A comeback of dreams to a thrashing of nightmares

Chris Ciampoli

Rain or shine, the return of VAFA footy left nothing to the imagination in an exhilarating first round. A comeback of dreams to a thrashing of nightmares, VAFA footy is off to the races as the fight for Division 2 Men’s begins.

Brunswick soared to a fairy tale start to the season with a 26-point victory over the Old Paradians. Already five men down and a late out from skipper Ben Wilson, a disheartening first quarter didn’t leave much room for hope against the talent of Old Paradians who booted two consecutive goals. Coming out with a bang in the first 20 minutes of the second quarter, Brunswick had much of the footy winning clearances and giving opportunities to forwards for slippery one on one contests.

Brunswick however responded capitalising on errors and kicking valuable late goals towards the end of the first half. Second half Old Paradians came out strong, smart forwards and even smarter goals from stand out players such as Thomson who kicked three overall.

Brock and Colomer’s expertise added to the pressure, but Brunswick bounced back late in the third. Whether it was whatever is in the Brunswick waters or the fire in Tommy Hunter’s words, Brunswick refused to take no for an answer punting six goals in the last quarter.

Wiping the hard earned sweat off his brow, Hunter attributed the win to the determination and reliability of Lewis Bonney-McKenzie off half back in partnership with Jake Ralston and Harris Mitter, the as per usual talent from Banova and the lift from young gun Gus Ross on ball. Clean forwards Haddad, Coverdale, and new addition Horan each had two goals a piece with Tom Wilson who filled the weighted boots of stand in captain perfectly kicking two as well.

For a team to come back against the talent filled Old Paradians in lively fashion, the young and fiery Brunswick are looking forward to their next challenge against the mighty Cobras in round 2.

The Old Yarra Cobras set the tone for the season leaving a shuddering echo of domination after a 70-point win at the snake pit over Aquinas. Three goals from Dwyer and two from Glennie and Box, in addition to Wright and Donato’s run and carry couldn’t keep up with the avalanche of the Cobras.

The detail-oriented game plan paid off as the Cobras star studded midfield, Cook, Falkingham and Tokatliyan, won the majority of the tough wet weather ball gets. The domination of the middle left ample opportunity for forwards to lock it in their fifty, Margaritis booting five and leading the division goal tally, star new addition Sambevski kicking four with Young and Stacker punting three apiece.

Overall, an impressive round 1 from the Cobras, they proved comfortable in wet conditions and will be looking to continue their start to a winning streak.

A comfortable 27-point victory over Parkside on their deck confirmed the Whitefriars are here to make a mark in Division 2. Ball getters Hamilton and Romano capitalised providing much opportunity for contest in the Demons forward line, but it was clear accuracy became a clear issue in tandem with the wet weather footy, of which the Friars didn’t seemed to mind rain or shine.

Hands and Massarotti had a blinder with the help of young gun Pat Cotter to provide opportunity for forward pressure resulting in Berry, Wood and Kieseker kicking three each. For excited fans, the Friars are ones to keep a keen eye on with strong ball movement both offensively and defensively.

St Mary’s Salesian fought hard at Ferndale Park, but the consistent bloods sent the Saints home packing. Although outstanding performance from Evans booting four and Elliston three, South Melbourne Districts key players such as Jones and Armenia, left the Saints scarred in addition to stand out players Smith and Brooker punting three each, and Sfetkidis and Bradford with two. Overall, the Swans have shown a convincing performance and placed a well-deserved dent in Division 2.

A close first quarter left the game up for grabs between MSHOB and Bullen Templestowe, however the Bullants were allowed to wander increasing their lead every quarter thereafter. Wilson, Cook and Eimutis demonstrated tough physicality and ball movement, but couldn’t keep up against the likes of Mohandas and O’Connor.

Luscisano’s flair created havoc for the Unicorn’s backline after three goals in partnership with Cherbakof’s three. A confident first push to the seasons for the Bullants can serve as a steppingstone for something great for the remains of the season.