Don’t discount the Purple, Blue and Green monster

Old Paradians are turning up the heat on their counterparts in Division 2 after an emphatic performance over the weekend against MHSOB. The Unicorns seem to be on a slippery slope after losing their fourth match from the last five matches. 

Five goals to zero in the second quarter saw the margin sit at 48 points for the Paradians, reeled into 42 by the final siren. Alexander Ouzas (4), and Anthony Cafari (3) were the main culprits in front of goal. Cafari takes his season tally to 27 from 9 games. While David Huntly was named the best player on the ground. 

Ashan Wijayakumara (3) continued his stay in the top two of the sharpshooters table with 35. Old Parade have now won 7 games in a row and showing the strong form that was expected of them in the pre-season. MHSOB have got a bit of work to do now that they’re outside the top 4. 

Yarra Old Grammarians have had a great fortnight claiming their second win in a row. This time, 57 points over Manningham Cobras. The win gives the Bushrangers a 1-game buffer on the Cobras in the fight to stave off relegation.

Simon Yeo, in his first senior outing for Yarra kicked six majors and was the focal point. Rory Chipman was his noble sidekick, adding four of his own. Manningham’s David Tokatliyan made it three consecutive weeks where he kicked three goals and was named the best player for the Cobras. 

In the tightest match of the round Power House came home with a wet sail but couldn’t close down Bulleen Templestowe falling short by 10 points. Leading at half-time by three points, the Ants pressed home six majors in the Premiership term to take an unassailable lead. 

Paul Italiano (3) and Jack Cowell (3) proved to be a handful in front of goal for the Power House defenders. Terry Harisiou takes the best on ground honours for the Ants. Ben Circosta continues his goal-a-game average and another few votes in the charge for the club best and fairest. 

It was a slow start for Ivanhoe AFC in their 58 point win over Aquinas. Held to just one goal in the opening term, they added 16 majors to six from quarter time to show their strength. 

Ash Close charged to the top of the sharpshooters table with 8-majors in his first game for a fortnight while Michael Doyle produced his best performance of the season. 

Aquinas have now met three of the top four in the last month, and come up against Old Paradians as their next challenge. It’s been a good opportunity for the coaching staff to get a gauge on where they’re at against the best in the competition. 

Last time Brunswick and West Brunswick met, it went right down to the wire. After the siren in fact. This time around, the Magpies weren’t letting this slip from their grasp. Holding out Brunswick by 22 points. 

Inaccuracy was the main tale of the tape for both sides but it was Stuart Henshall (3), and Billy Irving (2) who managed to have more nouse in front of the sticks than their cross-suburb counterparts. 

Going into the bye, the win has kept West Brunswick on the heels of Ivanhoe AFC at the top of the table. Old Paradians have shot up to third with their recent run of strong form. Brunswick are calling out for the bye, in the early part of the year it was a case of ‘how far’ now it’s a matter of ‘hang on’ having lost their last three matches. 

It’s going to be a fascinating run home when footy resumes in a fortnight from now. While the Magpies are flying, don’t discount the purple, blue and green monster.

Photo: Damian Hannam, Old Paradians FC