Following the script to September

The planets realigned for the top four sides in Division Two Men’s over the weekend. Despite the inclement forecast Melbourne put up. The perfect “4 seasons in one day” was as predictable as the score lines in four of the five fixtured matches last weekend.

The ladder leaders Ivanhoe AFC got back onto the winners list keeping Manningham Cobras to just one goal for the afternoon. Billy Drake returned to his best form in front of goal with a bag of seven. He has moved to equal top spot on the sharpshooters list with his coach, Ash Close. Both men on 56 goals. Will Jackson was also apart of the best on ground brigade to get the Hoers over the line. With one round to go against Bulleen Templestowe, they’ve got the minor Premiership in their grasp and will want to get all the chinks in the armour out of the way before the first semi-final vs. West Brunswick.

The Cobras tough year sees the 0.19% behind Power House. Both of these sides will be playing in Division Three in 2023. They’ll be looking to finish the year in 9th spot when they face Brunswick this Saturday.

MHSOB stayed with West Brunswick as best as they could in the opening half before the Magpies pulled away to claim a 30 point win and basically lock away the double chance. They’re a game and 53% ahead of Old Paradians in third place. Max Risstrom (4) led the way in front of goal, while the rest of the score came from eight individual goalkickers. The main man up front for the Unicorns Ashan Wijayakumara has missed the last fortnight, making them less potent in attack. They can’t make the finals this year being two games outside of the top four, but they can finish the year with pride when they tackle Power House on Saturday.

The Magpies have the opportunity to show themselves, as well as Old Paradians what a finals like intensity will be when they clash at Ransford Oval in the final round. Do they show a full set of cards given West Brunswick can’t move from second, and Parade will be fighting for the dark shorts, or the white shorts in their first final against Brunswick.

Speaking of Brunswick, they were tested by Power House in the opening quarter before over powering them after quarter time. 12 goals to one was the tale of the tape from then on. Tom Wilson (5) worked his way to his best form, Nick Burgin (3) chimed in from the midfield. For Power House, Ben Circosta (2) won’t ever die wondering. He has put his body on the line every single week this year, and never taken a backward step. He’s certainly high up in the clubs best and fairest count, and would be a strong consideration for team of the year honours.

NOBS face Manningham Cobras in the final tune up before September. A win can see them finish the home and away season in third spot. A far-cry from the lowly levels they found themselves at the end of 2021 in Division One. And, a genuine chance to ruffle some Magpie feathers when it matters most.

Old Paradians opened up a gap on Yarra Old Grammarians and didn’t look back. Finishing 26 points ahead of the Bushrangers. It was enough to signal to the green, blue and purple that finals was well and truly a rightful reward for the way they’ve finished out this season. Like West Brunswick, they had eight individual goalkickers which would fill the coaching staff with confidence. The unpredictable nature of the forward line could be a weapon for the defence of the top four opposition sides they’ll face.

In perhaps the one upset of the round, Aquinas have gone down to Bulleen Templestowe in a low-scoring affair. An opening quarter four goals for the Ants was enough to hold out Aquinas for the afternoon. Harry Vogler was named best afield in the win. The Ants have won their last 2 matches and come into the final round full of confidence, and a free swing against Ivanhoe AFC.

Aquinas started the year in tremendous fashion have felt the grind of the long year and fallen away. That being said, they’ve had moments of brilliances throughout season 2022. Their campaign ends against the Yarra Old Grammarians. Both sides will be keen to finish off this season on a high and will be raring to go out at Doncaster Reserve. In a battle of the Yarra Valley.