Preliminary Final 2023 | Reserves vs South Melbourne Districts

After a long and arduous season, the Reserves had one last challenge that stood between them and an extraordinary grand final berth: a preliminary final against South Melbourne Districts, at the unusual time slot of 3:30pm on a Sunday at Trevor Barker Oval.

The Bloods would be a formidable foe having lost in the major semi final to Parkside in their previous game and out to prove their worth. The Unicorns last played them in round 14 and held on for a hard-fought six point win that would help to set up their own finals tilt. It promised to be another epic battle against two hardened opponents.

The first quarter got off to an inauspicious start as South Melbourne Districts flexed their muscles through the midfield and up forward. If not for the tireless defensive efforts of Gordon Beet and Jarrod Growse, the dominance could’ve been reflected more glaringly on the scoreboard. Full forward Byron Gunn got the Unicorns on the scoreboard with his first goal after a well-earned free kick. SMD earned a 16-point lead at quarter time, 3-5-23 to 1.1-7.

A rev up from Head Coach Matt Brancatisano at quarter time inspired his charges to put up a much stronger effort in the second term. Will Kruyt and Will Colman competed well in the ruck, and Tom Golz, Mason Fennessy-Kent and Alex Mourtikas wrestled back some midfield ascendency. However, South Melbourne Districts’ defenders read the play like a book and cut off countless forward 50 entries. They would go on to kick two goals to one for the term and take a 29-point lead into halftime, 5-7-37 to 1.2-8.

Defender Gordon Beet impedes another South Melbourne Districts forward thrust. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

The third quarter saw a continuation of the preceding term, with MHSOB’s midfield improvement and dash off the half-back line stymied by South Melbourne Districts’ defenders. Despite two goals  from swingman Bryce Dowling and winger Evan Riddle, SMD would kick three of their own and extend the margin to 37 points at three quarter time, 8.10-58 to 3.3-21.

The final quarter took its toll on both sides after such a bruising encounter. MHSOB were brave in continuing to press forward and attempt to peg back the margin, but the Bloods held their line and were decisive on the counterattack. They would go on to win by 46 points and well and truly earn their spot in the grand final against Parkside.

The Reserves can hold their heads high after a remarkable season that saw them win 14 of their last 15 games to make the preliminary final. Although it didn’t end as they would’ve hoped, they should be very proud of their efforts, and remain optimistic about the future with a number of top-age U20s recruits set to join the squad in 2024.

Final Score: MHSOB: 3.4-22 defeated by South Melbourne Districts: 9.14-68

Goal Kickers: B. Gunn, B. Dowling, E. Riddle

Best Players: G. Beet, J. Growse, T. Golz, E. Riddle, W. Kruyt, O. Seelander