Agony & ecstasy of Division 1

By Tom Feldgen – Division 1 Scribe

Three games this weekend were decided by a cumulative winning margin of 336 points, thrashings were handed out by Old Geelong, Therry Penola and Old Mentonians (despite not quite making it to 190 points this week) while Brunswick NOBSPC and PEGS held on for close wins, as this round saw the genuine contenders flex their muscle.

Old Geelong continued their commanding form at Como Park by annihilating Prahran-Assumption to the tune of 102 points. The Two Blues were relatively competitive in the first half before completely falling away and conceding 13 second half goals. Cal Wood continued his string of strong performances against the Two Blues by slotting six majors, Hugh McKay was impressive with three and Tom Balcombe was dominant all day. Prahran-Assumption had their fair share of the ball but lacked options up forward as the Oggers continually swept the ball out of defence too easily. For the Two Blues Tom Keaney battled manfully in the ruck, while Harry and Josh Taylor accumulated plenty of touches.

Brunswick NOBSPC got their season up and running with a thrilling four point win over Old Paradians to keep the Raiders winless for the season. NOBs coach Luke Mahoney looked as though he had seen a ghost as the Raiders had the chance to win the game after the siren, luckily for him; the kick fell five metres short and an immense feeling of relief flew across Garvey Oval. NOBs hit the ground running in the first half but were unable to capitalise on their dominance with poor inside 50 entries meaning they only led by six points at the main break. NOBs regained the ascendency in the third to go up by 22 points at the final break, although the Raiders hit back in the final term only to fall agonisingly short of gaining a precious four points. Pat Kelly had a day out for the boys from Brunswick and Todd Cleary was very impressive. For the Raiders, Michael Bellizia continued his strong start to the season by producing an eye-catching display with six goals.

Therry Penola emphatically responded to last week’s surprise loss, as they steam rolled a lack lustre Ivanhoe by 124 points. The usual suspects were at it again for the Lions; Jarrod Bannister produced a haul of seven majors, Darcy Ryan went home with three next to his name, Chris Hoban kicked two in an attention-grabbing four-quarter performance and Jacob Gough was another strong contributor. The Hoes are proving to be the Jekyll and Hyde of Division 1; it’s very difficult to tell what they will dish up from week to week. James Morrison was their only multiple goal scorer for the day, while Sam Burge fought hard in his first senior game for 2016.

PEGS continued their impressive form by conquering Whitefriars and winning their third game in a row. It was a seesawing affair at The Runway as both sides used the wind to their advantage. It was a telling nine goal second half for PEGS that saw them run away with the chocolates. The Friars fought hard in the last, but allowed PEGS to score three goals against the breeze. Daniel Flaherty kicked three majors in a best on ground performance, while Brad Jones and the talented Cam Livori were both amongst the action. For the Friars, both Ben Kelsey and Tim Hutton kicked three and Sean Currie impressed once again.

Out at Keysborough it was business as usual for Old Mentonians as they made it four wins in excess of 100 points to start this season, this weekends victim being St Mary’s Salesian. The Panthers extended their lead each quarter and continued what has truly been a ruthless start to the season. Kyle Conlon was best afield for the home side, he was electric all day and slotted four on the way, Brenton Schubert kicked four majors for the third consecutive week, while Cam Sharp and Mitchell Adams each went home with three next to their name. The big loss is a reality check for Saints who have the chance to make amends against the Hoes this week. Gary Puruntatameri proved he is going to be a handful against any defence this season, he was the Saints only multiple goal scorer against a Panthers defence who hasn’t had too much to do in 2016.

Round 5 presents an opportunity for a number of teams to make amends for poor round 4 performances. Therry Penola shouldn’t have too much trouble overcoming NOBs away from home, St Mary’s Salesian and Ivanhoe will both come out firing after suffering massive losses, I’m tipping the Saints in a fiercely fought contest, in the match of the round the home ground advantage for PEGS should help them just get over the line against the Ogs, the Panthers will account for the Two Blues and the ever competitive Friars will keep Old Paradians winless for the year. Division 1 has been full of ebbs and flows thus for and this round should be no different, it promises to be another compelling weekend of VAFA footy.

Round 5 Tips

Brunswick NOBSPC vs Therry Penola

Ivanhoe vs St Mary’s Salesian

PEGS v Old Geelong

Prahran Assumption v Old Mentonians

Whitefriars v Old Paradians