Prahran pockets first win for 2023

PRAHRAN pocketed four precious premiership points v West Brunswick on Saturday to kick start it’s 2023 VAFA Division 1 season.

Following a season opener loss it was imperative the Two Blues bounce back.
While the 14-13 (97) to 9-5 (59) win that squared the ledger was welcomed it was the even spread of contributors that impressed most.

In round one recruit McKenzie Mayne was the stand-out, but this time he had a host of teammates shining.

Mayne’s fellow Mildura recruit Ben Galbraith on a half-back flank showed why a lofty reputation preceeded him racking up possessions at will and disposing with precision, a skill matched only by club stalwart Jon Simonetta.

Mayne again tallied up possessions as on baller while co captains James Musster, back to his busy best, and Rory Brodie, who controlled the air, were dominant.

Matthew Clifford with four goals and Ethan Plaza with three were deadly around goals while their teammates squandered chances to blow out the margin.

There were also concentration lapses which will prove costly against the better teams. Even so the 38 point result was enough to give coach Brett Dickinson an enjoyable day at the office.

Decked out in their distinctive new playing strip with the sun shining and ideal conditions in general the Two Blues were greeted by an opening quarter which proved a tackle fest.

This was an important day for the home team celebrating its 'WESTival' of football. But the Two Blues were dialled in for the contest ahead.

While the Two Blues dominated inside 50s the scoreboard showed a tally of 1-4 until a goal from Jake Stent-Powell on the siren made it a more telling 2-4 while keeping the home team scoreless.

The Two Blues defence was water tight not conceding a goal until 15 minutes in the second quarter.

The home team’s endeavour was admirable but lacked the class of the Two Blues who enjoyed a 22 point half-time advantage and as it transpired, a match winning lead.

PRAHRAN 2-4 6-6 11-11 14-13 (97)
WEST BRUNSWICK  0-0  3-2  6-4  9-5 (59)

Goals. M. Clifford 4, E. Plaza 3, T. Seaman 2, W. Axford-Wood, M. Mayne, S. Chapman, J. Stent-Powell, J. Simonetta
Best :B. Galbraith, J. Simonetta, J. Musster, N. Martin, J. Stent-Powell, E. Plaza.

RESERVES

ANOTHER competititve effort but alas no win for the Reserves.

Goals were hard to come by with first season player Ollie Burke best contributor with three goals.

The Two Blues saved their best for the last quarter with four goals but it was too late.

PRAHRAN 1-1  2-3  2-6  6-6 (42)

WEST BRUNSWICK  1-3  4-5  7-7  10-11 (71)

Goals. O. Burke 3, D. Walter 2, J. Panagiotaros
Best :J. Matherson, M. Woods, J. Panagiotaros, D. Walter, A. Lawson, O. Burke