Two Blues early joy, then pain

ON the occasion of Prahran- Statebank/Southbank Past Players Day at Toorak Park on Saturday the afternoon’s proceedings began with an ideal start.

A gathering of more than 80 past players from eras ranging from the 1960s to present day watched the Reserves, playing in the old Southbank strip, cause an upset win over highly rated Ajax.

There was bonhomie aplenty in the room. Sadly, when the main game began with Prahran sporting the old VFA strip there was no more joy, rather the pain of seeing the Two Blues slump to a 100 point defeat 2-7 (19) to 18-11 (119).

For the first half the Two Blues were competitive with their tackling and harassing frustrating Ajax.

After Ajax kicked the first four goals in the opening 11 minutes, Riley Hogan scored the Two Blues first goal courtesy of a 50m penalty.

Max Milward opened the second term with a superb set shot from 40m out on the boundary line.

Inside 50s for the quarter were Ajax 10 to Prahran 7 with the visitors restricted to just two goals and a 34 point lead.

What followed was forgettable to say the least.

While Ajax, surely Premier B Grade bound, slammed on 11-3 with the Two Blues, goalless in the second half for the successive week ,adding just two points.

Despite Ajax missing several of its key players the gulf in class was plain to see.

One of the few positives for the Two Blues was skipper and No 1 ruckman Rory Brodie finally rediscovered his marking touch.

Still hampered by a serious ankle injury sustained in round 1, Brodie has been a shadow of his normal self in recent weeks.

But in the second half the confidence in his ankle grew, evidenced by his one grab marking which has always been a feature of his game.

PRAHRAN 1-0 2-4 2-6 2-7 (19)

AJAX 5-6 7-8 12-11 18-11 (119)

Goals. Hogan, Milward.

Best. Matt Clifford, Jayden Williams, Patrick Ribbands, Tully Loomes, Ryan Smyth, Rory Brodie

RESERVES

A season best win for the Reserves over fourth placed Ajax with a six goals to one opening blitz setting the tone.

James Elwin slotted two of his five goals as the Two Blues, boosted by the presence of several regular senior players and former captain James Musster playing his first game since suffering a severe concussion in round 1, overwhelmed Ajax.

To cap the day in the last quarter Hayden Taylor (pictured) , celebrating his 100th club game at the age of 40, marked and from 40m out slotted the goal much to the delight of teammates.

Prahran is fifth on the ladder, just two points behind Ajax with finals now a definite possibility.

PRAHRAN 6-1 8-5 10-6 15-9 (99)

AJAX 1-2 3-3 7-3 7-4 (46)

Goals. Elwin 5, Bamford 3, Hume 2, Plaza, Raymond, Taylor, Stefanutti, Hebblethwaite

Best. James Elwin, Ethan Plaza, Matthew Raymond, Kyle Scott, Hayden Taylor, Joel Hume

WOMEN

The match against Old Camberwell was a forfeit due to lack of players.