Two Blues humbled in Grand Final re-match

PRAHRAN came back to earth with a thud in a forgettable Grand Final re-match against Parkside at Toorak Park on Saturday.

The euphoria of the unfurling of the 2024 Division 1 VAFA premiership pennant before admiring players and home game luncheon guests at the new Toorak Park pavilion gradually seeped away as proceedings unfolded on field.

Parkside was clearly a team on a mission, hellbent on gaining some revenge on the Two Blues who defeated them in three successive matches last season.

The visitors' relentless pressure never wavered and sapped all the verve from the Two Blues who were humbled 9-3 (57) to 14-8 (92) in their first home game in Premier C Grade.

‘Not hard enough’ was the scathing post match assessment of coach Craige Milward and on the evidence of what transpired it was difficult to argue.

Just as concerning was the collateral damage from the game.

 By half-time the Two Blues were down to one on the interchange bench with Pat Marks, Josh Taylor and Luke Gorman sidelined by injury.

 On a warm day lack of interchange numbers was always going to hurt and so it proved.

The Two Blues were in the game early with goals to Noah Hura, Tim Maya and Jon Simonetta providing a 10 point lead leading into time on in the first quarter before the visitors added two quick goals.

A goal to Maya courtesy of a 50m penalty saw the Two Blues regain the lead at the start of the second term.

It would be the last time Prahran led.

Parkside grew in confidence running in numbers led by best afield No 17 Michael Romano as the Two Blues resistance waned.

For Prahran, now ninth on the ladder, next week's Easter break is timely with breathing space to re-group for a round 3 away clash v Ajax.

PRAHRAN 3-1 6-1 8-1 9-3 (57)

PARKSIDE 3-1 8-3 12-4 14-7 (93)

Goals. Maya 3, Hura 2, Clifford, Simonetta, Milward, Plaza.

Best. Shaun Chapman, Mackenzie Mayne, Diezel Brousse de laborde,  Tim Maya, Ryan Smyth, Riley Hogan.

RESERVES

PRAHRAN 14-10 (94)

PARKSIDE 9-6 (60)

ANOTHER dominant performance by the Reserves now undefeated after accounting for Parkside.

Taylor Bamford set the tone for the day with two goals in the first five minutes and ended the day with seven goals.

The Two Blues were never headed and revealed welcome depth on the list.

GOALS: Bamford 7, Pavlou, Perez 2, Partridge, Stefanutti, Morschel 1.

BEST: Taylor Bamford, Angus Morschel, Angus Perez, Peter Ahern, Blake Graham, Michael Woods.

 WOMEN’S

A RED letter day for the newly formed women’s team posting their first win under coach Don Angus after a close encounter with Elsternwick.

Our first home game at Toorak Park presented its challenges early in the week  with seven players unavailable for selection.

But through the relentless great work of our Vice President 'Squiz' Taylor we were able to recruit some of our Club's Under 18’s along with guest players from Caulfield Grammarians- special thanks to all our guest players for joining in so enthusiastically. 

Now under the leadership of our new Team Manager. Jonica, we did a quick "in the changerooms" pre-game introduction of all players - along with a warm up - as we entered the magnificent and freshly renovated Toorak Park colosseum. 

With the experience of our guest players - our Prahran team soon lifted to the occasion, where we were more than competitive….we were winning!! 

It was a closely fought battle all day, with our team digging in hard in the last quarter, finding the run, attack and energy needed to just get over the line for a very close win.

It was a fantastic team effort by everyone involved and the team song was sung for the first time with gusto ( with the assistance of the President, Fab Maya and Vice President, Squiz Taylor, who knew all the words!!).

PRAHRAN 6-5 (41)

ELSTERNWICK 4-7 (31)

GOALS: Morris, Van De Wiel, Perree, Elith, Blaydon, Dingli 1.

BEST: Philippa Stevenson, Emily Van De Wiel, Bridie Elith, Taylor Blaydon, Katy Perree