ROUND 2 of the Victorian Football League (VFL) kicked off last Friday for what was a round of thrashings, with just one game ending with a margin under 30 points. Essendon had the bye this round, so will come into Round 3 on fresh legs after a weekend off.

Collingwood 6.4 (40) defeated by Footscray 17.10 (112)

In the curtain-raiser to the AFL match across the road, Footscray destroyed Collingwood by 72 points. The Magpies only kicked two goals to half time and were thoroughly beaten to the contest. Footscray spread their goalkickers, with six registering two each, including Jackson Trengove who also won 26 disposals, and Lukas Webb who had 28 disposals. Ben Reid kicked two for Collingwood while Alex Woodward was the only man on the ground to top 30 disposals, with 31. Daniel Wells got through his return match unscathed, with a goal and 23 disposals.

Richmond 13.14 (92) defeated Port Melbourne 7.7 (49)

The Tigers restricted Port Melbourne to just one goal at the main break as they dominated the second half to win by 43 points. Both sides were goalless in the first term before Richmond took control. Maibor Chol, Callum Moore, and James Fletcher kicked two each for the home side while Blake Pearson managed two for Port. Borough midfielder Eli Templeton continued his good form with 19 disposals and a goal.

Casey 18.11 (119) defeated North Melbourne 10.5 (65)

Casey made amends for last week’s Grand Final rematch thrashing with a resounding win over North Melbourne at home. The Demons kicked six goals in the first term, holding the Kangaroos scoreless as they romped away to the four points. The final margin was perhaps not reflective of the contest, as North kicked six goals to one in the final term to bring the margin down to 54 points. Tom Campbell recorded a massive 63 hitouts and kicked two goals, while Jeff Garlett, Nick Larkey, Jaxon Briggs, and Mitch White all kicked three each. Dan Robinson had 27 disposals for North.

Werribee 15.13 (103) defeated Coburg 10.11 (71)

Under the lights at Avalon Airport Oval, the Tigers’ second term ensured four points for the home side against the Lions. Werribee booted five goals to one to put their stamp on the game and run away with the win. Ryan Kemp kicked three goals for Werribee on debut, while Sam Lowson managed four in a losing side. Dane McFarlane had the most touches with 26.

Sandringham 8.11 (59) defeated by Box Hill 16.4 (100)

The premiers don’t look like slipping up any time soon as they notched up another big win, this time against the Zebras at Marvel Stadium. The match was fairly even up until half time, when the Hawks turned on the burners and booted six goals to one in the third term to assert their dominance. St Kilda-listed players, Nick Hind and Luke Dunstan excelled despite the loss, recording 39 and 37 disposals respectively to propel themselves into senior selection talk. Nathan Boucher kicked four goals for Box Hill while Tim O’Brien managed two goals and 20 disposals.

Geelong 9.13 (67) defeated by Northern Blues 10.8 (68)

The only close match of the round saw the Blues take the four points away from the Cats in their first outing of the season after last week’s bye. The see-sawing contest saw Northern lead by 13 points at the final break, before Geelong got on the march and cut the margin. Oscar Brownless had the opportunity to kick a third goal for the day and put the Cats in front, but only managed a behind. Jack Silvagni kicked two goals for the Blues while captain, Tom Wilson had 28 disposals. Jordan Keras recorded 27 disposals for Geelong while Cam Guthrie had 25 in his return game.

Frankston 6.9 (45) defeated by Williamstown 18.9 (117)

Williamstown got out of the blocks early and never looked back, obliterating the Dolphins by 72 points. After a seven goal to one first term Frankston never stood a chance, although they did well in the final quarter to not let the margin creep out to three figures for the second week in a row. Nathan Freeman was dominant once again with 39 disposals while skipper, Josh Newman had 34. Nick Rodda booted five for the Seagulls as Sam Dunell and Joel Ottavi kicked three each.

Essendon – Bye

Photo: VFL.com.au