Two Blues Below their Best but Win Number 15
Seniors:
When a team posts its 15th win from 16 games expectations rise.
So when it came to reflect on Prahran Assumption's 27 point win over Yarra Valley on Saturday there was much to ponder. Half way through the first quarter the Bushrangers, kicking into the breeze, held a 4-1 to 2-0 lead. There was an unmistakable air of self satisfaction about the Two Blues but then they ramped up the tempo.
The Two Blues kicked the next nine goals before Yarra Valley ended its goal drought midway through the third quarter. Content with a seven goal lead at three quarter-time the Two Blues then went back to self preservation mode allowing a most competitive Yarra Valley seven last quarter goals, it's worst last quarter deficit for the season. The loss left Yarra Valley out of the four on percentage while for Prahran Assumption it was hardly the ideal prelude to the final two matches before the finals series but there were positives. The 18-11 score line was impressive as was the accuracy. Ged and Josh Hogarth with six goals between them and Ariel Steinberg took turns in hauling in marks while Eric Kuret and Dan Freeman with two goals apiece were dangerous crumbers. Key defenders Tom Atwell and John Stocker often provided springboards for attack while Tom Freeman's first half across half-back was as dominant a performance seen all season. Time and again he went back with the flight to take telling marks. While his influence faded in the second half as did plenty of his teammates Trent Rogers was consistent at the stoppages all day with the bonus of three goals.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 6-1 9-4 14-7 18-11 (119) d YARRA VALLEY 4-1 4-6 7-7 14-8 (92).
Goals: G Hogarth 4, Rogers 3, D Freeman, Kuret, J Hogarth 2, Maya, Donahoo, Simonetta, Steinberg, Banks.
Best: Rogers, Steinberg, J Hogarth, Webb, Musster, Stocker.
Reserves:
Another vital win in the quest to consolidate the double chance. Although the Two Blues were always in control it was never a blow out margin.
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 3-5 6-7 10-13 13-15 (93) d YARRA VALLEY 1-0 2-4 4-5 7-6 (48).
Goals: A. Simpson 2, R. Conlan 2, T. Quinn 2, L. Kerr 2, J. Thompson, T. Matherson, A. Forbes, J. Panagiotaros, J. Brereton
Best: T. Quinn, B. Kenny, J. Thompson, L. Kerr, L. Hunt, J. Brereton
Club XXIII:
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 3-3 (21) lost to HAWTHORN 13-6 (84)