Parkdale fronted up with a full side and surprisingly only a handful had grey hair. This was a suitable indication that they were a little better than last time we played them. They still had a bean pole in the ruck, but Kingy and Nobbie ensured that he got nowhere near it. Unfortunately the Parkdale midfield managed to read Nobbie and Kingy just as well as our own midfield and it was a tight battle there for the start of the day. Parkdale had entered their forward line on 5 occasions and with a terrific strike rate kicked 5 goals. Despite having the better of the first quarter, we only went in 7 points up.

After Jimbo set the boys straight, there was a marked improvement in the second term. Clarkey was moved into the middle and certainly provided some much needed spark. J Mac was buzzing around, enjoying his return, and managed to snag a long goal on the run. The Vultures helped by finally missing a few easy shots, as we went into the main break 32 points clear.

The third quarter started to script with a with a clear centre clearance and forward entry from Towny. If only he had remembered we were kicking to the right of the screen, it would have been the perfect start. Luckily Spinksy was switched on by playing in front and much to Towny’s amazement chose to clear the ball straight back over his head in the right direction. Parkdale still showed plenty of spirit and continued to kick straight, whilst trying to blanket one the competitions most dangerous forwards down the other end. Parsons picked up where Boomer had left off in the first half, to have an outstanding quarter as the Fields cruised into the final break some 40 points up.

The last quarter was more of the same, but as we had lost Tim Hammond, Dom O’Keefe and most unfortunately Ash Bruhn, earlier in the day the boys noticeably started to tire. Young gun Spanos sensed the moment and flew above the pack to take easily mark of the season. The umpire had already blown his whistle to pay a free kick for a push in the back, but decided after his effort to pay the mark anyway. By the final siren the boys had stretched the lead to 56points. A win, but far from our best performance of the year, but with 5 ins & outs from last week at least we showed we have the depth to cover the changes. Parsons and Spanos were standouts all day, with the relative veteran Aiden Clarke continuing his fine return from injury to round out the best.

Caulfield Grammarians        6.1   11.4    15.7    19.12.126

Parkdale Vultures                 5.0     6.2     9.3       11.4.70

Goal Kickers: B.Scott 5, Z.Parsons 5, J McCahon 3, D.King 2, A.Clarke, C.Fagan, S.Garood, M.Kinsella

Best: D.Spanos, A.Clarke, Z.Parsons, L.Matias, W.Bowes, L.Spinks, A.Townsend, T Noblett, B.Scott