Top four set: Brunswick, Elsternwick, South Melbourne, and Whitefriars in; Hawthorn narrowly misses out

The Division 2 Men’s Finals are here, and the top four teams are ready to battle for glory. It has been a season of intense competition, with each team leaving everything on the field.

In a thrilling season finale, the top four have emerged. Brunswick leads the pack on 60 points, following closely behind is Elsternwick at the second position with 50. South Melbourne Districts secured the third spot on 48 points, and rounding out the four is Whitefriars, who have 46 points, making them the final team to qualify for the Finals.

The weekend’s action kicked off at Lindsay Hassett Oval, with the South Melbourne Districts triumphing over table-toppers Brunswick by 16 points, and in doing so punching their ticket to the finals.

Brunswick put up an average performance, facing struggles right from the first quarter. They managed to score only one goal in the first quarter, as the Bloods had a slight edge. The highlight was the third quarter, where South Melbourne surged ahead with a massive 41-point lead. Despite Brunswick’s efforts in the final quarter, their earlier mistakes ultimately cost them the match.

South Melbourne’s Aris Moustakas, Jesse Andrew and Zephyr Howson kicked two goals each for their team. Their contributions helping in the 11.17 (83) to 10.7 (67) win. Overall, the Blood’s team effort was terrific, and they’ll face Whitefriars in the elimination final next week.

The sixth-placed MHSOB defeated the seventh-placed St Mary’s Salesian at Melbourne High School by 42 points, the final score was MHSOB 20.8 (128) to St Mary’s at 13.8 (86).

The game was evenly matched in the first quarter, MHSOB managed to take a five-point lead into the first change. However, MHSOB brought their A-game in the second quarter and dominated across the field, making it one of their best quarters of the season.

They prevented St Mary’s forwards from scoring, taking a commanding 40-point lead into half time. As the game progressed to the third quarter, MHSOB maintained its strong pressure and stayed ahead. However, despite a gallant Saints outfit, it was too little, too late for St Mary’s. MHSOB secured its victory in the fourth quarter, finishing the season in sixth place. Will Hellier from MHSOB was the standout player of the match, scoring an impressive 6 goals, while St Mary’s Trent Ryan kicked 3 goals.

At the Ted Ajani Reserve, Whitefriars outplayed the Bulleen Templestowe by 116 points and qualified for the finals in style. The Friars defeated the Bullants 25.13 (163) to 4.11 (47). Whitefriars came out swinging from the opening bounce and didn’t give the Bullants a chance to apply pressure. Their disposal and conversion rates were off the charts, especially in the first quarter, where they nailed some impressive goals.

They needed a big win to secure a spot in the top four, and they delivered. In the third quarter, the Friars’ defence shut down the Bullants’ forwards, sealing their exceptional victory.

Nicholas Garratt from Whitefriars was unstoppable, scoring an outstanding 10 goals, while his teammate Sam Kieseker booted an impressive 7 goals. Yes, they combined for 17. Whitefriars will now face South Melbourne in the Elimination final. 

In a competitive clash at Holmes Todd Oval, second-placed Elsternwick secured a hard-fought 12-point victory over ninth-placed Wattle Park, 15.11 (101) to 12.17 (89). Elsternwick blitzed from the first quarter and claimed an early lead, while Wattle Park, already having a tough season, fought to gain ground.

Despite Wattle Park’s best efforts, it struggled to catch up, trailing the Wickers by 13 points at the main break. In the third quarter, Wattle Park’s comeback looked bleak, and despite a strong effort in the fourth quarter, their early struggles ultimately led to a narrow defeat by just a few points.

Elsternwick’s vice-captain Spencer Hankin kicked 6 goals for his team, and Daniel Hill from Wattle Park kicked 3 goals. Elsternwick will be playing Brunswick in the qualifying final this upcoming weekend, for a spot in Division 2 Grand Final.

At Rathmines Road Reserve, Hawthorn delivered a commanding performance, securing a 50-point victory over Aquinas. The final score was Hawthorn at 17.27 (129) to Aquinas at 12.7 (79). The Hawks set the tone early, leading by 13 points after the first quarter and extending their advantage throughout the match.

By halftime they had built a 31-point lead, but could have surged to an even bigger gap, with the scoreboard reading 8.16 to 5.3. The Hawks’ relentless attack saw them surge ahead in the third quarter. They lead by more than 11 goals, effectively sealing the game.

Hawthorn’s William Meehan kicked 4 goals for the afternoon, he was one of five multiple goal-scorers for the victors. However, unfortunately for the Hawks, they were banking on a loss for the either the Bloods or Friars to have any chance of making the four. South Melbourne’s and Whitefriars’ wins meant there was no path for Hawthorn.

Now that the league stage has finished, it’s time to pack the bags and move on to see the top four teams that will be playing this weekend. As mentioned, Brunswick and Elsternwick will play off for a spot in the Grand Final, while the loser of that match, will play the winner of the Elimination Final between the Bloods and Friars.