NOBS not done

By Tom Feldgen – @tfeldgen

Brunswick NOBSPC has pulled off an inspiring victory to turn the relegation battle on its head. The beauty of the VAFA relegation system was on display at Gillon Oval as the NOBs and Old Paradians went at it with finals like intensity. The win sets up a huge final round on the relegation front with the Raiders coming up against Ivanhoe, an opponent they will back themselves against. While the top four is all but confirmed after PEGS proved too strong for St Mary’s Salesian and Therry Penola got over the line thanks to a bit of Jarrod Bannister magic. St Mary’s still remain an outside chance to creep into the finals, but will need to give Prahran-Assumption a walloping and hope the Panthers do the same to the Lions.

There were epic scenes across Gillon Oval as the final siren sounded with Brunswick NOBSPC 10 points clear of Old Paradians, much to the delight of the home crowd. NOBs shot out of the blocks Usain Bolt style to take a 25-point lead into the first break. As expected the Raiders hit back in the second to trail by only eight at the half. The remainder of the game was an intensely fought, tight tussle where both sides left nothing in the tank. In what was one of the most thrilling final quarters in recent memory, it was Gerrard Bence who had the final say, with his fifth and final goal coming after the siren to put an exclamation mark on what was a season-defining day for his club. Along with Bence, Lachie Ezard, Daniel Spiers and Cam Fox were all outstanding. For the Raiders, inspirational big man Adam Pattison gave it his absolute all and was ever so close to willing his club over the line, while Sean Miller was also exceptional.

Ivanhoe finally ended their disappointing six game losing streak with a solid win over Whitefriars. It looked like the horrid recent form of the Hoes was set to continue as they went into quarter time with a 38-point deficit. After that the Hoes were untouchable as they rammed home 18 goals after the first break, lead by skipper Mitch Lovell who helped himself to 10 in a clear best on ground display. Reuben Blackmore-Moore and Liam Jacob were also strong contributors for the Hoes. Andrew Daou did the business for the Friars with a bag of five and Michael Nitas was relentless with his attack on the ball. Both clubs will look to end the season on a high in round 18 having already locked in Division 1 action for 2017.

Old Geelong has gone a long way towards holding premiership favouritism after they outclassed Old Mentonians at Keysborough. Following a tight first quarter, the Ogs were able to kick away in the second and take a 35-point advantage into half-time. The Panthers were kept at arms length for the rest of the day as the Ogs finished with an emphatic 46-point victory. Callum Wood was once again the star for Old Geelong. The fearless forward finished with seven majors to make it 21 from his last four outings and 54 foals for the season. Hugh McKay was electric and Josh Hutley was another key contributor. For the Panthers, Kyle Conlon finished with two majors and lead from the front for four quarters and Tim Wilton battled tirelessly. The Panthers who still sit on top thanks to their percentage will need a far better performance come finals time if they want to compete with the classy Ogs.

PEGS playing fields hosted the inaugural pride match creating fantastic awareness for an issue close to the hearts of many, equality among all sexual orientations. St Mary’s were they visiting side and they needed a win to bust open the door to finals action, however PEGS were too good and ran away to a comfortable 46-point win. The Saints weren’t able to fully capitalise on the wind in the first quarter, while PEGS were in the second as they took a 37-point lead into half time. From then on the Saints weren’t able to wrestle their way back into the contest. Trent Skurrie continued his sublime form for the home side, finishing with six majors, Brad Jones collected four and Sahand Ghasimzadeh had one of his better games for the season. Michael Dolan left nothing on the field for the Saints. He was responsible for seven of their 10 majors and was clearly their best.

Therry Penola received an almighty scare from Prahran-Assumption, leaving it right up until the final stanza to switch into gear with a brilliant eight-goal burst at Toorak Park. It was a closely fought affair for the first three quarters with the Two Blues looking the better of the sides, holding a 15-point lead at the last break. Lions stars Jarrod Egglestone and Jarrod Bannister paved the way for their win as they did what the great players do best – step up when it matters. Egglestone had countless centre clearances in the last and Bannister kicked three majors to take his tally to eight, despite the admirable efforts of Two Blues’ full back John Stocker. Two Blues’ skipper James Musster was back to his best, on-baller Harry Taylor was everywhere and John Robbins had plenty of opportunities in his haul of four goals and seven behinds. The Two Blues will be playing for pride this weekend as they aim to leave Division 1 on a high. While the Lions need to compete with the Panthers to lock in their top four spot.

It’s no surprise, given the way the season has played out, that the final round will decide the fate of a number of Division 1 combatants. All eyes will be on Ferndale Park and Fawkner Reserve as the Saints need to throw everything they have at the Two Blues in order to make up as much as 12% to topple Therry Penola who will be out to upset Old Mentonians and sure up their attendance in the finals series. Unfortunately the St Mary’s faithful, it is likely that they have too much ground to make up. Old Paradians will fancy their chances against Ivanhoe at Garvey Oval. I’m tipping a fairy tale finish for the Raiders who simply must win to avoid relegation. However, they are also relying on Brunswick NOBSPC to fall short against Whitefriars in a battle that could go either way. While the final encounter for Round 18 sees Old Geelong host PEGS in what will be a high intensity tune up before finals action for both sides.

Round 18 Tips

Old Geelong v PEGS

Old Paradians v Ivanhoe

Therry Penola vs Old Mentonians

Whitefriars vs Brunswick NOBSPC

St Mary’s Salesian vs Prahran-Assumption

*Feature photo: Phil Skeggs