Eltham and Fitzroy Stars clash at Eltham Central Park in the round’s final matchup, with both sides fresh off nail-biting wins.
Without a host of star players, including Tim and Paul Currie, Lewis Glasgow and Matthew Keys, Eltham had its biggest scare of the season in the one-point win over Banyule.
Tom Rogers’ buzz-beater was one of only three goals for the Panthers in the second half, as they escaped for their 11th win on the trot after leading by as much as 25 points at the main break.
Brendan O’Sullivan, Darcy Vallance and Brent Macaffer had strong outings at R.J. Brockwell Oval, as did Michael Still who made it 23 goals for the season with his bag of four majors.
The Panthers will be even more undermanned this week, with star midfielder Anton Woods set to represent Vic Metro in its Community Cup clash against Vic Country, while Bradyn Taglieri will be sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained during last week’s win.
The Stars moved two games clear of the bottom of the table with a thrilling two-point win over Watsonia at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. It was the club’s second close win of the year, after downing Epping by one point in Round 4.
It was an inaccurate start by the Stars, who booted 3.11 in the first half to trail by eight points. However, they made the most of their chances in the second half, booting 10 goals from 15 scoring shots.
Keith Morgan, Steven Stallion and Roger Morris led the way in the triumph, whilst John Hayes was also instrumental and kicked more than three goals for the fifth time in six weeks. His four-goal haul extended his season tally to
Game Times Reserves 11.55am, Seniors 2.10pm Eltham Central Park
Under 19 Div 2 Eltham vs Heidelberg 9.40am Eltham Central Park
Under 19 Div 1 Eltham vs West Preston Lakeside 9.40am at West Preston Lakeside
