COBURG overturned a half-time deficit to run away victors against fellow bottom two side Frankston in Round 13 of the Victorian Football League (VFL) while top two sides Richmond and Essendon extended the gap to the rest of the top eight.

Casey 12.12 (84) defeated Box Hill 7.8 (50)

A five goals to one third term ensured the Demons would notch up their fifth win of the season, moving within two points of the Hawks in eighth spot. Casey did most of their work in the opening and third terms, with Box Hill winning the second and final quarters by a slight margin, although it was nowhere near enough as the Demons eased to victory. Jay Kennedy-Harris kicked three goals for the home side and gathered 24 possessions, while Harrison Jones collected 29 disposals. Box Hill host Geelong on Saturday while Casey take on the Northern Blues.

Northern Blues 8.1 (58) defeated by Geelong 10.12 (72)

The Blues had their opportunities to take the four points but ultimately fell short at home against the Cats. Northern gained the lead towards the end of the third term only to fall behind by five points at the final break. From there they never regained momentum and Geelong ran out victors by 14 points. Sam Fisher and James Parsons had 26 disposals each as Jarrod Garlett and Luke Smith both kicked three goals. Hugh Goddard was solid for the Blues with 21 disposals and nine marks. Geelong travel to Box Hill while the Northern Blues play Casey.

Port Melbourne 8.10 (58) defeated by Footscray 15.17 (107)

Midway through the second quarter Port Melbourne held a 25-point lead. From then on, the Borough only kicked three more goals for the match (all coming in the final term) as the Bulldogs stormed home to win by 49 points. Jordon Sweet had 60 hitouts for the Dogs as Toby McLean kicked two goals and collected 30 disposals. Ben Cavarra kicked four goals while Jordan Lisle slotted three for Port. Footscray host Richmond on Saturday while Port Melbourne have the bye.

Collingwood 9.7 (61) defeated North Melbourne 6.6 (42)

The Magpies recorded their second straight win with a solid outing at Victoria Park against the Kangaroos. Collingwood held the lead from the second minute and eventually won by 19 points. Ben Crocker kicked three goals for the home side. Jamie Macmillan had 33 disposals while Nick Rippon touched the footy 32 times and kicked a goal. Collingwood travel to Werribee on Saturday to face the Tigers while North host Sandringham on Sunday.

Sandringham 7.11 (53) defeated by Richmond 10.8 (68)

Richmond led by 39 points at quarter time with Sandringham not even on the scoreboard, and many in attendance would’ve thought the Tigers would roll on to a percentage boosting win. The Zebras didn’t give up however, reducing the margin to just nine points late in the final term before eventually falling by a margin of 15. Sam Fox and Jacob Townsend kicked three goals each while Jack Higgins chipped in with two as well as 23 disposals. Mav Weller had the most touches on the ground with 25. Sandringham face North Melbourne while Richmond travel to Footscray this weekend.

Werribee 13.9 (87) defeated by Essendon 16.3 (99)

Essendon prevailed in a see-sawing battle at Avalon Airport Oval. The final quarter was a tense one, with the scores level with just 10 minutes to go before the Bombers booted two goals to win by 12 points. The largest lead of the match was Essendon by 16 points late in the second term, after Werribee had led by 13 in the early stages of that term. Thomas Gribble had 32 disposals for the Tigers while Michael Barlow had 27. Heath Hocking, Jordan Houlahan, Danny Younan and Kye Declase each kicked two goals as Michael Hartley kicked two and collected 23 disposals. Werribee host Collingwood on Saturday while Essendon face Coburg away on Sunday.

Frankston 7.14 (56) defeated by Coburg 9.8 (62)

Coburg notched up their second win of the season in a tight encounter with the Dolphins at Skybus Stadium. Frankston had a nine-point lead at half-time and extended that to 15 early in the third term but from that point the momentum swung to the Tigers. The home side had their chances late in the match but six late behinds perhaps cost them the victory. Marcus Lentini was dominant again with 35 disposals while Will Fordham collected 28 for Frankston. Josh Weightman kicked two goals and had 22 touches for the away side. Frankston travel to Williamstown while Coburg host Essendon this weekend.

Bye – Williamstown

Picture: VFL.com.au