IT was a big weekend for many of the region’s teams as the fight for finals intensified.
Whittlesea was completely dominant after half time as it demolished Watsonia by 122 points at Binnak Park.
In a complete role-reversal of their previous meeting, the Eagles were dominant from the start, and held the Saints to one goal in the first half to lead by 37 points at the main break.
But the second half saw the Eagles at its best, kicking eight goals to one to increase its lead to 82 points at the final change, before adding another seven goals to one to take a 21.16 (142) to 3.2 (20) win.
There was a bevy of big-name goalkickers, with Lucas Hobbs kicking five, Jack Taylor four, and Zane Anderson, Jett Fraumano and Riley Powell adding three goals each.
Taidhg Bland, Liam Tyrrell, Mitchell Andrews, Thomas Falls, Fraumano and Powell were all named in the best for the Eagles, as they moved just percentage behind Diamond Creek on the ladder.
In division three, Laurimar continued to apply the pressure on Fitzroy Stars on top of the ladder, but needed a final quarter surge to take the points against a gritty Kilmore.
The Power got off to a good start to lead by 13 points at the first change, but had a fight on its hands when Kilmore responded in the second term, kicking three goals to one to take a two-point lead at the main break.
In a tight third quarter, Laurimar hit the front in what was a goal-for-goal affair, leading by one point at the final change.
It was in the last quarter where the Power were at its best, kicking five goals to two to eventually break through and take a 10.11 (71) to 7.7 (49) victory.
Patrick Fitzgerald continued his good run of goalkicking form, kicking three majors, while Joel Lawson, Josh Leather, Luke Wilson, Kaiden Arthur, Bailey Macleod and Joshua Campbell were all named in the best.
Mernda kept alive its hopes of a top five finish, doing what it needed to in taking an 83-point win over Lalor.
It took some time for the Demons to put the Bloods away, but nine goals to two in the second half ensured it put some significant percentage on in the race for fifth.
Brayden Plant kicked four goals to continue his good run in front of goal, while Jayden Bell, Christian Evans, Dayne Kellett, Billy Morrison, Kyle Yankos and Brent Marshall were all named in the best.
South Morang had a significant setback in its quest to avoid division one relegation, with its four-goal loss to West Preston-Lakeside, coupled with Bundoora’s win over Eltham, ending its one-week stay off the bottom of the table.
It was the second and third quarters which was the difference for the Lions, with the Roosters adding five goals to one in that time, before going on to win 10.10 (70) to 6.10 (46).
Joshua Lansfield kicked four goals for the Lions, while Tyrone Leonardis, Kobe Van Zwienen, Bailey Brown, Adam De Propertis, Mitchell Kalpakis and Lansfield were all named in the best.
In the Friday night netball competition, Laurimar had an outstanding night, taking four wins from its five games.
Whittlesea 1 had an excellent win in its quest to make the division one finals, defeating North Heidelberg 2 47-35 in a win which puts it within one game of the Bulldogs.
Whittlesea 2 had no luck in division three, losing 35-39 to Hurstbridge, while the Eagles also had a draw and a loss in its other two games.
South Morang 1 were unable to score a win in division three, losing 34-42 to Kinglake, while the Lions had two wins from its remaining five games.