R1 2024 | Thirds at UHS-VU

With their season starting a week earlier than the other open-age teams, the Thirds headed to Royal Park to play UHS-VU at the rare primetime slot of 2pm. 

Last season’s preliminary final finish had the team feeling optimistic about the season ahead, but the usual turnover of players and redistribution of teams across the divisions meant that previous accomplishments would ultimately count for little. Returning captains Pat Bulford and Albert Kuang welcomed new vice-captain Alex Shulman into the leadership team, while James Yucel returned as coach.

The two sides traded blows in a tight first half, with Sam Bonser converting strongly from full forward. Debutants Tony Xie and Avi Nair both proved their commitment with some hard physical work, with Avi also proving a strong intercepting threat. It was also great to see 2022 best & fairest winner Josh Kulasingham return to the field, after last year was cruelled by injuries that threatened to end his football career.

In the second half, the physically imposing UHS-VU full-forward began to assert his authority, allowing the home side to kick away. Thirds veteran Lucas Blatchford continued to provide his signature distribution from half back, but ultimately lack of match condition and a depleted bench took its toll. The squad will be better for the run, though, and will look to bounce back against Hawthorn next week.

We also extend our best wishes to regular Thirds goal umpire Lance Meyer whilst he battles personal health issues, and we hope he’ll be back out with us again soon.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 6.7-43 defeated by UHS-VU 13.6-84

Goal Kickers: Sam Bonser 3, Joshua Kulasingham, Ben Field-Pimm, Daniel Tsintsiras

Best Players: Avinash Nair, Sam Bonser, Charlie Coleman, Lucas Blatchford, Dinesh Francis