A Krushing defeat for Oakleigh at the hands of the Magpies

Ben Black

There was plenty of wayward kicking across the weekend and a few sneaky upsets that saw a teams rise and fall but also sees UHS-VU and Glen Eira as top contenders in the early part of season.

West Brunswick won against Oakleigh in a remarkable game of footy for the Magpies. The points kept on coming for the teams as inaccurate kicking saw the Magpies maintain a narrow lead within the game.

It was the regular names Irving, Cottrell, Buckler all with 2 goals was enough to help the Magpies kick away from their opposition.

The goalless goal kicker Aaron Cloke meant Oakleigh had to look to new avenues to goal for the game. Without his usual impact on the game, the Krushers were left waiting as they went down for the first time this season. 

This would have been been enormous elation for the Magpies to hopefully be able to kick start their season and try push a few more top 5 sides for season 2023.

Oakleigh return home with their tail between their legs, keen on avenging for last weeks loss. The Magpies head out to Victoria Park in Kew and will look to continue their winning ways against Kew.

Kew were back at Victoria Park for the weekend’s clashes against Ivanhoe, the game started really slow. Literally zero-all at the end of the first quarter, but it was the second quarter that the Bears started to get on the right path on their march to victory.

The Bears plundered six goals in the second term with Will Llewelyn starring as he kicked four goals, assisted by teammates in Max Waters, Ryan Griggs and Matt Sharkey. Ivanhoe were inaccurate all day, costing them dearly, missing key opportunities to convert. 

The Bears would be happy with the result either way getting their second win for the season winning by 54 points. They’ll be looking to continue on their winning ways when they face West Brunswick this weekend, the Hoers welcome Old Peninsula to Ivanhoe Park as they search for their first win of the new season.

Preston Bullants hosted Glen Eira at the WR. Ruthven Reserve, the Gryphons bursted out of the blocks early with five early goals, Hayden Bass helping this cause through being able to convert truly as he kicked a bag of five.

Preston at stages looked good but were just a bit able to capitalise on their mistakes. The Gryphons as much as they were lead by Bass with five, Lachie Myers and the Carey brothers were strong all game to really get them over the line.

As the game went on they were able to extend their lead at each change. The 57-point victory leaves them as one of two sides to remain undefeated through the first month of the year. The Bullants are on the lookout for their first win for 2023, will it come this weekend as they face off against Prahran FC? 

Speaking of Prahan FC, they took on Therry Penola what looked like a belter on paper, and it lived up to the hype.

Both teams really eager to secure the four points and put their team in the top four. 

They played like a team destined for finals glory. On the flipside, Prahran’s go-to man Matty Clifford booted two critical goals to enhance their chances but it was the Lions troopers led by Kane O’Hallaroan and Jack Pelosi to really help get them over the line.

With Therry coming off the ground winners it elevates them to another position higher on the ladder seeing them slot into 4th position behind Oakleigh on percentage, the victory has me asking the question – Are they the real deal in 2023?

The real test comes this weekend when they take on the undefeated Gryphons at home. Prahran FC will be looking to bounce back against Preston.  

UHS-VU is looking like the team to beat for season 2023, being undefeated and really starting to cement a spot in the top two as they work towards returning to Premier C in 2024.

Their opponents Old Peninsula were in the game all day, with scores level at half time and three quarter time. UHS-VU followed the trend of the weekend, unable to convert in front of goal, had they done so, the margin could have blown the game out of proportion with kicking 8.21 69.

Seiderman and Dimattina were key pillars though to help the UHS-VU over the line as they claimed victory and finish the opening month of the year on top of the ladder. They’re off to Scammell Reserve to tackle the Krushers in round 5, Old Peninsula are on the road to Ivanhoe Park for a must-win contest.