The Eltham Collegians continued their recent pattern of being ultra competitive but ultimately falling short, as they succumbed to ladder leaders Banyule by 29 points at Banyule on Saturday. The turtles took it up to the clear ladder leaders throughout the afternoon and at various stages looked as though they may cause an upset. An inaccurate first quarter where Eltham kicked 3 goals 7 was the first instance when an upset appeared likely and then again in the third quarter when they kicked three consecutive goals to bring the margin back under 10 points close to ¾ time. Banyule however, had the answers and were able to string together goals at crucial moments to ensure they maintained their momentum leading into the finals. For the turtles, Captain John Galvin led by example in his 100th game, key defenders Hayden Dillon, Andrew Hargrave and Travis Brown stood tall, while Sam Richardson and Mick Henderson provided plenty of midfield drive. This week the Eltham Collegians are at home to St Marys/Salesian in a game that is crucial to maintaining their position in Division 2.

The Eltham Collegians returned to the winners list and remained in finals contention in VAFA Division 2 competition with a hard-fought 27 point victory over Bentleigh at Eltham College on Saturday. Both sides had endured similarly difficult months, losing close matches and falling out of the top four. This gave the match extra importance as the loser would continue their downward trend, while the winner would stay within a game of a top four position. The match was contested with the intensity that you would expect from such a vital game and it was Eltham who grabbed an early advantage, thanks to a strong mark and goal to Hayden Dillon, followed by a Ryan Foo solo effort from half forward. Bentleigh maintained touch through much of the first half before goals to Bryan Galvin, Sab Ciavola and Andrew Hargrave close to half time gave the turtles a 29 point advantage at the long break. The second half saw Bentleigh take some control of play, although the Eltham defence, led by Henderson, O’Malley and Michael Hargrave ensured goals did not come easily. Bentleigh had reduced the lead to 2 goals late in the third quarter before Iaquinto kicked 2 vital goals, including a ‘boundary line, along the ground special’ to keep the turtles out in front by 25 points at the final break. The last quarter saw Bentleigh desperate to kick quick goals and Eltham desperately hanging on. Key midfielders, John Galvin and Sam Richardson were outstanding as the turtles kept Bentleigh at bay and when full-back Mick Henderson drifted forward to mark and goal, the game was safe. Sab Ciavola put the icing on the cake with an after the siren torpedo goal to give the turtles a much needed 27 point victory.

The Eltham Collegians recent run of losses continued on Saturday as they were defeated by 26 points by local rivals, Old Paradians. The turtles started well and took a 14 point lead into half time; Sam Richardson was excelling as a lone deep forward in the absence of leading goalkicker Sab Ciavola and had kicked 4 goals by half time. Captain John Galvin, Adam Chapman and Reece Bux were providing plenty of drive from the midfield in the heavy conditions and the defence, led by Michael Hargrave and Mick Henderson was standing firm. After half-time it was a Old Paradinas who began to dominate possession and accurate kicking saw them register 6 staraight goals for the term and take a 20 point lead into the final break. The last quarter was more of a goal for goal affair with Old Paradians never really being threatened. The Eltham Collegians host Bentleigh at Eltham College on Saturday in a game that is vital for their finals chances.

Old Paradians 16. 15 - 101
Eltham Collegians 11.9 - 75
Goals: Richardson 6, Clark 2, B Galvin 2, M Hargrave 1
Best: Richardson, M Hargrave, B Galvin, J Galvin, Whiteside, Chapman