Brunswick set the tone early in their Division 1 debut

The Division 1 Men’s competition resumed for 2025 with the newly promoted Brunswick making their mark early with an emphatic win, whilst other teams snuck over the line to claim the first four points up for grabs this season.

Ormond started their season on the right note, defeating Division 2’s 2024 premiers Elsternwick, by 38 points. The contest was tight throughout the first half so there wasn’t much separating the two teams on the scoreboard, as Ormond carried a narrow two and three-point lead into quarter-time and half-time respectively.

Things quickly changed in the third quarter as Ormond broke away with six majors to grow their lead to a mammoth 46-points by three-quarter time. Despite a late surge from Elsternwick in the final quarter, the damage had been done and Ormond had done the work to ensure they had this game locked away.

Harrison Ross, Mason Thatcher and Ethan Konstanty were identified amongst the best players for Ormond, whilst Elsternwick captain Julian Yeatman, along with Daniel Marchese, stood up for their side on a difficult day with three goals each.

Over at Brens Oval, UHS-VU’s hosted Kew for their season opener. Despite UHS-VU finishing higher than Kew in 2024, on the two occasions these sides met, the Vulture’s winning margins were just two and nine points, so there was certainly a curiosity factor as to how this match would play out.

The home side started strong to build up a 21-point lead and leave Kew scoreless. The Bears quickly responded with three goals of their own in the second term, and the third quarter was evenly matched to leave the Vultures with a five-point lead at three-quarter time.

Ultimately, it was Kew who prevailed in the last quarter as they found their way through UHS-VU’s defence and went home victorious by 19 points. William Llewelyn and Ned Waters got their seasons off to a good start with three goals each for Kew, whilst Patrick Brookes likewise managed three majors for UHS-VU.

The Monash Blues first game in Division 1 didn’t go as they would’ve hoped, falling to Old Peninsula by 42 points. The first half had peaks and troughs for both teams resulting in Old Peninsula taking a four-point lead into half-time, which could’ve been much higher if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal.

It was in the third term however that Old Peninsula began to surge, and this momentum carried them through to the end of the game for a comfortable win. Bailey Payze starred for Old Peninsula with four goals. There were some positives for Monash as they managed to keep Old Peninsula goal-less in the second quarter, however, a loss still hurts, and they will look to bounce back next week.

An incredibly close final quarter saw Oakleigh triumph, opening their account with a nine-point victory over the Preston Bullants.

It was clear early on that this would be a close contest with both sides locked on 2.2.14 at quarter-time. Oakleigh found their way ahead in the second term, but the Bullants quickly responded in the third to build up an 11-point buffer. Nonetheless, it was not enough, as it was Oakleigh stood up in the fourth quarter to work their way back into the game and kick five goals to Preston’s two: sneaking over the line to claim the win.

The ever-reliable Luke Ashen was instrumental for Oakleigh, carrying them on his own boot kicking nine of their twelve goals, immediately stamping his authority on the Division 1 competition. He will be one to watch this season with the ability to kick a bag week in-week out.

Brunswick couldn’t have asked for a better start to their time in Division 1, emphatically defeating Therry Penola by 64 points. Brunswick dominated the scoreboard from the get-go, and that remained a consistent trend throughout the game.

The home side had built up a 43-point lead by half-time and it was clear Therry Penola would have their work cut out to reduce this lead. The third quarter was interesting as Brunswick managed 2 goals, yet 10 behinds, so the pain could’ve been a lot worse for Therry Penola if not for Brunswick’s inaccuracy.

Whilst Therry Penola put up a stronger fight in the last quarter, the game was over by then as Brunswick comfortably got over the line. Andre Jaycock was key up forward for Brunswick with four goals, whilst Lachlan Crotty, Nathan Thomas and Cairan Wrigglesworth were amongst the best players for Therry Penola.

Round 2 sees five new matchups that all have their own appeal but the match to cast an eye over would be Old Peninsula v UHS-VU.  Last season, UHS-VU finished 4th with 12 wins and Old Peninsula were close behind having finished 5th with 10 wins. Their second encounter in 2024 saw Old Peninsula scrape over the line with a 5-point win. Both these sides are highly competitive and regarded as serious contenders in 2025, so claiming the four points from this game will go a long way in both club’s campaigns. Whilst Old Peninsula had a convincing Round 1 victory over Monash, UHS-VU put up a serious challenge in the first three quarters against Kew and only fell away in the fourth quarter and couldn’t keep up with Kew’s scoring. This game is anyone’s for the taking.

Other head-to-heads in Round 2 include, Therry Penola taking on Ormond at home, while Kew will host Elsternwick at Victoria Park. The Preston Bullants will travel to face the Monash Blues, and Brunswick are fixtured to come up against Oakleigh.