A BUMPER weekend of NAB League action saw the Eastern Ranges stamp their authority in a top-four clash, while Dandenong continues to lead all-comers and Gippsland powered into third. With thrillers and blow-outs making up a mixed bag of results, here is the Round 7 wash-up.

GEELONG FALCONS 3.3 | 5.7 | 8.7 | 10.11 (71)
MURRAY BUSHRANGERS 3.1 | 6.3 | 11.4 | 14.8 (92)

GOALS:
Geelong: O. Henry 3, C. Karpala 2, T. Richardson 2, C. Seymour, K. Rayner, C. Brauer.
Murray: H. Kaak 5, Z. Barzen 2, D. Clarke 2, C. Wild, E. Baxter, K. Chalcraft, L. Ash, W. Chandler.

BEST:
Geelong: C. Brauer, J. Clark, S. Ham, O. Henry, K. Rayner, L. Smith
Murray: C. Wild, J. Chalcraft, H. Kaak, K. Chalcraft, B. Kelly, T. Matthes

By: Peter Williams

Red-time goals in the first three terms helped the Murray Bushrangers record their second win of the season, overcoming a determined Geelong Falcons outfit by 21 points at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons looked on top early in each of the terms, taking leads, before Murray struck late, particularly in the second and third terms, where they booted the last seven goals of the second and third quarters (three last in quarter two and four last in quarter three) to remarkably head into the breaks in front. Trailing by 16 points with three and a half minutes remaining in the second term, it looked like Murray would head into the change rooms pondering how to step up their game. But three goals in as many minutes left the visiting crowd stunned and excited at the same time as they took a two-point lead into half-time. In the third term, Geelong came out firing booting three of the first four goals, and when Oliver Henry split the big sticks, Geelong had a nine-point advantage. Murray piled on four goals in the last seven and a half minutes to not only hit the front, but head into the last break with a 15-point lead. A three goals to two final term saw the Bushrangers secure the win, 14.8 (92) to 10.11 (71). Cam Wild was again the top disposal winner with 27, using his hard running to work his way along the wings, also booting a goal after running from half-back winning a touch and finishing off nicely. Jye Chalcraft relished his inside role with 26 disposals and eight clearances, while Dylan Clarke had 23 disposals, six clearances and five inside 50s. Up forward, Hudson Kaak had a day out leading from the square, booting five majors from 15 disposals and seven marks. For Geelong, Charlie Harris worked hard for 21 touches, five marks, three clearances and five tackles, while Chas Karpala laid a game-high 11 tackles to go with his 20 disposals and two goals. Henry was also prolific up forward, snagging three goals from 16 disposals and seven marks working up the ground, while Sheldon Ham had 17 disposals, four marks, five inside 50s and six tackles in the loss.

WESTERN JETS 2.4 | 4.5 | 5.10 | 6.10 (46)
DANDENONG STINGRAYS 4.4 | 7.9 | 9.10 | 16.13 (109)

GOALS:
Western: E. Ford 2, A. Clarke, J. Horo, D. Andrews , A. Manton
Dandenong: E. Cahill 4, L. Williams 2, D. Popa 2, J. Neal, C. Ellison, K. George, M. Gregory, C. Gay, M. Haywood, S. De Koning, J. Toner

BEST:
Western: D. Andrews , W. Kennedy, E. Ford, J. Horo, N. Reynolds, D. Cassar
Dandenong: R. Orchard, E. Cahill, H. Young, B. Schmidt, M. Riordan, S. De Koning

By: Michael Alvaro

Dandenong Stingrays sit atop the NAB League ladder for a second-consecutive week, stamping their authority with a 63-point win over the Western Jets. Despite leading from the twelfth minute-mark and having the better of general play, the reigning premiers were kept within striking distance by a combative Jets unit, holding an 11-point lead at the main break. With the margin stretched slowly to an even four goals at three-quarter time, it was all Dandenong in the last as they piled on seven majors to cruise home to victory. The Stingrays had stars on each line, with Ned Cahill (19 disposals, six marks, 4.2) electric up forward, Hayden Young (26 disposals, seven rebound 50s) making the play down back, and midfielder Mitch Riordan (25 disposals, five clearances) dominant at the stoppages to put his hand up for mid-season draft selection. With Reece Orchard (13 disposals, nine tackles) named best for the ‘Rays, Daly Andrews (17 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances) earned the same honour for Western and showcased an improved inside game. Darcy Cassar was again the Jets’ leading ball-winner with a game-high 29 disposals, while dynamic bottom-ager Eddie Ford was dangerous in the forward half with 20 disposals, 10 marks and 2.1. While the Jets sit inside the top eight at 3-3, Dandenong’s undefeated record remains in tact on the back of their fourth-consecutive victory. Both sides are set to travel next round, with Western away to Geelong, and Dandenong travelling down to Tasmania in an historic fixture.

