Unicorns magic into fourth, Bushrangers agonisingly close

Posted on - Latest News, Featured, Division 2 Men's
Anna Pavlou
After a long season, it all came down to Round 18, and what a week it was! MHSOB capped off a tough season with a convincing win over Ivanhoe, which sees them jump into fourth on the ladder and secured their 2019 finals berth. Unfortunately, Bulleen Templestowe and Yarra Old Grammarians are now out of the race, but should be congratulated for their improvements despite injuries all season. The Friars have gone undefeated for all 18 rounds and look ahead to an exciting finals series.
Bulleen Templestowe vs Whitefriars
Whitefriars have officially completed the perfect home & away season after beating Bulleen Templestowe by a comprehensive 82 points – simultaneously putting Bulleen out of the finals race. Bulleen managed only one goal in the first half while the Friars piled on eight majors to put the Bullants in a tough position for the second half. The domination didn’t stop there, as the Friars booted ten goals in the second half to cap off a spectacular season full of amazing stats and exciting footy. The Bullants managed only five goals in the second half as they simply ran out of legs to chase the in-form Whitefrairs. Friar Sam Kiesker booted five goals amongst seven other goal kickers. BOG votes went to Ben Kelsey and obviously Michael Nitas got in on the action with one major. For Bulleen, who should be congratulated for their massive improvements in 2019, Billy Wilson booted two and Leith Wallis got BOG votes.
Hawthorn vs Glen Eira
It’s unfortunately all but over for Hawthorn as they fall out of Division 2, after suffering a 45-point loss to finals bound rivals Glen Eira. The Hawks, however, didn’t go down without a fight, coming out in the first to boot three goals to the Gryphons one goal, which seemed to set the game up to be a tight one. However, the intensity of the Gryphons lifted in the second term, booting five majors and shutting down the Hawks early run on to only allow one goal to be leaked. It was a continuation after half time, as Glen Eira kicked another five goals and held the Hawks to only one again to push further towards victory. It was simply icing on the cake in the final term, as Hawthorn struggled to get back into the game, but managed three late goals to get themselves closer. Hawk Justin Raiti, who has had a strong year, booted two goals, with votes awarded to young Eamonn Avery. For the winners, who had a spread of 11 goal kickers, Joel Ludik booted two and Julius Waras Carstensen has three majors to round out the goal kicking award ahead of their finals campaign against MHSOB starting next week. We farewell Hawthorn who will go down to Division 3 in 2020, unfortunately struggling this season, but still notching up one mighty win.
Ivanhoe vs MHSOB
All hail the Unicorns! MHSOB have done the job and comfortably defeated Ivanhoe by 77 points, which secures Melbourne High’s fourth place for a well-earned finals appearance, after a year of injuries to some key players which saw them questioning their chances early. The Unicorns knew exactly what they had to do; win, and that was what they did, booting five unanswered first quarter goals to keep the Hoers quiet. It was a closer second quarter, as the Hoers fought back booting three, but they were unable to stop the run-on which saw MHSOB kick another four. After halftime, the Unicorns kept the Hoers out of the game with no goals, while they added four more to boost their margin and help their percentage over Yarra competiting for fourth spot in their game. The final term was tighter again, but the damage had been done early to secure MHSOB’s place in the coveted fourth spot. Hoer Vivian Blackmore-Moore was best on after a great season for his club, while Nick Vines booted one and was awarded votes. For the winners, who take on Glen Eira in the semi next week, Kane Smith had two majors amongst 10 other goal kickers, while BOG votes went to Mitchell Wilson. The Hoers had some strong wins this season but will look to come out all guns blazing and make their way back up to Division 1 in 2020.
Power House vs Yarra Old Grammarians
Although Yarra Old Grammarians came home 15-point winners over Power House, it’s simply wasn’t enough percentage-wise to break into the top four. Power House came out to play early in the first quarter with three majors, but failed to capitalise in front of goal and let Yarra take control late in the first with six goals straight. Four goals late in the second term pushed Yarra ahead of a chasing House, as they managed only two points to trail by 25 points at the main break. It was a big third quarter with the House getting the wind, booting three goals to the Bushrangers two, keeping the game close. Yarra needed a big final term but the House kept them in check, only allowing them four majors, while they kicked theee of their own to go down by a slim margin. Power House’s Dec Nannery booted four goals and best votes went to pocket rocket Benny Circosta, who capped off another stellar season for the House. For the winners, Matt Young was prolific across the ground with Luke Barker booting four majors to end a massive year. Both sides struggled with injuries all year but should be proud of their efforts at both ends as they came back to play some strong footy.