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.
Prime Time Hawks
A first-quarter masterclass from Rowville in this week’s Match of the Round mirrored their first-quarter performance against Vermont earlier in the season.
Taking on Doncaster East, the Hawks kicked 6.4 in the opening term, keeping the Lions scoreless. They dominated the run of play, 16 to 3 Inside 50’s, 14 to 9 clearances.
Their pressure was fantastic without the ball, an extra seven tackles for the quarter, four to one in their forward half. They forced the Lions into turnovers, kicking four goals in the first quarter from turnovers.
The game evened up after Quarter Time with Doncaster East able to work their way back into the game. The damage however was done after Quarter Time and they were unable to get within a three-goal margin.
Lachlan Wynd was unstoppable, with six goals and nine marks, all six of his majors coming in the first half.
Rowville looks ahead to a great clash with East Ringwood, another Premier Division side in fantastic form.
As for the Lions, it’s now a 2-5 record with another must-win game against top-five side Blackburn. There’s been many factors for their slow start to the start to season including injuries but if they are to make something out of the 2024 season, their on-field leaders are in for a massive month.
Building form
Mulgrave has hit their best form patch of the season, three wins in a row, two of those coming against top-four sides.
A 12-point win over Ringwood was a mature victory for the young side, holding off the fast-finishing redbacks.
With Lin Jong’s dominance in recent weeks, the side had to find a way to win without him. Angus Gervasoni was outstanding with 33 disposals, 20 of those contested, to go along with 13 clearances and 2 goals. Also having 30 disposals each was Jackson Collins and Riley Voulanas who also had two goals of his own.
Fletcher Roberts has been versatile this season in different roles, he kicked 2 goals of his own before spending time down back, taking ten marks for the day, three intercept marks and having six Rebound 50s.
The side has improved drastically as the year has gone by, another test sees them take on Templestowe next week away from home.
Boronia-Basin rivalry adds another chapter
It’s been one of the healthiest and most intriguing rivalries across the league. Next-door neighbours, Boronia and The Basin have played off in some classics over the years across the competitions.
While it may have been a one-sided contest in the Senior Men’s this week, the two senior women’s sides faced off in another tight encounter. For the third time in a row, the game was decided by less than a kick between the two sides.
The Basin held on for a four-point win on the road at Tormore Road with the Hawks having a shot after the siren from long-range.
It was a defensive battle across the four-quarters, The Basin’s Danielle Brotto finished with two majors including an incredible finish deep on the boundary. Despite being held quiet in the first half, Brotto was moved behind the ball, taking some key intercept marks before going forward to add to the scoreboard.
Without Coach Julia Baker, the Bears’ important role players stood up across the game, including Brooke Priest and Holly Dalton. Also finding plenty of the footy was Jessica McDowell, producing one of her best games of the season.
As for the Hawks, they were boosted by the return of their VFLW stars Rachael Slater and Ali Gottliebsen. With 34 disposals, 27 of those contested, ten marks and two goals, Rachael Slater proved just how strong of a footballer she is. A huge boost to the side, coming back from Port Melbourne VFLW. Alongside her in the midfield, Delta Greenhalgh was impressive, continuing her strong start to the season in the Premier Division.
The two teams have met a total of eleven times over the last three seasons, which includes two finals and a Grand Final.
