R12 2024 | U20s at Glen Eira/Old McKinnon

Following a gallant loss against St Kevins, MHSOBFC was excited to head down the road to face an old rival in Glen Eira/Old McKinnon on a brisk Friday night. With the return of some key players, and a few fresh faces too, the visitors were excited about the match up.

The two teams came out the gates strongly in the first quarter, both eager to get a leg up on the other. Unicorns debutant and current MHS student Kavish Tailor managed to kick the first goal of the game, but was quickly answered by the opposition, indicating the tough battle in store for the rest of the evening. At quarter time, MHSOBFC led by two points.

The second quarter continued in the same vein, with the teams trading goals. MHSOBFC’s midfield showed great fight, and the return of Cameron Witt and James Dimogotsi from the senior side, gave hope and plenty of forward 50 entries. Unfortunately, the quarter also brought some injuries, with ruckman Ferguson Lewis going down with a knee injury, and reliable Mark Sesuraj going down with an ankle injury. Despite these injuries, the Unicorns managed to maintain their two-point advantage at the break, 4.7-31 to 4.5-29.

With Jem Duncan going down with a wrist injury early in the third quarter, MHSOBFC knew they were in for a tough second half. Lachlan Fearn and Callum Hackman played key roles throughout the game and highlighted their skills acting as leaders in the backline and locking down Glen Eira/Old McKinnon’s dangerous forwards. Another debutant, Alexander Ballis, managed a perfect career-first goal by “selling candy” to his opponent on the mark and slotting it through on a 45-degree angle, and another attack from Kavish Tailor managed to extend MHSOBFC’s lead to nine points at the final change.

Going into the wind in the final quarter, MHSOBFC knew it was going to be a tough task to hold onto their advantage and win their first game of the season. Unfortunately for the Unicorns, the home side kicked an early goal and a few behinds to quickly eliminate the scoreboard advantage. In an all or nothing effort, MHSOBFC willed the ball forward once again and rallied with another goal, but Glen Eira maintained their lead in the final minutes of the game and ran out 19-point victors.

It was a particularly tough loss for the boys in the green, maroon and black, after holding out hope throughout the game that they could get over the line. There were some valiant individual efforts throughout the game, and excellent teamwork left smiles on the coaches’ faces. MHSOBFC will regroup over the extended winter break and come back stronger.

Final Score: MHSOBFC 6.12-48 defeated by Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 9.13-67

Goal Kickers: Kavish Tailor, Alexander Ballis, Arush Jhunjhunwala, Lachlan Sharrock, Cameron Witt

Best Players: Cameron Witt, James Dimogotsi, Kavish Tailor, Callum Hackman, Lachlan O’Halloran, Lachlan Fearn