Sport / Football
Brunswick blitzes opposition in season opener
Brunswick NOBs 13.16 (94) d Therry Penola 4.6 (30) at Gillon Oval
Tim Purdey
THE stage was perfectly set for Brunswick’s return to VAFA Division 1 on Saturday at Gillon Oval against old rivals Therry Penola and they delivered their lines with aplomb, opening up an early lead and proceeding to dominate the opposition to the tune of 64 points.
In magnificent conditions for footy, there was a genuine air of excitement as members and sponsors gathered pre-match to welcome new coach Jason Reynolds and five debutants to the club.
The first term went to script quite nicely as one of the newcomers, Andre Jaycock, slotted a set shot from an angle to open the scoring, followed by a brace to Oscar Watt, including a torpedo on the run from 45.
Against the run-of-play, Therry kicked their opening goal after the quarter-time siren, but overall the signs were very promising for the NOBs.
The second quarter was even more impressive as Brunswick slammed through five unanswered majors and kept Therry scoreless. Jaycock again kicked the first goal with another beautifully taken set shot, before Tom Wilson and Zephyr Hooke hit the scoreboard, both aided by 50m penalties. Watt and Jaycock then each slotted their third for the half to complete a dominant term.
Brunswick again controlled possession in the third term, but inaccuracy meant they didn’t get full reward for effort, recording 2.10 to 1.1. Lachy Pearson snapped a goal-of-the-day contender, while Jaycock’s impressive debut was crowned with a fourth, again with the assistance of an undisciplined 50. The highlight of the quarter was an absolute screamer to Josh Mackie over a pack on the behind line.
Much of the final quarter was played between the arcs, as Therry battled hard to add some respectability to the scoreboard, before a couple of late goals to Paul Scamporlino – one of them set up by an exciting run by Marcus Foti through the middle – and an excellent shot from the angle to Lewis McKenzie, ensured a 10-goal win.
On a day when Brunswick’s midfield and small forwards enjoyed a day out, it was debutant Fletcher Banfield who took best-on-ground honours, winning a power of possession and showing real composure. Jaycock was excellent, as was captain Ben Wilson in the centre.
Ben Young was dominant in the ruck, while Tom Hedley’s run and carry on the wing was a constant headache for the opposition. Foti was very good at half-back, and it was great to have Daniel Mott back showing his class in the middle of the ground. Watt was also a livewire in attack.
Another big triple-header awaits at Gillon Oval on Saturday, with the NOBs up against Oakleigh, who like being one of the stronger sides in Division 1 this season.
Brunswick Voice is looking for a volunteer correspondent to file a weekly report about the progress of our three local clubs during the 2025 VAFA season. If that is of interest to you, contact editor@brunswickvoice.com.au with an example of your writing.
Support independent local journalism
We are an independent hyperlocal news organisation owned and run by the people in your community. With your support, we can continue to produce unique and valuable local journalism for Brunswick and the inner north of Melbourne.
