R15 2024 | Reserves vs ELSTERNWICK
After an incredibly hard fought win in the driving rain against Whitefriars Reserves last time out, the Unicorns welcomed Elsternwick Reserves to the illustrious Woodfull-Miller Oval for their Round 15 encounter.
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.
The Unicorns took the initiative in the early running, as deliberate, patient ball movement resulted in talismanic tall timber James Cusack storming his way to three majors for the term. The midfield unit was unrelenting in stoppages, Josh Grierson especially facilitating first use for his teammates. With Luke Stone and Jarrrod Growse’s incisive distribution and rebounding on display, the defensive unit were able to restrict Elsternwick to two scoring opportunities for the term - though both majors. The first quarter ended with the Unicorns leading 4.2-26 to Elsternwick’s 2.0-12.
The second term held strong likeness to the first, as the Unicorns took an identical return (4.2) from proceedings, but the back six were in full force, limiting their opponents to just one goal. Adam ‘Sticky’ Stikoltzik justified his nickname with some strong contested grabs, but seemingly unawares he had missed upwards of 20 games of footy was Shannon Keough, imperious in his efforts to drive his side. The Unicorn’s smalls got busy, Dinuk ‘Juice’ Epa kicking true in his milestone game, celebrating with trademark flair. The siren sounded for the main break with a healthy 34-point buffer to the Unicorns, 8.4-52 to 3.0-18.
With “Gaffer” Matt Brancatisano warning against the perils of complacency, the Unicorns continued to dominate scoring opportunities and field position throughout the third term, the team steadfast in their endeavor. Unicorns returnee Will Suhr was released into the ruck and was dominant in his tap work, serving the ball on a platter for Alex Mourtikas who displayed his quality of disposal that his teammates have come to expect through his first 50 games, only matched by William Colman, who was a deadeye by foot all day.
Dinuk Epa celebrates a goal. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Coming into the fourth term with a 11.10-76 to 4.0-24 advantage, the intensity of the match did not falter, but Elsternwick acquitted themselves well. Shannon Keough, released forward, almost had his fairytale goal but was unlucky not to snag one, but nonetheless was omnipresent and a leader for his team. The final siren sounded with the Unicorns running out 47-point victors, 12.14-86 to 6.3-39. Despite his best efforts to avoid it, Shannon Keough received a standing ovation from teammates and supporters alike as he was chaired from the ground, a genuine icon of the club who, whilst sorely missed on the field, continues to provide so much to it off, and deserved every part of the win.
With three weeks left to unfold for the regular season, the Unicorns head to Ted Ajani Reserve to take on the Bulleen Templestowe Reserves, before a monster clash against Brunswick Reserves the week after.
Final score: MHSOBFC 12.14-86 defeated Elsternwick 6.3-39
Best Players: Shannon Keough, Luke Stone, Adam Stikoltzik, Dinuk Epa, Alex Mourtikas, Will Suhr
Goals: James Cusack 3, Dinuk Epa 2, Mason Fennessy-Kent 2, James Lake 2, William Colman, Joshua Grierson, Charles Pearson