R2 2025 | Reserves vs Cantebury
The second round of the 2025 season brought together the MHSOB Reserves, buoyant following their dominant 93-point win against old foes Hawthorn Reserves, and newly promoted Canterbury Reserves. Canterbury had fought hard against St Mary’s Salesian Reserves away at Ferndale Park, but fell away in the second half to the eventual 58-point victors.
Whilst all spectators hoped for a heated contest between the two sides, Melbourne’s weather provided the players with an unkindly reminder of summer, as cloudless skies and 30-degree weather welcomed them onto the Woodfull-Miller Oval. Understanding the weather could impact output as the minutes ticked by, captain-coach Cambo implored his troops to impact the contest from the opening whistle, in a ploy to bank up a lead before a potential stalemate.
Whilst not as devastating as perhaps hoped, the Unicorns put together a commendable body of work in the first quarter, highlighted by a stingy defensive effort across the field, with Canterbury limping to a solitary behind for their time in the blistering heat. Adam Stikolzik started strongly, imposing himself in his battle with quality opposition at full forward, well supported by the back six.
Given the keys to the midfield, John Crilly was ever-present, unfaltering in his pursuit of the play. With half forward Toby Eberbach going down early with a wrist injury (well wishes in recovery to him), the forward unit slowly adapted to the resulting shuffle of the magnets. James Lake continued as normal with two majors for the term, supported by a solitary snag from Byron Gunn. Retreating to the relative respite of their benches, the Unicorns ended the term having won the first battle, leading 3.3 21 to Canterbury’s lone score, 0.1 1.
Henry Lake has a set shot. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Somewhat re-hydrated, both sides entered the second quarter with a desire to make a statement. For the home side, kicking away in the second would provide some safety as the game progressed in the heat, and for Canterbury, a spirited response would keep them in contention, and maintain their desire and mental fortitude in the trying conditions.
Neither team was successful in their aspirations to the letter, as play mirrored the first term with scoring opportunities at a premium. The heat sapped the sides, but did not seem to affect the Great Lakes, as James and 17-year-old debutant brother Henry Lake were incisive. The latter’s efforts were made more impressive by being done in runners; Henry tore through the middle, a willing recipient of Dexter Ryan’s quality in the ruck, especially given the loss of the back-up ruckman. The continued clearance dominance rewarded the side with some high-quality forward 50 entries, saving the legs of stay-at-home forward Byron Gunn for a few easy majors.
Freshly minted Unicorn Max Mclean added some delight to his debut with one of his own, as a return of 4.4 for the term was given strength by the miserly efforts down the other end, with Canterbury restricted to a lean 1.2. Whilst both sides were assuredly grateful to escape the heat for the main break, the Unicorns took the chocolates for their first half efforts, having extended their lead to forty points (7.7. 49 to 1.3 9).
The third term, more affectionately known as the ‘premiership quarter’, was consistent in the application and effort demonstrated by both teams. However, the tug of war failed to reap reward for the Canterbury side, as the scorecard reflected the gradual gain of their foes as seen in the two terms prior, but a scorecard rarely tells the whole story.
The Unicorns were grateful to be in the ascendancy, as a perhaps tired effort in front of the big sticks was reflected by a tally of 4.7, three scoring shots less than their first half. Mason Fennessy-Kent took advantage of his time in the forward pocket, kicking his first of two for the game. The remaining three majors were converted by Byron Gunn, arguably unfairly rewarded for the toil of his teammates, most notably Avinash Nair.
The final term of the match never threatened to cool down on the day and field, as the Unicorns were white-hot, committed to a four-quarter effort in name and deed. A quick brace from Byron Gunn rounded out eight for the match (putting him in the lofty heights of equal second leading goalkicker in the VAFA after two rounds with 15), and with the visitors’ resolve broken, the forwards cashed in. James Lake put through another three to take his tally to six (his dominance almost imperceptible to the coaches), and the M n’ Ms, Max Mclean and Mason Fennessy-Kent, were justly rewarded with goals of their own.
Whilst only boasting four different goalkickers (in stark contrast to Round 1’s twelve), the ‘Corns rolled on, ruthless in their 98-point victory. Given the final return of 18.20, the Unicorns will hope to find their kicking boots following the Easter break, as they host the ladder leaders West Brunswick in an early top of the table clash.
Final score: MHSOBFC Reserves 18.20 defeated Canterbury Reserves 4.6 30
Best Players: J. Crilly, H. Lake, J. Lake, D. Ryan, A. Stikoltzik, A. Nair
Goals: B.Gunn 8, J.Lake 6, M.Fennessy-Kent 2, M.Mclean 2