R1 2024 | Seniors at Hawthorn

Our five senior debutants in round one (from left to right): Duncan Clarke, Cleve Westley, Riley Maringoni, Ben Field-Pimm and Nick McKinnon. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

The much anticipated first round of the 2024 season finally arrived, and a new-look MHSOBFC outfit travelled east to test their resolve against a Hawthorn side hot off promotion from division three last year. The Unicorns welcomed five debutants into the mix - with Nick ‘Pop Up’ Mckinnon, Duncan Clarke, Ben Field-Pimm, Cleve Westley and Riley Maringoni donning the maroon, green and black for the first of no doubt many outings. 

Challenged to improve on some slow starts last year, MHSOBFC started hot - proving that where there was a Will - there was a way to goal - with ruckman Will Kruyt providing top-notch service to the mids and Will Hellier (3 goals) providing an early option forward. 

Despite the hot start, some lapses in concentration and poor goal-kicking kept the door ajar for Hawthorn, who started to wrestle back ascendency throughout the second quarter. Experienced duo Sean Lester and Sam Hayes found some rare air - with the defensive duo both hitting the scoresheet to ensure the High had a narrow lead heading into the main break.

While the new faces of the midfield, Ben, Nick and Riley won plenty of contested footy, the home side was able to weather the storm and started to hit the scoreboard on the back of some great rebound running. A third-quarter blitz catching the Unicorns off guard, which they would subsequently be unable to rein back in. 

Despite stoic defence from Big Cleve and Dunks, the damage was done and the result ultimately was sealed.
Despite the loss, there are plenty of promising signs - alongside the five debutants, we also welcomed back Mat Pereria (3 goals) and Zac Smooker who had missed the end of last season with injuries. The team is building in chemistry and eager at the opportunity to take another step up as they return to the ‘theatre of dreams’: the Woodfull-Miller Oval this week and earn their first points against South Melbourne. Go ‘corns!

Final Scores: MHSOB 11.11-77 defeated by Hawthorn 16.15-111

Goal Kickers: Will Hellier 3, Mathew Pereria 3, Nick McKinnon, Sam Hayes, Sean Lester, Alex Mourtikas, James Dozzi

Best Players: Will Hellier, Will Kruyt, Mathew Pereira, Sean Lester, Brendan Cook, Mitchell Wilson