Green, blue, purple monster marches on as Hoers flying into the big dance

While it’s of no surprise that Ivanhoe AFC are through to the Division 2 Grand Final. Brunswick will be stunned that they haven’t advanced past the first week of the finals. 

The green, purple and blue monster, Old Paradians were up for the fight against Brunswick on Sunday, and prevailed. 

They will face off against West Brunswick for a spot in the Grand Final. Made to work for the spot, the boys from Garvey Oval started the game boldly, gave up the lead at half time before a barnstorming Premiership quarter had them holding on in the final term by 10 points. 

Anthony Cafari (2) was the only multiple goalscorer on the day while it was another Anthony. Daminato who was named best afield for the victors. Old Paradians live to fight another day in 2022 and will genuinely see themselves as a threat to the Magpies come Saturday afternoon at Whitefriars College. 

Brunswick came down from Division One this year, they started the season in a blaze of glory but have fallen at the first hurdle of finals. It’ll be a strong off-season of recruiting and growth for Tommy Hunter, and we’re sure NOBS will fire in 2023. 

West Brunswick will head into the Preliminary Final against Old Paradians with the two scalps during the home and away season. Most recently in Round 18 by 67 points. 

First they’ll have to pick themselves up off the canvas after Ivanhoe AFC gave them a 58 point drubbing on Saturday to advance to the Grand Final. 

The Magpies conceded five goals in the opening quarter, the 26 point half time lead was extended to 80 points with the Hoers slamming home 10 goals in the third term to put the game beyond any doubt. 

Ash Close was enormous with eight goals while Wayne Schultz (2) ran riot through the midfield. Billy Drake also found his way to two goals. They’ve been the team to beat all year and left no one with any doubt on Saturday. 

The only thing that will beat Ivanhoe in Division 2 this year is Ivanhoe themselves. However, it is a finals series and anything can happen. Very rarely do things just go to script in the world of footy. 

This weekend, the Magpies will want goals out of Luke Buckler, and he’ll be keen to respond too after being held goalless on the weekend. Billy Irving didn’t have his usual impact on the game and one thing that’s ominous for the Old Paradians, is West Brunswick don’t drop two games in a row.