R4 2025 | Dev Squad at Old Melburnians

603 days. That’s how long it’s been since the JnrCorns last brought home the chocolates—but on Sunday, that changed.

This week presented a new challenge for the JnrCorns. Travelling to Elsternwick Park to take on a red-hot Old Melburnians side fresh off a 110-point win, our young squad knew they were up against it. Bigger bodies, more cohesion—but none of that fazed the boys. They came to compete.

The opening quarter was a grind. With repeat inside 50s coming thick and fast, our defenders were under siege—but they held. Lachlan O’Halloran and Sam Tralaggan were immense, repelling attacks and limiting the opposition to just five behinds in the first 10 minutes. Slowly, we began to wrestle back control. Asher Claney and Callum Hackman launched us off half-back with pace and composure, linking up beautifully with debutant Michael Van Benten, who nailed two classy goals. Moments before the siren, a chain of possessions from Hamish Webb to Matt Haberfield to Bailey Gallop ended with a cool finish and cut the margin to just five points.

With the wind at our backs in the second quarter, Kevin Pious laid it out simply—go quick, take the corridor, and back our run. The midfield responded. Mark Fenwick (fresh from the reserves) and Ben Tyrrell won clearance after clearance, giving outside players like Kavish Tailor and Lachlan Sharrock the platform to lower their eyes and find targets. Michael Van-Benten continued his dream debut with two more majors, Matt Haberfield joined the scoreboard, and Arush Jhunjhunwala brought the crowd to life with a stunning sidestep and finish from the arc. Six goals to one in the quarter gave us a game-high 24-point lead at the main break.

We knew the Old Melburnians would come hard—and they did. In the space of four minutes, they piled on four goals, capitalising on lapses in our structure and some midfield fatigue. Suddenly, the momentum had shifted. But the JnrCorns didn’t fold. Aaron Shipperlee, tasked with solo ruck duties all day, stepped up with a thumping goal from outside 50, giving us a lifeline and halting their charge. The third term ended with us trailing by seven—games on.

The last quarter was always going to be a war of attrition. Despite our best efforts, and with a team still learning to gel compared to a seasoned OM outfit, both sides traded two goals apiece. The final siren sounded with Old Melburnians eight points ahead—but heads were held high.

This wasn’t just a near-win. It was a statement. Against one of the competition's most formidable outfits, we proved we belong. Our structures are being built. Our belief is growing. And with grading now complete, we sit 2-2 with a healthy percentage of 85 and a hunger that’s only getting stronger.

The next chapter is just around the corner. And the JnrCorns are ready for it.

Final Score: MHSOBFC Dev Squad 12.6-78 defeated by Old Melburnians 12.14- 86.

Goalkickers: M.Van-Benten 4, K.Tailor 2, B.Gallop , M.Haberfield, A.Jhunjhunwala, L.Sharrock, B.Sharrock ,A.Shipperlee.

Best Players: B.Tyrrell, M.Van-Benten, M.Fenwick, L.O’Halloran, A.Shipperlee, M.Haberfield.