Bullants flex muscles, NOBS run over Power House

Anna Pavlou

There were no shock wins to begin the second half of the 2019 season, but some sides will be looking to revamp in order to stay afloat in 2020 and beyond. Whitefriars are still in perfect shape, MHSOB are climbing and Bulleen Templestowe are on the hunt to play finals after their win.

There are new sides working their way into the top four, where the battle truly lives for the end of the year.

Bulleen Templestowe vs Ivanhoe

This game was always projected to be a close one, but it was Bulleen Templestowe who flexed their muscles and overcame Ivanhoe by 44 points.

With a spread of eight goal kickers, Bulleen started strong with three first term goals, while holding the Hoers to one. The game was even in the second term, with both sides booting two goals respectively. But, after half time, the Bullants began to dominate, shutting down any chance of an Ivanhoe comeback, piling on the defensive pressure while booting seven goals to two.

Bulleen’s Jack Cowell booted another four majors, while Rob Edsall was prominent around the ground.

Bulleen can only be faulted for their misses (16 points) in front of goal, as they had their opportunity to take a bigger win and boost their percentage.

For Ivanhoe, who have a much needed bye next week, Viv Blackmore-Moore has another two goals, while best on ground votes went to Gerrard Williams with his one major.

Power House vs Brunswick

It was a runaway result for Brunswick, as they overcame a trying Power House by 70 points at the Ross Gregory Oval.

It was a close first quarter with the House keeping the Nobbers in check, holding them to only three goals, while the House booted one. The House kept it close touch, allowing only four Brunswick goals in the second term.

However, the domination began in the third term, when the Nobbers took their game up a level and carved up the House through the midfield. The Nobbers’ quick lines and ball movement, as well as forward pressure forced the House to turn the ball over in the second half.

Brunswick held the House to only three majors after half time, giving them an important percentage boost.

For the winners, Nick Burgin booted an impressive five majors and was given BOG votes, ably supported by Danny King across the ground.

Harry Phelan was the shining light for the House, booting three goals in only his fourth game for the club. Adam Collett was also a trooper through the midfield, collecting a massive 17 clearances in his 200th game for Power House, with Joey Halloran working hard across the backline. Congratulations to Adam on his very decorated and loyal career at the House.

Whitefriars vs Glen Eira

Although this game was thought to be a closer battle, Whitefriars overcame Glen Eira by a comfortable 73 points at Whitefriars College Oval.

It was a goalless first half with Glen Eira failing to boot a goal. The Friars’ defensive pressure was impressive in the first half, but the hard work spawned from their midfield, who were too structured for the Gryphons to unravel.

Glen Eira finally booted their first two goals in the third term, but the Friars topped them with seven majors to put the game beyond doubt.

Taking a 66 point lead into the final term, the result was all but sealed. Topped off with three final term goals, the Friars notched up their 9th victory for the 2019 season.

For the Friars, Michael Nitas and James Connellan booted four goals each and were assisted by Kristan Height’s BOG performance in another great win.

For Glen Eira, who can learn from this loss and improve if they want to push for the top four, Julius Warras Carstensen added two more goals to his book and Andrew Barrett was strong across the ground.

Yarra Old Grammarians vs MHSOB

A battle of the wits saw MHSOB prevail over an injured stricken Yarra Old Grammarians by a mere seven points.

Both sides started incredibly evenly, booting four goals each and keeping the game in the balance. In the second term, MHSOB added another four goals, by Yarra weren’t trailing far behind, as the kicker thre goals to stay in contention for the second half.

After a refresh at half time, the both sides revamped their game and upped the pressure to come out and continue to push the beat out of each other. It was goal for goal in the third term, with both sides kicking five majors. The final term lead saw the Unicorns up by only 17 points. It was a final quarter for the ages, as Yarra kept pushing and pressuring to catch up to the Unicorns, booting four goals and holding MHSOB to only two goals.

But, it was too little too late for Yarra, who let the early lead get the best of them in the end.

MHSOB should be proud of their efforts and will take the win to boost their chance of finals footy, they’ll just need to utilize their opportunities in front of goal, as they kicked 16 points.

On debut for the Bushrangers, Jacko Ford was strong with three goals. Elsewhere Daniel Chamberlain held his own in an impressive performance.

For the winners, Tim Strickland was on the ball with four majors, adding to his tally, while Bradley Jordan was awarded BOG honours.