ROUND FIVE of the TAC Cup saw the Dandenong Stingrays suffer their first loss of the year at the hands of the Oakleigh Chargers, while Gippsland Power jumped inside the top four, after a convincing victory against the Eastern Ranges.

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Sandringham Dragons 8.9 (57) defeated by Western Jets 12.17 (89)

The Western Jets bounced back from a horror 126-point belting at the hands of Dandenong Stingrays to run out 32-point victors over Sandringham Dragons. The Dragons started strongly for the second week in a row with a three goals to one first term, as Western booted 1.5 and missed opportunities. The Jets found their radar after that though, booting 11 goals to six in the final three quarters, including four goals to two in the final stanza to run away with a solid victory.

Xavier O’Halloran was best on ground with 22 disposals, three marks, five clearances, five inside 50s, six tackles an a goal, while Connor Thar found plenty of it again with 25 disposals, 10 marks and two goals. Jack Watkins and Jaden Rice were strong on the inside with a combined 50 disposals, seven marks, 12 tackles and 13 clearances, while Rice also slotted two majors. Daly Andrews had 24 disposals and seven inside 50s, while Stefan Radovanovic was a welcome addition with 22 disposals out of defence.

For the Dragons, Bailey Smith starred with 28 disposals, 11 clearances, four inside 50s, three rebounds, six tackles and two goals, while Corey Watts had 22 disposals and five rebounds coming out of defence. Harry Bede had 26 disposals, five inside 50s and six rebounds, while father-son prospect Jackson Voss had 17 disposals and five rebounds in his debut game. James Rendell booted two goals to be the other multiple goal kicker with Smith.

Oakleigh Chargers 11.6 (72) defeated Dandenong Stingrays 9.12 (66)

The Oakleigh Chargers came from behind to pull off an incredible six-point win at Warrawee Park on Saturday. Trailing by 11-points coming into the final quarter, the Chargers booted four goals to one, giving the Stingrays their first loss of the season. Lachlan Harry slotted home the match winner with just over three minutes left on the clock and the Chargers managed to hold on.

With Xavier College having a bye in school football, Joe Ayton-Delaney impressed through the midfield and across half back, with 25 disposals – finding plenty of targets by foot around the ground. Atu Bosenavualagi (20 disposals, nine tackles and two goals) provided some X-Factor across half forward for the Chargers, while Riley Collier-Dawkins (15 disposals, five tackles and four clearances) put in a good performance in the middle. Isaac Quaynor (17 disposals and six rebound 50s) was important across half back, with tall defender Charlie Beasley (12 disposals and five rebound 50s) also showing some good signs.

The Stingrays had plenty of even contributions in the midfield, with Jamie Plumridge (22 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal), Lachlan McDonnell (20 disposals and five inside 50s) and Jake Frawley (18 disposals, six inside 50s and three clearances) working hard in the middle of the ground. Up forward, talls Corey Ellison (2.3) and Bailey Williams (0.4) provided targets – but both were ineffective in front of goal at crucial stages. Riley Bowman (21 hitouts) had a very good battle against a bigger Chargers opponent (Lachlan Harry), but held his own.

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GWV Rebels 9.8 (62) defeated by Murray Bushrangers 11.13 (79)

Murray Bushrangers notched up their fourth consecutive win on the weekend, toppling the Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels to make it three losses on the trot for the Rebels. The Bushrangers had to weather an early storm, trailing by 10 points at quarter time after the Rebels failed to make the most of their opportunities, before the Bushrangers had a role reversal, not quite putting the foot down, but doing enough to lead by five points at the main break. The Rebels hit back to trail by just a point at the final break, but a strong last term by the Bushrangers saw Murray boot four goals to two, to record a solid 17-point victory.

Jordon Butts had the ball on a string in defence, racking up 29 disposals, nine marks and eight rebounds, while his partner-in-crime Lachlan Ash notched up 24 disposals, eight marks and eight rebounds. Laitham Vandermeer was consistent once again with 21 disposals four marks and five rebounds, while Ely Smith (20 disposals, six tackles and six clearances) and Kyle Clarke (19 disposals, five tackles and five clearances) both booted a goal and made their presence known through the middle of the ground.

