In ideal conditions at Gillon Oval on Saturday Division Two pacesetters Brunswick put Bulleen Templestowe to the sword, to the tune of 111 points, with two of their big guns in Hayden Parker and Rowan Hogenbirk chalking up 15 majors between them, while debutant Ben Marchionna chipped in for four second-half goals of his own.

The signs were ominous early for the Bullants as the NOBs, who have tended to be slow starters, slammed on seven goals to two in the first term – with a couple apiece to Parker and Hogenbirk – in an open contest, marked by crisp skills.

The second quarter was a more dour affair, with the away team looking to create more stoppages, and it was a relatively successful tactic as Brunswick only extended their advantage by 10 points, courtesy of sharpshooter Parker, who kicked all three goals for the home side.

In the third term the floodgates well-and-truly opened, with eight goals to one, highlighted by four to the smooth-moving Hogenbirk, another couple to Parker, and goal-sneak Marchionna’s first major, quickly followed by a second off-the-ground.

Of interest in the final quarter was who might kick the most goals for the home side after Hogenbirk tied it up on seven early on, but Parker snagged the next to take bragging rights. Marchionna then kicked another couple in quick succession to make it a memorable day for the Brunswick juniors’ graduate, and Tom O’Farrell deservedly hit the scoreboard after a number of recent misses. While the opposition was limited, it was pleasing to see the NOBs defend strongly and transition the ball very well to a well-functioning forward-line.

Hogenbirk played a blinder, floating forward from the midfield, while Will McKenzie had his best game for the year, with huge metres-gained numbers. Parker was again supreme in front of the sticks, while Tahj Haddock played very well in a number of different positions. Gabe Banova was again prominent in the midfield, alongside skipper Ben Wilson, who laid some crunching tackles. Kiwi recruit Will Kempt, in only his fifth game of Aussie Rules, showed promise in the ruck, and James Schmidt again got plenty of the ball.

The NOBs are back at Gillon Oval this Saturday against arch-rivals in Whitefriars. See you there!