By JARROD POTTER
EFL – Round 1
WHAT else can you say about Noble Park’s 107-point walloping of South Croydon? It was as definitive and comprehensive as any EFL side has ever mustered in their season opener.
14 goals after half-time was a sign of more pain to come across the EFL as Noble Park flexed its muscles.
With 10 individual goal-kickers and a dazzling array of midfield options excelling, Mick Fogarty didn’t just have his side up-and-about, but he had them hungry to wipe away any memory of 2014.
The match was well and truly over within minutes as Noble Park’s midfield took complete control.
Kyle Martin (two goals) showed that he’s still AFL-calibre as he and Shane Valenti marshalled the troops and set up a countless amount of forward entries.
Shayne Allan (six goals) and Ziggy Alwan (five goals) feasted on the midfield’s dominance, with the latter in his return to the Bullring after two years at Frankston.
What’s worse for the competition – there’s more yet to come as forward Brett Dore and midfielder Craig Anderson are still to slot into this power-packed arsenal.
The Bulls have taken top of the EFL ladder and will hope to hold onto it this weekend when Noble Park faces Rowville at home.
VAFA – Round 1
Dandenong’s dual VAFA sides both walked away with satisfying first-up wins on Saturday with St John’s knocking off MHSOB by 45 points in Division-2 Reserve while Masala edged out Chadstone AFC 14.14 (98) to 10.12 (72) in Division 4.
Aaron Thornton (six goals) and Tim Edwards (four goals) were unstoppable in the forward arc for the JOCS while ruck/utility Manny Jakwot starred in a roaming role across the expansive Melbourne High School surface. Matt Nicholson and vice-captain Daniel Cattolico also excelled in the emphatic triumph.
Masala made its Division-4 debut on its new ground – WJ Turner Reserve at Silverton JFC’s former home – and excelled from the get-go. Sam Freeman and Jordan Toikalkin (three goals each) flourished while Jaryd Coghill was best afield for the Tigers.
St John’s hosts Northern Blues this Saturday while Masala is off to Canterbury.
