In a game of footy that didn’t reach any great heights, and after receiving a wake-up call in the second half, Brunswick ultimately got the job done in accounting for Bulleen Templestowe by 44 points at Gillon Oval on Saturday.

Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, the NOBs were sluggish early then conceded the opening goal due to a critical turnover at centre half back compounded by a 50-metre penalty, before straightening themselves up with the next three majors. But another silly 50 at half back cost us again, before the exciting Johnny Haddad snagged one right on the siren to make the margin a more respectable 16 points.

For the first half of the second term both sides seemed to intent on defence as the game was played on the defensive wing in front of the grandstands. Eventually the NOBs found a way to score through the versatile Kane Daly followed by a brace to Haddad, who was BOG to half time, then a second to Jasper Paevere, who is developing into a real key forward prospect, as we established a commanding 45-point lead at the main break.

Brunswick’s third quarter was poor, starting with a third gifted goal to the Bullants after an unnecessary downfield free. That it took until the 15-minute mark to kick our first major through Tom Wilson spoke volumes for the ineffectual way in which we used with the breeze. As a result of indiscipline, we then conceded another goal through a 50-metre penalty, followed by one to a high tackle straight in front. It wasn’t until the 27-minute of the third term that the Bullants kicked a goal that we had not gifted to them, but by three-quarter time they had closed the margin to 33 points.

The Bullants then kicked two of the first three goals of the final term to make it a four-goal game after seven minutes, which seemed to wake-up the slumbering NOBs who managed to control the ball thereafter, scoring the last three majors of the game.

On a day in which Brunswick dominated the possession count, co-captain James Schmidt racked up plenty playing at half back, while Ben Wilson had the ball-on-a-string in the middle of the ground. Daly was very good all day and capped it off with three goals. Gus Buckley continues to grow as a senior player, while Angus Ross showed his class in the midfield. Aidan Pollock was a consistent presence at half forward, while Haddad set the game up early, before an unfortunate injury in the second half.

Next week we take on another top-four side in West Brunswick at Ransford Oval when consistency of effort and discipline will be needed to bring home the points. See you there!