Two from Two for Two Blues in Division 2

Angus Archibald – @GusArchi

Prahran Assumption took out the major prize in Division 2 seniors and reserves on Sunday in what was a fantastic day of celebration for their football club. It started with the reserves who defeated West Brunswick by eight points in a low-scoring affair. The main event followed where Prahran again were too strong for the Magpies, running away 25-point winners.

Prahran took full advantage of the famous Sportscover Arena wind as they piled on six goals in the first term to lead by 39 points at the first break. They kept the Magpies scoreless and with a lot to do in the second term if they were to bring the margin back into reach for the second half. However, another strong performance by the Two Blues held the Magpies at bay, restricting them to only one goal with the wind, maintaining a 33-point lead at the major break.

After a goalless second term, Prahran Assumption were out to put the game to rest in the premiership quarter, and that they did. The Two Blues added three more goals in the third term, with the Magpies missing their opportunities into the wind to go into the final break 51 points behind.

West Brunswick produced a gallant effort in the final term as they attempted to do the impossible and pull off one of the greatest comebacks of all time. They managed to kick six goals to bring the final margin back to 25 points, but the Two Blues continued the trend for their 2017 season and were far too strong. They were the dominant force all season and Saturday’s result proved nothing less than that.

Timothy Maya and Eric Kuret saved their best for the biggest game of all with two goals each, whilst James Musster finished off a fantastic week for him claiming the A.R. Fellows Medal for best on ground the same week he was selected as captain of the Division 2 Team of the Year and recognised as the Division 2 League Best & Fairest medallist.

There were multiple singular goal kickers for the Magpies, with Bill Irving kicking one to finish his season with 39 goals. Craig Mitchell tried his best to will the magpies over the line and was named as West Brunswick’s best.

So both Prahran and West Brunswick will make the leap up to Division 1 next year, a just reward for both clubs after their fantastic seasons. Glen Eira and Hawthorn AFC will be playing in Division 3 in 2018 and will be hoping to make a quick return to the higher grades with a solid preseason and a strong recruitment drive to add to their current crop of players.

After successfully claiming promotion in Division 3, UHS-VU and Powerhouse will join Division 2 in season 2018 while Whitefriars and St Johns will also add to the crop of Division 2 teams next season after they were both relegated from Division 1.

That wraps up what has been a massive season in the VAFA and Division 2 in particular. Congratulations to all players and coaches who were involved, but most importantly to all the volunteers who without their support football clubs would simply not function. Good luck with your pre-seasons and I look forward to a bigger and better season in 2018.