BENDIGO PIONEERS 0.1 | 3.4 | 6.6 | 11.8 (74)
TASMANIA DEVILS 3.5 | 4.5 | 7.9 | 11.10 (76)

GOALS:
Bendigo: J. Ginnivan 2, J. Schischka 2, S. Conforti 2, J. Dick-O’Flaherty 2, J. Hickman, B. Vaz, R. Clarke
Tasmania: J. Menzie 4, R. Mansell 2, B. Gordon, O. Davis, C. Stephenson, I. Chugg

BEST:
Bendigo: S. Conforti, W. Wallace, S. O’Farrell, J. Treacy, J. Hickman, J. Ginnivan
Tasmania: J. Steele, J. Menzie, R. Mansell, L. Viney, E. Jackson, B. Gordon

By: Michael Alvaro

Tasmania Devils got up in a thriller in Sunday’s first fixture, edging the Bendigo Pioneers by two points at Queen Elizabeth Oval. While the scoreboard tells a story of the travelling side leading at every break on the way to their win, the Devils relinquished a game-long lead at the 15-minute mark of the final term on the back of three-straight Bendigo goals, only to snatch it back twice – with Jye Menzie kicking truly after the siren to enact the final and telling lead change. A fast start from Tasmania proved the difference, and some, with the Pioneers playing catch-up after giving up a 22-point quarter time deficit. Sam Conforti earned a Draft Central player of the week nomination and was named Bendigo’s best for his game-high 30 disposals and two goals, with William Wallace (16 disposals, seven marks, five rebound 50s) good from defence and Jack Ginnivan (27 disposals, two goals) also productive. Menzie was clinical in front of goal with 4.0 from 12 disposals, but Jake Steele (13 disposals, 17 hitouts) was named best for the Devils. Ben Simpson (22 disposals) was their leading ball-winner, while Ethan Jackson was not far behind with 21. Both sides are set to host next week, with Tasmania clashing with Dandenong in the Apple Isle, while Bendigo faces Sandringham in Echuca.

GIPPSLAND POWER 3.2 | 3.5 | 10.7 | 12.12 (84)
CALDER CANNONS 0.4 | 1.6 | 2.8 | 4.9 (33)

GOALS:
Gippsland: F. Phillips 4, T. Baldi 2, J. Smith 2, H. Pepper, S. Flanders, B. Smith, M. McGannon.
Calder: J. Cardillo, C. Brown, J. Hotchkin, J. Kemp.

BEST:
Gippsland: S. Flanders, B. Smith, R. Baldi, F. Phillips, J. Smith, T. Baldi
Calder: J. Martin, D. Mott, N. Gentile, F. O”Neill, J. Hotchkin, C. Brown

By: Peter Williams

An impressive seven goals to one third term set Gippsland Power up for a big 51-point win over Calder Cannons at Morwell Recreation Reserve on Sunday. In overcast conditions with a strong wind, Gippsland played to the home ground advantage perfectly, booting the first three goals of the game, before a Curtis Brown long bomb in the second term finally broke the Cannons’ drought. Having not conjured up a goal in the second quarter and leading by just 11 points at the main break, Gippsland decided to up the ante, piling on seven goals in the term, with only a 50m penalty and subsequent goal from the square to Josh Kemp being the Cannons’ only saving grace in the quarter. The last quarter was similar to the first two in the sense it was mostly defensive and inaccurate as the Power booted 2.5 to 2.1, as Fraser Phillips booted a couple of late goals to help Gippsland to a 12.12 (84) to 4.9 (33) victory. Phillips was impressive up forward with four goals from 12 touches and four marks, but captain Brock Smith was superb with 28 disposals, seven marks, two tackles, six rebounds and a team-lifting goal from outside 50 in the third term. Sam Flanders was just as good around the ground, having 24 touches, four marks, five clearances, five inside 50s, five tackles and booting a goal, while Riley Baldi continued his great form with 26 disposals, six marks, five clearances and three inside 50s. He also booted two behinds, not as accurate as his brother who made his two scoring shots count, booting two majors as well as 12 disposals, four marks and six tackles. For the Cannons, Jacob Martin had another big day out with 33 disposals, 10 clearances, seven marks, three inside 50s and three rebounds, while Daniel Mott picked up 25 disposals, six clearances, five inside 50s and three rebounds. Ned Gentile (16 disposals, six marks and three tackles), Fergus O’Neill (15 disposals, five marks and four tackles) and Josh Hotchkin (29 hitouts and a goal from six touches) were all named among the best for Calder in the loss.

