Wattle Park come from behind to secure a second straight win

Some high scoring matches in the Division 2 Men’s competition over the weekend, as Brunswick continue their ascendency, while Aquinas make their mark in a big way defeating Whitefriars.

After defeating the 2023 Division 3 Premiers in Round 1, Brunswick came up against the other grand finalists in Hawthorn on the weekend. The Nobs have come into the season with all guns blazing and have very early on stamped their authority over the competition. They are a force to be reckon with and are not showing signs of slowing anytime soon.

With the likes of Hayden Parker and Jasper Paevere up forward who combined for 8 goals, the Nobs caused all sorts of problems for the Hawk’s defenders. Hawthorn’s golden boy in front of goals did what he does best booting 4 majors for his side in a tough match.

Despite being 10 points ahead at the quarter break, Hawthorn’s scoring slowed, and Brunswick came over the top to charge home with a 71-point victory.

Over at Melbourne High School, the South Melbourne Districts secured their second straight win, defeating MHSOB. Both teams had plenty of the ball and were able to hit the scoreboard, but ultimately it was the Bloods who took home the chocolates 108-88.

Jamie Booker starred once again for the Bloods with 6 goals, whilst Will Hellier registered 4 majors for the Unicorns. Brendan Cook was best afield yet again for his side, standing out as a true leader of MHSOB, whilst Akin Dinler had his best game and scored a goal for South Melbourne Districts.

St Mary’s Salesian hosted Elsternwick FC at Ferndale Park in Round 2, with both sides searching for their first win. Elsternwick were strong out of the gates, keeping their opponents scoreless at the first break. St Mary’s fought their way back into the game with Hamish McMillan booting 3 of their goals.

Spencer Hankin was on fire down the other end snagging 5 big ones for the Wickers, earning himself a spot in the best alongside Dylan Jones. Elsternwick managed to hold off the Saints right until the final siren taking home the win by 29 points.

Aquinas and Whitefriars put on quite the show at Aquinas College. Whilst Aquinas were in front all day, things heated up in the fourth quarter when Whitefriars made a strong surge to get themselves within striking distance. They were able to close the final margin to just 11 points to help that all important percentage down the track. Nicholas Garratt stepped up in the last term, kicking the last two goals of the game for the Friars, whilst teammate Christian Feher finished the day with 3.

Harry Dwyer of Aquinas is making an early statement on the leading goal kicker tally with 9 to his name after just 2 rounds of football. He had 5 on the weekend, while Lachlan Robb was deemed best on ground.

Aquinas are already having a better season in 2024, defeating a tough opponent in Round 2. They are not to be underestimated as they hope to keep those wins coming and climb the ladder.

Wattle Park recorded their second win for the season defeating Bulleen Templestowe at home. With only 5 points in it after the premiership quarter, the final term made for some exciting footy. Despite the Bullants having their nose just in front, it was the Animals who dug deep to kick 4.4 racing home with a 14-point victory.

A notable performance was that of Trent Sanguinetti who played in the Reserves last week, but was called into the Senior side for Round 2 and booted 4 goals.

With Round 3 on the horizon, there are some exciting match ups looming. The head-to-head between Brunswick and Wattle Park is one to watch, as both sides are undefeated. Brunswick have home ground advantage at Gillon Oval, but Wattle Park are in good form and will want to carry their momentum.

Hawthorn will travel to play South Melbourne Districts, as Whitefriars host Elsternwick FC. The is an exciting showdown between two fiercely competitive sides with no recent playing history against one another.

Bulleen Templestowe will host St Mary’s Salesian where one side will record their first win of the 2024 season. The Bullants were within reach in Round 2 against Wattle Park and will be looking to play a consistent four quarters of football. Whereas St Mary’s are coming into the weekend off a loss to Elsternwick and are looking to sink their teeth into the competition.

Rounding out the weekend, Aquinas will come up against MHSOB in a match up that could go either way.