R16 2023 | Reserves at Old Yarra
Luke Franze celebrates his milestone game with a loyal fan.
The Reserves travelled out to Koonung Park, home of the Old Yarra Cobras, in a crucial game for the Unicorns. With Whitefriars trailing by only a game in fifth, and third placed Brunswick only ahead by a game, a win would be vital in ensuring their finals’ hopes remained firmly in their own hands. It would also mark the celebration of defender Luke Franze’s 50th game for MHSOB.
In favourable conditions, the first term was evenly fought, with both sides playing with intensity and effort. In the middle, Nathan Wood began strongly in the ruck, working tirelessly against formidable opposition. Fellow young gun Lachlan O’Halloran also rose to the occasion, working effectively across multiple positions on the ground. At quarter time, Old Yarra 2.5-17 led MHSOB 2.2-14.
MHSOB brought even greater defensive pressure in the second quarter, limiting their opponents to a single point. This was highlighted by the continued efforts of the back six, notably Shannon Keough and Bryce Dowling, quashing multiple forward 50 entries. The offensive output remained tight, with MHSOB only scoring 2.2-14, but taking a slender ten-point advantage into the main break.
The third quarter swung to the home side, as they managed to win the ball around the contest and limiting the forward movement of their opponents. The home side kicked three goals straight and the challenge was laid down to the Unicorns, down two points at three quarter time.
Not one to miss the moment, coach Matt Brancatisano revved up his charges, reminding them of the importance of the impending result. What followed was arguably one of the finest displays shown by the Reserves this season, each player rising to the occasion and winning their individual battles. Winger Joel Gauci, fresh off the plane from Europe, was especially influential in this period, and up forward Dion Owens was tenacious. Small forward Zac Comley-Burns kicked a vital goal with minutes to go and followed it up with a brilliant tackling effort 100m from his own goal. Alistair Rogers put the final nail in the coffin with a sealing goal and the Unicorns ran out 15-point winners.
Final Score: MHSOB: 8.5-53 defeated Old Yarra Cobras: 5.8-38
Goal Kickers: B. Gunn 3, D. Owens, J. Gauci, Z. Comley-Burns, A. Rogers, A. Joseph
Best Players: N. Wood, L. O'Halloran, E. Riddle, J. Gauci, B. Gunn, D. Owens