R5 2024 | Seniors at Elsternwick
Good kicking is good football, or at least in this case, >50% conversion on this day probably saved the Seniors match points.
This week MHSOBFC headed to Elsternwick who recently came up from Division 3 and were second on the table. The Unicorns’ mentality was a determination to rebound after the previous week’s thumping. Club favourite Tony Tran came back into the side for the first time this year, and a well timed visit from twice senior best & fairest winner and past captain Julian Eimutis certainly lifted the spirits. On top of this, inside midfielder Chris Wright made his debut, one of the Finley recruits alongside Duncan Clarke who have moved to Melbourne for study.
But the day belonged to Mason Fennessy-Kent, playing club game 200. An outstanding achievement for a great person on and off the field. A consistent performer, gets the job done, slick & clean on-field, and off-field one of the main social drivers. Mason goes by many nicknames (usually MFK) and the senior team and club as a whole were keen to celebrate him.
The boys started well in a contested tussle. Five points up at quarter time and seven up at half time. Recruits Nick McKinnon & Matt Robertson both hit the scoreboard for multiples in the first half and a solo-effort from half back Sam Hayes, gathering, running, bouncing out of a tackle, gathering again and snapping on the outside of his right foot for a goal (and huge celebration) was a real team lifter.
Mason Fennessy-Kent celebrates a goal during his milestone 200th game. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
After half time, the boys shifted gears and multiple forward 50 turnovers led to two goals from captain Sean Lester and a clean kick from milestone man MFK to put us 20 points ahead at the last break.
The final quarter couldn’t be scripted, and to be honest, the author is still trying to understand it. MHSOBFC kicked the first major to go 26 points in the positive. However, over the next 15 minutes the Unicorns conceded rapid goals to trail by 13. Yes, trail by 13. Then centre half back Duncan shifted forward and was able to level the scores. In the final moments, an Elsternwick forward 50 entry was defended coolly by Chuck Pearson, who wisely chose not to rush a behind and the final siren blew with scores tied.
Final Scores: MHSOBFC 14.10-94 drew with Elsternwick 13.16-94
Goal Kickers: Nick McKinnon 3, Matt Robertson 3, Sean Lester 2, Anthony Tran, Duncan Clarke, Ben Field-Pimm, Sam Hayes, Mason Fennessy-Kent, Will Hellier
Best Players: Mason Fennessy-Kent, Jamie Radcliffe-Smith, Julian Eimutis, Sean Lester, Nick McKinnon, Mitch Wilson