R18 2023 | Reserves at Brunswick
Chris Tetaz runs forward with the ball in hand. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
The Reserves arrived at Alec Gillon Oval in Brunswick with a host of possibilities laid before them and two other teams - Brunswick (2nd) and South Melbourne (3rd) – all equal on wins with one round to play. These three differed only by percentage, and a red hot Whitefriars sat only a game behind, meaning a win would lock in finals footy and a loss potentially ending their season.
Coming up against Brunswick, MHSOB started brightly around the ground, Jarrod Growse oozing class on the half back flank time and time again. Up forward, James ‘Stretch’ Cusack was locked in, playing for more than just premiership points, and kicked the first two goals of the game. However, it was the backline that deserved the most praise, keeping the opposition scoreless in the term.
A 17-point quarter time margin was handy, but Brunswick came out hard to start the second term, kicking the first goal and earning repeat entries into their forward 50. Defenders Orlando Seelander and Taylor Raymond were steadfast under immense pressure. Despite limited entries, the Unicorns forward line was also able to make their mark, with Abishaan Dushyanthan chasing down the footy and adding to the lead. At half time, the Unicorns were 21 points to the good, 4.6-30 to 1.3-9.
Brunswick returned with intent and had their best quarter of the game after halftime, limiting forward entries and displaying intent around the contest. Midfielders Xabier Twyman and Mason Fennessy-Kent toiled at the drop of the ball, and there was some reward for the team as James Cusack and Byron Gunn kept adding to the scoreboard. The game was still within the home side’s reach as it entered the final term, just 13 points behind.
The last quarter started with repeat entries to the home side, but the Unicorns held their nerve, Alistair Rogers showing his energy and desire for the team. The ball rolled in the Unicorns favour and the gap widened, Dinuk Epa on the end of a transition play from the centre circle, as well as a clinical snap from Mason Fennessy Kent denting Brunswick’s efforts. A few late goals were added to the margin, and ultimately the game ended with MHSOB winning by 34 points.
The Reserves finish the regular season in third place (equal second on wins), and will face Brunswick again in an elimination final this Saturday from 2:15pm at Bill Lawry Oval in Northcote.
Final Score: MHSOB: 9.8-62 defeated Brunswick 3.8-26
Goal Kickers: B. Gunn 3, J. Cusack 3, M. Fennessy-Kent, A. Dushyanthan, D. Epa
Best Players: J. Growse, M. Fennessy-Kent, X. Twyman, A. Rogers, O. Seelander, T. Raymond