Brunswick’s strong form continued as they overran top-of-the-ladder Melbourne High School Old Boys at the scenic Woodfull Miller Oval to record a comprehensive 57-point win on Saturday.

Played in perfect conditions, the game was a tight, physical struggle until midway through the third quarter when the NOBs finally got some reward for effort as they kicked three unanswered goals, before icing the match with 5.4 to 0.2 in the final term against the tiring Unicorns.

In the first quarter Brunswick was well on top early, but couldn’t convert their chances, apart from a goal to Jasper Paevere, who was on the end of some nice team play. The game then became a dour struggle between the arcs with multiple stoppages on the small ground.

After an early goal to Tyler Bruns in the second term it seemed that the NOBs might begin to pull away but the Unicorns fought back with the next two, as the game began to open up and the teams went goal-for-goal. Brunswick looked to be the better side, but MHS defended stoutly and inaccuracy was a problem. A late goal to Angus Ross, who again exhibited his elite kicking skills on the day, meant we took a 12-point lead into the main break, although we lost Matt Dickson right on the siren when he crashed into the behind post and shook the neighbouring pavilion.

The third quarter was a slow burn – NOBs (again) missed a number of gettable shots, before MHS narrowed the margin. The pressure was befitting a contest between two finals aspirants, as Tom Wilson finally found his range, then the Unicorns answered. But the intensity of the effort seemed to tell on the home side as Brunswick dialled it up and started to play fast and direct footy, resulting in goals to Kristian Ciciulla, Max Naughton (aided by a 50) and first-gamer Zephyr Hooke, another BJFC graduate.

It was all Brunswick in the final quarter. After the customary early misses, we hit the target five times, with big Jasper taking his tally to three, Aidan Pollock kicking his second, while Tom O’Farrell and Pat O’Donoghue also deservedly hit the scoreboard.

Brunswick’s backline was excellent all day, led superbly by Liam Whelan, with great support from Lewis White and Will McKenzie. Ross showed his class and toughness, while Naughton and O’Donoghue never stopped running on their respective wings and O’Farrell played his best game for the club in the ruck.

Aquinas away will another challenge for the NOBs, but let’s hope they can keep up the winning ways!