Preliminary Final 2023 | Thirds vs Mazenod
The Thirds pose for a team photo before the preliminary final. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Coming off a spirited loss against ladder-leaders Whitefriars in last week’s major semi-final, the Thirds were lucky to have the second chance in hand and another opportunity to book their spot in the big dance courtesy of the preliminary final. Facing Mazenod, whose previous encounters delivered a mix bag for the Unicorns (a heavy away loss and a home ‘forfeit’ win), it was difficult to get a gauge on what to be prepared for and to expect the unexpected, as is typically the case in finals.
Boosted by the return of big guns Sam Bonser and the Shulman brothers (Alex and Jamie), as well as a healthy contingent of support from the MHSOB Seniors, Reserves and U20s, plus family, partners and friends watching on from the side lines, the team had every reason to be fired up and get the job done.
The first quarter was tense, as both sides were getting a feel for the opposition. Jamie Shulman was able to get on the board early with a major, and the midfield group consisting of gun ruckman Adam Ashton and contested footy bulls Alex Shulman and Karl Lugod making a strong start. Mazenod however were able to finish a little better and won the quarter with three goals to MHSOB’s one.
Mazenod made their move in the second quarter, gaining ascendency through the middle with run and carry. This fast ball movement and transition created pressure in the backline, and unfortunately the opposition were able to capitalise on superior forward line positioning and forced errors from the usually composed Unicorns defenders to win the quarter convincingly kicking six goals to three. MHSOB went into the major break facing a 38-point deficit and needing a major lift in intensity in the second half.
Head Coach James Yucel, along with co-captains Patrick Bulford and Albert Kuang, delivered passionate calls to the playing group in the rooms to dig deep and take the game on with the emphasis of moving the ball through the corridor as much as possible. They were heeded and the third quarter belonged to the Unicorns as they roared back into the contest with direct ball movement, kicking four goals (including a very classy snap from Dinesh Francis) to two, largely due to the contributions of the key pillars at both ends of the ground: Jamie Shulman in attack and Sam Habteslassie at full-back with the mammoth task of playing on their burly full-forward, trimming the margin to 26 points at the final change.
With everything on the line and no tomorrow, the Unicorns threw the kitchen sink and whatever else they had left in the tank to try to reel in the margin. However, a composed Mazenod was able to hold sway and kick clear with three goals to one, and ran out well deserved winners by 42 points.
The best players for MHSOB were Alex Shulman and Karl Lugod in the middle who toiled all day. accompanied by Dinesh Francis with two important goals, Adam Ashton with his dominant tap work, Jamie Shulman proving to be a handful as always up forward finishing with three goals, and Sam Habteslassie who fought admirably in defence for four quarters.
As the season wraps up, we wish Mazenod the best of luck in the grand final next week against Whitefriars and extend an enormous thank you to all the helpers, volunteers, supporters, players, and coaching staff whose monumental body of work have made this year not only possible, but an enormous success beyond all expectations finishing in the top two and playing finals. Onto bigger and better things in 2024 for the Thirds and go ‘Corns!
Final Score: MHSOBFC: 9.4-58 defeated by Whitefriars 14.16-100
Goal Kickers: J. Shulman 3, D. Francis 2, C. Colman, J. Reed, A. Shulman, K. Lugod
Best Players: A. Shulman, K. Lugod, D. Francis, A. Ashton, J. Shulman, S. Habteslassie