For the Rebels, Tom Berry had a promising second game back from injury with 22 disposals, six marks, four clearances, four inside 50s, five rebounds and a goal, while Scott Carlin and Lochie Dawson both had 20 disposals on the day. Elliott Lamb was the team’s highest disposal winner with 23 touches, four marks, three clearances and five inside 50s, while Charlie Wilson had a game-high eight inside 50s to go with his 17 disposals and four marks.

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Eastern Ranges 9.8 (62) defeated by Gippsland Power 17.16 (118)

By: Taylah Melki

After a slow start to the game the Gippsland Power hit their straps in the second half of the match claiming a 56-point victory against the Eastern Ranges. The Ranges took it to the Power in the opening quarter trailing by four at quarter time. But their intensity and pressure around the ground slowly dropped off while the Power started to dominate, especially in front of goal, putting on 11 goals to five in the second half.

Noah Gown was a clear standout for the Power bagging four goals for the match and taking plenty of big contested marks inside the forward 50. Gown took a whopping nine marks for the game showcasing his impressive strength and ability to lead up at the footy. Gippsland captain, Xavier Duursma, also starred for the Power with his impressive evasive skills, clean pick-ups and ability to break lines racking up 23 touches. Tyrone Hayes also played a big role in the Powers 56-point win slotting a goal and gathering 20 possessions for the game. Nick Lowden amassed 23 touches and laid five tackles with Riley Baldi also collecting 23 touches and six marks.

For Eastern, the likes of Kye Quirk stood tall in a disappointing outing for the Ranges. Quirk racked up 22 touches for the game and made his presence felt in and around the contest. Fellow teammate and captain Joel Burleigh also had a ripper game for the Ranges leading the way in disposals with 40 touches. Not only were his hands at stoppages invaluable but he also bagged three goals and laid 12 tackles for the game. The likes of Jarrod Gilbee ended up with 23 touches and five marks while Mitch Mellis tallied up 30 disposals and five clearances.

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Calder Cannons 6.6 (42) defeated by Geelong Falcons 14.7 (91)

By: Julia Montesano

It was a tight tussle at RAMS Arena for much of the first half but the Geelong Falcons stormed home to kick seven of the last eight goals, storming home for a big win against the Cannons. The Falcons kept the Cannons to just two goals in the second half while they piled on eight majors to seal their second win of the season.

Sam Walsh was everywhere for the Falcons, racking up 34 disposals, eight inside 50s and kicking a goal. He was complemented by Brayden Ham, who moved up the goal-kicking list with three goals on Sunday. Ham also recorded 17 disposals and took eight marks, making his presence known inside 50. Oscar Brownless also continued his consistent season for the Falcons, kicking two goals for the day and laying nine tackles, complementing his 30 disposals against the Cannons.

Calder co-captain, Jack Bytel continues to be a shining light for the Cannons and Sunday was no different, as he consistently put his head over the footy and won the hard ball for his side. Bytel was the leading disposal-getter with 32 and laid 10 tackles. Jack Evans was one of the hardest-working players on the field, racking up 22 disposals in the back line and providing great on-field leadership. Curtis Taylor also contributed with 20 disposals and six marks in his side’s 49-point loss.

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Northern Knights 11.10 (76) defeated Bendigo Pioneers 7.3 (45)

By: Michael Alvaro

Northern Knights snuck into the top eight with a comfortable win over Bendigo Pioneers at home. In what was a frustrating encounter at times, the travelling Pioneers were kept goalless in the first and third terms despite putting a good amount of pressure on the Knights defence. The home side never looked back after setting up a four-goal buffer at the first break, and they stretched their lead out to as much as 44 points after booting the first four goals after half time.

Northern bottom-ager Ryan Gardner was arguably the best afield with his damaging run and carry, finishing with 25 disposals and six marks. Fellow bottom-ager Josh D’Intinosante showed a quick step and was also outstanding with 22 disposals, six marks and a goal. In the middle of those two was skipper Braedyn Gillard, who worked hard for 30 disposals, seven tackles and three marks. He was aided by ruckman Tom Hallebone, who gave him first use with his 21 hitouts, while marking well overhead to clunk a total of seven to go with his goal.

For Bendigo, the versatile James Schischka led the way with his 21 disposals and six tackles, accompanied by tough midfielder Noah Wheeler (22 disposals, seven marks, two goals) and Hunter Lawrence, who collected a team-high 29 disposals to go with seven marks and eight tackles. Skipper Jacob Atley showed off his speed at both ends of the ground with his 21 disposals.