Brunswick’s great modern-day rivalry with Whitefriars was reignited on Saturday at Donvale, with the home side fresh off a win over ladder-leaders Parkside and chasing a finals spot, while the NOBs were looking to secure the double-chance, and the game lived up to expectations, as it was nip-and tuck all day until Friars showed greater composure in red-time in the final term to take the win.

As luck would have it, the fact South Melbourne Districts took the points over Old Yarra Cobras meant there was no change to the ladder, and a victory over Melbourne High School Old Boys in round 18 at Gillon Oval will see Brunswick finish second.

Back to the game – the NOBs arrived at Whitefriars College to find a wet track after overnight rain and the drizzle continued through the afternoon, but the visitors adapted well early with the first two goals of the game, to Gus Coverdale on the run from a tight angle and a set shot to Jasper Paevere. The Friars got one back from a free in front of goal, which turned the momentum their way, as the NOBs’ defence was under pressure for the latter part of the first term and the Friars eventually took the lead just before quarter time.

In the second quarter, Whitefriars capitalised on a defensive error to kick the first, but then young forward Alex Avraam stood up with two strong marks and straight kicks to wrest back the lead, before the home side answered again. Then, right on half time, Zephyr Hooke coolly slotted a major to put the NOBs back in front.

Immediately after the main break, the Friars grabbed the lead back, then it looked like Brunswick had an instant response, but Paul Scamporlino’s dribble goal was disallowed due to an off-the-ball infringement, which was made worse by the home side taking the ball down the other end and extending their lead to nine points. Thereafter, the NOBs had the better of things for the rest of the term, with goals to Anth Alexandris and Scamporlino putting them in front, but they couldn’t add to that tally in the last 10 minutes.

The final quarter ended up being an epic. For a start, it was the Friars who were on top, as they kicked three in-a-row to get out to a then game-high 14-point lead. To the credit of the NOBs they came roaring back with the next three goals – with another one to Paevere and two more to the dangerous Scamporlino – and halfway through the term they led by four points. But there were more twists to come as the home side fought to keep their season alive and a good size crowd urged them on, and the NOBs were overrun by a succession of majors, not aided by conceding a double-goal at a crucial stage and a goal to 50m penalty to really rub salt in-the-wound. After battling so hard, the lapses in discipline were disappointing to see, but to have a played in a finals-type game should be beneficial to the NOBs going into round 18.

Best on the day was again the prolific Angus Ross in the midfield, with Gus Coverdale not far behind him, playing in his dynamic style. Experienced heads Josh Hedley and Liam Whelan were again very good, while Tom O’Farrell took over the first ruck duties beautifully after Archie Fulton-Grigg was unfortunately concussed early on. Jasper Paevere and his mate Paul Scamporlino were lively in attack, aided by Alex Avraam.

Needless to say, see you at Gillon this Saturday for a massive game against the Unicorns!