In the Division Two grand final on Saturday at La Trobe University, it was a case of terrible weather begat terrible football, proven by a unique four goals to three scoreline, but unfortunately for Brunswick it was Elsternwick who handled the pressure of the moment and the conditions on the day better to record back-to-back premierships.

The game as a spectacle can best be summarized by this statistic – the last goal was scored at the two-minute mark of the third quarter by Elsternwick followed by 17 consecutive behinds to both sides. This while spectators froze, and the umpires steadfastly refused to pay free kicks which would have opened up the game. All-in-all, it was an arduous two-and-a-half hours for Brunswick supporters.

Early on the signs were much brighter for the NOBs as they started well kicking into the wind, creating three excellent opportunities in front of goal, but could only manage one behind from them – a poster to Oscar Watt. The wind then got stronger and sideways rain hit, and Brunswick lost their way somewhat, especially attempting to clear the ball from defence, although the Bombers were struggling to capitalize until a brain-fade from a NOBs’ defender in the goal square gifted them the opening goal of the game at the 30-minute mark.

With the use of the gale in the second term, the NOBs got an early major on the board through Will McKenzie, aided by a 50m penalty, then Watt used his smarts to snag one on the goal line. The Bombers replied quickly with a critical goal into the wind, then Hayden Parker took a huge pack mark and goaled from directly in front to re-establish a narrow lead after 17 minutes. But Elsternwick then managed to control the remainder of the half, creating a number of chances crowned by a second goal to the dangerous small forward Marchese, and they took an important six-point lead into the main change.

Soon after the restart, it was Marchese again who did the damage with his third (and the game’s final) goal to set up a 12-point buffer that would prove impenetrable for the NOBs as the quality of the game descended as the tough conditions and poor umpiring took their toll. In fact, such was the Bombers dominance around the ball that it was only their shocking kicking for goal (eight straight behinds) that kept Brunswick in the contest at three quarter-time.

The final term was tough to watch, unless you were an Elsternwick fan, as the game was more like rugby, with few clean possessions to be had. For the first nine minutes, there was no score at all, until Brunswick kicked a behind, and while a few gettable opportunities were created thereafter, the NOBs never looked likely to challenge, such was the discipline of Elsternwick, who proved themselves to be the superior finals side.

The Brunswick defence was under pressure most of the day, where Lewis White and Tahj Haddock stood tall. The midfield found the going tough, but Josh Hedley and Ben Wilson battled hard, while wingers Tom Hedley and Will McKenzie kept running and creating options on the big ground. The forward line struggled, but the conditions made it difficult, as did the absence of Jasper Paevere (who sadly did his ACL in the preliminary final) and Hayden Parker after half-time with a groin strain.

Despite the disappointment of a grand final loss, Brunswick can be very proud of their achievement in gaining promotion to Division One and have much to look forward to with this young, talented group. See you in 2025!