Raiders robbed

By Tom Feldgen – @tfeldgen

Brunswick NOBSPC has done it. Coach Luke Mahoney broke down the last six rounds into a mini season and his charges certainly haven’t let him down in the latter stages of the home and away season. After a stunning victory over Whitefriars they have confirmed their position in Division 1 for 2017. In the process they have left Old Paradians shattered and Division 2 bound after they did all they could by defeating Ivanhoe. While the only change at the upper end of the ladder was Old Geelong snatching the minor premiership from Old Mentonians after their 78-point thrashing of PEGS gave them a handy percentage boost.

Brunswick NOBSPC went to Whitefriars College Oval knowing that a win was the only way to lock in Division 1 action next season. After trailing by 16 points at half time it was looking as though they would have to rely on other results to fall their way. A stunning second half performance meant other results were a non-issue and the boys from Brunswick were able to enter party mode post game as they finished the season off on the best possible note. It was 12 goals to three after half time as the Friars were left scoreless in the final quarter and ultimately blown off the park. Kyle Adams finished a solid season with a bag of six, Gerrard Bence had his kicking boots on once again as he booted four majors and Adam Oakley starred for the NOBs. Jason Spencer fought hard for the Friars and Michael Nitas (three goals) was the main target up forward.

Old Paradians held up their end of the bargain, only to be left devastated, as their win wasn’t enough to avoid relegation. The Raiders are now left to rue their dismal first half of the season after becoming a one of the most competitive sides in the competition in the second half of the year. They finished 19 points ahead of Ivanhoe in what was an arm wrestle over the entire four quarters. Luke Mccann booted three crucial goals for the Raiders and Robert Amerena turned in an outstanding game. For the Hoes, Mitch Lovell ended his season on a high following up last week’s 10-goal haul with three more and Justin Harty fought hard.

Prahran-Assumption ended their year on a high, upsetting St Mary’s Salesian to the tune of 15 points. The Two Blues can only wonder as to how the level of intensity and execution they displayed against the Saints hasn’t been around all year. The game was virtually goal for goal with the final margin the largest of the day. The Two-Blues held a slim five-point lead going into the final quarter and were able to use the scoring end to their advantage. The win was a fitting farewell for star small forward John Robbins (four goals) who is off to NSW next year. Luke Kerr and Adam Sleight also starred for the home side. Michael Dolan and Stefan Gusts did what they could for the Saints by registering three goals each. The Saints will be disappointed to fall short of the top four this season, but have set a solid foundation for the years to come.

Old Geelong has given PEGS a pre-finals reality check with a 78-point thumping at Como Park. Old Geelong had an even spread of goal-kickers with six multiple goal scorers. Jack Mcmeel (3 goals) led from the front and Aaron Bird (2 goals) was everywhere. PEGS will hope their performance was an aberration and will be needing a much stronger performance come finals time. Trent Skurrie finished the home and away season with three majors and Lain Genovesi did his utmost.

Old Mentonians tuned up for finals with an impressive come from behind victory over Therry Penola. The Panthers were trailing the Lions all day and needed to make up a 23-point three quarter time deficit. They produced a stunning offensive and defensive display in the final quarter keeping the Lions scoreless and nailing six goals of their own. Kyle Conlon was the star once again for the Panthers, with a scintillating display that featured three majors and Michael Myers-Snyders had his best game for the year. Jarrod Bannister’s four majors made it 75 goals for the season as he tops the goal-kicking tally for the home and away season and Jake Butson starred for the Lions but couldn’t quite get his side over the line.

Finally, the time of the season we have all been waiting for… Finals time. The weather begins to improve, the playing surfaces are at their peak, the intensity rises and there is so much more on the line. Week 1 features two absolute blockbusters. Old Geelong comes up against Old Mentonians in a battle that will secure the winners spot in the Grand Final and Premier C for 2017. I’m tipping the Ogs to continue their irresistible form and take home the chocolates. The encounter between third and fourth sees PEGS take on Therry Penola. This is a real toss of the coin kind of affair between the two old enemies. Both sides are full of firepower and goal kicking powerhouses.  If PEGS can utilise their big men and get their hands on the sherrin first they should be able to come out on top in what should be an absolute nail biter. What a weekend we have ahead of us! Good luck to all teams involved, commiserations to the relegated sides and see you next year to those sides that missed out on finals and avoided the drop.

Finals Week 1 

Old Geelong vs Old Mentonians

PEGS vs Therry Penola

*Feature photo: Phil Skeggs