The last time Brunswick met Elsternwick was in the 2024 Division 2 grand final and the contrast between the conditions for Saturday’s game at an idyllic Gillon Oval and a wet and windy La Trobe University Oval could not have been starker, nor could the outcome, with the NOBs exacting a modicum of revenge for last year’s low-scoring loss in the form of a 103-point thumping of the Wickers.

Brunswick had the benefit of their first-choice midfield for the first time this season and it immediately showed, with Ben Young giving great service to the likes of Daniel Mott, Gabe Banova, Ben Wilson, Rowan Hogenbirk and Fletcher Banfield from the opening bounce, leading to an early goal to the ever-dangerous Oscar Watt, followed by his second through a classy set-shot snap. Mott then got in on the act with his own snap, before Joe Gale slotted his first for the day and Watt kicked his third with a checkside on the run. Mitch Hicks and Lachlan Pearson then rounded an exciting seven-goal quarter.

The second term was a more mundane affair as the Wickers began to slowly work their way into the contest, but NOBs’ captain Ben Wilson, playing in his 100th game, provided some highlights with a brace of goals, the first a kick across his body and the second a set-shot on the halftime siren. In between, Watt bobbed up with his fourth, on his left foot this time.

The procession of majors continued after the main break, with a couple more to Gale and singles to Hogenbirk and Andre Jaycock blowing out the margin to 80 points inside 17 minutes of the third quarter. The Wickers dragged it back slightly before the final change, but not before Watt had his fifth after a good contested mark.

As the shadows lengthened in the last quarter, most interest centred on the margin, and fittingly it was Watt who took it over three-figures with the last goal of the game and his sixth for the day. Others to rack up multiples in the final term were Gale with five, including goal-of-the-day with a banana from below the scoreboard, and Hicks with four. Will McKenzie also slotted one thanks to a beautiful pass from Mott.

Brunswick had winners across every line, but it was the midfielders Mott and Ben Wilson who stood out. Watt, Hicks and Gale all had great days, while Hogenbirk continued his return to form after having missed a number of early games, and Charlie Thorpe was excellent in defence.

This Saturday, Brunswick head to Clayton to face Monash Blues who will be keen to register their first victory. Hopefully, the NOBs can build some winning momentum and bring home the four points!

Ben Wilson celebrates a goal in his 100th game, photo by Brunswick Voice.