Oakleigh Krush the Gryphons heading into the first weekend of September

Oakleigh have given Glen Eira one almighty scare heading into September. The Gryphons, knowing they couldn’t move from top spot, could be forgiven for having one eye on the finals with a game that didn’t change their fate in the slightest.

For the Krushers, a win has allowed them the right to a double chance finishing second and the opportunity to face the Gryphons again this weekend.

After a three goal to nil opening term Oakleigh put the foot down with 10 goals in the second term to put the game well and truly beyond doubt.

A 76-point half-time lead, turned into 89 at three quarter time before finishing 104 points ahead of the ladder leaders.

A bag of five from Aaron Cloke was enough to consolidate him as the top of the competition’s sharpshooter award. Outshone on the day by teammate Luke Ashen with six.

Did Oakleigh play their hand too early? We’ll find out whether this victory spurs them on this Saturday or if the Gryphons get back to their premiership favourite best.

UHS-VU will see September action after overcoming Therry Penola by 24 points on Saturday. Starting the round in fourth spot, the fifth placed UHS got the jump on the Lions and held them to just a solitary goal in the first half as they opened up a 31-point lead at the main change.

Therry closed to within three goals at three quarter time, but the hopes of a comeback were nullified as UHS regathered the momentum in the final quarter.

Harrison Kennedy was named the best player on the ground, supported by Archie Frazer and Jeff Fox.

It’s been a heartbreaking month for Therry Penola, losing their final three games to miss September. They’ll have a summer of what if’s that will burn in the back of their minds as they prepare for season 2024.

The boys of Uni High will take on Prahran at Garvey Oval on Sunday for a spot in the Preliminary Final. They haven’t been able to bridge the gap between the Two Blues throughout the home and away season, but finals is a different ball game altogether.

Prahran FC will enter the knockout final upbeat and full of confidence after finishing Ivanhoe AFC’s time in the VAFA with a 45-point victory.

The margin could have been much greater as Prahran had all the play in the opening term, keeping the opposition goalless and kicking 6.9.45 themselves. The margin was pulled back during the second term, before the momentum went back the way of the home side.

Jonathan Simonetta kicked a bag of five. August has been kind to Simonetta, kicking 17 goals from the four matches. He’ll be hoping September is equally as fruitful.

Ivanhoe AFC bid farewell to the VAFA, after joining the VAFA in 1934 they made the decision to move the club elsewhere in 2024. Last year they claimed the Division 2 title, the clubs first senior flag since 1969.

Prahran FC will be looking for a tenth straight win when the ball is bounced on Sunday and going into the game sky high with confidence.

Kew were able to farewell their coach Ian Aitken in style with a comfortable 40-point win over West Brunswick.

After 12 years of leading the Kew Bears that brought about 5 Premiership medals it was time for Beaser to put the whistle down and they left the coach with one big smile on his face.

Getting the jump on the Magpies was the dream start for the Bears, and by three quarter time with a 59-point lead, the Bears could enjoy the fruits of Beaser’s labour over a number of years.

The club paid tribute to Aitken on the Bears’ Instagram page this week saying “What Beaser leaves behind at the Bear Cave is a legacy that is unquantifiable and will live on for many, many years to come. His famous trademark qualities of uncompromising competitiveness, fierce passion and pure desire to get the best out of every individual that is fortunate enough to land on his magnet board have ultimately changed the fabric of our club.”

Congratulations Ian, on everything you’ve achieved.

West Brunswick will remain in Division 1 for 2024 after finishing the year with four wins from the year. They’ll no doubt take learnings away from what they have established in 2023 after being in Division 2 for consecutive seasons.

Old Peninsula were on track for a massive score against the Preston Bullants after kicking nine goals in the opening quarter.

Nelson Forrest and Bailey Payze were pivotal players in the forward line for the Pirates sharing seven goals across the day.

The Bullants hit the scoreboard after quarter time to be within touching distance at the final change, before the Pirates got one last wind in the sails and they finished off strongly with a 57-point win.

The Bullants finish the year in ninth position on the ladder after falling from Premier C at the end of last year.

The Pirates have got youth at their disposal that would leave the die-hard fans excited over summer for what’s in store when they take to the field in March next year.

For now, all eyes will be on Glen Eira, Oakleigh, Prahran FC and UHS-VU. Each side with a story of their own.

UHS-VU keen for a quick bounce back up to Premier C, Prahran FC have spent the year as nomads without a home ground, Glen Eira is desperate to reach the big dance after the heartbreak of 2022 while Oakleigh are in their first finals series since 2019.