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.

The Reserves welcomed South Melbourne Districts to the home of the VAFA, Woodfull-Miller Oval, looking to continue their winning ways.

The Reserves were keen to get their first win of the season after a tough loss the week prior against Parkside.

The Reserves faced Parkside for their first game of the year at the Woodfull-Miller Oval.