Reserves Round 2 2022
After a dominant opening round away win against Yarra Valley the week prior, the Unicorns found themselves back at the Woodfull-Miller Oval on a cracking 26 degree day for Round 2. It was the opposite to the week before, with sunshine replacing the constant drizzle of rain. Staring down Ivanhoe, the High’s round 2 squad saw some new, and some old familiar faces. The likes of Chris Burton, Luke Whittaker, Travis Johnson and Jarryd James returned for a kick on a Saturday afternoon to round off a strong reserves side.
The opening quarter got off a positive start with a quick crumbing goal by Alex Mourtikas at the feet of Will Colman who tirelessly occupied the full forward position all day. The scores seemed to go back and forth for the next 25 minutes, with the term ending dead even on three goals three apiece.
Throughout the second quarter it was much of the same, with James ‘Stretch’ Xavier working hard as the sole ruckman. Jordan Compte competed with strength through the middle and led from the front as skippe. Late in the quarter, Ivanhoe started to gain some momentum and finished it off on a high, leading by 2 points at the main break.
The third term was where Ivanhoe really carried that drive from the back end of the quarter before and began to get on top of Melbourne High. Despite the work rate from the Unicorns, Ivanhoe dominated clearances and seemed to have an extra man around the ball throughout the quarter. 5 goals was the margin by three-quarter time, with the High having some decent work to do to.
A fine coaching display by Matt Brancatisano and Nick Brown at the break really gave the Melbourne High boys some inspiration to run the game out on a positive note and ‘make memories.’ There was plenty of effective forward-50 entries to overcome the tall defensive spare of Ivanhoe’s that was a thorn in the Unicorns’ side for most of the day. Orlando Seelander turned it on this quarter, kicking a couple, including a miraculous but shifty effort along the forward pocket’s boundary that could’ve been called up by the umpire for about three different free kicks. It resulted in a goal but was eventually called back by the goal umpire who ruled it out of bounds.
Ultimately, Ivanhoe came out on top by 18 points in a competitive game that was not without its highlights and learnings from both teams.
Final Score: MHSOB 10.9 - 69 def by Ivanhoe 12.15 - 87
Goal Kickers: C. Burton 2, L. Whittaker 2, A. Mourtikas 2, N. Gehrig 2, O. Seelander 2
Best Players: O. Seelander, A. Mourtikas, S. Hodder, D. Epa, J. Compte, T. Golz