2-point nail biters are the theme of the round for Old Peninsula and Prahran

Ben Black

Round 7 delivered a few exciting clashes; namely the Pirates scraping home with a gutsy two-point win and Prahran also winning by two-points over the Bears.

Kew FC took on Prahran at Victoria Park, on a ground that was meant to deliver a lot of contested ball, with muddy conditions in the middle. Both teams were eager to get off the blocks with Prahran producing the early momentum kicking three goals. Prahran big man Rory Brodie was influential in the midfield giving his players first use. The Bears through Luka Argent, Jake Evens-Boulter and Youngster and emerging star Mischa Fraillion took the game to the opposition as they tried to snatch back the momentum.

With Lachlan Brown bagging four goals, the Bears were set to come back to take a lead in the game at 3 quarter time after Prahran started strongly. Dependable midfielder, James Musster, was another pivotal player for Prahran; his invasive play and football smarts were key for them to stay in front. The game went right down to the wire with Prahran scraping home in the end, winning 10.13 73 to Bears 10.11 71.

John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve played host to one of the two blockbusters for Round 7. It was a big game from the Therry Penola Lions and the Old Peninsula Pirates. Therry were aiming to get back on the winners list after their game against Oakleigh last week. It was the Pirates that started the game well with three early goals by their forwards. Ben Williamson was exceptional, and he led by example.

On the other hand, despite the Lions slow start, forward weapon, Kane O’Hallaron, kept them in the game kicking a handy three goals. Joel Costello was also pivotal as he tried to kick start something for Lions in the second half and almost helped them over the line. But it wasn’t to be, with the Pirates coming away with the four points in an absolute belter.

The thrillers just kept coming, when Preston took on the Ivanhoe in a classic at Preston on Saturday. The Bullants were not messing around this week blasting out of the gates, booting five early goals to Ivanhoe’s two. Alex Johnston was integral in the forward line as one of Prestons best players on the day, kicking a handy four goals to keep the Magpies at bay in the first term. The Magpies were not done, and it showed, as they pinched the margin to two points at the long break. Ash Close and Ethan Hunt were both pivotal in keeping the Bullants grounded in the second term.

Ethan Wild, the master stroke of the Magpies game, delivered a best on ground performance to really set the foundation for the Magpies. The Bullants had Rory Howard and James King both making the most out of their opportunities in front of goal, with the intent to narrow the margin at 3 quarter time. The Magpies coming home strong winning by ten points 13.13 91 to Bullants 12.10 82.

Is there anyone going to stop this juggernaut of the Gryphons this year? The game was literally buried in the first term as Glen Eira carved up 8 goals to set the foundation for the whole day. Packer Park as the home of the Gryphons, now seems a daunting task for any opposition to play there. Tim Johnston showed why he is a key pillar in the Gryphons forward line blasting a six goal haul with many other contributors throughout the day, namely, Connor Huthwaite, Will Green, Lachie Pound. Oakleigh had some missed opportunities, sparing eighteen behinds that left them reeling. Aaron Cloke kicked two goals and Tom Gillard provided some excitement for the Krushers but it wasn’t to be as Glen Eira came away with a 49-point win and the four points to take their season to 7-0.

UHS-VU are providing some sort of season that indicates they want to head back to Premier C for 2024. Taking on West Brunswick after they beat Preston last week. The Magpies started the game kicking six goals to quarter time, with UHS needing to come back to win the game. Magpies forward Ben Hutchins kicking 3 of the 6 first-quarter goals.

UHS-VU looked to be in control for the remainder of the day with forwards Brenton Jackson, Sam Adams producing the fireworks in front of goals. With UHS winning the game 16.12 108 to the Magpies 12.6 78.