A maiden victory for Martyn’s Gryphons headlines a wet weekend in Prem C Men’s

A wet, wintry weekend in suburban football ensured forgettable fixtures aplenty in Premier C Men’s, but a first win for Guy Martyn’s Glen Eira/Old McKinnon side did its best to warm the cockles. A tough draw saw the Gryphons face Beaumaris, Parkdale Vultures, PEGS and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in a four-week stretch – teams whose current combined record in the division is 18-6 – before a trip to Marcellin this past weekend.

Once there, in keeping with the story of their season, Martyn’s charges had to do it the hard way. The Gryphons trailed by 22 points early in the second quarter, before two goals of their own, and some Marcellin miscues in front of the sticks, saw the margin reduced to an even three goals at the main break. 4.2 to 0.4 in the third quarter saw Glen Eira head into the final change ahead for the first time this season. They surrendered this lead ten minutes into a tense final stanza, but Sean Bass kicked his fifth goal seven minutes later to regain the advantage, and no further goals were to be scored.

The 9.5 (59) to 7.11 (53) victory sees the Gryphons climb out of last position on the ladder, in what has been a torrid reintroduction to division for the credentialed Martyn, who had this to say, post-match:

“I’ve been really impressed with the boys’ spirits, energy and commitment throughout the year, so it was pleasing for them to get a win as I don’t think sitting 0-6 would be fair.”

Attention now turns to a trip to Albert Park, where an undefeated AJAX side awaits.

In a game coach Lachlan Buszard repeatedly labelled ‘ugly’, the Jackas triumphed over Parkside, in Alphington. “We’re happy to bank the four points and move on,” Buszard said. “It was scrappy, surge football, with lots of turnovers, but you expect that given it’s both teams’ first crack at wet weather footy this season,” he continued.

Inaccuracy was a feature of the contest, with the final score 7.13 (55) to 2.10 (22). Devils’ youngster Matt Holden drew Buszard’s praise; further reward for the strong season the flashy utility is building.

Jackas weapon and co-captain Kane Nissenbaum made his triumphant return and in fine fashion, earning his way into Buszard’s best, while Justin Vogel earned a nomination for the third straight week. Against Parkside, AJAX played its 38th player for the season and have now blooded eight debutants. This testing of their depth makes the undefeated start Buszard is enjoying, all the more impressive.

For Parkside, it’s a third consecutive loss, after starting the season 2-1. Coach Rick Frost will spend the week searching for answers, ahead of another home game this weekend, against a St Bedes/Mentone Tigers outfit that is riding a four-game heater.

The most recent of these victories was a 9.12 (66) to 8.8 (56) win over PEGS. Given the close nature of the contest, Bombers coach Rob Kerr has been left ruing a burst that went against his side in the first half.

“The difference really boiled down to a 10-minute period in the second quarter where the Tigers mids were able to get on the outside and rush forward from stoppages. This run of 3 goals proved too much to pull back, although my boys managed to get it (the margin) back to two points, 23 minutes into the last,” he said.

Kerr praised backman Oscar Bales and onballer Blake Roach for their contributions to the losing effort, while highlighting a need to ‘get more value’ from forward entries as the season progresses.

After a disappointing performance against Parkdale Vultures in Round 3, the Beaumaris Sharks have gone on a rampage, winning their last three matches by an average margin of 11 goals, and only conceding 114 across those matches.

“We have a rich history of being competitive, and we didn’t deliver on that against Parkdale. Our last three weeks have been about rectifying that,” said coach Josh Bourke.

“When in good health, we know we have a talented list, but talent doesn’t mean much without effort or attitude,” Bourke added, alluding to the wealth of current and former VFL-listed players at his disposal.

This talent fired the Sharks to a 14.17 (101) to 6.4 (40) victory over Mazenod on Saturday. Frankston-listed midfielder/forward Riley Mihailovic scored two majors, while Riley Virtue and Jai Florent combined for three goals; a pleasing return for the rotational approach Bourke is taking to his midfield.

Opposite number Peter Banfield applauded his team’s endeavour, while pointing out where their growth will come from.

“We tried hard, had a crack, but Beaumaris were too skilled, too good on the outside. We need to continue to work hard on our skills and ball execution. (I was) really happy with Josh Boyle and Lachlan Murdock,” Banfield offered.

Sitting undefeated in second and closing the percentage gap on AJAX with every passing round, is Parkdale Vultures. Their 15.10 (100) to 4.5 (29) victory over Prahran was dubbed a ‘workman-like effort’ by coach Owen Lalor, who was well pleased by his side’s ability to restrict Prahran to just nine scoring shots. The Vultures’ league-best scoring prowess has been well-documented of late, and Lalor went out of his way to praise his side’s defence, post-game.

“We have beautiful, natural half-back flankers. (Cooper) Balic and (Nathan) Sullivan intercept and rebound well, they have an ability to see things differently, they instinctively change angles – they played with a real flair, especially considering the conditions,” he said.

“Our mids were terrific in the contest. We still won clearance without Ollie Green and Jack Sullivan, who would usually account for about 60 possessions between them.”

Lalor is excited by this week’s challenge, a trip to Mazenod, where his side has a 1-2 record in the last three seasons and praised Peter Banfield’s stoppage and clearance coaching as ‘excellent’.

Craige Milward named a shorter Prahran side than usual on the weekend, expecting more rain than would come, and, out of necessity. Matt Clifford is away, Shaun Chapman has been battling a hip complaint, and ruckman Rory Brodie is yet to feature this season, although a return feels imminent. Billy Chapman has been strong in the ruck in Brodie’s absence, meaning the three-time Basil Cleary medallist could play forward in his return, to build up match fitness.

Milward insists his team feel closer to a maiden victory every week and is confident of doing real damage in the back half of the year, when troops return.

In Round 7, Mazenod welcome Parkdale Vultures, Parkside host St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and Glen Eira/Old McKinnon will visit AJAX. PEGS welcome Beaumaris to Windy Hill, and Marcellin will lock horns with Prahran at Toorak Park.