Two Blues Water Tight Defence a Highlight

Seniors:

Defence is said by football sages to be the cornerstone of premierships and if that is true then Prahran Assumption is well placed to win the VAFA Division 2 flag.

The Two Blues sit a game and percentage clear on top of the ladder, but it's dismantling of Eltham's forward line at Toorak Park on Saturday was even more compelling evidence. The previous Saturday resurgent Eltham had kicked 21 goals v third placed Yarra Valley. Yet by three quarter-time last Saturday Elham had registered a solitary goal. The Turtles added three more last quarter goals for a paltry return of 4-2.

Tom Atwell and John Stocker reigned supreme in the key defence posts, Tom Freeman was back to his assured best across half- back while Tim Webb's run and handball from the back pocket started plenty of attacks. The Two Blues won the stoppages with skipper James Musster, Eric Kuret, Paul Donahoo,celebrating his 150th game, and Trent Rogers reigning supreme. Up forward Ged Hogarth was a constant threat while Jay Banks threaded two set shots from the boundary line in his haul of three goals. In contrast to the inaccuracy of the previous week the Two Blues were deadly in front of goal with 9-2 to half-time.

The Two Blues took time to hit full stride posting a modest 5-2 in the first quarter considering they were kicking with the aid of a stiff northerly breeze. But four goals to one into the breeze, and then a further four goals to nil in the third term reflected their dominance. Ariel Steinberg, in his first senior game since leaving Essendon in 2015, showed the class you would expect and was swamped by his new teammates after slotting a long goal in the third quarter.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 5-2. 9-2. 13-6 15-11 (101) d ELTHAM 0-1 1-2 1-2 4-2 (26)

Goals: G Hogarth, Banks 3, Maya, Dickinson 2, Kuret, Muster, Sleight,J Hogarth, Steinberg.

Best: Atwell, Musster, T Freeman, Stocker, Adams, Banks.

Reserves:

Yet another thumping win and a clear indication of the depth at the club. Twelve individual goal kickers.

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 26-22 (178) d ELTHAM 4-2 (26) 

Goals: E Scicluna 4, Ellis 4, Quinn 3, Heeps 3, Leske, Arundel-Gordon, Dempsey, Marmo 2, Hall, Panagiotaros, Hunt, Conlan.

Best: Quinn, E Scicluna, Leske, Panagiotaros, J Brereton, Marmo.

Club XXIII:

PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 5-7 (37) lost to SOUTH MORNINGTON 7-6 (48)