The Maitland Saints sit on top of the Black Diamond AFL division one ladder after despatching the previously unbeaten reigning premiers Wyong Lakes by 41 points on Saturday.
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The Saints face Warners Bay on Sunday at 2pm at Feighan Oval.
The Saints only defeat was back in round one when the Terrigal Avoca prevailed by 25 points.
But the Saints have taken every challenge in their stride since with comprehensive wins against last year’s grand finalist Newcastle City by 49 points and now premiers Wyong Lakes.
In between they have smashed Singleton and Killarney Vale.
The improvement in the Saints has been across the board and enhanced by recruiting and development of the team’s juniors.
The backline, led by Dean Notman and Ben Crowley, was again miserly on Saturday. It continues to be a creative outlet linking with the midfield and increasingly confident in delivery.
The Saints midfield has stepped up in the absence of Wade Beard, who has been a revelation up forward. He kicked seven goals on Saturday to lead the league goal kicking with 27.
Jim Taranto, Cameron Mitchell and Aidan Broadway form the core of the midfield but there are now several players able to join rotations.
Mitch Greaves has become an important stopper on the opposition’s best midfielder.
The highlight of the game, however, was Colin Carroll’s first goal in division one and a great first game by Scotty Davies.
Division 1
Wyong Lakes 0.4, 5.6, 6.7, 8.8-56
Maitland 4.3, 7.4, 11.5, 15.7-97
MAITLAND: Goal Kickers: W. Beard 7, T. Grosveld 3, C. Carroll, A. Broadway, D. Bennett, C. Pedler, A. Damico. Best Players: C. Pedler, J. Taranto, C. Mitchell, B. Crowley, D. Notman, T. Grosveld
Division 2
Maitland 0.1, 2.2, 3.4, 3.4-22
Lake Macquarie 3.8, 6.12, 10.14, 12.15-87
MAITLAND: Goal Kickers: D. Morgan 2, A. Threadgate. Best Players: M. O’Connor, A. Threadgate, H. Taylor, H. Matheson, C. Eastham.
BDAFL Women
Wyong Lakes 3.7, 3.10, 7.17, 10.19-79
Maitland 0.2, 0.2, 0.2,1.3-9
MAITLAND: Goal Kicker: S. Eaton. Best Players: E. O’Brien, S. Eaton, C. Lennon, T. Park, K. Kirkman, S. Elphick.