R9 2024 | Seniors at South Melbourne Districts
Will Hellier marks strongly up forward for the Unicorns. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Round 9 brought with it lots of opportunity, as an up and about MHSOBFC, fresh off the back of two straight wins, faced off against South Melbourne Districts who were also in similar winning form.
Both teams faced blustery conditions at the exposed Lindsay Hassett Oval, and South Melbourne took advantage of the favourable breeze in the first quarter, leading the way 26-2 at the break. This deficit sitting at only 24 points was a statement to strong defensive efforts from Cleve Westley, Duncan Clarke and ex-forward now turned backman in Oscar Sargeant who saw plenty of fast moving football coming into the defensive 50, and managed to stop most of the attempts made by the rampaging Swans.
The second quarter saw the Unicorns turn around the momentum and find some free flowing football of their own, with a four goal to two quarter in their favour. Nick ‘Pop Up’ McKinnon continued his strong form from the midfield, creating some explosive run and great clearance work, giving the forwards a good look at scoring.
Kicking back into the breeze in the third quarter, MHSOBFC’s ambition was to stem the flow of goals from South Melbourne in the hope of making a run at it in the last term. Despite continued efforts from our tall backs, as well as some great intercepting and running off the half back flank from Sam Hayes and Liam Littore, the Unicorns struggled to maintain possession of the football and keep the ground “small” on defence, allowing South Melbourne to score more freely than desired. A three goal to nil quarter against by the home side made for a tough ask for the green, maroon and black, heading into the final quarter trailing by 32 points.
South Melbourne was able to capitalise off MHSOBFC being a little bit off their best all day, but particularly in the last quarter, with most of the play being owned by the Unicorns without representation on the scoreboard. Controlled counter attacks from Melbourne High turnovers saw the Swans overcome the wind, adding five points to the margin to take victory by 37 points.
Although it was not the desired result, the Unicorns have seen individual and team improvement across several areas of focus. The opportunity does not end there however, with a huge game against St Mary's Salesian next week that will be critical to the overall outcome of the season.
Final Scores: MHSOBFC 5.9-39 defeated by South Melbourne Districts 11.10-76
Goal Kickers: Will Hellier, James Dozzi, Mathew Pereira, Brendan Cook, Brayden Swenson
Best Players: Cleve Westley, Nick McKinnon, Liam Littore, Oscar Sargeant, Sam Hayes, Duncan Clarke