Brunswick remains top of the ladder after bringing home the four points against a plucky Yarra Old Grammarians on a perfect autumnal Saturday afternoon at Doncaster Reserve.

Despite the conditions, it was a scrappy start to the game, as Brunswick’s midfield struggled to connect with the forward line. It was co-captain James Schmidt who straightened things up with a couple of goals, while debutant Johnny Haddad was lively and slotted a major after the siren to make the lead a more respectable 14 points.

The second quarter decided the contest, as the NOBs kicked five goals into the breeze and held the Bushrangers scoreless. Rhyen Woods, Nick Burgin and Matt Palmer were particularly dominant around the ball, while full-forward Tom Wilson took his tally to three goals for the half and Haddad added another. The backline, led by Lewis White, Darcy Heenan and Tahj Haddock, were also enjoying themselves.

It was anticipated that Brunswick might blow the Bushrangers away in the second half, but to the credit of the home side they raised their game and put the pressure back on us. In fact, but for Tom Wilson playing a blinder of a third term, with three majors, the final result might have been even closer, as a run of six straight goals to Yarra from late in the third quarter to mid-way through the fourth was the cause of some anxiety. Four consistent quarters of footy continues to elude us, but the positives still outweighed the negatives on the day.

In the end, Tom Wilson was probably the difference, proving to be a real handful for the Yarra defence all day. Woods, Palmer and Burgin were also excellent, while Haddad was exciting.

The weeks ahead will be far more testing, starting with the old enemy Parade at Gillon on Saturday in what promises to be a great game. See you there!