Seniors Round 1 2021
Round 1 vs Glen Eira
The Unicorns arrived at Packer Park greeted by a welcome to winter conditions. Patchy rain, a wet ground and blustery wind had arrived, set out on trying to drown the occasion of a return to football, under lights, after an eighteen month absence. Led out by co-captains Mitch Wilson & Tim Campelj there was a quiet sense of anticipation amongst the playing group.
Glen Eira flew out of the blocks in the first quarter, and for the first 10 minutes of the game were able to keep the ball inside their forward half. Fortunately, the unrelenting pressure of the Unicorns backline meant that the Unicorns only conceded one goal. The momentum of the first quarter swung, and before long Jimmy Tran had converted the Unicorns first of the game, before making it a double 60 seconds later following some ill discipline from a Gryphons opponent. The Unicorns maintained control of the game for the duration of the first quarter and a mark and subsequent goal after the siren to Ashan Wijayakumara had the Unicorns holding an early advantage:
¼ Time: MHSOBFC 4-1-25, Glen Eira – 1-2-8
Early in the 2nd quarter the Unicorns continued their control of contested ball and continued accumulating inside 50s but were unable to convert. A quick transition out of the Unicorn forward half led to a long goal for Glen Eira, which was shortly followed by two more on the trot. Sean Lester through the 2nd quarter had started to assert his class across half back on debut for the Unicorns, but Glen Eira were able to make the most of their opportunities and took a slender lead to the break.
½ Time: MHSOBFC 4-3-27, Glen Eira 4-4-28
Coming out after half time, the Unicorns had unfortunately lost Ryan Brock to a hamstring injury, and returning favourite son Dyl Hamilton-Ho to what would later be discovered a broken hand. The reduction in rotations and the step up in intensity from Glen Eira was evident through the third quarter. The Unicorns were able to add a goal against the momentum of the quarter, however Glen Eira were on top. A bump at the same time as a Glen Eira player disposed of the ball led to a rather dubious yellow card for Jimmy Tran, which unfortunately left the Unicorns with only one on the bench for the second half of the 3rd quarter and it was in this time that Glen Eira were able to extend their lead.
¾ Time: MHSOBFC 5-3-33, Glen Eira 8-12-60
A stirring address by senior coach Bernie Pretty at the break challenged the Unicorns to respond, and that they did in the final quarter. The Unicorns were able to close the margin slightly but couldn’t quite get back to single figures at any point despite a spirited showing in the final quarter. Post-game there were positives that could be easily identified, but also a steely resolve within the group to get back to work on Tuesday night and prepare for a stronger showing against Old Paradians in the first game of the season at the glorious Woodfull-Miller!
Full Time: MHSOBFC 7-9-51, Glen Eira 9-13-67
Goal Kickers: J. Tran 3, A. Wijayakumara 2, L. Hanly, C. Healy
Best Players: J. Tran, S. Lester, M. Wilson, L. Littore, A. Wijayakumara, Z. Smooker