Round 2 wrap: It's a Blackout

It was a Uni Blacks Blackout on the weekend, with all four teams banking four points and the Seniors, Reserves and Phoenix all making their way to 2-0. Here's a recap of all the action from Saturday.

Seniors vs Fitzroy

It was a special day at Brunswick Street Oval on Saturday with the Rouge et Noir Cup up for grabs, a cup which was donated by Blacks legend Jack Clancy for when the two teams (Fitzroy were formerly the Uni Reds) play one another.

The boys came out all guns blazing after the Roys unfurled their Premier C Senior and Reserve flags, booting five goals to the hosts' two in the opening quarter. 

The midfield brigade was well on top thanks to the work of Swift, Carlson and Steadman who were among the Blacks' best throughout the day. A 44-point half-time advantage was well deserved after kicking ten goals to Fitzroy's three.

As impressive as the Blacks were in front of goal, it was also the defensive work which proved pivotal in the contest. Carson, Moorfield and Vearing repelled Fitzroy advances at will and set up a number of attacking plays throughout the day. 

Another five goals for the Blacks effectively put the result to bed at three-quarter time, although the second half was much more of an arm-wrestle between both teams. A 73-point win was the end result as the Seniors head to the Easter break with an 2-0 record.

Jock Roysmith was impressive with three majors, while Daniel McCullough and Joel Ernest also booted three apiece. Well done also to Max Gray (debut) and Cam Turner (100th club game) on their respective milestones.

Reserves vs Fitzroy

The Reserves also kept their perfect start to the season intact, accounting for Fitzroy by 63 points in the earlier game at Brunswick Street.

The opening quarter was a tussle, with the Blacks taking their chances in front of goal to make the early running. The Roys had their chances to be closer at the first change, but 0.5 in the opening 25 minutes saw them head to the huddles 16 points in arrears.

Led by a dominant midfield, the Blacks put the foot down in the second quarter, kicking five goals to one to open up a 42-point lead at the main break. 

The spread of goalkickers was a real highlight of the day, with ten players kicking at least one goal in a very even effort in attack. Kadan King-Davies was the standout, finishing with three majors for the day. 

Joel Beasly and Tom Peyton were a class above through the midfield and Josh Dawson, Steven Flight and Paul Sanderson were also prominent as the Reserves banked their second win for the season.

Phoenix vs St Bernards

The Phoenix came from the clouds late on Saturday, snatching victory over St Bernards with a stirring last quarter effort to win by three points.

The Snowdogs set the early pace with three goals to the Blacks' two in the opening quarter, before another three goals before half time saw the Blacks trailing by 20 points. Although the margin was reduced to 16 points at the last change, it appeared to be a tough ask for the visitors. 

But the Phoenix have never been one to back away from the challenge, and in the final term they rolled up their sleeves and set about pulling themselves over the line. A 3.4 to 0.3 quarter was the catalyst for a stirring win which sees the Phoenix move to 2-0 and remain one of only two teams undefeated after the opening fortnight.

Julian Di Nezza was again a focal point inside 50, kicking three goals and moving his tally for the season to eight. Michael Kelly also finished the match with three majors in a best on ground performance and Hagen Abbot, Nick Freeman, Nick Hanlon and Olly Hicks were standout contributors on the day.

Under 19s vs Old Haileybury

The Under 19s bounced back in fine style to register their first win of the season, travelling to Caulfield and dismantling Old Haileybury to the tune of 92 points. 

Four goals in the first quarter set the tone for the visitors, extending their lead to 26 points at the main break in a relatively even contest. 

But that's where the arm-wrestle ended, as the Unders put the foot down and slammed on 12 goals to two in the second half including eight majors in the last quarter. 

Maximus Ludbrook and Robert Woodward both booted five goals for the Blacks and Filip Bjelosevic, Daniel Fink, Jake Morgan and Jack Gleeson were among the best players. The victory set the tone for the Club with four wins from four attempts on what was a terrific Saturday.