Bullants dominate in first Division 1 outing

The transition from Division 2 to Division 1 was a simple one for Preston Bullants as they dismantled Ivanhoe by 104 points at Ruthven Reserve. Eight goals to one in the first term set the scene as the young Bullants squad refused to let up, with premiership star Damon Marcon picking up where he left off with a dominant performance including six goals. Jake Powell chipped in with four while Alex Whitehead stood tall as the best player for the Hoers.

Brunswick NOBSPC overcame a sluggish start and ran out comfortable 33-point winners against Whitefriars at Gillon Oval. Despite trailing by 11 at the first break, NOBS regained composure and piled on 12 of the next 19 goals. Chris Ford top-scored with three majors for NOBS and Todd Cleary was named best on ground. Timothy Petts fought for the Friars all day as teammate Hewitt Murray snagged three of his own.

In their first Division 1 outing since the 2015 grand final, Ormond made light work of Therry Penola as they finished 58 points clear at the final siren. Despite allowing six goal in the final quarter, the Monders were never threatened as they sent through 16 of the first 19 goals. Thomas Buckley (three) and Jeremy Simon (four) were the two best players for the Monders while Jarrod Egglestone kicked three for the Lions.

Four goals to one in the fourth term helped PEGS break clear of Oakleigh and record a tough 24-point win at PEGS Sporting Fields. The Bombers blew out to a four-goal lead at the first break but the Krushers started making inroads and trailed by just two points with a quarter to play. Led by Adrian Romanyk, the Bombers held strong in the clutches with Robert Baddeley the best player on the ground. Jack Davidson and Tim Scott each kicked three for the Krushers who came down from Premier C at the end of last season.

A nine-goal haul from Michael Dolan led St Mary’s Salesian to a comprehensive 77-point win over 2016 Division 2 grand finalists St John’s at Thomas Carroll Reserve. Dolan was backed up admirably by Louis Holmes and Ben Andrews who each snagged four, while Tim Edwards bagged six for the JOCs. The Saints finished one game outside the four last year.