R8 2025 | Reserves at Whitefriars
On the eve of the mid-season bye, MHSOBFC Reserves made the journey out to Donvale to face up against familiar opposition, the mostly thereabouts and always competitive Whitefriars Reserves. With both teams aspirant for a top four finish (the Unicorns leading into the match two wins to the good), the opportunity beckoned for either side to lay down their finals credentials under the warm autumn sky.
The Unicorns were buoyed by the addition of some bright sparks from their Jnrcorns side, who enjoyed the weekend free of sporting obligation, due to a forfeit win. Cashing in on this, Coach Campbell enlisted 4 for the team, namely Kavish ‘The Magician’ Tailor, Austin Reynolds in a Reserves return (and an exceptionally late call up), the half forward half ball magnet Aaran Shipperlee, and the imposing frame of the gentle giant Oscar Eberbach, flying his family’s flag as brother Toby rehabs a wrist injury.
Thrust into proceedings, Oscar started strong in the ruck, his reach and direction of tap-work giving his midfield first crack at the ball. A slow start for the scorers on either side, it was some round ball skills exhibited by Max Mclean which pushed the needle, a volleyed effort straight into the considerable bread-basket of Dexter Ryan. The ruckman showed no issues with his execution, duly slotting a bomb from the arc and pushing his case for an extended stay in the forward line. Whitefriars were persistent in their intent and application throughout the term, their forward pressure effective in slowing down the flow of the game, which favoured their play style and bigger bodies. It took moments of magic to cut through their resolve, familiar face Jack Bourke prominent with his disposal and positioning.
With a meagre output of 6 scoring shots mustered by both sides for the term, quality was required to separate the sides, and Dexter Ryan executed after a rolling team effort with a banana up close. The final major of the term for the visitors came from a strong contested grab and set shot for Aaran Shipperlee, looking to add to the two goals he took with him in his Reserves debut in the opening round. Dinuk Epa could’ve had one of his own to underscore his strong start, with a fortuitous snap just pushing past the post.
Of the 6 scoring shots, only two went to the Whitefriars side, an outstanding collaborative effort from all members of the back six. To no one’s surprise, Gordon Beet didn’t miss a trick, resolute in every contest and pushing his case for a Seniors call-up. The siren sounded, ending a hard-fought battle between the two teams, but with the Unicorns laying down the first volley, taking with them a 12-point lead to their huddle, 3.1 17 to 1.1 7.
With the team implored to maintain forward pressure and help keep play to the attacking end of the field as a priority, the Unicorns went back out to do battle once more. A strong opening period, underscoring this, was rewarded by a goal to ever-present James Lake, his keen nose for the big sticks evident as he put one through deep in the forward line on the back of repeated stoppages. However, the main plaudits were to continue to be levelled at the stoic defensive efforts of the Unicorns. Orlando Seelander was dominant in the air, complemented by relentless efforts from Tom Sears and silky disposal on the rebound from Oscar Sargeant. Whitefriars had their chances, but were wasteful, in no small part due to the constant pressure provided in the defensive 50. In response, the ‘Corns forwards kept plugging away, exacting a similar return from their efforts, 3.2.
Buoyed by the quality of the midfield unit, including the class apart at time shown form Luke Stone, the quality of chances created were high, and Max Mclean executed a deft snap to bookmark his farewell to Europe, whilst Aaron Shipperlee picked up his second with a superb crumbing effort to date unseen by his equally sized teammates, getting to the right spot in a way that would make small forwards proud. The physical contest was evident in this tug of war during the first half, and tempers flared briefly, understandable given the intensity both sides showed. Again, MHSOBFC were the happier side as half time beckoned, clinging to a 22-point margin as they led Whitefriars 6.3 39 to 2.5 17.
Aaron Shipperlee launches a missile from outside 50. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Re-hydrated, re-focused and somewhat re-energised despite the nagging heat in the direct sun, the Unicorns looked to all corners as Whitefriars kept coming. Given the nature of the game, the premium placed on majors exacted the efforts of many afield, as the visitors battled against a foe well and truly up for the fight. Minro Eshwara epitomised this with countless tackling efforts, mirroring the efforts of the side’s hardest nut to crack, Alistair Rogers. In a term where only two goals went through for the Unicorns, the war for ascendancy played out all around the oval. Down one end, Orlando Seelander repelled the opponent’s advance at the final hurdle, determined and calm under continuing forays deep into the back line, and will remember his desperate smother to quell a potential goal as a high point. At the opposing set of big sticks, Aaron Shipperlee was a class above, earning himself multiple opportunities to underscore his impact, but some errant goalkicking kept him from stealing the game away from Whitefriars. The young guns were magnificent in the face of adversity, as Kavish Tailor pulled a few rabbits out of the hat with desperate defensive acts.
The legs began their inevitable buckle in the latter half of the term, gains of inches being replaced by some free-flowing ball movement. James Lake took his chances to steady the side for a moment with his second, and Dexter Ryan applied himself in a reprieve from the ruck with a superb rolling snap to tally his third (with the resident full forward looking jubilant, but somewhat anxiously on from the sideline). In an even-matched term, MHSOBFC held their fate within the palms of their hands as the final term began, clinging onto a 20-point buffer.
The final term did not disappoint the neutrals – the game was well and truly on, as Whitefriars burst from the opening bounce to kick truly, bringing them within 15 points. If there were any nervous glances between the Unicorns on the field, their efforts certainly didn’t show it. Each player on the field had their chance to make their moment, and it would be wrong to say that anyone didn’t impact the play to the betterment of their side as they clung on. Mark Fenwick embodied this with a stunning run-down tackle to break down a dangerous Whitefriars incursion, his legs holding up through the heat and ninety-odd minutes of action to chase down his target.
The dam finally burst in the latter half of the final term – for the Unicorns, as Bailey Gallop took both hands on a strong mark, and laced out Aaron Shipperlee 40m out in front of goal, who, to the relief of his teammates, steadied the side and took the wind out of the sails of an ailing Whitefriars side who had battled valiantly all day. With Azza and Dexter taking another goal each for their endeavours, and a combined nine for the match, the final siren sounded to the relief of visitors. Jubilant, the Unicorns walked off deserved winners, 12.7 to Whitefriar’s 5.17 47.
For the Unicorns, a well-earned break is on the cards, and then the final bout of their three-game stretch against top-four worthy opposition, as they take on a familiar foe in South Melbourne.
Final Scores: MHSOBFC 12.7 79 defeated Whitefriars 5.17 47
Goals: Aaron Shipperlee 5, Dexter Ryan 4, James Lake 2, Max McLean 1.
Best: Gordon Beet, Dexter Ryan, Aaron Shipperlee, Alistair Rogers, Orlando Seelander, Luke Stone.