MILDURA have cemented themselves as early frontrunners for the SFNL Under-18 title after knocking over Irymple in a top-of-the-table clash.
Some incredible under age footy was played on Saturday, with Merbein winning a one-point thriller against South Mildura, and Robinvale Euston claiming an 11-point victory over Red Cliffs.
While the Demons and Swallows had a number of players called into the seniors, there was no shortage of performers across the contest.
Just two points separated the sides at the long break, however Mildura took control in the third term with a 4.1 to 1.2 quarter. They added another 4.2 to a solitary goal in the final stanza to run out 35-point winners, 13.7 (85) to 7.8 (50).
Max Curran added another three goals to his tally to take him to 22 for the season, twice as many as the next three on the table.
Jack Walker and Ryan Morello were in great form for the Dees, while down from the seniors, Jesse Gosman did his chances of a recall to the top grade no harm.
Lachlan Moriatis and Jack Oldham were the leading performers for the Swallows.
Merbein and South Mildura were separated by less than a goal at every break in an old-school arm wrestle of a contest.
The Bulldogs led by one point at the final change, however despite having five scoring shots to two in the final quarter, they kicked five behinds, while the Magpies managed 1.1 to get home in a thriller, 8.4 (52) to 7.9 (51).
Cooper Dodds was an emergency for the Pies’ senior team, and he kept his name in lights for the selectors, playing a great game and kicking two goals, as did Jack Bakewell, while Nate Bull was named best-on-ground.
Peter Minitti and Cameron Lay each finished with two goals for South, while Brayth Munn and Brodie Fitzgerald also impressed.
After two straight losses, Robinvale Euston returned to the winner’s list with a 10.16 (76) to 10.5 (65) victory over Red Cliffs.
It was the Tigers who had the ascendency early, holding a 13-point lead at half-time, however inaccuracy cost the Eagles, who had kicked 2.8 compared with 5.3.
The second half was a tale of two quarters, with the Eagles holding the visitors goalless and kicking 5.4 themselves to rush out to a 19-point lead at the final change. Eight goals were scored in a frantic final term, five going to Red Cliffs, however they could not make up the deficit.
Marcus Chirchiglia led all goal-scorers with four, with Nick Neyland adding three, while Raffaele Bulzomi played a cracking game for the Eagles.
For the Tigers, Jasper Turner was their best, having kicked three majors, with Brenton Gardiner and Toby Wise also solid.
Ouyen United and Wentworth had byes.
