R1 2025 | Seniors at Hawthorn
Debutant Lucas Judd jumps for joy, after kicking his major in senior football. Image courtesy of Jim Wilson.
Melbourne High headed out to Rathmines Road Reserve in perfect conditions to start the 2025 season against Hawthorn. With 4 debutants, Lucas Judd, James Lees, Yonal Gunawardena, and Leo Motyl-Coverdale in the side, there was plenty to be excited about for the first hit out of the season. Unfortunately, we were unable to make this 5, with new midfielder Allister Clarke suffering an injury during the warmup. In a selfless effort for the club, Lachie Sharrock was all too keen to help his teammates and double up after a great game for our reserves.
A back-and-forth first quarter set the tone for the rest of the day, with both teams taking their turns in what proved to be a shootout. Nick McKinnon picked up where he left off from 2024, racking up clearances and providing plenty of drive to give our forwards every chance. Recruits Lucas Judd and James Lees started their Unicorns careers in style, hitting the scoreboard with a few goals each in their first games in Green, Maroon, and Black.
This helped put the Corns a goal to the good at halftime, but could perhaps be considered unlucky not to be further ahead, unable to capitalise on some great opportunities. The big break proved to be bittersweet, with key defensive pillar Ben Field Pimm being unable to continue, bravely sticking it out for the first two quarters following some heavy knocks in the first term. In the 3RD Quarter, Hawthorn showed they were up for the fight, piling on the pressure and winning the midfield battle, dominating the clearances and scoring shots, but unable to take their chances with Melbourne High going into the final term ahead by a single point.
Petro Pirozek dominated all day, making something happen whenever the ball entered his area, and looking to be the match winner. It was no surprise that Coach Bernie Pretty made the move to put him into the middle to give us every chance to win the first game of the season. In an even final quarter, Hawthorn were able to take their opportunities early and piled on the first two goals. Melbourne High hit back and despite being down rotations on the bench, Riley Maringoni and Yonal Gunawardena were providing plenty of run on the wings, with “Yonnie” giving Unicorn teammates and fans alike plenty to look forward to for 2025 – matching it with opponents well above his size and showing plenty of skill.
Unfortunately, the Unicorns ran out of time and Hawthorn held on for a closely fought 4-point win. Melbourne High walk away disappointed to not get the win on the day, but with plenty to be excited about for what shapes to be a promising season for the Unicorns
Final Scores: MHSOBFC 11.13-79 defeated by Hawthorn 11.17-83
Goals: Matthew Pereira 3, Lucas Judd 2, James Lees 2, Petro Pirozek 2, Riley Maringoni, Lachie Sharrock.
Best: Petro Pirozek, Cameron Witt, Yonal Gunawardena, Riley Maringoni, Nick McKinnon, Jamie Radcliffe-Smith.