Playing at Aquinas College’s no. 2 ground on a deck that wasn’t just heavy, but genuinely bottomless, Brunswick NOBs survived a scare to come back from a 20-point deficit late in the third quarter to squeak home by five points against Aquinas Old Collegians on Saturday.

On a surface that was shifting underfoot, but thankfully in dry, still conditions, the first quarter was surprisingly a goal-for-goal shoot-out, with six goals apiece. Tom Wilson snagged a couple in quick succession and looked set for a big day, while one of three debutants, Hayden Parker, got on the scoreboard and created another with a brilliant handball from the boundary to Anthony Alexandris, who ran into an open goal.

Things tightened up in the second term, with a goal to AOC after seven minutes cancelled out by a captain’s effort from Ben Wilson soon after. It was all tied up at the half as thoughts turned to how players would run the game out in the tough conditions.

For a long time in the third quarter, it looked as though the home side would have the legs, as they twice got out to lead by 20-points. It was Parker who kept us in the contest, presenting a real target at full forward and kicking our only two majors of the term, the first a miracle snap from beside the point-post, while the second proved to be the start of a run that extended to the last four goals of the game for the NOBs.

But it was a slog. Brunswick gradually wore down a gallant home side by finally getting on top in the clearances and quelling the influence of their best players. Sustained pressure was rewarded with crucial majors to Jonny Haddad and Angus Ross – both of whom were very good all day – while another debutant in Jack Spencer had the honour of slotting the winning goal at the 20th minute mark. Our defence then withstood some late challenges to ensure we held on for a narrow win. There may have been an element of highway robbery to the result, but we’ll take it.

On a day in which many players made individual contributions, but we generally struggled to “click” as a team, Will McKenzie stood out as BOG, continuing his great start to the season. Angus Ross was cool and composed in the midfield, alongside new skipper Ben Wilson and old one, Nick Burgin. Josh Hedley won a number of important contested possessions, while Jonny Haddad and Hayden Parker were our most dangerous forwards. The third debutant on the day, Joey Gale, also played well, as did Archie Fulton-Grigg, in for his first game for the year.

Next up is St Mary’s Salesian, back at Gillon Oval this Saturday, as we look to consolidate a spot in the top-four. See you there!