There’s one uncomfortable word echoing around Chandler Reserve at the moment; relegation.
Emerald has an all-important game this week against Officer after the Bombers were overrun away at Mount Evelyn in round 14 of the Outer East Premier Division.
In the second weekend of the split round, a dominant four-quarter performance from the Rovers boosted their finals chances, downing Emerald 17.14(117) to 9.13(67).
The Bombers were terribly inaccurate until the fourth quarter, kicking 3.12 up to that point before booting 6.1 in the fourth to close the game well.
David Johnson booted three goals, while Troy Brown got some reward for his third straight senior selection with a pair of majors.
Aiden Gajanovic returned for his first game since round seven and recorded 23 disposals and six marks.
Ruck Steve Kapahnke was best on in defeat, posting numbers of 22 disposals, three marks, 32 hitouts and a goal.
Bailey Garbett and Dale Walker both managed bags of four goals for Mount Evelyn.
With four rounds to go, Emerald trails Officer by six points on the ladder as the matchup of the two this week becomes monumental in who stays up.
As for the Rovers, they widened the gap between themselves and Upwey Tecoma to eight points for the final postseason spot.
In the only other game on Saturday, Monbulk rolled Healesville 17.9(111) to 4.4(28) at home.
The Hawks had 10 individual goalkickers, with Ben Hughson and Max Thornton both booting three goals each.
Monbulk’s rise has been more than impressive, now moving into the top-four after the club’s third consecutive win, a win-streak that included handing Wandin its first loss for 2025.
