PORT Melbourne Colts playing coach Jason Clarke and his players have a burning desire to grab ultimate glory in the Western Region Football League's division 1 competition this season.
Shattered by disastrous last-quarter fade-outs against fierce rival Spotswood in the past two grand finals, they are hell-bent on revenge.
Will it be a case of third time lucky for the Colts? It's certainly looking that way.
They made it 10 wins in succession after outplaying the Woodsmen in the match of the round at Murphy Reserve on Saturday.
Only some sloppy kicking in front of goal prevented a blow-out in a high-scoring game, the home side winning by 22 points, despite having 12 more scoring shots.
High-leaping forward Jase Perkins slotted five goals in a lively performance for the Colts, continuing his superb season. The consistent Dave McGregor chipped in with four goals. Best players were Steven McAnulty, Blake Twomey, Sam Floreani, Perkins, Danny Jacobs and Tyson Huggins.
Spotty battled away without really threatening the Colts, with Ryan Noye, Brad Waldron, Luke Sinnott, Lachlan McGhie, Joel Salmond and Jason Hucker playing well.
St Albans kept their flickering finals hopes alive after eclipsing Altona by 62 points at Grant Reserve.
With promising forwards Michael Spooner and Daniel McKerracher striking top form, the Saints dominated. Spooner kicked five goals and McKerracher four as the visitors kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Ben Tremellen and Jack Sims chipped in with three goals apiece.
Best players were Dale Marshall, Michael Agius, Sims, Tim Jenkins, Kirk Wintels and Tyrone Kennedy.
St Albans was primed to do well. Coach Steven Kolyniuk read the riot act to his players after their shock loss to Sunshine Heights in the previous round.
The Saints were also determined to gain a bit of revenge on the Vikings, who had knocked them off at Kings Park Reserve in a boilover in the first round.
Realistically, though, StAlbans is unlikely to make the finals. It trails fifth-placed Sunshine by three games and a large percentage. But if the Saints can upset top-three contender Albion at Kings Park Reserve this Saturday, who knows where they'll finish?
Albion didn't raise a sweat on its way to annihilating an undermanned West Footscray by 143 points at Parsons Reserve. Jason Butina kicked eight goals.
The Cats are a genuine premiership contender under playing coach Paul Harrison.
The Roosters are down and out. It's a nightmare for first-year captain-coach Tony Liberatore.
Sunshine Heights went down by three points to Glenorden in a thrilling game at Ainsworth Reserve. Robbie Greto booted seven goals.
But the Dragons didn't have an answer for burly full-forward Craig Rosenzweig, who kicked nine.
Sunshine didn't recover from a poor start, going down to fellow top-three aspirant Hoppers Crossing by 28 points at Hogans Road Reserve.
Meanwhile, undefeated premiership favourite Parkside continues to dominate in division 2. Strong-marking forward Pat Davis kicked seven goals as the Magpies made it 10 wins in a row by beating Yarraville-Seddon by 71 points at Yarraville Oval.
Davis has kicked 56 goals in eight games and appears certain to bring up the magical 100 for the second year in succession.
Best players were Daniel Thomas, Trent Tyrrell, Nathan Juegan, Darcy Dunstan and Sedat Sir.
Passionate club great Arthur Vothas loves the side's attacking style of play. He's hoping to cheer on the Maggies with great mate Kevin Pierce in the build-up to the finals.
Ladder: Division 1: Port Melbourne Colts (36 points), Spotswood (32), Hoppers Crossing (28), Albion (28), Sunshine (24), Altona (20), St Albans (12), Glenorden (8), Sunshine Heights (8), West Footscray (4).
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