Omnia   

malleeflAn historic match at Hopetoun kicked off the first match of the Mallee Football Leagues round 18, as the Devils hosted Walpeup-Underbool.

Hopetoun had a lot to play for in front of a big crowd, as they played on their home ground for the last time as a standalone club. The Roo's made a strong start to the match as they put on 3 goals in the first term, while the Devils failed to capitalise on opportunities and could only manage 5
behinds.

The second quarter saw a change in momentum as Hopetoun were able to work their way back into the contest and improve their entry into the forward 50. At halftime they held a 4 point advantage and looked to have got some run back into their game. The Roo's struggled to keep pace in the third as the Devils clamped down, and only managed a single goal, to
Hopetoun's 5 for the quarter.

Both sides traded goals at the start of the final term, but it was Hopetoun's day, as they strung together consecutive goals to put the match out of reach for Walpeup-Underbool. Hopetoun ran out 45 point victors in a win that saw them move into 5th place on the ladder. Ben Webster kicked 5 goals for the Devils, and David Johnstone 3, while Hayden Drew and Saw White featured in their best. For the Roos, Wade Champion kicked 3, while Ryan Stacey and Travis Latta were amongst their better players.

Ouyen United and the Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers squared off in the second match of the round, in a game that offered finals bragging rights to the winning side.

Ouyen jumped out of the blocks quickly as they put on 3 of the first 4 goals, but the Tigers were able steady late in the quarter and get the scores back to 3 goals each. A quick goal to the Demons in the second quarter saw them take the lead again, but the Tigers kicked the next 4 and had all the run.

Ouyen showed that they will be a force in September action, as they kicked the last 3 goals of the term against the flow, to put themselves 2 points up at half time. Sides traded goals in the third term, and it was the Tigers who worked their way back into the lead as they went 1 point up heading into the last quarter.

The final term promised plenty, and didn't disappoint as all players put it on the line. Both sides
had their chances to take the points, but at the final siren, it was the Tigers who were victorious, as they won by a single goal in one of the games of the season. Cliff Ryan kicked 7 goals, and Jarrod Arentz kicked 2 for the Tigers, while Jason Collins and Glen Carrick were in the best. For the valiant Demons, Relton Roberts kicked 5, while better players included Andrew Jardine, Benjamin Mole, and Marc Hahnel.

The final match of the round was another historic match, as Beulah hosted Jeparit-Rainbow in what was also their last ever home match as a standalone club.

As expected, Beulah hit hard early and looked to be in full control as they put on 4 goals 6 to the Lakers 1 goal 2. The Lakers set about reducing the deficit in the second term, and were able to find plenty of space around the ground as they took it up to the undefeated Blues. They put on 5 goals to Beulah's 4, to trail by only 23 points at halftime.

The Blues found another gear throughout the third term, as they put on another 4 goals 6 to the Lakers solitary behind. Despite the scoreline, the match seemed to be evenly contested and the final quarter was a slog for both sides. At the end of the match, the Blues had won by 46 points in front a huge crowd, and still remain undefeated. Tyler Lehman, Tim McIntosh, and Lachy Foott each kicked 3 goals for the Blues, while Michael Farrelly, Tyler Lehmann, and Scott Smith were all dominant through the centre and featured in the best.

For the Lakers, Adam Schultz kicked 3 goals, while Brodie Grant and Ben Marra kicked 2 each. Trevor Johnston and Christopher Meyer were amongst the better players for Jeparit-Rainbow.

Woomelang-Lascelles had the bye.

By Daniel Huttig