Power switches on, Gryphons go bang in Div 2

Anna Pavlou

Ivanhoe vs Glen Eira

Glen Eira Gryphons enjoyed a mighty day after their double bye, coming out 40 points winners over Ivanhoe away from home.

A tight first quarter saw both sides boot only one goal in a defensive start. But the classy Gryphons came out firing in the second, applying defensive pressure to hold the Hoers goalless, while adding 4 majors to push their half time lead out.

The Gryphons didn’t stop the dominance there, as they came out after half time and booted six goals to four to take the four points to keep them secure in the top four. The Gryphons outclassed Ivanhoe, who have a testing few weeks to keep alive.

Vaughn Colyer booted three goals and was awarded BOG votes for the winners, with able support from goalkicking genuine Julius Waras-Carstensen who kicked two.

For the Hoers, James Course was best, with Max Post kicking one.

Power House vs MHSOB

Power House have come out shock victors over an injury-plagued MHSOB side by 27 points at the Ross Gregory Oval.

Celebrating 60 years since their first premiership in 1959, the House started slow, being held goalless in the first term, while the Unicorns went on to boot three majors. It was a tight second quarter tussle, as the House managed to work their way back into the contest, trailing by only 1 goal at the main break.

Although the wind wasn’t in their favour in the third quarter, the House came out and dominated around the ground, holding Melbourne High goalless, while piling on five majors to take the lead.

Both sides have it their all in the final term, but against the wind the Unicorns were again held goalless, with the House adding a few points to collect the much-needed four points.

On one leg, Unicorn Kane Smith still managed two goals, while BOG votes went to Rob Rae. First gamer Xabier Twyman was also prominent.

For the winners who take the bye next week, Joey Halloran was prominent across half back and ruckman Steve Devine was best on ground.

Whitefriars vs Brunswick

This top of the table clash was one for the ages, with Whitefriars overcoming Brunswick by 48 points at Whitefriars College. The Friars started strong like usual, booting six goals to the Nobber’s two.

After half time, the Nobbers kept fairly even with the Friars as they booted six goals to the Friars seven.

Both sides played high intensity games of footy, which can be a look-in to the finals for 2019.

The quick start kept the Nobbers at bay and awarded the four points to the ladder leading Friars.

Michael Nitas starred with three goals for the Friars, with Marlon Simbolon awarded BOG votes.

For the second-placed Nobbers, Dom Sullivan booted five majors and Jed Carey was best for his side.

Yarra Old Grammarians vs Hawthorn

Yarra Old Grammarians flexed their muscles against an injury-stricken Hawthorn side, coming home victors by 89 points.

It was a strong start for the Bushrangers, piling on six goals to the Hawks two, to set them up for a big contest. Yarra’s defense held up strong in the second term, as they held the Hawks to only one major, while they did the damage down the other end with five goals of their own.

Hawthorn managed one goal after half time as their injuries held them back. Yarra booted eight more goals after the first half, helped by one major from pocket-rocket Jacko Ford’s one goal.

Yarra’s Rory Harbeck booted an impressive seven goals in his sides crucial win, while BOG votes went to Jack Hall with his three goals.

For the Hawks, who have some must-win games coming up, Aaron Downie booted three majors and young Eamon Avery on debut was one of their best.