Sport / Football
Brunswick holds off fast-finishing Kew in thriller at Gillon Oval
Brunswick NOBs 12.9 (81) defeated Kew 10.12 (72) at Gillon Oval
Tim Purdey
AN impressive Brunswick held off a last quarter challenge from second-placed Kew to record their third successive win in an exciting game at a windy Gillon Oval on Saturday.
After unusually still conditions had prevailed in their previous home games this season, normal service was resumed with a gusty north-westerly breeze blowing to the Sydney Road end and, with first use of it, NOBs’ vice-captain Tom Wilson curled a set shot from left-to-right to get the scoreboard rolling.
Soon after, it looked as though Gabe Banova had done the same thing, but the Kew goal umpire’s decision was controversially overruled by the field umpire. It was a costly call, as Kew took the ball down the other end to kick a goal into the wind. Lachlan Pearson replied for Brunswick, but the Bears then tied the scores after good ball movement.
Brunswick needed a strong finish to the quarter to capitalise on the wind, and it came in the form of a couple of quick goals from defensive errors caused by good forward pressure – to Tom Wllson, for his second for the term, and Joe Gale.
Aided by a 50 metre penalty, Kew got off to a quick start to the second term to narrow the margin to four points, but the NOBs answered through Oscar Watt, with a trademark goal over the back.
Brunswick then started to get on top in the midfield and a second major to Watt roving the pack was the result. The Bears closed to within nine points after 16 minutes but a monster snap from 40 into the breeze to Rowan Hogenbirk ensured that Brunswick went to the main change with an important 16-point lead.
The third quarter was a ripper, starting with an early goal to Gale, who picked the pocket of his opponent. Kew replied with a similar act against a NOBs defender, then Watt slotted his third to re-establish a 22-point lead, before the Bears roared back into the contest with the next two majors.
Brunswick were winning the ball but falling down across half-forward, before Tom Wilson kicked his third from a free kick, followed by his fourth after a clever kick from Watt to the goal square. In the 33rd minute, Andre Jaycock pounced on a kick-in error to slam through Brunswick’s fifth for the term to make it a crucial 29-point margin at the final change.
Unsurprisingly, Kew came out firing in the last quarter, with a major in the second minute, followed by a series of behinds as they pressed hard.
The NOBs’ defenders stood tall, taking repeat intercept marks, but after 14 minutes the Bears had added two more goals and closed to within eight points, with the wind still strong and all the momentum going their way. With a depleted bench, Brunswick then dug deep and showed real steel to stop Kew’s challenge in its tracks, keeping them scoreless for the last 15 minutes to hold on by nine points.
Midfielder Gabe Banova was Brunswick’s best over four quarters, while Tom Wilson’s four goals and presence in the forward line were critical to the victory. In defence, Marcus Foti and Will Kempt played blinders, while Tahj Haddock in his 100th game was as tough as ever. Rowan Hogenbirk showed he was back to his best in the middle. Will McKenzie was tireless on the wing and as second ruck, and small forward Watt took his goal-tally to 22 for the season.
Brunswick is now only a few percentage points outside the top four and have the chance to move inside it on Saturday as they face fourth-placed Preston away in what will be another huge game.
Renegades miss out on four points but win friends with dogged effort
Brunswick Renegades 3.4 (22) lost to Parkside 9.10 (64) at Pitcher Park
Trelawney Skye Edgar
BRUNSWICK did not get the result they were looking for in Saturday night’s clash under lights with Parkside but displayed the trademark undying Renegades’ spirit in pursuit of it. Backdropped by a spectacular sunset, proceedings opened with a very strong scoring wind in Parkside’s favour that asked for a lot from the Renegades’ defence early.
Brunswick stemmed the scoring tide from the start of the second quarter with an excellent full-ground defensive effort and solidly playing position. Unfortunately, the previous four-goal wind had lost some of its bite, preventing the Renegades from capitalising on it to the same degree as their hosts.
Stubborn persistence with forward-50 entries was, however, finally rewarded with a magical goal from Sally Elstub, rolling from the wing to a completely unguarded goal square and taking Parkside by surprise.
Brunswick then saw a powerful goal from a cool-under-pressure Angela Snowdon at the midpoint of the third term, and a heroic return to the field from Kiah Pearce after a nasty knock, an absolute stalwart playing fearlessly in the backline. With all engines working overtime, Rubee-Leigh Poata could be spotted all over the ground, making her presence felt with a decidedly defensive style of play across all lines.
The fourth quarter was pure Renegades footy through and through, opening with a gorgeous snap from Emily Goode for Brunswick’s third major, pushing them to take the fight right to the final second of play.
Parkside could only manage a single behind in the final term amidst a constant press of purple guernseys, forcing the home team to work for every touch. While the four points went Parkside’s way on this occasion, there was much to celebrate in Brunswick’s performance and attitude.
Going into a bye week, the Renegades now anxiously await the release of their fixture for Round 9 onwards where they will hope to claim their third win of the year.
Brunswick Voice is looking for a volunteer correspondent to file a combined 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.
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