Hawks keep their finals hopes alive while Brunswick survive a scare

After the thrill that was Round 17 of Division 2 Men’s footy, top spot is certainly locked in, but there will still be fierce competition for the remaining finals places.

The footy action was back at Gillion Oval as the table-topping Brunswick snagged a thrilling 9-point victory over MHSOB in a nail-biter. The final score had Brunswick at 11.7 (73) and MHSOB at 9.10 (64).

The game kicked off with a tight first half. Both teams displayed impressive defensive capabilities, making scoring hard for the opposing forwards. In the third quarter, MHSOB managed to gain a slight 7-point advantage and poised a major upset.

But how long can you hold off Brunswick? This time, the men in purple learned from their mistakes after the belting last week and focused heavily on their disposal efficiency. Both teams’ forward lines were firing, but Benjamin Young ultimately secured Brunswick’s victory in the fourth quarter.

With Hayden Parker back in, Brunswick had an edge. He kicked 3 goals, supported by his teammates. Will Hellier (4 goals) and Sam Hayes (3) were the top players for MHSOB, but it wasn’t enough to get them over the line.

At Aquinas College, South Melbourne Districts outplayed the hosts Aquinas by 43 points to stay in third on the ladder, taking the final score of 15.20 (110) to 10.7 (67). Aquinas started with a 4-point lead against the Bloods in the first quarter. However, the visitors made a statement in the second quarter and surged ahead with a 21-point lead into the main break.

Through the third quarter, South Melbourne had solidified control over the game. Their forwards and defence coordinated effectively to secure possession and win the contest in the fourth quarter.

Jamie Brooker (4 goals) and Julian Galbally (3) were the top performers for the Swans, whereas Harry Dwyer and Jacob Costello kicked 6 goals together for Aquinas.

The fifth-placed Hawthorn gave it their all again and fought to a 24-point victory over the fourth-placed Whitefriars. It was a must-win game for the Hawks, to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Friars came out strong in the first quarter, with Hawthorn kicking an inaccurate 2.6 (18) trailing Whitefriars 5.2 (32). The Hawks came back in the second quarter but were still three points behind at half-time.

The Hawks’ disposals and conversion rate improved in the third quarter, giving them a slight 12-point lead. They could have blown the game out there and then, however, they kicked an unsettling 3.10 in the third.

The defenders did their job for Hawthorn in the fourth quarter, securing what ended as a comfortable victory.

Hawthorn’s Jack Kenny emerged as the top goal kicker, scoring 5 majors, James Southby added four of his own. Meanwhile, Whitefriars’ Sam Kieseker performed impressively, booting four goals. The upcoming game holds great importance for both teams.

After the game, Hawthorn’s coach said, “I am happy with the win, and we just have one final game remaining; we need to win it somehow and hope some teams lose. We have been playing good footy since the last few games, and we are confident with our team’s performance.”

Whitefriars, currently maintain fourth on 42 points, holding onto the final finals place by just half a game to the Hawks. It’s now as simple as ‘win and you’re in’ for the Friars.

St Mary’s Salesian defeated Wattle Park by 40 points at Bennettswood Reserve. The final scoreline reading 13.14 (92) to 7.10 (52). This season has been a forgettable one for the Animals. Once again, they failed to slot a major in the first quarter, giving St Mary’s the upper hand.

St Mary’s dominated in the second quarter, commanding a 58-16 lead at half-time. The Animals struggled in the third and fourth quarters, failing to convert goals and missing numerous opportunities. St Mary’s capitalised on their chances and toyed with the Animals throughout the game.

St Mary’s Hamish Macmillan and Lachlan Russell combined for seven goals, whereas from Wattle Park, Daniel Hill was the only man with multiple goals.

Rounding out the weekend, Elsternwick defeated Bulleen Templestowe by a comfortable 46 points and punched their ticket to the Division 2 finals. The final score at Ted Ajani Reserve was the Wickers 13.14 (92) to the Bullants 6.10 (46).

The first quarter was the highlight of the whole game for Bulleen Templestowe fans, as they were cruising ahead by 27 points. A major upset was brewing as the Wickers were struggling to break the defence of Bulleen Templestowe.

In the second quarter, the Bullants started strong, but the Wickers rallied back into the contest, and by halftime, the game back to a one-point margin

During the third term, the Wickers showed their dominance and gained an impressive lead, while the Bullants struggled to score, managing only a single goal, then only four behinds in the last. A solid team effort by Elsternwick led them to victory, thanks to vice-captain Spencer Hankin’s 4 goals, which sealed the win for them.

As we enter the final round of the home and away season, every team is eager to finish on a high. The action kicks off at Lindsay Hasset Oval with an epic clash between South Melbourne Districts and Brunswick. South Melbourne can still finish second with a win, but also need the Wickers to lose to claim the double chance.

Meanwhile, at the picturesque Melbourne High School, MHSOB will take on St Mary’s Salesian, with the winner to claim 6^th spot. Bulleen Templestowe is gearing up for a tough battle against the mighty Whitefriars. A win is imperative for both sides, the importance for the Friars has been alluded to, but if Bulleen Templestowe pull off the upset, they could jump out of the relegation zone entirely (given other results go their way).

Elsternwick will play host to Wattle Park, while Hawthorn is set to take on Aquinas in a crucial must-win match.