R2 2024 | Thirds at Hawthorn

MHSOBFC returned for round two playing away against Hawthorn in a rare triple header between the two clubs. Two returning stalwarts of the Thirds - Jamie Shulman and Adam Ashton - brought some much needed size and structure to the group after missing the first game of the season.

The Unicorns got off to a good start playing with high intensity and stopping Hawthorn in transition between the arcs on multiple occasions. However, it began to falter slightly in the second quarter, allowing Hawthorn to gain the ascendancy. It was only due to their inaccurate kicking with a scoreline of 2.11-23 that it kept the Unicorns in the game, just a six point deficit at halftime.

MHSOBFC came out firing in the second half with the momentum beginning to swing the way of the visiting side. They were able to control the game with clever ball movement, however appeared to catch the inaccuracy bug that plagued Hawthorn in the first half kicking 1.7-13 for the quarter to trail by 15 points heading into the final quarter.

In the end, Hawthorn were too good and kicked away to run out 34-point winners. The Unicorns best included Dinesh Francis, Jye Gillespie, and Saravanan Sritharan who put in strong performances in the middle all game, as well as Brayden Swenson who was almost unbeatable as a key defender.

There were a number of team members playing not only their first game for the club but their first game of footy ever in Rhys Parry, John Crilly, Harry Flanagan, and Tom Sears. All were impressive on debut playing critical roles on the field, with a special shoutout to Harry Flanagan who locked down Hawthorn’s best midfielder all game.  

The Thirds return to the Woodfull-Miller Oval for their first home game of the season next weekend in a triple header against Canterbury and looking to get a first win under their belt.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 4.16-40 defeated by Hawthorn 9.20-74

Goal Kickers: Jamie Shulman 2, Nafi Anaan, Byron Gunn

Best Players: Harry Flanagan, Jye Gillespie, Adam Ashton, Dinesh Francis, Brayden Swenson, Saravan Sritharan