Two Blues' season over

PRAHRAN’S VAFA Division 1 season ended on Saturday following a 33 point preliminary final loss to Kew at Waverley Oval.

The Two Blues had been buoyed by a gritty first semi-final win but found Kew a much more formidable rival.

Kew had won 12 games in succession before a surprise second semi-final loss to Preston, and the Two Blues were faced with an opponent hellbent on a return bout in next week’s grand final.

All season Prahran has defied a forward line deficiency and that problem was again exposed for all to see on Saturday.

The Two Blues were right in this game at quarter time.

Kicking into a strong, blustery wind skipper Rory Brodie kicked the first goal of the match and the Two Blues trailed by just nine points at the first break.

The match was effectively lost with a second quarter return of 0-6 while Kew added 2-2 into the breeze. The Two Blues endeavour was commendable but they lacked polish at crucial times.

A superb centre clearance from Ollie Burke who found Tylar Atkinson 30m out to open the quarter but missed proved crucial. Despite dominating inside 50s the Two Blues could not convert .

Kew delivered the hammer blow with a six goals to nil third term.

To their credit the Two Blues, after being goalless for two quarters,  made the scoreboard more respectable to add seven goals in the last quarter.

Brodie, who has enjoyed a stellar season, was supreme again with around the ground marking and ruck work and surely is one of the leading contenders for the Division 1 Pepper Medal best and fairest.

Tom Selleck continued his development from wingman to on baller while Pat Ribbands in defence was as reliable as ever. Jayden Williams, in his 150th senior match, made some telling intercepts as usual but had his hands full with lively Kew full-forward Ned Waters.

So a creditable season comes to an end.

From a winless season in C Grade to return to Division 1 finals was a passmark.

The Two Blues unearthed some exciting young talent such as Tom Cotter, Max Stewart, Liam Hepburn, Selleck and Otto Langtry-Kierce which gives hope for the future.

PRAHRAN 2-1 2-7 2-8 9-9 (63)

KEW 3-4 5-6 11-11 14-13 (97)

Goals. Selleck, Marks 2, Mayne, Brodie, Clifford, Stent-Powell, Atkinson.

Best. Rory Brodie, Tom Selleck, Patrick Ribbands, Mackenzie Mayne, Taylor Bamford, Jayden Williams.