Things are starting to heat up in the AAFL as we draw closer to the 2016 final series. With the top 4 locked away and only 2 rounds remaining, Round 9 provided us with some fantastic footy across Auckland. Waitakere and University played out a draw while Mt Roskill and Manurewa claimed victories over their opponents.
Mt Roskill Saints vs North Shore Tigers
13th November, 2.00pm, War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill.
The sun was shining on the Saints at War Memorial Park as Mt Roskill tore apart a North Shore Tigers side down on confidence.
The Saints piled on four goals to none in the opening quarter thanks to forwards Anthony D’Aloisio, Nick Bailey and Josh Fagan who all had outstanding games up front for the Saints. Mt Roskill held strong in the second as the backline played their part to keep the Tigers from clawing their way back into the game.
Nick Buckton, Jake Taylor, Matt Palmer, Geoff Walker, Alastair Maisey and Scott Cossey gave it their all for the Saints as they shutdown the North Shore forward line.
Young midfielder Nathan Lenihan and Adam Rice stood tall for the Tigers but it wasn’t enough to stop a rampaging Saints side who focussed on the footy and a solid game plan to run out 47 point winners.
Mt Roskill will now take on University in the final round and will more than likely play them twice in two weeks in the AAFL semi finals on November 27th.
Waitakere Magpies vs University Blues
13th November, 2.00pm, Parrs Park, Oratia.
It was the 2016 minor premiers taking on the defending premiers at Parrs Park and spectators at the ground witnessed some quality football.
Both sides couldn’t be separated after the first quarter with Waitakere leading by a point and was a similar situation in the second quarter as both sides played hard physical footy going toe to toe.
Eugene Hanna and Anthony Johnson starred for the Magpies along with Captain Shane Leat who was phenomenal in both attack and defence.
For University, John Pines and Pete Rodgers were best on ground for the Blues. Rodgers was solid in defence keeping the Waitakere full forward quiet during the second half which allowed the Blues to get back into the game. Midfielders Jordan Drinkall, Ben Hick and Liam McMaster were also notable mentions for the defending premiers.
University took a four point lead into the final quarter but the Magpies kicked 2 goals to get themselves back in front. The Blues had their opportunities to win the game but 8 scoring shots only lead to behinds and missed out on upsetting the form team and settling for the draw.
Team: Played: Won: Lost: Draw: %: Points: 1 
10 9 0 1 197 38 2 
10 6 3 1 192 26 3 
10 6 3 1 178 26 4 
10 5 4 1 126 22 5 
10 2 8 42 8 6 
10 0 10 19 0
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