On Saturday at Gillon Oval Brunswick faced their first true test of the season in the form of arch rivals Old Paradians and the game did not disappoint as a contest, with only a kick separating the sides at the 25-minute mark of the third quarter before the NOBs slammed on three quick goals which proved to be critical in taking them to a hard-earned victory and a 4-0 start to the year.

The first quarter was a real arm wrestle, with goals hard to come by, but it was Parade who kicked the first couple before Brunswick edged their way back to a narrow lead, with a snap out of the ruck from Adam Bevanda bringing the opener and some good fortune for Johnny Haddad with a 50-metre penalty just before quarter-time.

The second term was even more grinding, with no goals at all until Paddy O’Donoghue slotted one from long-range at the 20-minute mark, which precipitated a purple-patch for the NOBs – with Rhyen Woods and Aaron Christensen also hitting the scoreboard in rapid succession – and the establishment of a 22-point lead at the main break.

A change came over the game early in the third quarter as Brunswick committed a number of critical defensive errors which Parade took full toll of in kicking four goals and closing the gap to five points after 18 minutes. Then, with the game in the balance, the NOBs dug deep to wrest back control and score three crucial majors in the shadows of three-quarter time, including two in succession to Christensen and one to Gus Coverdale.

Goals to James Schmidt and Matt Palmer took Brunswick’s lead out to 40 points at the 14-minute mark of the last term, which ended the contest, before Christensen topped off his great game with another couple before the siren.

There were many excellent contributors to this very good win, not least Christensen who was a genuine game-breaker with his five goals. Rhyen Woods again played with class and poise in the midfield, while key defenders Lewis White, Darcy Heenan and Will McKenzie didn’t seem to lose a one-on-one contest between them and continually spring-boarded the team into attack. Gus Coverdale and Max Naughton provided run all day, while Adam Bevanda never stopped in the ruck.

This week the testing material is Ivanhoe away in a top-of-the-table showdown. Come along and see if the NOBs can maintain their unbeaten run!