R4 2024 | Reserves vs Brunswick

Returning to the Woodfull-Miller Oval, the Reserves were facing a modern rival in Brunswick. Bested thrice last year, including a final round and semi final elimination game, the visitors returned to exact some measure of retribution.

The first quarter was an entertaining battle, as both teams saw return for their efforts around the ground contributing to the scoreboard. From the middle, Fraser McGlashan fought tirelessly against his opposing ruck, bringing the ball to ground for the midfield unit. The reward for the transition of the ball was penetrating delivery into the forward 50, and Billy Mullin took full advantage, kicking a freakish snap on the run, as well as a set shot. The theme rang true for the Unicorns, who ended the quarter on 4.1-25, slightly ahead of Brunswick’s 2.5-17.

The second term brought the chance for both teams to kick on; and unfortunately for the Unicorns, it was the visitors who wrested control of the quarter; working extremely hard to nullify the attacking opportunities provided to the forward unit, resulting in a miserly one set shot for the term. Withstanding the onslaught with aplomb were MHSOBFC’s defensive unit, in particular Gordon Beet, a regular in these write ups (such is his quality), and first gamer Luke Stone, who didn’t put a foot wrong all day, quite the warm up before his soccer match in the afternoon. The half time whistle sounded with the Unicorns in arrears, but certainly not out of the fight, trailing 6.11-47 to 5.1-31.

Will Colman runs forward with the ball. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

Coming out of the rooms, the Unicorns started the quarter pushing to get back into the contest, and were buoyed by an early goal. Alex Mourtikas was industrious, seemingly playing everywhere on the field, and Guy A’Speculo continued to ply his trade, in a best on ground performance. However, the shift in momentum was arrested by Brunswick, who to their credit ran hard to use all the space the snug home ground had to offer. Coming into the final break, the away team had pushed to establish a strong margin, 10.14-74 to 7.4-46.

MHSOBFC kept fighting to the end, as expected with the support of the home crowd. Sadly though, it was matched by the Brunswick side, who ran out 29-point winners.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 9.7-61 defeated by Brunswick 12.18-90

Goal Kickers: Billy Mullin 2, James Lake 2, Alex Mourtikas 2, James Cusack 2, Guy A’Speculo

Best Players: Guy A’Speculo, Alex Mourtikas, Billy Mullin, Luke Stone, Fraser McGlashan, Gordon Beet