R7 2025 | Reserves at Old Yarra Cobras

Byron Gunn’s 100th game was cause for much excitement in Round 7, away against the Old Yarra Cobras. After seven and a half years at the club, many claims in preceding years that he was done, and swapping from full-back to become one of the greatest reserves full-forwards the game has ever seen, the achievement was not to be taken lightly. With his familiar lumbering gait, Byron led the team out onto the oval.

While Nafi, Juice, and the physios were posted up at the wrong Koonung Reserve, Byron took the toss. Not one to lose much of anything, Byron called heads, and the Magooes were kicking with the wind in the first quarter. While the Unicorns dominated, inaccuracy cost the team what could have been a much greater lead, kicking two goals and nine behinds for 21 points in the first quarter. Much like Thanos, Byron was inevitable and kicked his 24th goal for the season in the first quarter, a just reward for one of the Magoo legends.

In the second quarter, the reserves vowed not to let the Cobras back while they had the wind. A Stikky special rundown tackle happened in slow motion, winning a free kick set shot, and a goal, a reward for all his hard work. Heading to England shortly, Max Mclean was keen to leave his mark. As a parting gift, Coach Campbell decided to volley Max’s kick that was surely destined for a goal, reminiscent of the soccer greats of Europe that Max was soon to join.

The Wizard Mason had been kicking goals this season and continued to do so in this game. Off the right and left, he kicked the first two goals of the third period to keep the momentum going. Gordon’s magical left foot had been finding passes all game, and making a break into the forward half, he decided to have a crack at six points, unfortunately being touched on the line. Robby Rae later would also make a fast break from the wing and kick one, as the Corns extended the lead to ten goals at the three-quarter time break.

Dinuk Epa lines up for goal. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.

Nafi’s rich vein of form continued in the last quarter, dancing this way. That, fluttering his eyelashes at BP after every silky disposal, signalling to him, “I think the seniors need a small forward”. The Unicorns did not let off the gas, finishing the game with 15 goals and 16 points, correcting the inaccuracy of the first quarter. The main dilemma was who would be able to carry off Byron’s muscular figure post-game. Sarge and Bull took on the task, with Nick spotting, and while it was lop-sided due to Oscar and Tom’s height difference, it was a fitting tribute to a great servant of the football club.

The reserves will look to the future and avoid complacency, despite consecutive wins and being second on the ladder, as past finals disappointments continue to remind them of the ultimate goal.

Final Scores: MHSOBFC 15.16 106 defeated Old Yarra Cobras 4.3 27

Goals: Byron Gunn 3, James Lake 3, Nafi Anaan 2, Nicholas Campbell 2, Mason Fennessy-Kent 2, Robert Rae, Adam Stikoltzik, Luke Stone.

Best: Byron Gunn, Oscar Sargeant, Gordon Beet, Avinash Nair, Robert Rae, Max McLean.