R17 2024 | Reserves at Brunswick

Jarrod Growse with a textbook handball in his milestone game. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson. 

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.

The first term started with the home side picking apart the defensive press to set up a goal from the first bounce, and they continued to dominate field position for the term, stifling the rebounding ability of the visitors. The back line did their best to limit the damage, Jarrod Growse steadfast in his 50th game, along with Gordon Beet, but the press of Brunswick kept the ball mainly out of the danger zone for the Unicorns, managing 1.2-8 for the term. Coming into the first break, Brunswick held a 26-point buffer, 5.4-34 to 1.2-8.

The game unfortunately held course in the second quarter, as the ladder leaders kept the momentum and suppressed the effectiveness and threat of the Unicorns. Despite this, the heads of Mason Fenessy-Kent and Alistair Rogers were kept aloft, doing their best to rouse their side, as did Jake Smith, despite him incurring some nasty work from the opposition, forcing him off later in the game. The half time siren brought respite, Brunswick holding a commanding 9.7-61 to 2.2-14 lead.

The third term showed fight and flashes of the quality of play the Unicorns are capable of, most notably a strong opening salvo, kicking the first two majors. Luke Stone displayed his clinical efficiency by foot, and Chris Wright asserted himself in the contested ball, but the riposte was countered by Brunswick, who regained their ascendancy, closing out the term strongly to take a 68-point lead into the final break, 14.10-94 to 4.2-26.

The last term was a continuation of proceedings, with the Unicorns outplayed on the day by their opponents, and the game ended with Brunswick 93-point winners, 19.14-138 to 5.5-35. 

In some ways it was a much-needed reality check, and the Unicorns will look to respond with a final round match up against third placed St Marys Salesian, with a potential first week finals match up against the victors today at stake.

Final score: MHSOBFC 5.5-35 defeated by Brunswick 19.14-128

Best Players: Jarrod Growse, Mason Fennessy-Kent, Luke Stone, Alistair Rogers, Gordon Beet, Chris Wright

Goals: Jake Smith, James Lake, Matthew Acciarito, Byron Gunn, Mason Fennessy-Kent