Two Blues fall to undefeated Gryphons
COMING off the bye for the long weekend, the senior side were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Pirates. Austin Lawson was making his senior debut after showing great form in the reserves through first half of the year.
It was a good day to be a windsock at DW Lucas Reserve with the wind blowing a gale to the south. This caused the game to be played mostly up one end of the ground and it was Prahran who had the wind advantage in the first quarter.
After a slow start allowing Glen Eira to kick the first of the game, the Two Blues gained momentum, but inaccuracy meant they didn’t make the most of the breeze taking a 3 goal lead into quarter time. The Irishman Niall O’Sullivan, was showing his strength up forward, coming off 7 goals in the reserves the week before, and was able to snap one over the shoulder continuing his good form.
Two quick goals to the Gryphons in the second term brought the margin within in a goal. Glen Eira continued to put pressure on the scoreboard making the most of their chances in front of goal. A late burst of effort from the likes of Beau Adams and Mackenzie Mayne helped PFC stem the flow in stoppage time. Glen Eira would take a 20-point lead into the main break. 3.7.25 played 7.3.45.
Prahran’s Coach, Brett Dickinson challenged the boys at half to take their chances with the wind but it was Glen Eira who came out and kicked the first two against the breeze with the Two Blues finding it hard to gain momentum. A strong, contested mark inside 50 from the co-captain Rory Brodie led to a goal but this was one of few highlights with the Gryphons kicking 3 goals to 2 and taking a 22 point lead into the final break.
Slow starts to each quarter was the theme of the day with Glen Eira kicking the first two of the fourth. A string of handballs and a couple of running bounces from Mayne and Galbraith led to a Beau Adams goal and for a moment the Prahran faithful thought something special could happen at DW Lucas Oval.
Although it wasn’t to be, Prahran fought hard to the end and managed to kick three goals against the wind in the final term. 8.12.60 to 16.9.105.
Rory Brodie, Ben Galbraith and Mackenzie Mayne fought hard all day continuing their great individual form in the last couple of months.
Prahran now sit seventh on the ladder but are only one win outside of the top four. The next month or two is crucial in getting the season back on track.
Prahran 3.6.24 3.7.25 5.11.41 8.12.60
Glen Eira 1.1.7 7.3.45 10.3.63 16.9.105
Goal Kickers: R.Brodie (3), J.Partridge (2), W.Axford-Wood, B.Adams, N.O'Sullivan
Best Players: R.Brodie, B.Galbraith, M.Mayne, J.Gottschalk, R.Hogan, J.Musster
RESERVES
AFTER finding a run of form in the last month, the reserves side were set ready for the challenge against second placed Glen Eira.
The Gryphons adapted best to the windy conditions in the first half taking a 20-point lead into the main break.
After a rev up from the coach at half time, it was a different side who came out in the third quarter with a lift in intensity and pressure. The Two Blues were able to kick the first two goals against the breeze through Vinnie Brigante and Marcus Grogan, and managed to own the play for the first 20 minutes of the quarter. A late goal to Glen Eira left the PFC 15 points down at three quarter time, kicking with the wind in the last.
Dec Marrows kicked the first goal of the last term which was followed by an arm wrestle between the two sides for the next 15 minutes. After managing to break the stalemate, Dawson Sinclair slotted a set shot bringing Prahran within a goal with seven minutes to play.
A shot after the siren from outside 50 fell short. Leading to a heart breaking 2 point loss after a courageous fightback in the second half.
Prahran: 1.0.6 4.4.28 6.5.41 8.8.56
Glen Eira: 6.5.41 7.6.48 8.8.56 8.10.58
Goal Kickers: D.Campbell (2), T.Bamford, T.Beddison, D.Marrows, N.Kellock, D.Sinclair, V.Brigante
Best Players: D.Marrows, T.Bamford, D.Sinclair, D.Campbell, T.Beddison, J.Forrestall
THIRDS
Prahran: 4.6.30
Chadstone AFC: 10.12-72