NOBSPC vs Old Mentonians

Division 1
Score: 145 - 87
Brunswick Brunswick (as NOBSPC)
5.8-38 8.13-61 15.18-108 21.19-145
4.3-27 6.8-44 8.11-59 12.15-87
Old Mentonians Old Mentonians
167 - 26
Melbourne High School Melbourne High School
48 - 70
Seaford Seaford
48 - 14

Match Report

If I may return to the racing analogies, NOBSPC seems to be approaching peak condition just in time for the big money events in the weeks ahead. Carrying the traditional colours of purple and white NOBSPC relished their home track to put in their best effort for many weeks. One more run and they should be rock hard fit.

This was an impressive win, probably our best for the year. Old Mentonians had won five of their last six and should have beaten us at Highett earlier in the season. They were also playing to stay in the finals race and started accordingly, with two quick goals. NOBSPC responded swiftly and the game had the makings of the shoot-out played at Highett. As a result of a dominant midfield, NOBSPC ended the first term as clearly the better team, although a poor conversion rate hurt (again).

The second quarter followed a similar script as easy chances were spurned, albeit with a twist as NOBSPC played most of it with 17 men as a result of Chapman (who had started to find some form) being sent off and reported. The halftime margin of 17-points was not a true reflection of the state of the game.

Then to what has been, for most of season, the troublesome third term. The early signs weren’t great as the game was an arm wrestle, then came a brilliant burst that took NOBSPC to a seven goal quarter that sealed the match. The ball movement off half-back was quick and precise and, thankfully, rewarded by the forwards.

A last quarter of six goals to four was solid enough but overall we had dominated to such an extent that the final 58-point margin seemed to flatter the Panthers.

It was great to see Peter Shepherd back to his best and it all started with him in the ruck. Class midfielders Sauce Ezard, Damon Byrne and Adam Oakley were also in top form. Their disposal efficiency was first-rate. The big improvers in recent weeks have been Dan Tonkin (must be the sniff of Spring in the old nostrils) and Tim Weaver (so much better when taking the first option). Nick Holt has become the general of the backline and has also greatly improved his decision-making. The move of Mick O’Donoghue forward continues to pay dividends (even though he still kicks like a backman), as he provides a genuine alternative target to our star Matt Keown. Brenton Hunt has been a wonderful addition with his composure and leadership. Chris Horsley has been like new recruit as well and his goal-sense is invaluable.

It will be important to continue with good momentum heading into finals with a win over Prahran Assumption at Toorak Park next week.

Lineup
Goals
Best
22. Michael O’Donoghue 4
35. Matt Chapman 3
9. Peter Shepherd 2 5
36. Daniel Tonkin 2 6
20. Chris Horsley 2
8. Matt Keown 2
42. Timothy Weaver 2
75. Brenton Hunt 2
31. Adam Oakley 1 4
50. Brenton Lawless 1
12. Damon Byrne 1
21. Lachlan Ezard 2
3. Nick Holt 3
5. Brad Holland
62. Christian Ryan
47. Patrick Kelly
27. James Mirtschin
32. Dylan Clarkson
18. Peter Carter
33. Scott Niewand
33. Cam Fox

Gallery

Venue location

Gillon Oval

Pearson St, north of Victoria St, Brunswick VIC