R2 2023 | Seniors vs Parkside

After a first-round loss it was great to be back at the Woodfull-Miller Oval on a sunny Saturday to play against Parkside. Petro Pirozek & Tony Tran returned to the side for the first time this year, plus debuts for off-season recruits Dom Waterman and Joel Gauci. It was also the 50th game for everyone’s favourite Will Hellier. Plenty of reasons to respond and an opportunity to make a statement against a side we knew very little about.

The first seven or so minutes started very well, creating repeat inside 50s that just weren’t turned into goals. To their credit, Parkside worked numbers back and then rebounded in waves, something we never quite countered for the next two hours. When they sent it forward with pace they didn’t miss, and kicked six goals straight to lead by 32 points at the first break.

A clear message from coach Bernie Pretty about the importance of our pressure game and we were back to the side we wanted to be. Pirozek was getting his hands on the footy first in the middle and we piled on three goals to one to be around the mark at halftime.

Former captain Mitch Wilson kicks out of defence. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

The third quarter was a good tussle, captain Jules Eimutis & midfielder Tony Tran kept us honest in the middle and Will Hellier took another step towards to his B&F-winning form, jumping over opponents to mark across the field. At the last break we were 29 points down, and certainly had a task at hand but one that was within reach.

The last quarter didn’t go to plan at all, and no doubt one that will be reflected on by all players until the next opportunity to make amends. Parkside played very clearly to a style, and we didn’t commit to our defensive & pressure game for long enough. The flood gates opened, and the final score was an alarming 74-point margin. Better having these issues in April than August.

Final Scores: MHSOB: 6.8-44 defeated by Bulleen-Templestowe: 18.10-118

Goal Kickers: J. Eimutis 2, P. Priozek, W. Hellier, B. Cook, T. Rendell

Best Players: J. Eimutis, W. Hellier, P. Pirozek, B. Cook, M. Pereira, T. Tran