High-flying Colbinabbin was almost brought undone in round 13 of Heathcote District Football League, with Leitchville-Gunbower pushing the flag-contending Grasshoppers to the brink.
While the Grasshoppers were able to get on the board (1.1) it was slow-going for both sides at Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve, setting the stage for a tight contest that could have ramifications come finals.
Both teams got it going in the second period, with L-G having a bigger share of the ball, nailing five to wheel its way back into the contest.
Meanwhile, Colbo (4.3) managed to keep a pinky on the lead, with the difference three points at the half-time siren.
The Bombers followed on from their second quarter momentum into the third, nailing four majors to creep up on the Grasshoppers (2.3).
Colbo’s lock-down defence meant L-G could only sneak through one behind down the stretch, allowing the Grasshoppers to kick 2.1 to get over the top by 13 points.
Daniel Hill was named best-on-ground for Colbinabbin in the 9.2 (56) to 10.9 (69) win, while Brandyn Grenfell was hot in front of goal with four majors to his name.
Colbinabbin will continue its strong form into round 14, when it faces the Bloods at Elmore Recreation Reserve.
Lockington-Bamawm United v Heathcote
Lockington-Bamawm United’s finals hopes were given a big dent in round 13 of the Heathcote District Football League as the Saints narrowly got over the line at Barrack Reserve.
It was a battle of the seventh and eighth-placed sides in the competition, with White Hills the only team below LBU.
Yet, it was one of the more entertaining matches of the round.
The Saints took an early advantage in the first quarter, nailing five goals to start their day, with the Cats in pursuit with 3.2.
An attacking slump from Heathcote meant LBU took the reins in the second period, drilling five majors to snatch a 12-point half-time lead.
It was a much more competitive third term, with the Saints romping back into the contest thanks to another five-goal effort.
However, the Cats remained consistent in their attacking ability, adding four goals and change to the tally to hold an eight-point lead heading into the decisive final quarter.
Despite kicking a respectable 2.4 down the stretch, the Saints pulled five goals out of the hat in the fourth quarter to surge past LBU and claim a thrilling one-goal victory.
The 14.9 (93) to 16.3 (99) defeat will hurt the Cats’ chances of playing finals, but is indicative of growth from the side this season, with the team consistently scoring throughout four quarters.
Matthew Butler (6) kicked a large portion of LBU’s goals and was named in his side’s best list alongside Charlie Hinks, Thomas Leech, Bowden Stone, Jack O’Callaghan and Vincent Ryan.
The Cats will have a week to rest and train as they have the bye in round 14 and will be back in action in round 15 against arch-rival L-G in a must-win game for both sides.
Mt Pleasant v Elmore
The Mighty Mounts have sent a resounding message to the rest of the Heathcote District Football League in round 13 by dominating Elmore in a one-sided affair at Toolleen Recreation Reserve.
Mt Pleasant dominated possession and the scoreboard throughout the entirety of the match, with the Bloods left reeling in a 22.17 (149) to 9.8 (62) finish.
Ben Weightman was the highest individual goal-kicker in the match, collecting a seven-goal bag for Mt Pleasant, with Brodie Leonard-Shannon putting in a nice four-major cameo.
Leonard-Shannon was joined by Fletcher White, Reardon McIvor, Riley McNamara, Joey Bell and William Wallace in their side’s best-on-ground list.
Mt Pleasant will be in for a real fight against current table-toppers and flag favourite North Bendigo in round 14.
Meanwhile, the loss hurts Elmore’s chances at playing finals, with the Bloods hanging on by a thread in the race for that last finals position with Leitchville-Gunbower.
Lachie Munro was awarded best-on-ground honours for the Bloods in the loss, as the team in red look ahead to round 14 with a date with a formidable Colbinabbin outfit.
North Bendigo v Huntly
In a closer match, North Bendigo extended its unbeaten streak to 11 games after putting down Huntly at Strauch Reserve.
After a closer first half in which the Hawks led at the major break, the Bulldogs proved why they’re the team to beat in 2025, storming home to claim a 38-point victory.
The final score was 14.13 (97) to 9.5 (59).
Both Huntly’s Sam Dunstan and North Bendigo’s Jake Dean led the way in front of goals for their respective teams with four goals each.
Jacob Greenwood was the Hawks’ best, while Liam Dillon was given the nod for the Bulldogs.
The match was an interesting look at a potential finals match-up for both sides, with North Bendigo looking to continue to exert its force on Mt Pleasant in round 14, while Huntly should pick up a win against wooden-spooners White Hills.
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