Our coach Ron Rooney declared before round one that in eight weeks time we could expect to see a good football side. Five weeks later he might have just been proved wrong but no one, especially Ron, is complaining.

Despite missing a number of players, NOBSPC put in a four quarter performance for the first time this year and completely dominated at Gillon Oval, holding Whitefriars to just two goals and running out winners by 67 points. The scene was set early with hard attack on the ball by the whole team and the opposition never got into the contest. We had winners all over the ground and the back line should be particularly proud of their effort in keeping the opposition goalless in the first half.

The day contained plenty of highlights. We witnessed a great debut by Ahmed Rafei, who endeared himself to the All Saints coterie members by kicking the goal of the day from the boundary line and taking some strong grabs inside 50. Our captain Matt Keown was back to his brilliant best with five goals and creating many more. Lachie Ezard was in top form in the middle before unfortunately breaking a finger in the second quarter. Fingers crossed he doesn’t miss too many games. Junior Colman came of age with a composed effort down back, while Jezza Nettlefold and Dylan Clarkson played their best games for the year. Peter Shepherd was again superb. Adam Oakley made a strong return from injury and the old bloke Dan Tonkin relished the wet conditions.

We travel to Williamstown next week, which is one the toughest challenges in Division 1. Try and get down there to support the boys as they continue to improve. Can’t wait to see what they will give us in the weeks ahead.