Teams make big statements in second round of Div 1

Liam Cole

Round 2 in VAFA Division 1 had some contenders pull off some statement performances while we saved the best game till last as Parkside this time got over the line in a thriller.

Round one kicked off with UHS-VU having a comfortable 45-point win over Old Peninsula. The first quarter was a tight tussle with UHS-VU having a small lead of seven points in the break. But the pressure that UHS-VU brought to the table was too much for the Pirates as they kicked away in the second term.

The midfield really got on top with UHS-VU Skipper Harrison Kennedy leading the charge and forward Brandon Jackson continuing on his stellar start to the season with three goals. Wingman Henry Ley continued his impressive development with some great work rate across the ground. It was a disappointing loss for the Pirates but defenders Finn Bardolph and Killian Doyle stood up in adversity.

Prahran flexed their muscles against the Old Yarra Cobras in a 104-point victory at home. Prahran were on from the very start kicking six goals to one in the first term. The midfield of Prahran proved too strong for the cobras with great outputs from Skipper Rory Brodie and Mackenzie Mayne in the midfield.

The repeat entries and territory from Prahran made it tough for Cobra defenders kicking a whopping 20 goals for the day. Forwards Ethan Plaza and Shaun Chapman both kicked four goals each whilst the control at half-back from Luke Gorman was integral to the sides dominant win. Meanwhile, the Cobras will be looking to respond following a disappointing loss as they battle it out against UHS-VU in round three.

Kew continued their impressive start to the season with a 51-point win over a young Therry Penola. In the main break the match was evenly poised with the Lions only facing a 19 point deficit. The more match hardened Kew side lifted their intensity and effort, a trademark of Bryan Cole’s side and kicked nine goals to four in the second half.

The Waters’ brothers stepped up for Kew with Ned kicking four goals for the match and Max being integral to the side’s pressure around the ball. The Bears host the West Brunswick Magpies as they look to go undefeated.

Parkside got over the line in a nail biter against Ormond by two points. It was neck and neck for the whole game as the Devils led at quarter time by a goal. The Parkside side learnt some valuable lessons last week in their close loss to UHS-VU and proved it with a mature last quarter.

The Logozzo brothers had a great performance for Parkside including Luciano who provided some aggressive ball movement out of the back half and Steven providing plenty of class around the contest. The Devils showed some great composure with ball in hand in the dying moments and came away with the four points against a gallant Ormond side.

The Preston Bullants got their first win on the board against West Brunswick by 48 points. Bullants Skipper Tom Hill played exceptional footy in the middle of the ground as the Magpies could only manage the five majors due to the lack of territory. Alex Johnston continued on his goalkicking form scoring three goals for the match.

Meanwhile, the Preston Bullants will be looking to continue their momentum as they look no further than Old Peninsula this week.

Looking ahead, Round 3 seems to be another cracker in Division 1. The game of the round is certainly Prahran taking on the up and coming Parkside at DW Lucas Oval. The winner of this tight tussle will certainly make a huge statement to the rest of the competition.

Ormond will be looking to bring up there first win of the season in front of their home fans as they take on a young Therry Penola side looking to bounce back. UHS-VU are looking like contenders for the flag after going deep in finals last year and this week are looking to go undefeated against the Old Yarra Cobras.

West Brunswick have a tough task ahead of them as they try to get their first win on the board against Kew. The Magpies defence will have a challenge to stop the in-form William Llewelyn who has kicked seven goals in the first two rounds.

The Preston Bullants play at home against Old Peninsula as the Bullants look to make their way up to the top four. It’s really a must win game for both sides wrapping up an intriguing weekend of footy.