Liam Cole

A round of hidings have given insight into who are the contenders and pretenders in Division 1. Ormond, Old Peninsula, Parkside, Prahran and UHS-VU all had convincing wins over the weekend as teams are competing to settle into a spot on the ladder.

The Old Peninsula Pirates got their second win on the board after an impressive performance over the Kew Bears by 44 points. After the Bears kicked the first goal of the match the Pirates kicked the next six leading to a 25-point buffer in the first term. The pressure from the Pirates combined with the Bears inability to defend the fast ball movement from Finn Bardolph and Rob Bambery overwhelmed the side.

The Pirates engine room proved too strong for the Bears led by Hugh Peacock, Kurt Thiele and Bailey Payze who provided great composure going inside 50. Repeat entries in the second term resulted in two outstanding goals in a minute by Pete Evans-Brumby who starred with a total of 3 goals for the game.

Meanwhile, at the start of the second half the Bears cranked up their intensity around the ball kicking the first of the third quarter. The Bears forwards though had a difficult day dealing with the likes of Killian Doyle and Ben Goates who took some important contested marks in the backline. Nick Dore was the shining light in the second half for the Bears but a down field free kick finished off by an impressive pressure forward Cooper Denton made the win a certainty for the Pirates, 130-86.

UHS-VU remain undefeated this season after taking home the chocolates once again in a 51-point victory over Preston Bullants. The first quarter was an arm wrestle between the two sides with a one-point lead to UHS-VU at quarter time. Following the quarter time break, the midfield of UHS-VU got on top thanks to the likes of Harrison Kennedy, James Healey and the great ruck craft of Liam Starzer.

Meanwhile, Thomas Boddy and Rory Howard fought hard across half-back for the Preston Bullants. It wasn’t enough though as the pressure applied around the ground overwhelmed the Bullants who only managed two goals in the second half.

UHS finished the game with a score of 12.16 (88) and will no doubt be looking to clean up their goal kicking to improve their accuracy, in order to hold their place at the top of the table.

Prahran bounced back on the weekend with a 47-point win over the West Brunswick Magpies. It was a scrappy affair in the first half with only three goals kicked by the two sides as Prahran were unable to find space in their forward half. Inventive forward Taylor Bamford is becoming quite a threat for opposition teams and helped open the game up with his brilliant four goals.

Prahran’s aggressive half backs Jake Stunt Powell and Jayden Williams allowed their team to move the ball from their defensive 50 more methodically and as a result the Two Blues booted10 goals for the second half. For the Magpies, Thomas Zafiropoulos stood tall for his side kicking three out of their five goals.

It was a competitive first quarter at Koonung Reserve, the score reading 12-26 Ormond’s way at the first break. Regrettably it was a different story at the final siren as Ormond got the better of the Old Yarra Cobras by 103 points. It was a tight tussle in the first term with the Monders unable to finish off their chances. In the second term young Ormond midfielder Luke Kennedy starred in his first game of the season as the side kicked seven goals.

Max parkes was the sole dual goal scorer for the Cobras while Benjamin Makowski was deemed best afield for his side. Monders forward Lachlan Crnogorac enjoyed the service by his midfielders kicking three goals with 10 goals for the season and Aidan Soria provided great energy in the forward half. Incredibly, Ormond had four pairs of brothers in their side on the weekend and their form indicates their great synergy across the ground.

Parkside registered their third win of the season against the Therry Penola Lions. The Lions were on top in the first 15 minutes of the game with some repeat entries in their forward half but were unable to capitalise. The Devils on the other hand, took their chances converting a 7-point quarter time lead into a 63-point victory at full time.

The Devils lifted their intensity in the midfield with the likes of Corey McKay, and Michael Romano proved lethal when he had his chance in front of goal adding four goals to his name. The dash from Matt Holden and Mitch Lawson proved too good for the Lions as they only managed three goals for the game. Meanwhile, Luciano Logozzo is becoming one of the best intercept defenders in the division as the Pirates will be looking to reduce his impact this weekend.

Round 5 entails some vital games for teams wanting to get their first win of the season and for those looking to bounce back.

Parkside take on the Pirates at home. It will certainly be a great contest between two defensively strong teams at Pitcher Park. The Magpies will have a big task ahead of them as they take on Ormond at Ransford Oval. Ormond have kicked a combined 44 goals in the last two weeks and will be looking to continue that form.

UHS-VU are looking to continue their unbeaten streak as they come up against Therry Penola at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. The Lions were competitive for the majority of the first term but will be hoping for a four-quarter performance.

Prahran are taking on a dangerous Preston Bullants side at home. The Preston Bullants after their loss against UHS-VU certainly know where they are at and what gaps they need to address if they are going to beat the best.

The Bears are back at home against the Old Yarra Cobras. The Old Yarra Cobras are looking to respond after their 103-point loss last weekend and will certainly be motivated to get first points on the board. For the Bears they will be focused on stopping ball movement from their opposition’s defensive 50.