R6 2024 | Reserves at Wattle Park

Round 6 took the Reserves to the second stop of their road trip, taking on Wattle Park in the sun at Bennettswood Reserve in Burwood. Both teams arrived full of confidence, coming off strong wins against Elsternwick and Hawthorn respectively. The stage was set for an enthralling contest between teams near identical on the ladder save for percentage, and it’s safe to say it lived up to expectations.

The Wattle Park Animals were the first out of the blocks, as their pinpoint ball movement and strong contested work from clearances helped direct the flow of play their way. Their repeat efforts were rewarded and they were able to impact the scoreboard, kicking four straight majors. MHSOBFC kept in touch, however, and some quality delivery down the field provided a goal themselves. From the middle, Jarrod Growse began the start of a prolific day, working hard to create some forward access for his team, as did fellow midfielder William Colman. Ending the term, the Animals had forged ahead to a 16-point lead, 4.0-24 to 1.2-8.

The second term started with controversy; as the Animals were called for having an extra man on the field at the start of preceding quarter, temporarily wiping their score (NB: this was later reinstated as it was found the erasure only counted towards the second quarter, where no score had been kicked either way). Moving on from this, the Unicorns took to their work, and Dinuk Epa was able to execute a tidy finish with trademark energy during the celebration. Nafi Anaan continued his great body of work throughout the season to date, stamping himself on the game with his intent, quality, and quantity of disposal. The momentum was arrested by the home side, who managed to respond with three majors of their own. As the half time siren sounded, the score read MHSOBFC 3.5-23, to Wattle Park 3.2-21 (NB: Wattle Park’s score would update to 7.2-44 upon resumption of play).

Nafi Anaan breaks free of a tackle. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

MHSOBFC came out of the rooms aware of the score amendment, and knew they had to respond, and quickly, to help drive the contest in their favour. The resulting start was a coach’s dream, with two quickfire majors to bring themselves just two goals shy of the home side. Dinuk Epa earned himself another goal for his troubles, and the tide was seeming to turn. Wattle Park wasn’t listening, however, and booted five straight majors, putting the game into a do or die scenario for the green, maroon and black. Even still, the signs were there of a team not giving up. Defender Gordon Beet put his body on the line, resulting in a spoil that saved a near certain goal, and returning full back Bryce Dowling gave no advantage away against talented forwards. Rob Rae kept his legs moving, as did Luke Stone, and they exacted their own swing in the final moments of the term, kicking the last two majors to breathe life, and more importantly hope, within the playing group. 

The teams came out for the final term with the home side Wattle Park 22 points to the good, 12.5-77 to 8.8-56. MHSOBFC hit the scoreboard almost immediately after the bounce, Dinuk Epa kicking his third goal for the game and putting the seed of doubt in the minds of their counterparts. And from then on, it was all Unicorns. Nafi Anaan was rewarded with two majors, and James Lake saluted with another. James Cusack used his positioning to his advantage, and was able to kick one directly in front, to the roars of his teammates. One score behind, William Colman, who had played a fantastic game as he went forward to become an attacking option, picked the ball up from the floor and booted truly to put his team, seemingly down and out seven goals behind in the third term, ahead. A sensational display in the front half of the ground was only bettered by the midfielders and defenders, who adapted to the ball movement of their opposition and limited the scoreboard to just one point. The final siren sounded and the Unicorns were triumphant, recording an inspiring 11-point win.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 13.11-89 defeated Wattle Park 12.6-78

Goal Kickers: Byron Gunn 4, Dinuk Epa 3, Nafi Anaan 2, James Lake 2, William Colman, James Cusack

Best Players: Nafi Anaan, Gordon Beet, Byron Gunn, William Colman, Dinuk Epa, Jarrod Growse