GREATER WESTERN VICTORIA REBELS 3.3 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 9.8 (62)
NORTHERN KNIGHTS 2.3 | 5.4 | 9.8 | 14.10 (94)

GOALS:
GWV: T. Mahony 3, I. Grant 2, M. Martin 2, I. Thomas, J. Rantall
Northern: S. Brazier 3, S. Philp 2, B. Nikolovski 2, L. Potter, B. Major, Z. Costello, C. Barbera, J. D’Intinosante, L. Mcmahon, K. Davies

BEST:
GWV: J. Rantall, J. Wright, T. Mahony, M. Martin, J. Cleaver, J. Tillig
Northern: L. Potter, S. Philp, J. D’Intinosante, N. Howard, C. Barbera, C. Simonsen

By: Michael Alvaro

Northern Knights turned a six-point half time deficit into a 32-point away win over the Greater Western Victoria Rebels to extend its victorious streak to three. While the Rebels got the better of the opening stages, the winners managed to stay within reach and struck after half time with over-ager Sunny Brazier central to the comeback with 2.1 in the third term. A five-goal final quarter sealed the win and a comfortable margin, with the Knights finding some form after a down opening month. Lachie Potter was again best-afield for the Knights with a damaging 16 disposals, while Ryan Sturgess sured up both ends with his team-high 26. Josh D’Intinosante also found the goals and plenty of the ball, with Sam Philp (19 disposals, two goals) returning to the side to good effect. Jay Rantall played a blinder for GWV, racking up 36 touches (seven clearances, six inside 50s) to be his side’s best. Toby Mahony and Jack Tillig had 20 touches each to be thereabouts, with the former also contributing three goals in a solid display. Mitch Martin was another ball-winner to hit the scoreboard with his two goals from 18 disposals, but the Knights midfielders were often given first use on the back of Nathan Howard‘s 28 hitouts. Both sides are set to play on neutral territory next week, with Northern playing Oakleigh and the Rebels facing Gippsland.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS 4.2 | 4.7 | 6.9 | 6.10 (46)
EASTERN RANGES 3.2 | 4.4 | 6.5 | 8.7 (55)

GOALS:
Sandringham: K. Yorke 2, J. Cowden, M. Bergman, J. Bell, A. Hanrahan
Eastern: J. Tilly 2, L. Stapleton, B. McCormack, M. Brown, B. White, C. Downie, M. Zalac

BEST:
Sandringham: M. Bergman, R. Byrnes, C. Watts, J. Bowey, J. Bell, T. Milne
Eastern: C. Hirst, L. Stapleton, J. Ross, J. Hourihan, J. Nathan, J. Rossiter

By: Joe Lee

Onlookers were treated to an enthralling contest down at RSEA Park, with finals aspirants Eastern Ranges grinding out a nine-point win against a gallant Sandringham Dragons. In a tough and uncompromising affair where polish and poise lacked, grit and determination made up for. With the margin at each break never being more than a goal, both teams fought out to the death, with the Ranges breaking away in the final minutes to record a clutch win. Sandringham led at every break and won the inside 50 count 53 to 44, but failed to capitalise on ample opportunities, often bombing the ball in long where it was intercepted by Jack Ross, who was outstanding for the Ranges. Whilst the Dragons midfield, led by Ryan Byrnes and Miles Bergman, seemingly won the clearance count, it was the Ranges outside midfielders Cody Hirst and Connor Downie who delivered the ball to the Ranges forwards with class. Eastern proved the stronger team for longer, willing themselves over the line with some classy use and heroic defensive acts, placing them in the upper echelon of the ladder, with Sandringham rueing missing some straight-forward opportunities that were missed.