Romsey 8.7 (55) lt Sunbury Kangaroos 14.9 (93)
The winner may have been the same but Sunbury Kangaroos’ victory against Romsey in the grand final replay lacked the drama of last year’s decider.
The Roos claimed third place and left Riddell standing alone atop the ladder, the Bombers (7-0) have 28 points and the best percentage from Diggers Rest (7-1) and Sunbury Roos (7-1) also on 28 points while Romsey (6-1) in fourth has a two-game gap to Melton Centrals (4-4) in fifth.
Sunbury led from the start, with Jared Pretty booting two of its four first-quarter goals.
The Redbacks drew to within 13 points after half-time but could not capitalise.
Instead it was Sunbury which kicked the only other two goals of the third term, with Ryan Hatty’s banana kick the best of the day.
Up by 24, Sunbury built on the advantage in the early stages before a late exchange of goals settled the gap at 37.
Rockbank 13.9 (87) d Woodend Hesket 4.9 (33)
Rockbank’s revival continued with a strong defensive display against Woodend Hesket.
The Hawks kicked one goal in each of the four quarters as Rockbank led by three, 23 and 41 at the intervals.
Playing coach Leigh Sporle kicked five goals for the Rams while Jake Armistead, Bryce Hall and Jamie Zerafa were other outstanding players.
Rockbank is now two-and-six and only two games outside the top six, albiet from one extra game played. Ethan Gove and Paul Podbury were Woodend Hesket’s best.
Kilmore 6.3 (39) lt Diggers Rest 24.14 (158)
Brent Tuckey kicked his second big bag of goals in as many weeks with eight in the Burras’ comfortable victory against Kilmore.
Tuckey’s 32 makes him the leading sharp-shooter in the league, while the Burras had five other multiple goalkickers.
Stuart Clarke (three goals), Steven Fogarty, Brad Sluggett and Cole Laurie were other leading players.
Rick Saunders was Kilmore’s best.
SCORES
Riddell 19.11 (125) d Rupertswood 5.11 (41)
Macedon 15.12 (102) d Broadford 9.6 (60)
ROUND 9, Saturday 2pm: Diggers Rest v Woodend Hesket, Sunbury Kangaroos v Macedon, Broadford v Wallan, Lancefield v Romsey, Melton Centrals v Riddell, Rupertswood v Kilmore, Rockbank bye.
