Back in Division Two, the Brunswick NOBs recorded their first win since the 2019 preliminary final with a comprehensive thrashing of Manningham Cobras at Gillon Oval. The victory was due reward for our hardworking and talented coach Tom Hunter after a tough first year at the club and was celebrated appropriately at the Season Launch on Saturday night.

Brunswick started brightly, with the move of Tom Wilson to a key forward role reaping an immediate return of two goals in the first 14 minutes, along with one to our gun recruit Aaron Christensen, before the Cobras responded with a couple of their own as we seemed to hit a flat spot, which also translated into a number of missed chances.

The second quarter, though, was much better. We dominated general play and took our opportunities with 7.3 (to seven individual goalkickers). The hallmark was our willingness to run and share the ball. At times this saw us have one handball too many, or kicking to the dead pocket at the Sydney Road end, but the game plan was evident and, with more time playing together, the team will only continue to improve.

With the game virtually over at the main break, the second half was lacklustre at times, with the fatigue factor of round one possibly playing a part. Even so, we continued to dominate the game, but struggled to capitalise with 7.13. Such was the disparity between the teams, the final margin of 88 points was probably not an accurate reflection.

Reigning B&F Matthew Palmer picked up where he left off with a best-on-ground performance, running hard and picking up possessions all over the ground. Co-captain Nick Burgin was similarly prolific and also very damaging. On being given an opportunity at senior level, Gus Buckley was fantastic in defence, while Tom Wilson ended his day with 4.6 and was a target all day in the forward line. Rhyen Woods looks like he is set for a big season, as does Lewis White, who was very solid down back. Playing their first games for the club Aaron Christensen and Kristian Ciciulla looked to have plenty of class and hardness.

All-in-all, Brunswick looks well placed to have a big season in 2022. We are back at Gillon this week to face Power House. See you there!