A disappointing performance by Brunswick against a well-organised Old Yarra Cobras at Koonung Park on Saturday resulted in a 38-point defeat and sees them clinging to second spot on the ladder, but only a game ahead of fifth.

It was an unusually flat and listless NOBs’ team who struggled to build up any real momentum throughout the game, especially when kicking with the aid of a strong breeze in the first and third terms, and while some key personnel were missing, much more was expected from the 22 who took the field.

The first quarter represented a wasted opportunity. After a lacklustre start, Tom Wilson goaled after 10 minutes, followed by majors to the returning Jasper Paevere and Jack Spencer, but a late goal to the Cobras hurt.

In the second term, Brunswick managed to win plenty of the ball, but as the wind got stronger their skills dropped markedly and they struggled to hit targets. After eight minutes, Big Jasper kicked his second to restore a two-goal lead, but it proved to be false dawn as the home slotted the next four, before Tom Wilson was the beneficiary of 50m penalty to goal on halftime, riling up the opposition and the crowd in the process.

It was hoped that the NOBs would respond after the main break and take advantage of the wind, but they simply couldn’t get their hands on the ball for much of the third quarter. Jonny Haddad goaled after 10 minutes, but that was it until very late on when Gus Coverdale kicked a long-range bomb to drag it back to a three-goal deficit. However, a subsequent set-shot miss from directly in front would sum up the day for Brunswick.

In the final term, the home supporters were nervous, but they needn’t have been as their team played with poise and rolled over-the-top of the NOBs with 5.5 to 2.1. Matt Horan and Tom Wilson (with his third) were the two goalkickers.

Lewis White was best, taking numerous marks in defence, one of which was a hanger in a rare highlight on the day. Ewan Baulch was also excellent down back and he continues to improve with every senior game. In the midfield, Liam Whelan, Josh Hedley and Angus Ross all tried hard. Jasper Paevere’s return to the side had provided another highlight until he went down with an ankle injury contesting a centre bounce in the final term. Fingers crossed it is not too serious.

The big challenges keep on coming, as we face South Melbourne Districts at Gillon this week in another eight-point game. See you there!