Hot Pies end the Hoers streak at 13

Ivanhoe AFC has been all the rage in 2022. West Brunswick, step by step have been closing the gap. Over the weekend, made an emphatic announcement. Old Paradians are hanging onto third spot by half a game as Brunswick and MHSOB fought out a thrilling draw. 

The two sides were evenly matched throughout the afternoon with the Unicorns holding a slender four point lead at three quarter time. Both sides had their fare share of scoring shots in the final term with Brunswick kicking 4.1.25 to MHSOB 3.3.21 and scores level on the final siren. 

Will Suhr has put together back to back best on ground performances for MSHOB while Tahj Haddock was the man named best afield for NOBS. 

The challenge to stay in touch with the top four gets tougher for the Unicorns this weekend when they face West Brunswick who are absolutely flying at the moment. Brunswick faces Power House with a chance to extend the percentage gap on MHSOB. 

The Magpies took full advantage over Ivanhoe AFC to stop the winning streak at 13. West Brunswick’s winning streak is now at nine games and will be looking to hit the finals with 11 wins in a row next to their names. 

They were never headed by the Hoers through the afternoon, extending their lead at every change. Finishing 33 points ahead of the ladder leaders. Luke Buckler (3), and Paddy Sawaya (3) were the danger men in front of goal for the Pies. After kicking 13 goals last week, Billy Drake was held to just a solitary goal. 

The Hoers were without coach Ash Close, prized recruit Scott Selwood and held to 6 goals for the afternoon. Their lowest score for the year. 

They’ll face off against Manningham Cobras in Round 17, they could completely flip the script on themselves and turn in their biggest score of the season after the let down of the weekend.

Matt Aver at Aquinas has been threatening this year to kick himself a big bag of goals, over the weekend against the Cobras he did just that. Eight big ones next to his name, he has been a star this season. They collected a comfortable four points on the weekend. 

While they can’t move from the middle of the table, it’s promising signs for Aquinas. Winning late season home and away games can springboard them into the 2023 pre-season with some confidence and momentum. 

Manningham hasn’t stopped trying all season long. Michael Muller (3) again hit the scoreboard for the Cobras. While Luke Morris is probably the man who will come away with the clubs best and fairest at seasons end. 

Aquinas can string a couple of wins together when they travel to Ted Ajani Reserve this weekend to face Bulleen Templestowe. But, the Ants are back in business.

For the third time in a row Bulleen have come away winners over Yarra Old Grammarians. It’s the first time since the last game of 2021 that they’ve kicked over 100 points. There are many sides in Division 2 that would claim to have the wood over the Ants, but this is a form line that goes the other way. 

With two games remaining, this season should be looked at as a success for the club that found itself with one win in 2021. And have currently got five to their name. They’ll be playing in Division 2 again in 2023 with an eye to building on what they’ve set as foundations this year. 

Michael Scott has kicked goals in every game he’s played this year for the Bushrangers. Another bag of five on the weekend has him definitely in calculations for the clubs best and fairest, and even team of the year honours. He’s been sensational coming back this year. 

Old Paradians managed 45 scoring shots against Power House. Had it not been for inaccuracy in front of goal, it could have been a significantly higher margin. Blair Healy (4), and Luke Brock (4) had a hand in goals, as well as Adam Nolan (3), and Anthony Cafari (3). 

Power House didn’t have much to cheer about, but like Manningham Cobras have fought their way right through the season without ever raising the white flag. Ben Circosta (2) can hold his head up, as can Luke Stubbs who has again found his way onto the best players list. 

The green, blue and purple monsters can cement their spot in the finals facing Yarra Old Grammarians this weekend at Garvey Oval. Despite the class of the top two sides, this Old Paradians side on their day will feel confident they can match it with the best of them.