Swans loom as contenders as St Marys claim a big result

Round 11 of Division 2 Men’s brought some of the more thrilling comebacks this season, with teams showing incredible heart and determination as we lead into the bye.

A champion team knows how to come back, and at Bennettswood Reserve, Brunswick made a statement, with a comeback win against Wattle Park. The men in purple defeated the Animals by 21 points.

Both teams came out strong in the first quarter, with the Animals showing promise early on, securing a narrow 2-point lead by the end of the term.

However, Wattle Park rallied nicely in the second quarter, kicking four goals to two and surging ahead to establish a handy 14-point lead over the ladder leaders.

Brunswick proved why they are the best team in the section, their whole team looked much better after halftime as they built momentum when going forward.

They started playing with intent and earned a 19-point lead at the final change. From there, Brunswick never looked back and defeated the struggling Wattle Park 13.11 (89) to 9.14 (68).

Despite their spirited start to the year, Brunswick’s dominance meant that Wattle Park endured their fifth consecutive loss this season. They now sit a game and percentage outside the top 4.

Brunswick’s Angus Coverdale was the player of the match as he kicked 6 goals, and Hayden Parker supported him by booting in 3 goals.

Brunswick’s coach, Tom Hunter spoke post-game saying, “Before this game, we lost against South Melbourne because they were excellent against us.”

“Credit to Wattle Park because they were ahead of us in the first half, but in the second half, we decided to play aggressively.”

Once again, there’s hope for St Mary’s Salesian, as they defeated finals challengers Whitefriars by 38 points.

The first quarter was a nail-biting contest, with both teams going toe-to-toe. However, St Mary’s found their stride in the second quarter, pulling ahead with a 15-point buffer heading into the main break.

The Saints continued to perform after half time and left the Friars struggling to keep up, carrying a more than five-goal lead into the final term.

St Mary’s defence remained rock-solid, keeping the Friars at bay and preventing any serious comeback attempts. By the fourth quarter, St Mary’s had sealed their victory with a decisive score of 15.8 (98) to Whitefriars’s 8.12 (60).

St Mary’s Jude Dannaoui had a standout game with three majors, while teammates Trent Ryan, Luke McIntosh, and Andrew Howell each chipped in with 2 goals, adding to the team’s dominant performance.

St Mary’s coach Clay Tait expressed happiness after the game: “We attacked the contest hard all day and drove the ball forward as much as possible. With a young and inexperienced side, we’ve seen that our best is very good; it’s about getting that more consistently.”

South Melbourne, the only team to challenge Brunswick this season, kept its head high as it emerged victorious again. South Melbourne defeated Elsternwick by 46 points.

The Swans took control from the outset, securing a commanding 20-point lead in the first quarter.

South Melbourne’s defence stifled the Wickers in the second quarter, allowing them few opportunities to score. The final scoreboard reflected their dominance, with South Melbourne triumphing 10.15 (75) to Elsternwick’s 4.5 (29).

South Melbourne’s had a ray of contributors with eight individual goal kickers.

Elsternwick captain Richard Main booted in 2 goals for the visitors but didn’t get support from his teammates.

After the game, South Melbourne coach Nick Abbott said, “It was important for us to win against a team above us on the ladder.”

“We still have room for improvement, but belief is growing, and the club has an exciting vibe.”

“We had to win the contested ball and make the day uncomfortable for Elsternwick.”

MHSOB emerged victorious over Aquinas, recording 79-42 win at Melbourne High School.

The game began with a strong opening from Aquinas, who came out swinging, opening up an 18-point quarter tine advantage.

Defence was the name of the game in the second term, with MHSOB scoring just four behinds to Aquinas one behind in what became a scrubby contest. The Bloods holding a 15-point lead at the main break.

MHSOB coach Bernie Pretty must’ve given an almighty half time spray, because his side cam out of the break roaring.

The Unicorns outscored their opponents 67-15 in the second half to runaway 37-point victors.

MHSOB’s Mitchell Wilson kicked in 3 second half goals. Meanwhile, Aquinas’ Harry Dwyer booted in 5 goals to push his team, but it’s a team sport.

Post-game Pretty said; “Our focus was and will continue to improve our decision-making and skill execution.”

“We started slowly but progressed in the second half and took plenty of positives, aside from the win, out of the game.”

Hawthorn kept their winning streak alive with a convincing 24-point victory over Bulleen Templestowe at Ted Ajani Reserve.

In the first quarter, it was the Bullants who started with a bang as they were heading into with a 13-point- lead.

But the Hawks snapped into gear and put foot to the floor on the back of a six goal to one second quarter.

Except for that first term, Hawthorn marched on with the lead every quarter, ensuring they won the game comfortably. The final score was Hawthorn 14.9 (93) to 11.3 (69) Bulleen Templestowe.

Hawthorn’s Will Molloy was the top goal kicker of the match, as he converted on four occasions for his team. Whilst Seb Cookson at the other end of the ground for the Bullants, also kicked four of his own.

As we head towards the twelfth round after the bye, teams are more desperate to perform in every game as the business end of the season looms.

Brunswick will face Elsternwick at Gillon Oval, while South Melbourne will be looking to claim another four points against Bulleen Templestowe. Whitefriars will host Wattle Park, MHSOB vs Hawthorn will be a game to watch, and finally Aquinas will host St Mary’s Salesian at JW Manson Reserve.