Two Blues' timely percentage booster
TWO BLUES’ TIMELY PERCENTAGE BOOSTER
PERCENTAGE looms as a major factor in the composition of VAFA Division 1 finals.
Which is why an apparent routine 103 point win by Prahran over lowly UHS-VU at Toorak Park on Saturday has extra significance.
The percentage boost saw the Two Blues leap frog Kew into third place despite its win by 23 points v St Mary’s.
While undefeated Preston will finish top, the coveted second position and ‘double chance’ is up for grabs between Prahran with a percentage of 171, Parkside (190) and Kew (156).
Coming off successive losses the Two Blues were looking for a confidence builder and a percentage boost which they duly delivered.
After a scrappy opening Prahran took charge with a four goal burst in time on of the first quarter with a hat-trick from James Elwin but the best was yet to come.
In a textbook play a Rory Brodie centre bounce tap was roved by Tom Cotter who delivered lace out to Ethan Plaza who converted from the 50m line.
The Two Blues dominated clearances all day with Brodie and Mackenzie Mayne racking up possessions at will.
Goals had been hard to come by in recent weeks but led by a seven goal haul from full-forward Elwin the Two Blues produced a scoreline of 19-16 (130) to 4-3 (27).
Teenager Cotter continued his progress as a special talent with his unselfish disposals a feature.
Full-back Jayden Williams was missing, preparing for his place in the VAFA v Goulburn Valley match next Saturday, but despite his absence Two Blues defence, statistically the best in the competition, was as sturdy as ever led by Patrick Ribbands and Peter Ahern.
A new addition to the backline was Scott Frangos, pictured left with James Musster, a former playing coach with Geelong West Giants who adds considerable experience in a youthful line-up.
Frangos, who last month played his 300th game for Geelong West, and a successful senior comeback from Hall Of Famer and triple premiership player Musster means Prahran has fielded no less than 41 senior players this season.
PRAHRAN 6-3 8-8 13-11 19-16 (130)
UHS-VU 0-1 1-1 2-3 4-3 (27)
Goals. Elwin 7, Plaza 2, Patridge 2, Bamford, Giles, Selleck, Brodie, Burke, Stent-Powell, Cotter.
Best. Mackenzie Mayne, Patrick Ribbands, Peter Ahern, James Elwin, Oliver Burke, Rory Brodie.
RESERVES
AFTER a tight first half the Reserves took control to record a 42 point win and maintain third place on the ladder.
Jack Matherson showed the value of experience with four goals with a welcome return as the Two Blues were again forced to dip into players from the past such as Niall O’Sullivan to field a competitive team.
PRAHRAN 3-2 4-3 9-5 13-7 (85)
UHS-VU 1-2 3-5 5-6 6-7 (43)
Goals. Matherson 4, Hume, Adams, O’Sullivan 2, Lever, Dicker, Forbes.
Best. John Panagiotaros, Kyle Scott, Michael Woods, Nicholas Phimister, Jordan Adams, Blake Graham
WOMENS
OUR women’s Team went into the game against Caulfield Grammarians focused and ready for the challenge, and that showed from the opening bounce.
We started extremely well and were well structured throughout the first quarter, building momentum as the term progressed. We moved the ball effectively into our forward 50 and, importantly, were able to lock it in with strong structure and pressure around the contest. We were winning clearances and controlled around 80% of the territory for the quarter.
The game evened up in the second term as Caulfield adjusted their structure and began to work their way back into the contest. They had some talented players who were able to find plenty of the football and use it effectively, allowing them to gain the lead heading into the second half.
The third quarter became a real arm wrestle. It was a low-scoring, contested game, with Caulfield having more of the possession but our team continuing to create opportunities. We had chances to score but struggled to create the space and separation we needed inside forward 50, and at times rushed our ball use when opportunities presented themselves. Caulfield were also dangerous on transition, using their speed and kicking ability to move the ball quickly from one end of the ground to the other.
The final quarter was a really positive finish from our group. We made some structural changes midway through the term that opened the game up, and with five minutes remaining we kicked another goal to bring the margin back to eight points. From there, the team continued to apply enormous pressure, control territory and create opportunities. We were the team pushing hard to score in the closing minutes but couldn’t quite find the space and width needed to finish our work.
One of the biggest positives from the game was the effort and resilience shown by the entire group. The tackling, pressure, contested work and willingness to keep grinding were what brought us back into the game and gave us a late opportunity. The players continued to work for each other right until the final siren.
We now have a week off to refresh our bodies and minds before returning for Round 12. There is plenty to build on from this performance as we continue working towards a strong finish to the season.
PRAHRAN-COLLEGIANS 1-0 1-0 1-1 2-3 (15)
Caulfield Grammarians 0-1 1-3 3-3 3-4 (22)
Goals. Leahy, Cotton.
Best. Ashton Cotton, Millie Stonnill, Isabella Warne-Smith, Mikayla Collins, Laura Bird, Charli-Jade Schneider