R9 2024 | Reserves at South Melbourne Districts

Mason Fennessy-Kent kicks a crucial goal. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

Coming off a well-earned bye, the Unicorns resumed their promising start to the 2024 season down at Lindsay Hassett Oval, home of the South Melbourne Districts, just barely two months after their last encounter, where an inspired Swans took home the points at the Woodfull-Miller Oval. Having played each other in a preliminary final the season prior; the unspoken expectation for both sides this year is to return to the pointy stages of the competition; and for the Unicorns, to do one better and make it to the big dance.

Such as most games played at Lindsay Hassett Oval, the forces of nature were on full display as the teams lined up for the first bounce, with the winds fixed towards the park end. South Melbourne were the first to utilise its benefits, and started strongly with quality movement from the middle, linking handball chains to accurate kicks. A strong mark and goal led to them hitting the scoreboard first, but the Unicorns responded, with a somewhat questionable kick from Byron Gunn leading to Dinuk Epa’s mark and major, against the wind. With the ball falling short for the Unicorns forward end, the small forwards and midfielders were kept busy, running tirelessly with resident time trial specialist Nicholas Campbell immense in his endeavours. Despite the aeronautical disadvantage, the back line held firm, limiting the Districts to four scoring shots, twin towers Zac Smooker and Bryce Dowling getting stuck in with aplomb. Taking a collective breather, both sides had seen rewards on the scoreboard, but it was the Unicorns who held a slender advantage, 4.4-28 to 3.1-19.

The second term brought the wind behind the backs of the away side, and they sought to establish their advantage. Despite some errant finishing from their key forwards, the slack was picked up by the collective efforts of the midfielders and smalls, with Alex Mourtikas, Mason Fennessy-Kent and Reserves second gamer Aaron Turner all kicking true. The effort was compounded by an ever stingy defence, Gordon Beet in particular, resolute. Utilising the conditions, the Unicorns went into the main break leading 4.4-28 to 3.1-19.

The Districts were well and truly still alive in the fight, and the third term was a stunning riposte, as they flexed their proverbial muscles off the back of their ball movement and efficiency in front of the big sticks. Despite the Unicorns having seven more scoring opportunities; the Swans piled on the scoreboard pressure; and jogged off the field at the end of the period a mere two points in arrears, 8.4-52 to MHSOB’s 7.12-54.

Coming into the final term, the Unicorns had to reverse the momentum, and had the great benefits the winds brought to help them achieve it. Even still, there was reason for concern as the home side kicked the first major of term, catapulting themselves into the lead after trailing by as many as 30 points in the second quarter. From that point on, the Unicorns were a brick wall in the back end, Gordon Beet notably taking a crunching mark, rallying his teammates under pressure. Never giving up the fight, the Unicorns were able to find the lead, then some much needed breathing room as Matt Robertson kicked true. The game was tight for the majority of the term, but the efforts of the Unicorns were rewarded, as James Lake, coming off a lazy eleven goals the last time out, put the game to bed in the dying minutes.

Taking away a 31-point victory, the Unicorns are set for another top four clash away against St Mary’s Salesian, a vital contest in the middle of the season, with both side aspiring for a top two finish.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 12.18-90 defeated South Melbourne Districts 9.5-59

Goal Kickers: Dinuk Epa 2, Mason Fennessy-Kent 2, Alex Mourtikas 2, Aaron Turner 2, Nicholas Campbell, Byron Gunn, James Lake, Matt Robertson

Best Players: Bryce Dowling, Aaron Turner, Nicholas Campbell, Mason Fennessy-Kent, Gordon Beet, Dinuk Epa