Bag after bag a field day for forwards in Div 2

Christopher Ciampoli

Sunshine and rainbows as forwards relished the warm weather in a thrilling second round, but it was the Devils and Bloods that left a nasty scar in Division 2 Men’s.

“Consistency is key” is the motto for Whitefriars as they pull another extravaganza against Bulleen Templestowe. The Bullants came out of the gate rearing with a content 19 point led, but from the second quarter onwards it was Friars territory as they stretched the lead from three points to 21 to 34 by the final siren.

The Friars roster is filled to the brim with talent, Turner, Hands and Garrat turning the tide for the star studded squad. Young guns Patty Cotter and Matty Dickenson played their part with a convincing performance. The stars aligned for Wood booting bag after bag, the tally counters struggled to keep up, ultimately going home with nine goals by the final siren, and shooting ahead of the division’s goal tally.

Their adaptability and game day tactics have been successful in capitalising on their talented roster and it’s clear the Friars are consistent in wet weather and even more so in the sunshine.

Brunswick have pulled off another a marvel over the Old Yarra Cobras, with a 30 point win. Although the merger has produced a Cobras squad thick with depth, the chemistry behind Brunswick seemed to be the tipping point for their win. Early in Cobras talent proved difficult winning contests and stoppages from expert players, Dave Tokatliyan, Tim Orchard and big Anthony Lamanna, in partnership with goal magnet Margaritis, but ultimately it was Brunswick’s adaptability that triumphed.

From the opening bounce to the final siren, Brunswick’s pressure never halted for a second. Small forward Gus Coverdal had a blinder slipping through tackles with tough physicality, Will McKenzie dipped his toes along the wing which only added to the hot and heavy pressure all over the ground. Harris Mitter proved his skill once more behind the footy, while Tom Wilson with three goals seems to be only getting started.

Overall, the on-field chemistry of the Cobras may take a bit of time as they progress through the season, but Coach Nathan Monaco has already done a fantastic job of player rotation and development, and the squad is evidently in safe hands.

The South Melbourne Districts asserted their dominance in a thumping 84-point win at Garvey Oval over Old Paradians. The first quarter set the tone for the remaining three as the bloods ran a six goal lead, which stretched further with every quarter.

Sfetkidis made use of the warm weather kicking five goals, in partnership with Andrew booting four. But it couldn’t have been so without the all-star performance of Brooker and Blanchfield. The Swans are two for two in both convincing performances, but the only question is, who is willing to compete for their reign atop the Division 2 Men’s ladder?

Parkside bounced back in round 2 with a 74-point thrashing over MHSOB. Round 1 rust hurt as they couldn’t quite convert their efforts to the scoreboard, but whatever goal kicking drills they practiced over the week translated effortlessly on game day. Familiar faces Hamilton and Romano led the way with their physicality and ball gets with star forward Radford sinking five goals.

The Unicorns have had a tough start to the season, but if they bring the heat to Aquinas next week it may serve as a foundation of confidence for the remaining year. Overall, a deadly accurate Parkside is something to be concerned about, and the Devils will be able to prove their worth against the Bloods next week in a huge blockbuster match.

A few injuries caused an upset Round 1, but the Aquinas are back and fired up from a 37-point win over St Mary’s Salesian. Dwyer once more demonstrated his talent capitalising on the warm weather with five goals, his accuracy proving to no match against the Aquinas College winds. Reid returned with a bang booting four, but it was the as per usual flair of Di Donato that drew the eyes of the crowd, and even goals on the scoreboard kicking three.

It’s been a tough start for St Mary’s struggling to get their foot in the door, but as the competition is heating up, it’s only going to get tougher. The bounce back from a Round 1 upset to Round 2 domination shows the bloods are indeed out for blood.