In an entertaining game played in ideal conditions on an unfamiliar ground, Brunswick held a tenacious, but inaccurate, Elsternwick at bay by 21 points to begin the 2024 season in winning style.

After the experience of last season when the teams stepping up from Division 3 were very hard to beat, the unfurling of Elsternwick’s premiership flag pre-match emphasised there was no room for complacency for the NOBs, and a goal in the opening minute of the game to Gabe Banova was a nice way to start. Thereafter, an arm wrestle ensued between the arcs, before the home side broke the shackles with two quick majors to take the lead, before debutant Oscar Watt snapped a classy goal in response. In a late flurry, the Wickers replied, before Brunswick snagged three in-a-row in the shadows of quarter-time to establish an unlikely 11-point lead.

The NOBs began the second term brightly with two early majors extending their advantage, then the home side had their own opportunities, but struggled to convert, at one stage kicking six straight behinds. When full forward Hayden Parker snagged his third for the half to make the margin 27 points late in the quarter it was looking ominous for Elsternwick, however, they fought the half out to make it a three-goal game at the long break.

Another early major in the third quarter to Jasper Paevere was handy for Brunswick, following which the sides went goal-for-goal for the rest of the term, highlighted by Parker’s fourth from the boundary, and the game was still in the balance at the final change.

The first goal of the last term would be critical and, once again, it was the NOBs who scored it in the second minute, and with both teams starting to tire in the first game of the season, a four-goal gap was enough. A second major for the quarter at the 17-minute mark through Tom Wilson proved to be the sealer, although the home side kept fighting it out. In the end, it was a strong win for Brunswick against an opponent who is likely to be very competitive in Division 2.

In a good team effort, best for Brunswick were defenders Lewis White and Will McKenzie, who were kept busy as the home side dominated the clearances on the day. Parker was the best forward on the ground and his strong leads and straight kicking suggest he will have a big season in front of the sticks. Tahj Haddock and Lewis McKenzie were also very reliable down back, while captain Ben Wilson led the midfield, with Liam Whelan and Tom Hedley also winning plenty of the ball.

We look forward to a triple-header at Gillon Oval on Saturday, with the men facing another newcomer to Division 2 in Hawthorn, followed by the club’s Season Launch. See you there!