Not for the first time in recent years, Brunswick failed to master the wind in a final and it cost them dearly in the second semi against Elsternwick at La Trobe University on Saturday, with the tale of the game being 3.11 to the NOBs kicking with the breeze versus the opposition’s 8.4.

Actually, to call it a breeze is inaccurate. It was more akin to a gale and worth at least five goals, but Brunswick simply didn’t take their chances when they came, especially in the first quarter when, after an early long goal to Lewis McKenzie down the middle of the ground, they proceeded to get stuck in the dead forward pocket due to a combination of good defence and poor offence, then missed several gilt-edged opportunities. Late on, Gus Coverdale showed how to utilize the conditions from the attacking pocket, to make it 2.5 to 0.2 at the first change, but it was very much an under-par score.

When Elsternwick’s turn came with the wind they showed how it should be done, going straight down the middle at every opportunity, slamming on four goals in a critical opening eight minutes. Thereafter, the NOBs stemmed the bleeding out of the middle and started to get on top around the ground, but kicking goals into the breeze was nigh on impossible. Eventually, Tom Hedley got reward for the team’s effort from an angle, but it was unfortunately instantly cancelled out by a goal to the Wickers from the restart to establish a nine-point lead at halftime.

The equation for Brunswick was simple – they needed to outscore Elsternwick by at least five goals in the third term to give themselves a proper chance at victory, with the accompanying direct route to the grand final and promotion to Division One. What transpired unfortunately was an exercise in frustration for NOBs’ supporters as their side was unwilling or unable play quickly and directly through the middle of the ground, again getting sucked in to the dead forward pocket, with the chances that came being spurned, apart from one to Brunswick’s best player, Rowan Hogenbirk, who kicked long and straight at the 11-minute mark. The frustration was completed by a goal conceded into the wind courtesy of a defensive turnover and 50m penalty, which meant that Elsternwick were still in front heading into the final quarter.

A miracle was needed for the NOBs, but it didn’t materialise, as the Wickers kicked two early goals to skip out to a three-goal lead, which was extended to a game-high 28 points after 20 minutes. Brunswick kept plugging away into the wind, with good goals to Will McKenzie and James Schmidt the result, but it was too little, too late as Elsternwick booked their spot in the big one, while the NOBs get to utilize the double-chance against South Melbourne Districts in the preliminary final this week.

Hogenbirk played one of the great games in a losing final, trying to carry the side on his broad shoulders all day. Coverdale also had a red-hot go and captain Ben Wilson worked his way into the contest after a slow start. Lewis McKenzie and rucks Tom O’Farrell and Ben Young were others to contribute in the difficult conditions.

Brunswick get another opportunity to get an appropriate reward for their excellent season against a tough opponent in South Melbourne. Be there to show your support for the boys!