After a long and arduous season, the Reserves had one last challenge that stood between them and an extraordinary grand final berth: a preliminary final against South Melbourne Districts, at the unusual time slot of 3:30pm on a Sunday at Trevor Barker Oval. 

The Reserves arrived at Alec Gillon Oval in Brunswick with a host of possibilities laid before them and two other teams - Brunswick (2nd) and South Melbourne (3rd) – all equal on wins with one round to play. These three differed only by percentage, and a red hot Whitefriars sat only a game behind, meaning a win would lock in finals footy and a loss potentially ending their season.

The Reserves arrived at Alec Gillon Oval in Brunswick with a host of possibilities laid before them and two other teams - Brunswick (2nd) and South Melbourne (3rd) – all equal on wins with one round to play. These three differed only by percentage, and a red hot Whitefriars sat only a game behind, meaning a win would lock in finals footy and a loss potentially ending their season.

MHSOB welcomed Old Paradians to the Woodfull-Miller Oval with a win ensuring their finals aspirations remained firmly in their hands. A loss, and the Unicorns could be reliant on other results in the forthcoming final round of the regular season, against a fellow top-four side Brunswick.

The Reserves travelled out to Koonung Park, home of the Old Yarra Cobras, in a crucial game for the Unicorns. With Whitefriars trailing by only a game in fifth, and third placed Brunswick only ahead by a game, a win would be vital in ensuring their finals’ hopes remained firmly in their own hands.

MHSOB welcomed Whitefriars to the Woodfull-Miller Oval with both teams looking to affirm their finals ambitions with a crucial win.

The Reserves made their way to Lindsay Hassett Oval to take on second placed South Melbourne Districts, a game with big finals implications for both sides. 

MHSOB welcomed St Mary’s Salesian to the Woodfull-Miller Oval during the TAC’s Road Safety Round, optimistic about their chances of a big win, given the reverse fixture was decided by a significant margin.

Heading out to Pitcher Park, MHSOB faced off against Parkside, the only undefeated side left in the league, with a point to prove and retaining a top-four spot on the line.

MHSOB welcomed Bulleen Templestowe at the Woodfull-Miller Oval, looking to atone for a loss in their previous clash in Round 1.

The Reserves hosted Aquinas at the Woodfull-Miller Oval in club stalwart Kris McDonald’s 200th game.

The Unicorns made their way down to a particularly windy Garvey Oval in Bundoora to take on fellow finals’ contender Old Paradians.

Backing up the latter half of a two-game home stretch, the Reserves looked to cap off a stunning patch of a form with another win before the bye, which would see them enter the top four.

Traditional rivals and fellow top-four contenders Brunswick came to the spiritual home of the VAFA, the Woodfull-Miller Oval, to do battle with the Reserves in a match where both teams were looking to continue recent strong form.

The Reserves looked to continue their winning ways, travelling out to Donvale to take on Whitefriars, a team in a similar position with matching finals aspirations.

The Reserves took their talents to Ferndale Park, the home of St. Mary’s Salesian.