With the 2024 regular season done and dusted, attention and excitement turned to the finals series. MHSOBFC, having put together an incredible body of work, were rewarded with a second placed finish, pitting them against the imperious Brunswick, whose dominance had resulted in them qualifying for the finals atop the ladder. The two teams met at the windswept neutral venue of La Trobe Oval in Bundoora, so warmups were completed with intensity and last words of advice metered out before play began.

The culmination of the 2024 regular season served up a tantalising fixture for the Division 2 Reserves die-hards, the second-placed Unicorns looking to solidify their finals credentials after a disappointing loss against ladder leaders Brunswick, and welcoming third-placed St Marys Salesian to the Woodfull-Miller Oval. 

The Unicorns travelled out to Gillon Oval to take on ladder leaders Brunswick, both coming off wins in their previous round match ups, against Bulleen-Templestowe and Whitefriars, respectively.

MHSOBFC journeyed out to a sunny Ted Ajani Reserve in fine form, off the back of a convincing 47-point win over Elsternwick, as the push for a top two finish intensified with only three games to go before finals. Their opponent, Bulleen-Templestowe, whilst not in the finals picture, were trounced by the Unicorns earlier in the year, and despite not registering a single point in the last encounter, were eager to change the outcome this time around, on their home deck.

With a win guaranteeing finals footy for the Magoos, Elsternwick came into the game in a good patch of form, most notably defeating then-undefeated ladder leaders Brunswick. In far more agreeable conditions, the game also was underlined by three special milestones, the 50th game donning the maroon and green for the tireless Alex Mourtikas, as well as crowd favorite Dinuk ‘Juice’ Epa. The final commendation went to MHSOB Reserves legend Shannon Keough, the two-time Best and Fairest winner and current Assistant Coach lacing up the boots for the 164th and last time, much to the delight of his teammates.

Continuing our winning momentum and mentality, MHSOBFC delivered a stellar performance at the Woodfull-Miller, the theatre of dreams, triumphing over a Wattle Park Animals side with a final score of 165 to 14.

Continuing our winning momentum and mentality, MHSOBFC delivered a stellar performance at the Woodfull-Miller, the theatre of dreams, triumphing over a Wattle Park Animals side with a final score of 165 to 14.

In a clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, MHSOBFC continued their red-hot winning streak, outmuscling a high-flying Hawthorn In mud-soaked battle royale at the hallowed Woodfull-Miller Oval. This gritty triumph not only solidified the Unicorns' status as the team to beat, but also catapulted them within striking distance of the top spot, trailing league leaders Brunswick by a mere game.

Off the back of a convincing win last round against St Marys Salesian, MHSOBFC made their way back home for their final game before the mid season bye against Aquinas. The two teams had had vastly contrasting seasons, with the Unicorns sitting second on the table, and their opponents second last. The two teams had met once prior this season, with the green, maroon & black winning at Aquinas College by 30 points.

Fresh off a strong win against formidable opponents South Melbourne, MHSOBFC looked to continue their strong form in their push for the top two, and faced the current holder of second place, St Marys Salesian, who fought for a gritty last-round win against Elsternwick. Separated by a game and percentage, the fate of both sides’ aspirations were in play, as Brunswick sat undefeated above them in top place.

Coming off a well-earned bye, the Unicorns resumed their promising start to the 2024 season down at Lindsay Hassett Oval, home of the South Melbourne Districts, just barely two months after their last encounter, where an inspired Swans took home the points at the Woodfull-Miller Oval.

MHSOBFC returned to the Woodfull-Miller Oval with a performance for the ages, dismantling Bulleen Templestowe in a staggering 301-point victory. From the first bounce, it was clear that MHSOBFC meant business; the Bullants were quickly put on the back foot as the Unicorns' forwards found their range early and often.

MHSOBFC took respite from their predominantly away fixture thus far, returning to the Woodfull-Miller Oval to take on a familiar foe in Whitefriars. The visiting side had started the season strongly; coming into the game with twin threats in the division’s leading goalkicker, Lucas Zita, and the most effective defence to date. The Unicorns finished their previous year winning their last six matches to make the finals, while Whitefriars missed out in fifth position (whom they beat in the penultimate fixture of the regular season).

Round 6 took the Reserves to the second stop of their road trip, taking on Wattle Park in the sun at Bennettswood Reserve in Burwood. Both teams arrived full of confidence, coming off strong wins against Elsternwick and Hawthorn respectively. The stage was set for an enthralling contest between teams near identical on the ladder save for percentage, and it’s safe to say it lived up to expectations.

The Reserves travelled south to Elsternwick Park, looking to rebound from a tough loss against Brunswick in the previous outing. The atmosphere was different, with their opponents Elsternwick upbeat after a convincing defeat of another quality side, South Melbourne Districts.

Returning to the Woodfull-Miller Oval, the Reserves were facing a modern rival in Brunswick. Bested thrice last year, including a final round and semi final elimination game, the visitors returned to exact some measure of retribution.

The reserves took the long drive out to Aquinas College in Ringwood, determined to bounce back from a frustrating performance the week prior against last year’s grand finalists South Melbourne Districts.

Round two brought together the two preliminary finalists of last season, MHSOBFC and South Melbourne Districts, in another clash with both teams looking to set up a strong start to their respective campaigns.

Footy made its long awaited return, and the Reserves were eager to hit the field again after narrowly missing out on the grand final in the 2023 season.