In some one sided final scores in Saturday Round 20 VFL action, winners were Williamstown, Box Hill Hawks and Port Melbourne.
The three teams sit in the top three spots before the Sunday matches, with only Footscray able to upset the order if they defeat Richmond - with the Bulldogs set to jump back into second spot if they win.
The VFL action today saw plenty of changes to the Frosty Miller Medal race, with Box Hill Hawks Sam Grimley jumping into the lead today, joining Port Melbourne's Dan Connors at the top of the table on 38 goals. The title is far from over with Richmond's Liam McBean (35) and Coburg's Lech Featherstone (34) still in contention.
In the battle for eighth spot, Geelong last night joined Werribee on 36 points, and now trail the Tigers by just 0.96%. The fate of the Cats sits squarely with the performance of Frankston against Werribee, with a Frankston win providing the Cats a spot in the finals, but a Frankston loss will see Werribee remain in the top 8 at the end of the final round. Werribee could still makes the finals if they are defeated by Frankston, but would need the Dolphins to score no more than 70 points, and the Tigers would need to lose by only a point.
But let's look at the Saturday games today:
Forwards return for Port
Port Melbourne warmed up for the VFL Legendairy Finals and home ground advantage at North Port Oval in a Qualifying final with a 111-point demolition of fellow finalist North Ballarat.
The Roosters led in the early minutes of the game through behinds, but after that it was to be all Port Melbourne as they kicked six unanswered goals to end the first term with a 34 points lead. The home side continued to extend their lead at every change, as they had answers on every line.
In an ominous sign for the finals, Julian Rowe and Chris Michaliades kicked three each in the pairs return to the senior team, with the Borough depth again highlighted up forward with Sam Pleming, Will Johnson and Dan Connors all contributing three as well. Connors kicked his goals in the first three quarters, sitting on the sidelines in the final term due to a toe complaint.
The usual suspects in the middle of James Magner (27 disposals), Chris Cain (28), Shane Valenti (27) and Toby Pinwill (28) were again in the best, with Damian Mascitti (31) and Marcus Davies helping Port restrict the visitors to just seven goals.
Bryce Curnow kicked three for North Ballarat, with Trent Dumont, Curnow and Lockyer in the best.
Winning run continues for Seagulls
Williamstown ensured it would finish in the top three, kicking nine goals to two in the second half to record a 55-point win against Sandringham.
Nothing separated the sides in the first half as the Seagulls could not kick away from the home side.
With only 10 points separating the teams at three quarter time, Williamstown kicked away in the final term kicking seven unanswered goals to record win number 14 for the season.
Sean Tighe, Kane Lambert, Ben Jolley and Willie Wheeler among the best for Williamstown, with Mitch Banner leading the goal kicking with three, with another four players kicking two goals each.
Sandringham were led by Trent Dennis Lane and Matt Kreymborg with two goal each, with Sam Dunnell, Tom Simpkin and Lewis Pierce in the best for the Zebras.
Hawks warm up for finals
Reigning premiers Box Hill Hawks showed they are ready for another tilt at the VFL premiership title with a 129 point rout of Northern Blues.
Two eight goal quarters bookended the game for the Hawks, as they restricted the Blues to just six goals for the afternoon.
Sam Grimley rocketed to the equal lead in the race for the Frosty Miller Medal, kicking seven goals to take his season tally to 38 – three of those coming in a seven goal to two third term for the Hawks.
Alex Woodward and Mitch Hallahan were busy in the middle for Box Hill, with Grimley, Ben McEvoy and Jordan Kelly among the best for the Hawks.
Northern Blues were led by Matthew Watson up forward with three goals, and he was in the best along with Patrick Cripps (23 disposals), Tim Totevski (18), Tom Wilson (22) and Sam Cattapan (27).
CLICK HERE to read about the Friday night matches
SUNDAY GAMES
Richmond v Footscray (VFL Radio/Tiger Radio-video streamed)
Casey Scorpions v Coburg (Casey Radio)
Frankston v Werribee
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 24/08/2014 12:09