Tone is set by the Krushers as Prahran spoil the Westival

Ben Black

All tips right this week, which was one pleasing aspect, the other pleasing thing was the bright sunshine was out in full force in round 2 across all the suburbs, which created great day outs for players, such as Aaron Cloke who booted six goals against Ivanhoe AFC. With that all in mind let’s crack into the action and unpack the round just gone. 

UHS-VU hosted an injury depleted Kew Bears on a cracking day at J.J Holland Park, the game was tightly contested all game with both teams throwing punches to get there team over the line.

Kew, led by Luka Argent and Tommy Conlan were instrumental for the Bears as they tried to wrestle back the momentum as they were left reeling goalless against division competitors Glen Eria in a mud bath. 

UHS-VU were able to get there for most of the game having Hunt leading the way with a four goal haul which was enough to see UHS home. Can the winning ways for the boys of Uni High continue in Round 3 against Ivanhoe AFC? 

Oakleigh took on newcomers Ivanhoe AFC and the Krushers did not disappoint. 

Blasting out of the blocks early with five first quarter goals, the big name forwards in Aaron Cloke and Eddie Stanish put on a clinic all day at Ivanhoe Park. Cloke showing why he has still got it coming off seventy five goals last season and kicking six this week was a reason why he is up there as the premier forwards of Division 1. 

Ivanhoe were not good enough to handle the juggernaut as they were left reeling with only one goal at half time. Names in the Krushers line up such as Grant, Nolan, Kitts all showed how to get the job done as Oakleigh started their season at 2-0 winning by 86 points. They head back to Scammell Reserve this Saturday to face Old Peninsula.

Therry Penola have started this season on fire as they make it two wins from two games. Facing the Preston Bullants at home, the Lions were on the backfoot as the Bullants started with the positive intent starting the game kicking four goals at quarter time. 

It was after half-time where the rampaging Lions gained the ascendancy as they stormed to regain the lead by just over a goal. Ryan and Macgregor led the way for the Lions booting three goals individually to really get the game back on the Lions terms. And coming away with a victory and winning by 21 points.

West Brunswick hosted Prahran in the clubs annual Westival and the Magpies were aiming to make it 2 from 2 and start to build a solid foundation to start season 2023. 

A very slow first quarter with only one goal kicked between the two teams before Prahan with their star studded lineup looked to take it to the Magpies. Midfielder Matt Clifford once again big time player coming away with four majors as he and Musster, Martin and Plaza were greatly aided to help Prahran with the victory. 

Calma-Holt led from the front for the Magpies with four goals as they fought out the game valiantly. The half-time margin was a bridge too far and continued to extend at each change. They’ll look to regroup, and bounce back this week when they face off against Therry Penola. Prahran heads to Packer Park to face off against the ladder leaders, Glen Eira.

The Gryphons set the tone against Old Peninsula with nine goals in the first half and opened up a 38 point lead at Harry McDonald Oval. Despite Old Peninsula winning the second half on the scoreboard, the damage had already been done. 

Nine individual goalkickers for Glen Eira proved the depth, and spread they have in the forward line. Making them a damaging match up for opposition sides. 

Bailey Payze is adjusting to senior footy without his dad seamlessly for the Pirates, another two goals on Saturday and named amongst the best players. Along with Thiele, Williamson, and Quint, while Stewart kicked three majors in a losing side. 

Round 3 has three teams undefeated, and three teams without a win. Will we see the leaders at the front of the pack pull further away or the chasing group reel them back in?