In a big afternoon of VFL Round 19 action, winners today were: Collingwood, Williamstown, Box Hill Hawks, Port Melbourne, Sandringham & Essendon.
What it means after the results today:
* the top four are all locked in, with the order of teams 2-4 yet to be determined
* Port Melbourne will finish on top
* Only one spot remains in the top eight, with Werribee a game clear of Geelong in eighth spot
Let's take a look at the results from today:
Collingwood storms home
Collingwood is finals bound after a 14-point win over Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Jesse White turned it on in the final term with four goals to see the Magpies over the line, and making the task difficult for the Cats to make the finals in 2014 as they sit a game and percentage outside of the top eight.
Despite Geelong dominating the scoring shot in the first half 15-8, it was Collingwood that held an eight point lead at half time. Geelong turned the game on its head and looked like they would be sitting inside the top eight at the end of the round as they produced six goals to two in the third term to lead by 16 points at three quarter time.
After a goal for goal start to the final term, Pat Karnezis finally put the Magpies in front but it was the White show in the final term, as his four goals gave Collingwood the win.
Nick Gray was among the best for Collingwood along with White and Tony Armstrong.
For Geelong, Dan McFarlane and Josh Walker kicked three each, with Brad Hartman, Mitch Herbison and Jake Kolodjashnij in their best.
Zebras’ finals bound
Sandringham has booked a berth in the VFL Legendairy Finals Series with a 20-point win over Werribee Tigers.
After trailing by nine points at half time, the Zebras kicked six goals to one in the third term to set up their win. Leading by 18 pointa at three quarter time, the Zebras kicked the first three goals of the final term to quickly race to a 37 point match winning lead. Despite a late run of three unanswered goals to the home side, Sandringham were able to shut the game down for an important win.
Trent Dennis Lane kicked four goals for the Zebras, along with Matt Kreymberg with three. Darren Minchington was strong in the midfield for the Zebras to be in their best, along with Adam Cockie and Dennis Lane.
For Werribee, Ben Warren remains in second spot on the VFL goal kicking ladder with three goals, with Dan Currie, Addam Maric and Sam Martyn among the Tigers’ best.
Top four secured for Hawks
The Box Hill Hawks locked in a double chance with a 63-point win over Bendigo Gold. Sam Grimley was the star for the Hawks, kicking three first term goals on his way to six for the match to see him jump into the top five goal kickers in the league.
Box Hill set up its win in the first half, with 11 goals to two and a 56 point lead. Mitch Hallahan was the key for the Hawks in the second term, kicking two goals and picking up numerous disposals.
To Bendigo’s credit, they won the third term and evened up the scoreboard in the second half with both sides kicking five goals each.
James Sicily returned to the Hawks senior side with two goals and was among the best along with Grimley, Hallahan and Sam Iles.
Tyrone Downie added four goals for the Gold to take his season tally to 28, and was among the best along with Devin McFarlane and Jesse Wallin.
Port on top
Port Melbourne will finish the home and away season on top of the Peter Jackson VFL Baileys Ladder ladder after a convincing 65-point victory over Northern Blues.
Port Melbourne broke open the game in the second quarter with a five goal to one term to hold a handy 31-point at half time.
In the second half they were never challenged, as Dan Connors jumped to equal leader on the VFL goal kicking ladder with four goals for the game, ably assisted by Hugh Sandilands also with four.
It was once again the winners in the midfield that helped the Borough to win 15 for the season, with James Magner and Mitch Wooffindin leading the way.
A win but no finals for Essendon
Essendon returned to the winners list with a 14-point win over Richmond. Both sides were still a mathematical chance of making final going into the game, with the winner to keep its hopes alive.
Despite the win for the Bombers, the finals window was closed by Sandringham’s win over Werribee, leaving Essendon a game and a half outside of the eight with only one game to play.
It was Richmond in front by four points at half time, before Essendon stormed into the lead with seven goals to two in the third term to open up a 25 point lead at three quarter time.
While Richmond got back within seven points in the final term, the Bombers were able to do enough to hold on for a win.
Jason Ashby let the way for the Bombers with three goals, and was among the best with Leroy Jetta, Orazio Fantasia and Anthony Tipungwuti.
For Richmond Liam McBean remains in the equal lead for VFL goal kicking title with two goals, while Aaron Edwards added three. Best for the Tigers were Ross Young (33 disposals), Matt Dea and James Wall.
Williamstown on a roll
Williamstown has extended its winning run to seven with a 13-point win over North Ballarat. It looked like how far the Seagulls after the first term, as the visitors jumped out to a 17-point lead after eight scoring shots to one in the first term.
But as the Roosters have done many a time on their home turf this season, a five goal to one second term saw the home side regain the lead by two point at half time.
It was the third term where Williamstown set up the win, as they went on a five goal unanswer run, holding North Ballarat scoreless to open up a match winning 32-ppoint lead going into the final term. Ryan Ferguson proved he will be a handy addition to the Seagulls’ lineup come finals time with two goals, and was the only multiple goal scorer for Williamstown on a wayward day in front of goal for them.
While the Roosters kept Williamstown goalless in the final term, they were only able to manage three of their own and fell short by 13 points.
Kane Lambert, Nick Sing and Sean Tighe were the best for Williamstown, while Lachie George and Jordan Staley kicked two each for the Roosters, with Tony Lockyer, Michael Searl and Aaron Mullett (34 disposals) among the best.
SUNDAY GAMES:
Coburg v Frankston (VFL Radio)
Footscray v Casey Scorpions
Last Modified on 16/08/2014 18:07