On another ideal day for footy at Gillon Oval, Brunswick scrapped their way to an eighth-straight win over modern-day archrivals Whitefriars on Saturday, who fought the game out to the end.

Beginning in the first quarter, the contest followed a familiar trend, with the NOBs getting the jump early, only to have their lead reeled in, but always doing just enough to stay in front.

Full forward Hayden Parker had two goals on the board inside the opening five minutes and looked set for a big day, but the Friars corrected a mismatch and raised their pressure on Brunswick’s ball carriers. Gus Coverdale, who was looking sharp, snapped the NOBs’ third to restore a two-goal advantage, but the visitors bounced back with the last goal of the term and the first of the second quarter – from a bad defensive turnover – to drag the margin back to two points. Tahj Haddock then produced the day’s most memorable moment, with an interception at halfback followed by a dashing run through the middle and a perfect pass to Darcy Heenan, who duly converted. The Friars responded, but Joe Gale then calmly slotted a set-shot from 45 to spark a run for the NOBs in the shadows of halftime, highlighted by Coverdale’s second – a running snap from a boundary throw-in – and a classy roving goal to Oscar Watt.

The third quarter was filled with action, albeit error riddled. Early on the NOBs dominated possession, but continually kicked the ball to the Friars’ halfbacks, and it was only Coverdale who was able to break the lines, with two more classic rover’s goals stretching the home side’s lead to 32 points after seven minutes, which would prove to be critical to the end result. The visitors came back hard, with the next four majors to make it a one-goal game as three-quarter time approached, but Liam Whelan then stepped up to boot a crucial goal just before the siren.

The all-important first goal of the final term went to Parker after four minutes and when Heenan kicked his second soon after, courtesy of a lucky free kick, it again looked like the NOBs would win comfortably, but Whitefriars refused to go away with the next two majors to again make it two-goal game, with plenty of time left. Brunswick then missed some chances to ice the game, but nevertheless did enough to hold on to a hard-earned four points.

Coverdale’s four goals and explosive play proved to be decisive to the result, while Haddock was brilliant all day in defence in a dominant display. Josh Hale was also very good in the backline, alongside debutant Marcus Foti who showed he has a senior career in front of him. Captain Ben Wilson again stood up in the big moments, and Watt’s clean skills were important.

The bye weekend comes at a good time, with some wear-and-tear beginning to show, as the NOBs can reset for the second half of the season, starting with Hawthorn Amateurs away.