The Crocodiles stopped the Spartans in a top-of-the-table clash at beautiful Bulleen Park on Saturday.

Coach Chizzy Nolan had this to say:

The 9:20 am game against the benchmark of Club XVIII for the last 2 years saw the Crocs start slowly and concede the first goal inside the first 3 minutes. This might have been caused by Hawthorn starting with 19 men on the ground. The Crocs, with just 18, hit back with Walsh and Smith superb in the midfield, and going into half-time Hawthorn led by just 3 points.

The 3rd quarter was an arm wrestle, with Hawthorn stretching the lead out to 2 goals before Ben Corcoran did his best Russell Robertson impression and took a massive hanger in the goal square. He converted too,  putting the Diles up by 2 points at the lemons.

The last quarter saw the Spartans miss a couple of early opportunities before the Crocs got on top, kicking three goals without major reply. Walsh, Smith, Landrigan all kicked exceptional goals for the Crocs, who now go to the top of the ladder.

Old Xaverians      1.2-8     2.3-15     4.5-29     7.7-49

Hawthorn AFC     1.3-9     2.6-18    3.9-27     3.12-30

Goal Kickers: D. Landrigan 2, J. Smith, A. Amato, B. Corcoran, M. Walsh, S. O'Brien
Best Players: J. Smith, M. Walsh, A. Wood, S. O'Brien, R. Gallagher, J. Donohoe

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