R1 2023 | Seniors at Bulleen Templestowe
The 2023 season started with an away game for the senior side on a drizzly April day at Bulleen-Templestowe, a side we’ve had the wood over the last few seasons. We welcomed into the team new recruits Matt Pereira & Nathan Volk, our 2021 B&F winner Will Hellier and senior debutant Aditya ‘Dish’ Munukutla.
The first quarter was a tussle as both sides tried to figure out their opposition and adjusted to the increased tempo from the practice matches. Vice-captain Jayme Lawson had the first three centre clearances and set up first quarter goals for Pereira and Hugh Radcliffe-Smith. A five-point deficit at quarter time.
Forward Alex Mourtikas receives the football. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Across the next two quarters both sides had their periods of momentum, and just as it looked like the Unicorns would break the opposition and set a handy lead, Bulleen-Temp hit the scoreboard due to a turnover or ill-discipline from the Unicorns. Former captain Mitch ‘Titch’ Wilson hit his straps in his new forward role, with his opponent genuinely having no idea where he was, let alone stopping him. The midfield duo of captain Jules Eimutis and playing assistant Sean Lester had plenty of the footy, adjusting better than most to the damp conditions. At the last break, MHS were down by 9 points, a very achievable target to chase.
Unfortunately, Bulleen-Temp continued to play a game style that suited their ground and the conditions, and the Unicorns failed to adjust to coach Bernie Pretty’s instructions. Despite our centre clearance ascendancy, the Bulleen-Temp midfield got on top around the ground and they kicked away in the last quarter. Deputy vice-captain Brendan Cook in his new role down back, winger Tom Rendell (ageing like a fine wine) and Will Hellier continued to keep us in the contest, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
A nasty concussion to Nick Wood was the only injury concern and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.
Final Scores: MHSOB: 5.10-40 defeated by Bulleen-Templestowe: 10.7-67
Goal Kickers: M. Pereira 2, H. Radcliffe-Smith, J. Eimutis, W. Hellier
Best Players: M. Wilson, B. Cook, J. Eimutis, T. Rendell, W. Hellier, S. Lester