The Freight-train Friars are full-steam ahead

Chris Ciampoli

St Mary’s Salesian put up a determined battle, but the continued discipline and adaptability of the Whitefriars proved too much for singing Saints.

The Friars halftime 20 point lead was reduced to 2-points as the Saints brought the thunder in the third quarter. The Saints got on top in the midfield dominating the corridor with quick footy and converting to the scoreboard with prowess.

Catherwood, Moulday and Mattiske worked hard within the in and under which allowed Elliston (4 Goals) to dominate the goal kicking. But after Coach Lucas Matthews addressed the midfield issues at three quarter time, the fourth saw the true fright of the Friars. Once the Friars got their hands on the footy in key moments within the centre, the scoreboard told its testimony.

Big Marlon Simbolon and Max Warrick rose to another level at the centre bounces, providing opportunity to star forwards Sam Keisiker (4 Goals) and champion Daniel Wood who is seemingly unstoppable in the forward line. Daniel Massirotti and Sam Mathers hold the back line with the much-needed physicality, discipline and pressure the Friars are all too infamous for. Resulting in a 29 point victory. Game after game the 4-0 freight-train Friars take footy to another level with another impressive performance. 

Parkeside’s victory over old foes South Melbourne Districts in round three seem to have done nothing but invigorate the Devils fire with a 46 point upset over Brunwick. From the first kick to the last, the Devils were slick with the leather as if they were playing with a dry footy.

Familiar faces Hamilton, McKay and Logozzo’s high chemistry around the footy were a nightmare for the opposition, with the help of star Douglas who ran the sole off his boots.    Structurally Brunswick found it difficult to compete. Brunswick’s usual high pressure footy couldn’t quite get going in the face of quick handballs and hungry in and under.

Overall, it was the Parkeside pressure that tilted the scoreboard in their favour, and even in the face of the Brunswick brand, the Devils were clean, disciplined and tactically sound.  

Can Brunswick respond after their first blemish of the year when they tackle Aquinas next weekend? A side that’s gone L W L W across the opening month of the season.

Even in tough conditions Aquinas refused to say ‘no’ with a hard-earned victory over Old Paradians. The first quarter saw a tight race with both teams neck and neck, but the second and third was claimed by the Old Paradians.

Quick footy in the centre from the likes of Arcangel and King gave opportunity to Gough (3 Goals) and McDean (2 Goals) who capilised on their chances. Trailing by 10 points at the final change, the fourth quarter saw Aquinas storm ahead, Morrison-Story and Box provided the much-needed support for O’Malley (3 Goals) to command the forward line.

The resilience of Bloods displays their hunger for victory and culture for passionate footy. Old Paradians will be on the lookout for their first win this coming weekend facing off against the in-form Old Yarra Cobras. 

The Old Yarra Cobras brought the fire back to Koonung Park with a 63 point victory over Bulleen Templestowe.

Discontent with the loss 6 point loss against the Friars last week. The Cobras refused to allow the average conditions to impact their footy with a consistent performance from the first bounce. David Tokatliyan and Tom Bell were clever with the footy, in tandem with Nick Zappala and big Anthony Lamana on the wing.

As per usual with much opportunity from the centre, Cobra forwards did not disappoint. Raso (3 Goals), Stacker (2 Goals), Margaritas (2 Goals) and Sambevski (2 Goals) capitalised on their chances with the help of Mitch Blundell’s pressure and intensity.

The Cobras have proven their ability to bounce back with no mercy and they’re sure-fire to bring their fangs to Old Paradians this week. 

After a 0-2 start, MHSOB have got their momentum back with a second hard fought win against a talented South Melbourne Districts. William Suhr had a blinder of a game putting his body on the line when it mattered most.

Mitchell Wilson and Julian Eimutis brought tough physicality against the usual Swans flair, that provided much opportunity. Pristine Petro Pirozek (4 Goals) took advantage of his accuracy in the forward line, with the help of William Hellier (3 Goals) and Matty Pereira (3 Goals).

The Unicorns fought a consistent brand of footy in all four quarters offering a game of high intensity and robust structure, and the MHSOB future is looking bright after being slow out of the blocks. 

With the ladder starting to take shape after the opening month of footy, Whitefriars are the team to beat as we head towards the mid-season bye. The next four weeks will paint an interesting picture as to where these sides sit for the run into finals.