The Lions conquer the mountain, beating Glen Eira

Ben Black

The 2023 VAFA Season is shaping up to be a nail-biter in Division 1 Men’s. With only 5 rounds left to play, and the middle of the table all sitting on the same points, there is a huge question mark as to how the season will pan out.

Therry Penola’s clash against top of the table, Glen Eira, was arguably the best game we’ve seen this season. Therry Penola Lions have been able to secure possibly the best outcome snatching the game from the Gryphons.

The Lions burst out of the blocks to secure the early momentum and put the pressure on the Gryphons. Five goals to one in the first term really set the tone, Matthew Lyons once again instrumental for the Lion’s fast start. Connor Kilbane had his goal kicking boots on this week slotting four crucial majors to keep the arms-length from Glen Eira. Jackson Young and Mitch Trimble were also major contributors.

On the other hand, it didn’t go all to plan for the ladder leaders Glen Eira. Tim Johnston and Alex Erwin-Ross did their best to keep them in the hunt to chase the Lions like a frantic Collingwood comeback that would secure one of the greatest comebacks in recent memory.

They sure did come close, but it was a win for the ages for the gallant Therry Penola as they keep their season still on track with results pending.

A middle of the table clash between Prahran and Kew, had both sides hungry to secure a top 4 spot with finals looming on the horizon. It seemed to be a pretty level affair until halftime. Bears skipper Max Waters was integral down in the back line as he was taking crucial incept marks to keep the Two Blues at bay.

After half time the Bears hard work was slowly showing through as Prahran put on the afterburners in the third term launching away with a counterattack of seven goals to one.

Jonathan Simonetta the catalyst kicked four majors for the day. Eduardo Espinosa was another key figure that popped up and kicked two to see Prahran home by forty points. Prahran now well on track for yet another finals berth come September.

Ivanhoe Park produced another classic as the Preston Bullants burst out of the blocks early with a four goal to Ivanhoe’s one behind first term. The Bullants showed class and poise through Liam Mcleod being lethal in front of the big sticks as they kicked ahead.

The Magpies were needing to reset coming into the second term and they did not disappoint, carving out seven goals in the second term to put the pressure back on the Bullants. This significant lead change in a single quarter put them ten points ahead at the main break.

Nick Vines booted four goals and was finely aided by Wayne Schultz who was best on ground with three goals and a stack of possessions. Bullants tried their best to stay in the game but ultimately fell short in the end going down by three goals.

UHS-VU was away at Harry McDonald oval to take on Old Peninsula. The game started positively for the Vultures, kicking five opening quarter goals that set the tone. Will Barnett for UHS looked the goods as he kicked four majors and being aided by James McGee who booted three classy ones as well.

The Pirates fought back kicking the next four majors of the game to take a handy six-point lead into the long break, a game that was sensing a climactic ending. But a third quarter lapse from the Pirates possibly cost them the game. A six-goal quarter to the Vultures had the Pirates playing catch up, needing a miracle win it from here.  But it wasn’t to be as the Vultures came home in a thriller.

Oakleigh headed into their clash against West Brunswick at home as clear favourites. West Brunswick showed up at W.A Scammell Reserve in every sense of the word and delivered an unexpected performance that had them leading at every turn.

Emlyn Nettleton was superb for the Magpies and best on, racking up possessions everywhere he went. The Krushers were never out of the game with ageless Aaron Cloke proving that he still has it; the experienced full-forward piling on six majors.

The Krushers came into the fourth term revved up and showed exactly why they are sitting at second on the ladder, stealing the game from right under West Brunswick’s noses. It was their composure that got them over the line with a 25-point win.