Yarra crack finals flood gates open

Posted on - Latest News, Featured, Division 2 Men's

Anna Pavlou

Yarra Old Grammarians have come home strongly to take a much-needed victory which opens the chance for any of three sides to finish fourth on the ladder and play finals. Brunswick and Whitefriars had more convincing wins and Glen Eira cemented their third spot. Now it’s down to the final round, between Bulleen, Yarra and MHSOB for that illustrious fourth spot. After all these weeks, the final decision will be made in the final round based on wins and percentage. Yarra have well and truly made for an interesting fourth-spot race home.

Seven second-half goals to Yarra Old Grammarians forward Luke Barker has led his side to a heroic victory over Bulleen Templestowe. In what was the most intense battle of the round, Yarra Old Grammarians have come home victorious by a massive 44 points over Bulleen. This win is a special one for the Bushrangers, who have now cracked open the race for the final four and will push next week for a spot in the finals. It was a high scoring affair as the Bushrangers booted 49 points to the Bullants’ 29 in the opening quarter, but in Bullant fashion, they came fighting hard in the second by booting four goals to trail by only eight points at the main break. It was a blow out after the first half, with Yarra piling on 14 majors with a side which was, arguably, the best and fittest the Bushrangers have fronted in their mixed season. Perfect timing to push for fourth spot! Bulleen were not disappointing as they booted eight majors after half time, they just struggled to shut down the Yarra midfield breaks which allowed them to score freely. Luke Barker was an absolute star with 10 goals for the Bushrangers, supported by Ben Trend and Matt Young who both had majors. The Bushrangers were effective in front of goal, missing only nine shots on their way to victory. Yarra will take this win and keep their finals hopes alive as they push for that special fourth spot next week. They’ll need a big percentage boost now.

Brunswick have taken another great win to finish off their home campaigns for the season, beating Hawthorn by 73 points at home. Brunswick got off to a flying start with five majors, but Hawthorn came to play with some intensity that kept them in close contention in the first quarter, as they also piled on three goals. The Nobbers managed three goals in the second, but were wasteful for all of their work with 13 points at halftime. Hawthorn capitalised early in the second with one major, but the poise of the Nobbers pushed them ahead. After half time, the early jitters had escaped the Nobbers as they went on to kick six goals in two quarters, while also holding the Hawks goalless for the second half. Jacob Adkins for the Nobbers booted his side to victory with five, while Chris Ford had another four goals and BOG votes went to David Royle with one. For the Hawks, who have a do or die clash next week, Stephen Charles had two majors and stalwart Justin Raiti was in the votes.

Glen Eira were simply too good for an injury-ridden Power House side, beating them by 79 points to cement third spot and a finals appearance. Glen Eira got off to a fast start and dominated in their forward fifty in the first, but were inaccurate with six goals and 11 points. The House struggled early with the Gryphons intensity, which tired them going into half time, but the pressure from the Gryphons didn’t stop there as they pushed to the wings to open the play in the second. They piled on six goals while the House managed only one more. The House were able to outscore Glen Eira by one point in the third quarter and only lost the last term by 11 points, so there were some positive signs from the House as they stuck it out all day. Glen Eira missed 28 scoring shots but still had a well deserved win and were dominant around the wings all day, proving their fitness. Power House’s Matt Devine was strong in the ruck, supported by Benny Circosta (2) and Luke Stubbs (4) returning from injury.
For the winners, Julius Waras-Carstensen booted a massive seven goals, while Ash Carey received votes alongside Joel Ludkin with three goals.

With a clean six goal to one first quarter, it was clear as the day that Whitefriars would overcome Ivanhoe and continued their undefeated streak for 2019. The Friars did just that, taking the chocolates by 98 points and continuing on their impressive path.The Hoers has a slow start, managing only one goal across the opening two quarters. Simultaneously, they struggled to stop the early Friar onslaught, as they went on to boot six first term goals followed by five more to take a 63-point half time lead. However, the Hoers had a little bit in their tank and managed to outscore the Friars in the third, with five goals to the Friars four. But, in true Friars fashion, they were able to ice the cake as they sailed to a seven goal final term. The Friars midfield shut down any opportunity of the Hoers young brigade breaking them open to apply scoreboard pressure. Friar and club-fine veteran Michael Nitas starred with four goals, leading a mass 12 goal kickers to a shared victory. Ryan Malt was best with his four goals also. For the Hoers, Sam Tansley had two goals and got the BOG votes, supported by Viv Blackmore-Moore who also collated votes.