From the Sunday Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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FRANKSTON proved it is still a force to be reckoned with this season, upsetting highly fancied Port Melbourne by 26 points at Frankston Oval yesterday, in a clash of the VFL's stand-alone teams.

Having had agonising losses to premiership contenders Williamstown and Werribee in recent weeks, Frankston coach Brett Lovett was hellbent on beating Port, which would have taken top spot along with premiership favouritism with a win yesterday. Frankston won 13.14 (92) to 9.12 (66).

After a terrific first quarter, a trademark of the Dolphins' play this season, Frankston held a 30-point lead at the first change, an advantage that would ultimately prove beyond Port Melbourne's reach.

From the Herald-Sun
Reported by Chris Mitchell

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RED-HOT Port Melbourne will have a double incentive to win its ninth straight match when it travels to Frankston Oval today.

The third-placed Borough (11-3) will look to celebrate John Baird's 100th VFL game and 50th for the club with a win that would see it overtake second-placed Williamstown on the ladder.

Amazingly, the laid-back 28-year-old didn't know of the impending milestones until contacted by the Herald Sun.

The 192cm, 95kg defender started his VFL career with Box Hill, helping the club win its only premiership in 2001, before he was drafted to North Melbourne. He played 46 games under Denis Pagan and later Dean Laidley.

Baird said he was disappointed he did not play more games for the Roos.

Frankston vs. Port Melbourne (ABC TV)
Saturday 25th July 2008
Frankston Oval at 1:10PM

Collingwood vs. Bendigo Bombers
Sunday 27th July 2008
MC Labour Park at 2:00PM

From the Sunday Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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BOX HILL made amends for recent losses when it recorded its third win of the year in trying conditions at Preston yesterday, defeating the Northern Bullants by 36 points, 13.14 (92) to 7.14 (56)

Kicking with the aid of a strong end-to-end wind, Box Hill was quick out of the blocks and took a 37-point lead at the quarter-time break. The Bullants found it exceptionally hard kicking against the wind, but made good use of the gale in the second quarter.

Thanks to some brilliant ruck work from Sam Jacobs, the Bullants managed to keep the ball in their forward 50 for the majority of the quarter, but were wasteful with their shots on goal. Steven Browne and Darren Pfeiffer were excellent around the stoppages while Jarrod Bannister and David Teague were also useful contributors. The Hawks managed one goal and two behinds against the wind, almost mirroring their opponent's first-quarter effort, but still held an eight-point lead at half-time.