Eastland’s In and Under column returns this week, Media Manager Ryan Long gives you his key takeaways from the latest weekend of local footy.
Eagles end Balwyn’s Ten-Game winning streak
Ten wins in a row to start the 2024 season, Balwyn had their first loss of the year, going down to the Eagles by 13 points.
Vermont set the victory up from a dominant three-goal to zero second-term before holding off any late comeback from the Tigers. The visitors had an extra eight inside 50s in the second term, Joseph Fisher having four inside 50s from his six disposals in the quarter.
Zac Thiessen was also important with two marks inside 50 resulting in two goals for the term. This comes from a four-goal haul against Blackburn a week prior.
Holding off to defeat Balwyn away from home has proven Vermont as a contender once more. A slow start to the season saw the Eagles 0-3 before breaking through for their first win of the year. Their key players have been finding form, particularly in the last fortnight with the side knocking off two finals contenders in a row.
Lucas Vassis has put together two of his best games for the season in a row while the importance of James Ross can’t be understated, keeping Tiger star Charlie Haley goalless for the afternoon.
Balwyn’s Bowen Smith also continued his red-hot form this season, with 20 of his 34 disposals contested and 12 tackles for the game.
Both teams play off in big games this weekend with Premier Division’s biggest round of the season thus far. One vs. Two, Three v Four, Five v Six, a great chance to see where all the contenders truly sit.
Depleted Mitcham master the conditions
The injury list had been rapidly growing over the last fortnight for Mitcham, missing a lot of their key names at both ends of the ground, heading into an eight-point game against Montrose. Via their strong Under 19’s program, they’ve had the opportunity to blood their young 19s into the senior side in the last couple of weeks.
Mastering the wet-weather conditions, Mitcham came out 26-point winners, keeping the Demons to just four goals for the game.
A massive effort from the midfield group with the Tigers engine room still intact, led by Skipper Jesse Uren. The Co-Captain finished with 31 disposals, 14 clearances, 18 tackles and a goal in the upset win. Uren was well supported by the likes of Jesse Cherry, 21 disposals and ten clearances and Nathan Crampton, 23 disposals and nine clearances.
Pressure levels were up, with 14 more tackles than Montrose and an extra 10 pressure acts.
A massive win in the context of their season, drawing level with Montrose on points.
The Demons look to move on quickly with another big fortnight of games to come. Ladder Leaders Park Orchards at home before a trip to Holm Park Reserve to face Beaconsfield.
Black and Martin combine for double-digits
In the Deakin University Senior Women’s Match of the Round, South Croydon
Taylah Black and Tanikka Martin stole the show with five goals each, two of the league’s most dangerous forwards. Their forward craft and football IQ were on show in difficult decisions, playing extremely well with one another.
The game was opened up on the scoreboard late but the home side played the ground well, using their run and pace on the outside which led to a lot of their scoring.
The side got plenty of value from the likes of Amy Grimwade and Taylor Hammerlsey who set up multiple goals across the morning.
South Croydon face Whitehorse next, a win would help set up another double chance for the side. They still remain the biggest threat to the Eastern Devils in the premiership race, huge Round 13 game at Cheong Park between the two powerhouses of the competition will be one to keep an eye on.
For South Belgrave, they battled hard losing multiple players to injury across the morning. They still sit comfortably in fourth with Mount Evelyn’s loss to Whitehorse on the weekend.
Skipper Baylie Withers led the way for the side in defence, having plenty of support on the day from the likes of Georgie Pruden.
A massive clash against Mount Evelyn awaits next week, a win there and a finals spot will be secured for the second year running.