R16 2024 | Seniors at Bulleen Templestowe
Ruckman Brayden Swenson tries to break free. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
MHSOBFC travelled to Bulleen Templestowe on Saturday with a slight chance of finals still on offer. A couple of changes to the side including the return of former senior captain and best & fairest winner Julian Eimutis. The opposition were in bottom position, three wins shy of the Unicorns and with relegation on the line.
MHSOBFC started well, energised by the late winter sunshine, plus hearing of a Thirds finals win and seeing our Reserves get over the line in the early game. Unfortunately, the first quarter conversion kept our opposition in the game. Will Hellier kicked an early goal and Nick Campbell was at his best keeping things alive in the forward line. The defenders also held up well, and despite leading by nine points, the Unicorns probably left two or three goals out there.
The second term carried on in much the same fashion. Two goals to MHSOBFC and one to Bulleen Templestowe had the visitors 15 points up at the main break, but first half injuries to full back Zac Smooker and vice-captain Brendan Cook ensured the game was still there for the taking. A big deck, sunny day, and an opposition hungry to keep their Division 2 prospects alive.
Much like the first quarter, the third term was nothing short of frustrating. The Unicorns kicked 1.7-13 and should’ve put the game to bed given the territory dominance. They had the opposition on the ropes, only for them to slip and rebound coast-to-coast on a couple of occasions. However, at the final break MHSOBFC was still 13 points ahead.
The last quarter simply didn’t go to script: poor control of the game’s momentum, an injury to another key back in Oscar Sargeant, and unforced errors that contradicted the message coach Bernie Pretty had shared in his addresses all day. Bulleen Templestowe kicked five goals in the last, hitting the front with about four minutes to go. In the end, the Unicorns went down by nine points in a very disappointing game.
As always, there are plenty of lessons to be learned but lots of positives too. Nick “Stallion” Campbell had his best game for the senior side. ‘Titch’ Wilson, Will Hellier & Nick McKinnon continued their good form line (a possible look at the best & fairest podium for 2024). Liam Littore offered plenty of drive and composure across half back (no doubt he’ll still ask coach Bernie Pretty to go forward this week) and Rob Rae was fantastic in his regular wing role. It was also great to see Charles Pearson roam around at wing/half forward and bob up with two goals (both left footed).
Final Scores: MHSOBFC 8.12-60 defeated by Bulleen Templestowe 9.15-69
Goals: Will Hellier 3, Nick Campbell 2, Charles Pearson 2, Nick McKinnon
Best: Nicholas Campbell, Mitchell Wilson, Will Hellier, Nick McKinnon, Liam Littore, Robert Rae