On an idyllic autumnal day at Gillon Oval, a young Preston Bullants side showed why they are climbing through the VAFA ranks by outclassing Brunswick NOBSPC in the first half to set up a comfortable win.

As was the case the week before, the NOBs staged a comeback after the main break but the damage was done in the second quarter, when the Bullants kicked six goals to one in a dominant display, with crisp disposal by hand and foot a hallmark.

Basically we couldn’t get our hands on the ball early, and when we did we struggled to get it past the centreline. A more direct approach in the second half reaped some rewards, best exemplified by a coast-to-coast goal in the third quarter.

Under siege down back, especially in the first half, Cameron Fox and Anthony Argento were again massive and, considering we have played four top sides in a row, they must be among the in-form defenders of Division One.

Playing his 150th game for the club, Chris Ford also gave his all, as did Scott Thomas in the ruck, who is having a great start to the season.

The second half saw a better contribution from the midfield, led by Damon Byrne, Adam Oakley and Lachlan Ezard.

The forwards were accurate – it took until the last few minutes of the game before they kicked a behind – but the lack of smalls to crumb and apply forward pressure was telling all day.

It has been a tough few weeks for us but the pleasing thing to take out of it has been our competitiveness. In the weeks to come we will get the chance to play some sides lower in the ladder, starting this week against Ivanhoe away. They are must-win games so we can keep in touch with the Four. Get down to offer your support!