R2 2024 | Seniors vs South Melbourne Districts
Football returned to the ‘Castle on the Hill’, as MHSOBFC welcomed South Melbourne Districts in round 2 of the VAFA season.
Adding to the list of debutants this year, the Unicorns welcomed Matt Robertson - fresh off kicking eight goals in his club debut in the Reserves, and young gun Brayden Swenson - a particularly special debut as he was the first recruit to join the club on the back of the partnership with the Richmond Junior Football Club.
South Melbourne got out of the blocks early, and in contrast to the first round, it took MHSOBFC a little bit more time to get moving conceding several goals early, before the physicality of midfielder Liam Littore wrestled back some midfield control and leaping Will Hellier put the home side back into the fight.
Utility James Dozzi fights hard for the ball. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
In a competitive game, young debutant Swenson was impressive and showed plenty of fight, alongside the ‘hyphen duo’; Ben Field-Pimm and Zac Comely-Burns who showcased enormous courage with several efforts back with the flight to save what would be a certain goal.
The Unicorns and Bloods traded blows, Hellier (4 goals) and Mat Pereira (3) leading the way, and into the last break the MHSOBFC were within striking distance.
Despite some brilliance from Brendan Cook and sturdy defence from Duncan Clarke and Cleve Westley, the Unicorns were unable to overcome the final margin, ultimately hurt by their slow start.
Despite the loss, there was plenty to like for the Unicorns and it was evident that the growing chemistry of the new group was capable of going with the best of them. They will look to bounce back next week with a strong performance against Aquinas.
Final Scores: MHSOB 13.10-88 defeated by South Melbourne Districts 16.12-108
Goal Kickers: Will Hellier 4, Mathew Pereira 3, Nick McKinnon 2, Brendan Cook, Zac Comley-Burns, James Dozzi, Matt Robertson
Best Players: Brendan Cook, Duncan Clarke, Brayden Swenson, Liam Littore, Cleve Westley, Mitchell Wilson