R12 2024 | Reserves vs Hawthorn

In a clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, MHSOBFC continued their red-hot winning streak, outmuscling a high-flying Hawthorn In mud-soaked battle royale at the hallowed Woodfull-Miller Oval. This gritty triumph not only solidified the Unicorns' status as the team to beat, but also catapulted them within striking distance of the top spot, trailing league leaders Brunswick by a mere game.

The opening quarter was a slugfest, with Mason Fennessy-Kent lighting up the midfield for the Unicorns, his silky skills cutting through the Hawks' defense like a hot knife through butter. Dinuk "Juice" Epa turned up the heat, his bone-crunching tackles sending shockwaves through the Hawthorn ranks. Despite the Unicorns' early fireworks, the Hawks managed to claw their way to a nail-biting four-point lead at the first break.

As the pressure cooker reached boiling point, Luke Stone emerged as MHSOBFC’s rock in defense, his unwavering presence igniting a comeback of epic proportions. The dynamic duo of Lachie Sharrock and James Lake caught fire, peppering the scoreboard and propelling the High to a commanding 15-point lead at halftime.

Lachlan O'Halloran lays a bone-crunching tackle. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

Coach Matt Brancatisano's halftime rev-up had the desired effect, with the Unicorns storming out of the gates in the third quarter. However, disaster struck as star defender Aditya Munukutla was forced to the sidelines with a knee injury. But like true champions, MHSOBFC’s backline stood tall, launching lightning-fast counterattacks that James Lake finished with clinical precision.

The final quarter saw the return of Will Suhr, who turned the contest into his own personal highlight reel. Suhr's aerial supremacy and pinpoint passing carved open the Hawks' defense, setting the stage for Sharrock and Lake to put on a goal-kicking masterclass. When the dust settled, both sharpshooters had bagged five goals apiece, sealing a monumental 74-point victory for the rampaging Unicorns.

With this statement win, MHSOBFC have sent a clear message to the competition: the road to glory runs through the Woodfull-Miller Oval. As they close in on the top spot, the Unicorns are primed to make history in their quest for VAFA supremacy.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 17.14-116 defeated Hawthorn 6.6-42

Goal Kickers: Lachlan Sharrock 5, James Lake 5, Will Suhr 2, Dinuk Epa 2, Austin Reynolds, Lachlan O’Halloran, Bailey Gallop

Best Players: Mason Fennessy-Kent, Lachlan Sharrock, Orlando Seelander, Will Suhr, Lachlan O’Halloran, Luke Stone