R7 2024 | Seniors vs Whitefriars
Cleve Westley steadies before a kick inside forward 50. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
MHSOBFC delivered a heart-stopping comeback victory against Whitefriars at the Woodfull-Miller Oval, overcoming a second-quarter deficit to win by seven points. The win keeps their finals aspirations alive as they head into a crucial home clash next week.
The Unicorns wasted no time stamping their authority on the game, with a dominant first-quarter performance. Mitch Wilson starred off half back and was a force to be reckoned with, while Nick McKinnon's creativity ensured a steady flow of goals. Cleve Westley managed to sneak forward late in the term for an exciting defender’s goal, helping to establish a narrow seven-point lead at the first break.
The second quarter saw a complete shift in momentum: Whitefriars lifted their intensity and clawed their way back into the contest. Fortunately, goals from Nick McKinnon and a crucial late goal to Liam Littore kept the Unicorns in touch, however the Whitefriars' fightback proved more potent, outscoring the Unicorns 33-20 and taking a narrow three-point lead into halftime.
The Unicorns knew they needed a response after the break. Captain Sean Lester emerged as the catalyst for the comeback, providing a vital link between the midfield and the forwards. Vice captain Brendan Cook kicked an early goal to level the scores, followed by important goals from James Dozzi, Chris Wright, and Sam Hayes kept the scores even heading into the last term.
The final quarter was a nail-biter: both teams threw everything at each other, with neither able to gain a significant advantage, however, the Unicorns' defensive resolve proved to be the deciding factor. Will Kruyt's dominance in the ruck elevated in the last quarter, providing a crucial advantage in service for the midfielders and dominance in the air. Matt Pereira starred kicking his fourth and fifth goals, with the last coming from a mark on the siren to secure the win for the Unicorns. With their backs against the wall, the green, maroon and black held firm and emerged victorious 101-94.
The come-from-behind victory will be a major confidence boost for the Unicorns, with the team stepping up and performing under pressure. They head into their next home game against Bulleen Templestowe determined to secure their third win of the season.
Final Scores: MHSOBFC 14.17-101 defeated Whitefriars 14.10-94
Goal Kickers: Mathew Pereira 5, James Dozzi 2, Cameron Witt, Cleve Westley, Sam Hayes, Brendan Cook, Nick McKinnon, Chris Wright, Liam Littore
Best Players: Mitchell Wilson, Nick McKinnon, Sean Lester, Will Kruyt, Brendan Cook, Mathew Pereira