Facing undefeated newcomers to Division 2 in Wattle Park at Gillon Oval on Saturday, Brunswick were again scratchy early before asserting their dominance to run away with an 89-point victory, highlighted by nine goals to big forward Hayden Parker.

In ideal conditions both sides struggled to impact the scoreboard in the first term, and it took an excellent intercept mark at half-back to recruit Cooper Watts to inspire the opening goal to Parker, followed by a nice snap from Joe Gale, to establish a lead to the NOBs at quarter-time.

The early part of the second quarter belonged to the Animals, starting with a goal from long-range in the opening minute. Parker’s second ensured that Brunswick kept their noses in front, but it wasn’t until captain Ben Wilson laid a great tackle at half-forward and bombed one at the 18-minute mark that the home side broke the shackles. From then on, though, it was the Parker show, with another three in the shadows of halftime to take the NOBs to a 33-point lead.

After Parker snagged his sixth early in the third quarter, the game was played on more even terms, until gun recruit Rowan Hogenbirk stamped his own authority on the contest with two late goals to extend the margin to 53 points at the last change, followed by a third to start the final term. Tom Hedley brought up the century for the NOBs soon thereafter, then it became all about Parker as a hat-trick took him to the precipice of double figures with time left on the clock. It wasn’t to be for Haydos on this occasion, but a second to Josh Hedley finished off a good day for the brothers.

While Parker deserved the plaudits for his wonderful display of forward craft, it was another excellent team effort from Brunswick. Hogenbirk showed his class in the midfield and forward, while Tom Hedley was very good over four quarters on the wing. Ben Wilson again was a tower of strength and Tahj Haddock was impassable in defence. Oscar Watt was again very creative and Tom O’Farrell continues to impress.

Next is Melbourne High School Old Boys away, which is always a challenge, as Brunswick seek to remain undefeated. See you there!