Two Blues finals credibility restored

PRAHRAN restored its finals credibility with a gritty 33 point win over Kew in VAFA Division 1 on Saturday.
Playing at home this was a game the Two Blues simply had to win following a 65 point trouncing the previous week.
The four precious premiership points see the Two Blues rise to third on the ladder with Kew now sixth.
With both teams coming off heavy losses the previous week the opening quarter was always going to be tight and it did not disappoint.

Kew kicked the first goal after four minutes then Mackenzie Mayne and Jon Simonetta replied with Prahran leading by just six points at the first change.

The Two Blues' run and spread returned in the second quarter on the back of the grunt work in mid-field from Shaun Chapman, Mayne, Rory Brodie and Joe Bell. After Kew again kicked the opening goal, then Ethan Plaza, Chapman and Bell goaled  establishing a handy 20 point half-time lead.

Kew threatened to take control after kicking the opening goal of the third term. But a Jesse Waters long goal on the run a minute later was the perfect reply.

Kew added two more goals to again threaten before James Gottschalk drilled a long set shot. 

As coach Craige Milward noted, the swift response to those challenges was impressive.

Prahran kicked the first three goals of the last quarter with Matthew Clifford, well held all day, icing the match with a second goal for the quarter at the 21 minute mark.

After a hiccup last week conceding 16 goals, Prahran’s defence again led superbly by Jayden Williams were back to their frugal best conceding just 7-8.

James Musster relished the move to a wing where his pace and football nous shone as he gathered possessions at will.

While the forwards conversion rate could be improved, overall this was an encouraging performance against a fellow finals aspirant.

PRAHRAN 2-2 5-5 7-10 11-14 (80)

KEW 1-2 2-3 5-6 7-8 (50)

Goals. Clifford, Chapman, Simonetta 2, Plaza, Bell, Waters, Gottschalk, Mayne,

Best. Mackenzie Mayne, Luke Gorman, Jayden Williams, Jesse Waters, James Musster, Jonathon Simonetta.

RESERVES

FINALS hopes are alive after the Reserves second best  win for the season.

Eddie Espinosa's four goals in his first match for the season proved telling as did the goals from Blake Graham late in the third quarter and then from coach Jack Matherson after the three quarter-time siren.

The round 3 win over ladder leader Parkside remains the Reserves best effort this season but this was a win over fifth placed Kew with the Two Blues sixth on percentage but yet to play the last two teams on the ladder.

PRAHRAN 3-0 5-1 10-13 12-5 (77)

KEW 3-1 5-4 8-5 9- (61)

Goals. Espinosa 4, Graham 2, Hughes-Churchett, Jack Matherson, Loomes, O'Sullivan, Torney, Marrows. 

Best. George Torney, Taz Spinks, Joel Matherson, Matt Hughes, Eduardo Espinosa, Tully Loomes.