R8 2024 | Thirds at West Brunswick

After an undermanned but chastening loss against Whitefriars, MHSOBFC took a strong squad to West Brunswick as they looked to get their season back on track. 

Buoyed by the return of vice-captain Alex Shulman and gun onballer Jye Gillespie, as well as the debut of exciting ruck prospect Brendan O’Carroll, the energy and excitement was palpable in the warm-up.

It quickly became apparent that West Brunswick intended to play a brand of football that could charitably be called “physical”, with late hits and off-the-ball shenanigans keeping the volunteer umpires busy. The match itself was a cagey affair, with the Unicorns clearly the better side but West Brunswick doing their best to bring the game down to their level. Full-forward Jamie Shulman battled close attention all day, but ultimately won his duel with four goals. With O’Carroll securing ruck dominance, the Unicorns’ midfield went to work, as rugby converts Oliver Dark and Harry Flanagan provided the inside grunt and Aaron Turner his characteristic outside dash.

With MHSOBFC defending a narrow lead going into the final quarter, both sides traded blows (both literally and figuratively); after Bryan Hernandaz kicked truly to give the Unicorns a modicum of breathing room, West Brunswick made their final push, but a backline marshalled by the ever-dependable Lucas Blatchford held firm for a famous victory. 

The song was sung with much gusto in the away rooms, and the Unicorns will look to build from a position of strength into the second half of the season.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 8.6-54 defeated West Brunswick 5.16.46 

Goal Kickers: J Shulman 4, A Shulman, M Pulkka, B Hernandez, J Kulasingham

Best Players: O’Carroll, Oliver, Blatchford, A Shulman, Turner, Flanagan