In ideal conditions at Gillon Oval on Saturday, Brunswick accounted for the newly merged Old Yarra Cobras comfortably enough, with the final margin of 3 goals 12 behinds probably telling the story of the game.

The NOBs started the game brightly, with an early goal to Tom Wilson, and proceeded to dominate possession without capitalising on the many chances being created. Aidan Pollock, on his return to the side, managed to slot one but thereafter it was the Cobras who looked dangerous as they ended up with four goals for the quarter from limited forward entries to take an unlikely lead into the first break.

In the second term, Brunswick began to get some reward for effort, with a second to Wilson, then Anthony Alexandris and Johnny Haddad hit the scoreboard, with Gus Coverdale snagging a late one to ensure we led by a couple of goals at halftime.

The third quarter would prove to be the NOBs’ best, starting with three goals in the first five minutes – to Coverdale, Jasper Paevere and Angus Ross – to open up a five-goal margin. To their credit, the Cobras kept coming, with a couple of dangerous forwards keeping our defenders busy when the ball went down there, which was usually on the counter-attack. We traded majors for the balance of the term, with Wilson and Alexandris adding to their tallies, while Alex Avraam booted one.

While the NOBs had looked the superior team all day, with more numbers at the ball and better structures, when the Cobras kicked the first two goals of the final quarter it became a 20-point game, with plenty of time left. Brunswick steadied, with majors to Haddad and Ross restoring a five-goal margin, and while the Cobras kept coming, we had the answers, with a third to Coverdale and goal-of-the-day to Gabe Banova with a classy snap from the boundary.

Gus Coverdale was best for Brunswick, playing a high-impact game, breaking tackles, gaining plenty of metres and hitting the scoreboard as well. Angus Ross was superb in the midfield, barely wasting a possession, while Anthony Alexandris continues to impress as a lively forward. Tom O’Farrell was excellent in the ruck and around the ground, and the ball-magnet Nick Burgin was a welcome addition to the side. Others who were strong contributors included the McKenzie brothers, Will and Lewis, new defender Harris Mitter and Gabe Banova.

Bulleen-Templestowe away awaits the NOBs as they seek to maintain their unbeaten opening to the season!