Ormond snatch victory in second-half blitz and the Magpies are on the board

The West Brunswick Magpies get their season up and running after singing the song for the first time this season, while UHS-VU record yet another convincing win.

Ormond came from behind to beat a gallant Preston Bullants side by 8 points. The Preston Bullants welcomed nine new players to the team including captain/coach Tom Hill. The Skipper’s presence up forward clearly showed, helping his side to a four-point lead against the breeze at quarter-time. The efficiency going inside 50 was much improved with a superb performance by key forward Alex Johnston kicking two early goals in the first term.

Meanwhile, the Monders were wasteful in front of goal in the first half and were beaten in the midfield by the likes of Preston Bullants midfielder Sean Calcedo who was a clear class above. The Monders trailing by 17 points at half-time knew they needed a huge second-half and midfielder Rhys Kennedy lifted his intensity and had a huge impact around the ball. Sam Stait had a dominant third term kicking two goals in a row and used the ball aggressively to get his team to a 10-point lead at three-quarter time. Stait appeared again kicking the first of the final quarter against the breeze and the Preston Bullants ran out of legs.

UHS-VU remains undefeated, comfortably beating Prahran by 65 points at home. The pressure from UHS-VU’s forward line was difficult for Prahran to handle in the first term. UHS-VU were always a step ahead of Prahran lengthening their 17-point lead at half-time by kicking the first six goals of the third term. Jacob Hunt starred with three goal and was adeptly supported by youngster Ned Couper-Johnston who finished the afternoon with three majors of his own.

Liam Starzer continued to impress for UHS-VU in the ruck providing great service to midfielders James Healey and Esubalew Ramsay who both had big games. Prahran’s big men Shaun Chapman and Rory Brodie gave great effort, but it wasn’t to be after a goalless third term.

The Old Peninsula Pirates got the job done over a competitive Therry Penola Lions team by 14 points. The Pirates engine room was switched on early with Kurt Thiele and Hugh Peacock leading the way as the Pirates took a 32-point lead into quarter-time. The Lions efficiency going inside 50 got them back into the game with forward Brenton Egglestone kicking four for the day and the Lions accurately kicked 11.3 for the match.

The Lions were full of confidence getting back within two goals at half-time, but the skill set of Bailey Payze was on show starring with four goals for the Pirates. Lions Jack Ford had another great game down back but the quicker spread from the contest by the Pirates was too strong.

The Parkside Devils defeated the Kew Bears by 60 points at Victoria Park. It was an even spread of contributors from the Devils with their dangerous forward line of Dominic Douglas and Jack Hamilton setting the tone in the first half. Apart from three goals for Bears’ forward Ned Waters continuing his great season, Kew struggled to connect going forward.

In comparison, the Devils’ forward line flourished with small forward Ciaran Cotter kicking the three goals as well the inform Michael Romano slotting three majors to help their side move up into second place on the ladder.

The West Brunswick Magpies brought up their first win of the season defeating the winless Old Yarra Cobras by 16 points. It was a low scoring affair in the first half with both sides only managing two goals apiece. In the second half the game began to open up and the speed from Old Yarra Cobras forward Anthony Raso proved a handful, kicking three goals as his side lead for the majority of the game.

In low scoring games you need your key players to step up and Thomas Zafiropoulos did so, slotting four of the Magpies’ nine goals. Leading for most of the game the Old Yarra Cobras will take a lot of positives out of the match, but it wasn’t to be.

Round 7 kicks off with a showdown between two contenders, as a spot in the top four becomes more competitive. Ormond will have their biggest challenge to date as they take on the undefeated UHS-VU side at E.E Gunn Reserve. The Monders will have to put in a four-quarter performance this week against a side full of confidence.

Kew and Prahran will be looking to bounce back after both suffering disappointing losses. The job of nullifying Prahran’s Shaun Chapman and Rory Brodie aerially will not be easy in a must win game for both sides.

Old Peninsula are back at home against West Brunswick who are determined to continue their journey up the ladder. The midfield of the Pirates continues to impress, and the depth of their squad will continue to strengthen as they gradually get players back.

The Preston Bullants take on the Parkside at home. The Devils may need to consider putting some attention into Sean Calcedo who is an integral part to their side’s performance and is damaging if given space.

The Old Yarra Cobras will have another good opportunity to bring up their first win of the season playing against Therry Penola. If results indicate anything, it should be one of the closest games of the round.