Two Blues chalk up 12th successive win

PRAHRAN chalked up its 12th successive win in the last home and away round of VAFA Division 1 over relegation bound West Brunswick on Saturday.

But the 43 point winning margin for the minor premier was deceptive to say the least.

Playing for their survival in Division 1 the Magpies gave the Two Blues a sample of what to expect in next Saturday’s second semi-final at Coburg.

Their pressure rating was sky high as time and again Prahran players were tackled or harassed into error.

The normally impassable backline conceded a glut of uncontested marks.

As coach Craige Milward commented post game it was a good pre finals hit out.

“We can be proud of a 16-2 season. Credit it to them (West Brunswick) there will be times when clubs come at us like today.''

Indeed after the Two Blues opened a 21 point lead in the second quarter West Brunswick kicked the next four goals either side of half-time to level scores at 7-3 late in the third quarter courtesy of one of the rash of 50m penalties awarded.

A huge upset was in the offing but late goals into the wind to Matthew Clifford and Taylor Bamford proved crucial.

Normal duty was restored in the last quarter when the Two Blues superior run and skill took over as they slammed on six goals to one.

Clifford with five goals, ruckman Rory Brodie and mid-fielder Joey Bell were among the best.

The news on a hamstring injury to elite runner Riley Hogan is positive and the rest of the squad should be fit and available come next Saturday.

PRAHRAN 3-2 7-3 10-3 16-5 (101)

WEST BRUNSWICK 3-1 5-2 8-3 9-4 (58)

Goals. Clifford 5, Chapman 3, Milward 2, Plaza, Bell, Stent-Powell, Seaman, Partridge, Bamford 1.

Best. Rory Brodie, Matt Clifford, Mackenzie Mayne, Joey Bell, Shaun Chapman, Jesse Waters

RESERVES

A thrilling last quarter in what was a preview to next Saturday's first semi-final when the teams clash again at Coburg.

West Brunswick led at every change but the scores were always close as the two evenly matched teams went toe to toe.

But the Two Blues coming home with the wind added five goals to one in last quarter.

The win elevates Prahran to third on the ladder which means it is the home team and so will wear blue shorts.

PRAHRAN 1-3 2-6 4-8 9-11 (65)

WEST BRUNSWICK 1-5 3-7 6-10 7-12 (54)

Best. Joel Matherson, Michael Woods, Max Howden, Patrick Rhodes, Thomas Bowes, George Torney.