R8 2024 | Seniors vs Bulleen Templestowe
An in-form MHSOBFC has delivered a commanding 43-point victory over Bulleen Templestowe in a high-scoring affair at the Woodfull-Miller Oval.
It was a hot start in the first quarter, with both sides showcasing some exhilarating ball movement. Brendan Cook, a true Mr Fix-It for the Unicorns this season, found himself sent forward for the Round 8 affair and set the scene from the outset. In what proved to be a masterful movement of the magnets by head coach, Bernard Pretty, ‘Cookie’ was a handful (and more) for an under-siege Bullants defence as he made his presence felt on the scoreboard early.
James Dimogotsi, celebrating his 50th game for the club, certainly didn’t leave his party tricks at home, bringing the house down with one of the more exciting goals you’ll see, and a celebration that was almost just as good. It was all squared at 32 apiece at quarter time, as both sides gained a feel for their opposition.
The rollercoaster scenes of the first quarter continued into the second. James Dozzi showed his forward craft, with his ability to create something out of nothing quickly becoming a common feature of the Unicorns offence, scoring two goals.
MHSOBFC were also glad to welcome back club superstar, Will Hellier. The man the fans call ‘Hops’ showed exactly why as he claimed a now textbook hanger on the shoulders of key forward, Matt Pereira. Pereira was lucky enough to find himself on the end of some brilliant work from his teammates up the field, bagging four goals as the Unicorns headed into the main break with a 12-point lead.
Brendan Cook takes a screamer in the forward line. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
The third quarter saw the mouthwatering midfield battle continue. It was exciting for the Unicorns faithful as young stars, Brayden Swenson and Chris Wright, imposed themselves on the contest, playing their best games for the club. Brendan Cook simply could not be contained by the Bullants defence, slotting three goals in the premiership quarter (seven for the game) to solidify a best-on-ground performance.
The final term saw the Unicorns take their pressure and intensity to another level to round out a comprehensive 142-99 victory. Senior figures Sam Hayes, Charles Pearson and Liam Littore, showcased all their experience and composure, holding the fort down back as the Unicorns restricted the Bullants to just a solitary point for the term.
The back-to-back wins see the Unicorns head into the King’s Birthday week off with the ledger set at 3-1-4. The first half of the year has provided plenty of learnings for a team full of new faces and brimming with young talent. The signs are aplenty that this exciting senior group is just starting to come together and find their mojo.
A big challenge awaits the team after the bye in South Melbourne Districts, with the Unicorns determined to make amends for their round 2 loss and break their way into the top four.
Final Scores: MHSOBFC 21.16-142 defeated Bulleen Templestowe 15.9-99
Goal Kickers: Brendan Cook 7, Mathew Pereira 6, James Dozzi 3, Will Hellier 2, James Dimogotsi, Brayden Swenson, Anthony Tran
Best Players: Brendan Cook, Mathew Pereira, Will Hellier, Chris Wright, Brayden Swenson, Jamie Radcliffe-Smith