Newsletter 5, April 11, 2025

TWO BLUES GRAND FINAL RE-MATCH AT HOME

GRAND final re-matches are always eagerly anticipated by winner and loser alike.

In the case of Prahran, it will see the unfurling of the 2024 VAFA Division 1 premiership pennant; for Parkside, it will be a chance for some revenge — albeit nothing will erase the memory of losing a grand final.

The 2024 Division 1 premiership flag will be unfurled during the half-time break of the Reserves game.

Both Prahran and Parkside found the rise to Premier C Grade challenging in Round One, with the Two Blues going down by just two points to Penleigh and Essendon Grammar (PEGS), 10.9 to 10.7, while Parkside was defeated by 35 points by the Parkdale Vultures, 12.16 to 8.5.

Given Parkside led one of the competition's premiership favourites, Parkdale, at half-time, Saturday’s clash promises to be a close encounter.

The Two Blues will be missing key players, including skipper Rory Brodie and premier on-baller James Musster, so this will be a genuine test of depth.

Encouragingly, the Reserves, under first-year coach Jackson Partridge, recorded a strong 87-point win.

Saturday will feature a rare triple-header, with the Women’s team starting proceedings at 9.20am.

ROUND #1 - PFC SENIORS V PEGS

Gallant Two Blues two point loss in season opener

A gallant Prahran came up two points short in a tense season opener to VAFA Premier C Grade on Saturday.

Playing away at PEGS Playing Fields in Keilor Park was always going to be a challenging introduction to C Grade ending in a 10-7 to 10-9 scoreline.

A goal as the siren sounded by Matthew Clifford may have flattered the margin but there was still merit in defeat. Coach Craige Milward told his players to fail by such a narrow margin considering skipper Rory Brodie and premier on baller James Musster were both out of the game before half-time was an outstanding effort in the circumstances.

The effect of the carnage will not be known until next Saturday’s home game v Parkside.

The Two Blues were left to lament a lack lustre opening which cost them a very winnable game.

Kicking with the aid of a three to four goal breeze Prahran posted the first goal after Mackenzie Mayne found Max Milward in the forward pocket. But from then on PEGS pressure rating lifted and contributed to the Two Blues fumbling and finding forward line connection difficult.

A goal from Joel Hume on the siren left the Two Blues two points adrift at quarter-time with a sense of lost opportunity. When Hume goaled again in the first minute the Two Blues had regained the lead. But it was short lived as PEGS kicked the next three goals, two courtesy of free kicks.

An inside 50 count of 18 to 6 was reflective of PEGS dominance. Three goals in the third quarter resulted in a three quarter-time lead of two points which was never going to be enough.

There was a flicker of hope when recruit Pat Marks kicked the all important first goal from a free kick inside seven minutes.

PEGS seemingly iced the game with three quick goals but the Two Blues persevered with Ethan Plaza and two more from Clifford to threaten a comeback win.

In the absence of ruckman Brodie, Shaun Chapman was a lone hand and rose to the occasion superbly.

First gamers Marks, Ryan Smyth, Josh Taylor and Diezel Brousse de laborde all had an impact and will only improve with the outing.

PRAHRAN: 2-0 3-1 6-3 10-7 (67) PEGS: 2-2 5-5 5-7 10-9 (69)

Goals: Clifford 3, Marks, Hume 2, Plaza, de Laborde, Milward.

Best: Shaun Chapman, Luke Gorman, Mackenzie Mayne, Jon Simonetta, Ryan Smyth, Josh Taylor.

View the Photos in our Gallery

RESERVES

A dream first game result for new coach Jackson Partridge as his Two Blues delivered a 14 goal win.

Mandurah (WA) recruit Noah Hura was the stand out with eight goals to signal senior selection if the offing.

PRAHRAN: 20-5 (125) PEGS: 6-2 (38)

ROUND #1 - PFC WOMEN’S VS OLD CAMBERWELL

After nine weeks of training, our first game challenge was that over half of our team had never played a game of football — along with the news that our one and only ruck was unavailable to play.

But nothing could dampen the enthusiasm and excitement of running onto the ground for the first time as the Prahran FC Senior Women’s Team.

The game was a day of learning, hard knocks and bruises, with our captain unfortunately ending up with a concussion.

With far less interchange (3 compared to 7), the new Prahran Women’s team was amazing — running, tackling, and competing all day. It was an inspiring effort.

We’re all looking forward to this week’s challenge with our first home game at Toorak Park versus Elsternwick. It’s shaping up to be a great contest!

Prahran: 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 (1)

Old Camberwell: 1.7 4.9 7.12 12.19 (91)

Best: Liana, Marielle, Alina, Kaitlyn and Katy

Words: Don Angus

View the Photos in our Gallery