Freezing cold no trouble as Division 2 heats up

Anna Pavlou

The wind, rain and mud did not deter the great fighting spirit for all sides this week in Division 2. The Friars continue on their merry way, while Glen Eira got back on the winners list. Brunswick put on a show, with Bulleen keeping in contention for fourth spot. The goal kicking tally is also heating up, as Julius Waras Carstensen (Glen Eira) booted his way to first spot, to equal Dom Sullivan (Brunswick) on 42 goals, with many close behind.

Hawthorn vs Bulleen Templestowe

Bulleen Templestowe have made their push for the top-four well known with a convincing 42-point win in Round 16 over Hawthorn. Matching up well, both sides had a hard and fast start, but Bulleen capitalized with six goals to one to take a comfortable lead. Bulleen comfortably booted two goals in the second, while the Hawks booted three in the third term to close the gap to 35 points heading into the last. But, the poise of the Bullants prevailed as they kicked another two goals in the final term to seal the win. The Hawks missed 13 shots on goal, which surely would have made the scoreline as close as the contest on field. Bulleen’s win helps in their fight for fourth spot, with a handy spread of helpers around the ground. For Hawthorn, Justin Raiti booted one while Tim McNamara was best.

Brunswick vs Ivanhoe

The Brunswick boys have added another great win to their tally, overcoming Ivanhoe for the second time in 2019, this time by 129 points. The Hoers were held goalless for the whole game in a display of total domination from the Nobbers. The Hoers are the first side to not kick a goal for a game this season in Division 2. The Hoers managed just three points up to half time, while the Nobbers oiled on nine majors, but missed 13 other shots which would have extended the margin. After half-time the story was the same, as the Nobbers went on to set up another nine goal haul to ice the cake and take victory. Jacob Adkins booted four for the Nobbers, spearheading a mass of 10 goal kickers. Ben Wilson was awarded the BOG votes.

Glen Eira vs MHSOB

A battle which was close saw Glen Eira prevail over MHSOB by 21 points. The Unicorns were held scoreless in the first quarter but managed two goals in the second to get into the game, while their backline held Glen Eira goalless in the second. A half time pump-up saw the Gryphons lift their intensity, booting five unanswered goals to push out a handy 37-point final break lead. But, the Unicorns weren’t finished yet, as their defence tightened to stop any more Gryphon goals in the final term, but their charge home was too little too late to get back on top. Waras-Carstensen booted three for the Gryphons which bulks his goal tally for the year to 42, with votes given to Stuart Carey. For the Unicorns, Kane Smith continued with three majors, while Rob Rae was best.

Power House vs Whitefriars

In the wet slog on the Ross Gregory Oval, Whitefriars have added another four points to their winnings, taking the chocolates over Power House by 99 points. The House worked hard in the first quarter, booting three early goals to take the lead, but the midfield experience of the Friars prevailed in the second quarter and clicked into gear, as they went on to boot ten majors to stretch the House. After halftime, the Friars booted two goals in the third against the wind, while the House managed only one goal. The Friars finished off strongly in the final term, blowing the game open once more, kicking eight goals to one to take another win on their undefeated path. For the House, Brett Scotland was BOG with one goal, while Benny Circosta had two goals. For the winners, Michael Nitas (club fine leader) had one goal, while BOG votes were awarded to Mark Stafford.