standout up forward, booting home five goals while Aaron Black chipped in with four.

Aaron Mullett was best-on-ground with 35 disposals while Wayde Skipper had 36 hit-outs for the Borough. Port Melbourne finish with 56 points while North Ballarat finish on 36.

Leading goalkickers: Paul McMahon (NR) 5, Aaron Black (NR) 4, Marc Grieg (NR) Sam Pleming (PM) Adrian Bonaddio (PM) Josh Scipione (PM) 2.

Votes: 3. Aaron Mullett (NR), 2. Paul McMahon (NR), 1. Wayde Skipper (PM).

Northern Blues 15.12 (102) defeated Frankston 9.5 (59)

Visy Park, 2pm Saturday, August 25

The Northern Blues have really turned their season around since they recieved a new coach. They were great in their performance all match and deserved the victory.

Frankston look like they are turning around their poor form over the past few seasons and with a few new recruits, they could be a smokie for the eight next season.

Dylan Buckley and Luke Clark kicked three goals each while Jordan Russell kicked two and had 25 disposals. The Blues finish on 24 points while Frankston finish with 10.

Leaading goalkickers: Dylan Buckley (NB) Luke Clark (NB) 3, Luke Mitchell (NB) Rhys O’Keeffe (NB) Jordan Russell (NB) Todd Gardiner (FD) Lachlan Delhahunty (FD) 2.

Votes: 3. Jordan Russell (NB), 2. Rhys O’Keeffe (NB), 1. Dylan Buckley (NB).

Round summary: That is it for the normal season of the VFL for 2012, the finals start this weekend. Casey will be the new favourites for the flag after finishing on top of the table, but you can never rule out Port Melbourne. Geelong and Werribee also look like they can both take it out. Coburg had the bye this round.

Ladder: