Heating up in Division 2

Anna Pavlou

That fourth spot is heating up as MHSOB and Bulleen Templestowe had fantastic wins that will surely shake up the final four. The Brunswick boys snuck home for victory and Ivanhoe booted their way to a win that steers them clear of relegation. It was an intense round as we heat up towards the finals.

Bulleen Templestowe vs Glen Eira

This game was one for the ages as Bulleen overcame third-placed Glen Eira by a mere eight points to keep their finals hopes well alive. Glen Eira were in the game early, leading by a goal at the first break, but Bulleen came out and put it all on the line in the second quarter, booting four goals and holing Waras-Carstensen and his Gryphons to only one major. However, the game veered the other way in the second, as the Gryphons booted six goals to one to secure a handy lead for the final quarter. It was set up to be a big one, as both sides had everything to play for. Bulleen’s backmen worked hard to allow only three Gryphons majors, while the Bullants forwards kicked six majors to sneak home to victory. Jack Cowell booted six majors and was awarded votes for his great game, while Joseph Moio also had votes and a goal for the winners. For the Gryphons, Ryan Cohen was awarded best with his three goals, while Julius Waras-Carstensen booted four.

Ivanhoe vs Power House

The Hoers have flexed their muscles and come home victors by 73 points over an injury-stricken Power House side. The Hoers, who celebrated their 1969 Premiership side, were strong after a slow start. The House trailed by a mere one point at the first break, as they held their own around the ground. But the quick movement up the guts from Ivanhoe saw them take a 15 point half time lead. It was primed to be a close second half, but the Hoers came out firing, booting seven goals and running the House into the ground, as the injuries picked up. The House were held goalless until halfway through the final term. The House booted four final term goals, but it was too late to catch up to the Hoers, who take this percentage boost and steer clear of relegation. The shining lights for Power House were Matt Devine in the middle and Rhys Gregory (1 goal). For the winners, Sam Tansley booted four and Nathan Valkanis booted five.

MHSOB vs Hawthorn

MHSOB can breathe easy after a comfortable 80 points over an injury plagued Hawthorn side. The Unicorns dominated on their home ground, but it didn’t come easy as Hawthorn booted three goals in the first term and held the lead. But the Unicorns booted eight goals and held the Hawks to only one in the second quarter, to secure a much needed lead going into the main break. It was five goals for MHSOB to the Hawks two in the third term, but the real damage was done to ice the cake, with a six goal to two final term for the Unicorns. It was a tough day at the office for the Hawks, however they only missed three shots on goal all day, which is a great improvement. Kane Smith was back to his best with five majors for the Unicorns, with BOG votes going to Tom Rendell with three goals to his name. For Hawthorn, Tim McNamara booted two goals and was awarded best, supported by Jay Pandy across the ground.

Yarra Old Grammarians vs Brunswick

This one of the key games for Yarra Old Grammarians, but they faltered in the end as Brunswick pushed home to win by 18 points. Yarra’s Rory Harbeck booted four first quarter goals to keep his men 3 points up leading into the second quarter. The pressure however was always there from the start, as they stayed in close contention in the second. However Yarra’s Matt Young booted two second quarter goals to go along with his sides’ other five goals, while Brunswick stayed close with four majors, to trail by only 16 points at the main break. It was a lower scoring third term, with the Nobbers shutting down Harbeck and his men to only one major, while adding three to the Brunswick tally. The margin to kick start the final term sat at only five points with a full quarter to fight. But, the composure and experience of the ex-D1 Nobbers proved worthy, as they piled on five goals, while holding the Bushrangers to only 2 to finish off with the win. Harbeck booted five for the day, while Simon Yeo was awarded best for Yarra. For the winners, Kyle Adams kicked four, supported by BOG Nick Burgin with one major.