In unseasonably ideal conditions at Gillon Oval, Brunswick asserted their dominance over Bulleen Templestowe for the second time this season, running out convincing 58-point winners on Saturday.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic though – just after halftime only a point separated the sides – but with a brilliant eight-goal third term the NOBs put the game to rest and displayed some encouraging form as they build-up to playing finals.

Despite the conditions, the game was scrappy in the first quarter, but when Brunswick managed to slot the opening three goals – to Tom Wilson, Aidan Pollock, and Darcy Heenan – it looked like they might be set for a relatively easy day. However, defensive handling errors led to the NOBs conceding three majors in seven minutes and the lead by the first break.

The second term followed a similar pattern. This time the NOBs kicked the first four majors, with another couple to Tom Wilson, including goal-of-the-day from an impossible angle, a second to Heenan and one to Jonny Haddad, who was having a day out. Then the Bullants hit back – again aided by defensive turnovers – and the margin was reduced to eight points at the half.

In the third quarter the game really opened up. After the visitors kicked the first goal to make it a one-point contest, Brunswick went on a goalscoring spree, with five in the next eight minutes, highlighted by another couple to Haddad and singles to Lewis White, Angus Coverdale and Paul Scamporlino.

As they had done in the previous two terms, the Bullants fought back and slotted a couple of quick ones to make it a three-goal game again, but in the defining period of the match, it was the NOBs who finished the quarter better, slamming home three more majors, with a second to Scamporlino, a fourth to Tom Wilson and one to Tom Hedley, who was dominant on his wing all day.

By the last quarter, the Bullants’ challenge had been extinguished and they only managed a solitary behind, while Jack Spencer hit the scoreboard twice and Scamporlino bobbed up again to make it three from him.

Jonny Haddad was clearly BOG, winning a power of possessions in the midfield and floating forward to bag three. Tom Hedley was excellent over four quarters, while Anthony Alexandris played his best game at senior level. Lewis White was back to his marking best at halfback and captain Ben Wilson was a bull in the middle. Other good contributors included Liam Whelan, Tahj Haddock and Angus Ross.

Brunswick make the trip to Koonung Park to face third-placed Old Yarra Cobras in a game that could go a long way in deciding who gets the double-chance. It promises to be a huge clash. See you there!