Elsternwick and Brunswick lock horns in low scoring VAFA Division 2 Grand Final

Then there were two, Elsternwick v Brunswick to play in the Division 2 decider.

Brunswick have been the best team undeniably across the home and away season, finishing 10 points ahead of the Wickers on the ladder.

This season, Brunswick defeated Elsternwick in both of their home and away clashes, but in the Semi Final, the Wickers turned the tables and secured their spot in the Grand Final.

Brunswick then had to battle it out in a tough Preliminary Final to earn their place, in what would become the fourth time this year that these sides met.

So then, in a low-scoring decider, Elsternwick dominated from the opening bounce, establishing a solid 10-point lead. Wickers’ Daniel Marchese booted in the first and only goal of the first team, after four consecutive Elsternwick behinds.

Brunswick started aggressively in the second quarter, with Will McKenzie finally scoring a goal for his team. Oscar Watt also chimed in to take the lead back.

It was then goal for goal through heading towards half time, but Elsternwick’s errant kicking could have put the game away early. It led 3.8 (26) to 3.2 (20) at the main break.

Both teams battled intensely in the third quarter, but it was the Wickers who drew first blood, extending their lead to two goals.

Miraculously, from the 16-minute mark of the third quarter, Elsternwick once again blundered several opportunities to put the premiership away.

They kicked EIGHT behinds in a row, as they carried a 4.16 (40) to 3.4 (22) lead into the final change. They left the door open for Brunswick, but the men in purple needed a response.

The fourth and final quarter was an utter defensive battle, with no goals scored. This time around Brunswick had their chances in front of the sticks and were wasteful, kicking six minor scores in the run home.

Ultimately, as the siren sounded on the Division 2 Men’s season, it was the Wickers’ who would be premiers in 2024.

In a strange yet amusing ending to the Division 2 Men’s Grand Final at La Trobe University, Elsternwick secured a 13-point victory over Brunswick, 4.17 (41) to 3.10 (28).

Elsternwick’s Daniel Marchese was the team’s top player, booting in three goals, whereas Brunswick’s, Hayden Parker, Will McKenzie, and Oscar Watt kicked one goal each.

Full of jubilation post-game, Elsternwick’s coach, Peter Higginbotham, said, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. A premiership is extremely hard to win, but back-to-back ones are very special. It’s history-making. It’s the first time in the club’s 118-year history that we’ve won back-to-back flags. Also, it’s been 38 years since the club has been in Division 1.”

Talking about the opposition, he said, “With Brunswick’s bigger, stronger midfield and key players, we knew that pressure would be key. Our focus was to take away their time and space. I’m very proud of the way we played.”

Talking about the best players that day, he said, “Blake Pantas was given the best on the ground, which was highly deserved; he was so clean around the contest in the midfield.”

“Matt Harvey was excellent in defence and repelled many Brunswick forward entries. Josh Hill played a great game on the wing, both defensively and offensively. Daniel Marchese kicked three goals, which was crucial on a day when goals were tough to come by.”

Brunswick’s coach, Tom Hunter said, “The better side beat us. Elsternwick brought a solid physical presence around the contest; unfortunately, we couldn’t match it. We didn’t maximise our opportunities in the first quarter, which would’ve steadied us.”

“I am having a break from footy next year. My wife and I are expecting our first child in December, so we won’t be able to commit the time required to coach.”

“It’s disappointing to leave Brunswick because I love the players. It would’ve been nice to win the flag, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be.”

He also alluded that in the midfield, Rowan Hogenbirk was excellent, and skipper Ben Wilson was also good. From the defence, he told Lewis White and Tahj Haddock were outstanding, and Hayden Parker and Angus Coverdale were the best forwards.

Looking briefly ahead to 2025, the two grand finalists Brunswick and premiers Elsternwick find themselves up into Division 1 next season. They replace West Brunswick and Old Yarra who have been relegated to Div 2.

Also leaving Division 2 are Wattle Park and Bulleen Templestowe, as they make way for the Division 3 grand finalists St John’s and Canterbury.

1.5   3.8   4.16   4.17   (41)

0.1   3.2   3.4   3.10   (28)