Recap

Chargers claim ‘four points’ with a narrow four point victory over the Northern Knights. 

The reigning premiers Oakleigh Chargers‘ season is back on track after leading at all the main breaks to claim their first win of 2016. After being smashed by 90 points the week before, Northern Knights were much improved and fought gallantly right up until the final siren.

When Jack Higgins nailed his third goal for the afternoon in the final term, the margin was 25 points in Oakleigh’s favour. However, Northern hit back with three majors in a row to close the margin down to single figures, before Charger forward Pat Kerr got on the scoreboard to ice the game. A ‘banana’ goal from Knights small forward Lachlan Wilson brought the crowd on their feet with the margin reduced to four points. Unfortunately for the Knights, time ran out and the Chargers went home deserving winners.

With 13 recalled bounces for the day, many argued that the extra time should the ball have been thrown up would have given the Knights the opportunity to snatch the win, having the ball 80m from goal when the siren blew.

Lively third tall Patrick Lipiniski was impressive for the Knights, kicking three goals and claiming five marks. The 188cm medium forward has provided a target for the Knights inside forward 50 and is one to watch throughout the season.

Carlton Father/Son prospect Jake Bradley (Son of Craig) played his best game for the Knights, collecting 21 disposals showing his dash through the middle of the ground. Midfielder Luke Bunker backed up last weeks effort, again collecting 25 disposals in another impressive showing for the Knights. Lachlan Murphy‘s run out of defence was also impressive and set the Knights up moving forward.

Chargers bottom agers Jack Higgins and Toby Wooller were impressive, with Higgins hitting the scoreboard on three occasions and worked well on ball. 192cm Wooller took 11 marks (five contested) and provided a real target for the Chargers with talls Sam McLarty and Patrick Kerr quiet on the day.

Ed Phillips, Vince Adducci, Nathan Boucher and Jono Aujard all provided pace in the Chargers midfield, dashing past their opponents moving the ball into the Chargers forward line. Josh Daicos had an impressive first quarter, playing higher up the ground than Round 1.

Both clubs have players who will be involved with Vic Metro trials on Saturday at Ikon Park, while the remaining Knights players will return to their clubs. The Chargers players not involved in trials will play against the Sandringham Dragons at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday.

Bests:

Northern Knights: Bunker, Murphy, Signorello, Lipinski, Lentini, Bradley

Oakleigh Chargers: Higgins, Durman, Aujard, Wooller, Ridley, Walker