Unicorns prance onto winners’ list, Friars fight on

Anna Pavlou

It was a round to remember with some surprisingly close results and some big margins that have set teams above the rest. MHSOB have finally got their name on the winners list, with a massive win over Hawthorn, a result that has turned the ladder on its head. Bulleen Templestowe, although failing to overcome the final term hurdle, came convincingly close to a poised Yarra Old Grammarians. Whitefriars also remain undefeated, while Brunswick added to their percentage compellingly.

Here’s what went down in Round 3.

Brunswick vs Power House

It’s been 53 years since Brunswick met Power House and it was nothing short of a fiery battle, with the Nobbers boosting their percentage with a 124-point win.

What began as a slower, closer contest saw the House hold their own through the middle, trailing by only 3 goals at quarter time.

But the onslaught ensued with a rejuvenation for the Nobbers after halftime, as they piled on 8 goals to 1 before the final break. The fast-ball movement through the centre clearances allowed the Nobbers to choose from a multitude of nine goal kickers, all too quick for an undermanned House backline. The final term saw Brunswick take their foot off the pedal, as they booted another five to extend their margin, while also holding the tired House goalless.

For the House, who were unfortunately undermanned, their young boys tried their best around the footy. River Carroll was fast paced in the forward line, but only had one goal to show for his efforts. Ben Circosta again put his body on the line through the middle, followed by attempts from Tim Arlington.

The Nobbers have a lot to work with, with their young team stepping up to the plate yet again, led by a BOG performance from Jed Carey with six goals and 17-year-old Francis Evans with three to add to his high-goal-kicking tally.

Bulleen Templestowe vs Yarra Old Grammarians

A poised performance saw Yarra Old Grammarians keep their position in the top two, holding off an impressive push from Bulleen Templestowe. Yarra, who took the chocolates with a slim 16-point win, opened with a bang, booting six unanswered goals in the first quarter and setting themselves up for a comfortable second term. However, that was not the case for the Bullants, who fought their way into the game in the second quarter, with Kristian Cherbakof (3 goals) and Nick Palumbo (3 goals) leading the pack. The halftime break saw both sides re-evaluate their game plans, both equally eager in the third term to get ahead and prove their worth.

The six-goal first quarter from the Bushrangers helped them in the final term, as the Bullants came charging. Yarra only managed to kick one goal, but their previous efforts proved too tough to reach for a fighting and refreshed Bulleen, who’ll be back for redemption next time these sides meet. David Wildsmith was exciting for the Bushrangers, as he booted six majors, followed by another three goals from key recruit Luke Barker. Peter Ferrier (1 goal) was also vital in this close win. The Bullants looked to Harry Vogler and Rob Edsall who were prominent across the ground.

Glen Eira vs Whitefriars

The Whitefriars boys have come home storming to fight off a gallant Glen Eira side, who came out fighting early. The Friars, who took the chocolates by 51 points, had a slower start and took their time to show the Glen Eira boys who’s boss.

The Glen Eira midfield competed early, creating viable opportunities in front of goal for Lachie Pound, who booted three. Trailing by only 13 points at quarter time, the game looked as if it was going to be a closer battle, but the leg speed of the Friars boys proved too strong in the second quarter, as they piled on six majors to extend their lead to 47 points at the main break. The poise and experience of the Friars boys shined through in the second half, as Glen Eira struggled through tired legs, managing two goals going into the main break. The Friars clean-cut midfield outlasted Glen Eira, kicking 18 majors and sealing first spot with a percentage of 252.15.

The score line, while a large margin, didn’t show the fight of the Glen Eira boys, led by Ash Carey (2 Goals) and Bobby Tang, who were strong across the ground.

For the top-of-the-table Friars, Sam Kieseker booted three majors and was awarded BOG votes, while Toby McGurgan was an able support across the ground.

Hawthorn AFC vs MHSOB

MHSOB have stunned the doubters with a massive 109-point win over a deflated Hawthorn side, adding their first win to the board in 2019.

With a massive start, the Unicorns booted seven goals to two in the first term to send shivers through the Hawks spines, who had to regroup and create a new plan to counteract the Melbourne High forwards from booting any more majors.

While the Hawks were impressive with a five-goal haul in the second, with their ever-trusted Justin Raiti booting 4, so were the Unicorns, as Scott Braithwaite added another seven to his season tally of 13. After the main break, the Unicorns showed no signs of slowing down, as the piled on the scoreboard pressure and added another 12 majors to seal victory. At the same time, their defenders were able to halt the original Glen Eira pressure and hold them up for only two goals after half time.

While the Unicorns were boisterous in front of goals, their back six should be commended for their shut-down efforts in the second half.

With a spread of 13 goal-kickers, the Unicorns were excited to sing their song after a tough start to 2019. Tim Campelj earned Best-On-Ground votes for Melbourne High, while Brodie Johnston and Darcy Johnston (2 goals) were named strongest afield for Glen Eira.