The Unicorns soar to keep the Friars in fifth

As we hone in on the pointy end of the season, there is a lot to play for, and not a lot of time to play for it. A win for Brunswick sees them retain second spot at this stage, however, in the same breath, South Melbourne Districts being defeated has left them precariously holding on to that elusive fourth finals position.

Brunswick and South Melbourne Districts hit the ground running on Saturday afternoon, with both sides getting plenty of the football. However, inaccuracy in the first gave Brunswick a handy 17-point lead heading into the first huddle.

The tables turned in the second and the Bloods got their skates on, producing a 6 goal to 1 quarter. After both teams held time in front, the third term seemed to be the leveller with just a point in it. Anthony Alexandris led from the front for the Nobs with 4 goals to his name for the day, while Jamie Brooker (3) dominated in front of the big sticks for the Bloods.

Brunswick came home with the chocolates in a 12-point victory over South Melbourne Districts. With both teams very much in finals contention, they’ll be looking to iron out any niggles over the final three rounds of the home and away season.

Home ground advantage will be an edge for both sides, as SMD host St Mary’s Salesian and Brunswick match up against Old Paradians.

Still chasing their third win for the season, Aquinas put together a valiant 4-quarter display against the Old Yarra Cobras, but it was not to be. With a lead change at each break, it really was anyone’s game, but it was the Cobra’s composure in the final term, kicking 5 goals to 2 that saw them over the line at the final siren, 10 points ahead.

Nick Zappala was best on ground after a strong performance for his side, while Anthony Raso starred with 4 majors. For Aquinas, Flack, Robertson, and Baxter all kicked 2 for the day.

Aquinas were the most accurate in front of goals in Division 2 for the round, registering only 1 behind. However, they faced a deficit in scoring shots and will be looking to get more of their hands on the ball this Friday night as they take on Bulleen Templestowe under lights. While the Old Yarra Cobras will host MHSOB.

Moving right along and all the way to Garvey Oval where Old Paradians faced Bulleen Templestowe. With both sides unfortunately out of finals contention, it is a matter of finishing the season strong and refining skills.

Parade had 8 individual goal kickers, combining for a total of 13 majors, ably led by Straun Thompson and Blair Healy. They took a lead early and maintained throughout to come home with a 13-point margin.

At the other end of the ground, Jack Cowell put on a masterclass earning himself 4 majors and a spot in the best. Daniel Banister joined him, for his fifth time named in the best for the Bullants.

Round 16 presents a challenge in the form of Brunswick for the Old Paradians. While the Bulleen have a 6-day break before they run out on Friday night to face Aquinas.

The steam train is not showing signs of slowing down as Parkside registered their 10^th straight win on the trot, defeating St Mary’s Salesian by a comfortable margin. Whilst the match started relatively slowly, Parkside revved the engine in the second, to slot 9 straight to the Saints’ 1.1.

Ben Radford’s impressive 5-goal performance further extends his lead on the leading goal kicker tally, while Matthew Holden was yet again best on for Parkside. As for the Saints, Nick Alexopolous was the only multiple goal-scorer and Jack Elliston continues to shine for his side even on tough days.

St Mary’s Salesian will travel to Albert Park in Round 16, the home of the South Melbourne Districts, as Parkside also play away against the Whitefriars.

Rounding out the weekend was a high-scoring affair between the middle order in MHSOB and Whitefriars. A win for the Friars would have secured them a top 4 seat with three rounds remaining, although it was not meant to be, with the Unicorns too strong on this occasion.

Melbourne High looked to the likes of club stalwarts Lachlan Dowling and William Hellier to get their side over the line, delivering 6-goal and 2-goal best on ground performances respectively. Even with 5 multiple goal scorers, headlined by Samuel Kieseker, it wasn’t enough to get the Friars over the line.

Whitefriars remain in finals contention and are hot on the heels of South Melbourne Districts, only separated by percentage. This will no doubt be at the forefront of their minds as they head into a tough challenge against the Old Yarra Cobras. While the Whitefriars will be looking to use this momentum when they come up against ladder leaders Parkside in Round 16.