Two Blues take another step towards finals

PRAHRAN maintained its hold on second position on the VAFA Division 1 ladder with a 66 point win over St Mary’s Salesian at Toorak Park on Saturday.

While the winning margin flattered the Two Blues it was a significant first step in a trio of matches that will define their season. 

Finals aspirants Oakleigh (fifth) and Parkside (fourth), equal on 36 points, a game and percentage behind Prahran, are to come in the next two weeks. 

St Mary’s’ loss leaves it sixth on the ladder and ends its finals aspirations.

Prahran joined other VAFA clubs in the promotion of Road Safety Round by wearing a special armband pictured here on Riley Hogan's arm.

The Two Blues struggled to put away a plucky St Mary’s in a game where goals were hard to come by.

St Mary’s missed two gettable set shots for goal in the opening minutes which could have set the visitors up for a flying start.

There were turnovers galore and late in the second quarter the scoreline read a none-too flattering 3-8 to 1-6.

It was time-on in the second term where Prahran made its move.

Max Stewart was on the end of a chain of handballs to goal at the 25 minutes, Taylor Bamford marked and goaled and when Ollie Burke ran into an open goal suddenly the lead had ballooned toa match winning 33 points.

Teenager Stewart was a shining light with his high marking and delivery a class above most on the ground.

Yet again defence was the cornerstone of the win restricting St Mary’s to just three goals resulting in another percentage boost.

Jayden Williams and Patrick Ribbands were as safe as ever complimented by Scott Frangos in his best game since joining the club mid-season.

Up forward it was a struggle.

Key forward Matthew Clifford kicked the first goal of the match from 50m in a welcome return after an overseas break and was a solid contributor.

Otherwise it was a collective effort to kick goals with mid-fielders Ollie Burke and Pat Marks dominant.

Taylor Bamford was busy around goal and comeback three times premiership player James Musster chipped in with two goals to show he will be a valuable addition as the countdown to the finals continues.

PRAHRAN 2-2 6-9 9-11 13-14 (92)

ST MARY’S 1-4 1-6 2-7 3-8 (26)

Goals. Clifford, Bamford, Musster 2, Gottschalk, Plaza, Marks, Taylor, Burke, Stewart, Brodie.

Best. Ollie Burke, Max Stewart, Jayden Williams, Ben Oakley, Taylor Bamford, Scott Frangos

RESERVES

THIS was a real arm wrestle between two teams equal on nine wins vying for a finals berth.

The win keeps Prahran in third place on the ladder.

The result was in doubt late in the final quarter.

St Mary’s had held its three quarter-time lead when a set shot from Gus Perez just made the distance to put the Two Blues in front with seven minutes remaining.

Soon after a 50m penalty gave St Mary’s a set shot from 20 metres out directly in front to regain the lead but missed.

Then Perez pounced on a Tim Maya handpass to goal and seal the result with less than two minutes left.

PRAHRAN 3-2 4-7 5-8 8-10 (58)

ST MARY’S 2-1 3-3 6-4 6-5 (41)

Goals. Perez 3, Elwin 2, Partridge, Patterson, Grizzell.

Angus Perez, Jackson Devine, Oscar Hatherly, Max Howden, Blake Graham, Kyle Scott

WOMENS

THE Two Blue Lions produced an outstanding team performance last weekend, recording a well-deserved victory over Old Yarra Cobras.

Leading the way was best on ground Sheldon Menzies, who provided attacking drive through the midfield while working hard the other way. Sheldon capped off an exceptional game by kicking a brilliant goal under pressure before calmly converting a set shot after the three-quarter time siren.

Despite the wet and slippery conditions, the Two Blue Lions adapted well from the outset. A dominant opening quarter saw us lock the ball inside our forward 50 and create repeat scoring opportunities, resulting in an impressive five goals in the first quarter. Irish recruit, Alice Leahy, was dangerous around goal, finishing with three majors for the match, while Ashton Cotton added two goals with some classy finishing.

It was also fantastic to welcome experienced campaigner Molly Crighton back into the side. Molly made an immediate impact across half-forward, using her class, composure and ball-winning ability to great effect. Centre half-forward Madeline Marquet-Walker also produced her best performance of the season, setting the tone with her intensity, attack on the football and relentless work rate.

Old Yarra responded strongly in the second quarter, lifting their intensity and turning the contest into a hard-fought battle. Our defence stood up admirably under increased pressure, with Ruth Sheridan and Mikayla Collins leading a resilient backline.

The team regrouped well at half-time and came out after the main break with renewed energy, matching the intensity and pressure that had been the hallmark of our first quarter. Utility Isabella Warne-Smith spent time in the ruck and across half back and continued to showcase her impressive development, competing strongly and making an important contribution around the ground.

The victory was a fitting reward for the group's hard work, perseverance and commitment to playing for one another and built on every player playing their role and contributing to the team.

With a challenging run home to the finals, the Two Blue Lions now turn their attention to this weekend's clash against ladder leaders Parkdale. It will be another tough test, but one the group is looking forward to as we continue to build our form and momentum heading into the business end of the season.

PRAHRAN-COLLEGIANS 5-2 5-3 7-9 8-16 (64)

OLD YARRA 0-1 0-2 0-2 0-2 (2)

Goals. Leahy 3, Menzies, Cotton 2, Marquet-Walker. 

Best. Sheldon Menzies, Molly Crighton, Madeline Marquet-Walker, Ashton Cotton, Hannah Singleton, April Pierlot