MATCH REPORT: Trinity turn on the heat, leaving the Div 12 Ressies burnt

The WATTLE PARK THIRDS (Div 12 Ressies) were left red-faced as they left Trinity Grammar on Saturday, having been handed a 180-point smashing by Old Trinity on their home deck. The undermanned Animals knew their round 2 clash against a youthful and silky Trinity team would be a difficult one in the sweltering summer-like conditions, yet, the squad was optimistic given their bursts of brilliance in their opening game last week. However, not even the footy gods could have predicted the final scoreline of 29.22 (196) to 2.4 (16) on Saturday afternoon.

With Mother Nature deciding to turn the mercury to 31 degrees, Wattle Park knew their grit and perseverance would be just as important as their footy skills as they hunted for their first win of the year. With a host of players missing, including Checkers, Srey, Will Taylor, Dan Thorson, Lachie Killeen, Layton Sketcher, George Burgess, Connor Rogers, Sedgy and Noah Moon, the undermanned squad knew a fast-start was needed to get the jump on Trinity early in the game. Within 2 minutes of the opening bounce vice-captain, Josh Millar, kicked a difficult set shot to give the Animals the opening goal of the game, supplying exactly what the boys were after. However, it would appear Mother Nature was not alone in bringing the heat, as Old Trinity were just warming up. An 8-goal blitz from Trinity handed the Animals a 43-point deficit heading into quarter time.

An emphasis on slowing the game down and creating stoppage football was the message delivered at quarter time, with many of the Animals yet to get their hands on the football. Lincon Sketcher brought the heat early in the second term with his consistent second efforts and tackle pressure, as Trinity continued their high-possession style of play. Similarly, Zack Flaherty was dominant around the ground with his defensive efforts, spoiling numerous opportunities as Trinity moved the ball forward. The heat would continue to be a factor as fatigue set in for the Animals, allowing Trinity to continue their outside run and carry which dominated the first quarter. Having been kept goalless in the second term, the Animals found themselves down by 77 points at the main break.

With time to reflect during the break, the boys recomposed themselves and set their sights on a stronger second half. Much like the first quarter, the Animals were clean out of the middle to begin with, allowing Caden MacDonald to score the first goal in an attempt to get Wattle Park back on track. But as had been the case all afternoon, Trinity had all the answers, continuing to move the ball with speed and polish. Sam Fernandez did his best to apply pressure back on Trinity’s midfield, giving numerous repeated efforts along the wing, which forced Trinity into the corridor on several occasions. Both Darcy and Jackson Keegan battled hard in defence to continue from their round 1 brilliance, and Lachie Hicks showcased why he is dubbed ‘The Bull’, crashing through several contested plays to take charge of the midfield battle.

With the scoreline beyond reach, the Animals struggled in the fourth term as a mixture of heat, fatigue and injuries added to their woes. Trinity continued their fast-paced play to showcase their elite talent, leaving the Animals defence under-pressure for most of the final term. Rory Harrington and Bailey McCabe stood tall amongst the onslaught, pressing hard in defence and creating several run and carry opportunities for the Animals midfield. By the final siren, Trinity had run out 180-point victors.

Andre the Giant

With Checkers unavailable, Andre Toussaint stepped up in his second game with the Animals, taking on the ruck mantle for much of the day in less than desired conditions. His opponent may have had him covered in height, but Andre’s ability to bring the ball to ground and create stoppage football was integral to the midfield battle. The Giant continued his dominance, floating across half-back and supplying plenty of run during transition. It may have been a difficult day, but the Giant could hold his head high by the final siren.

A little bit of Baz Ball to ease the pressure

Bailey McCabe has returned to Wattle Park in mint condition, but it’s not just his footy skill set that is making the difference. Several times throughout Saturday’s game (and Round 1) McCabe was able to slow the game down when in possession, taking away Trinity’s fast-paced game style and ability to score on the run. His intercepting efforts were a force to be reckoned with, allowing the Animals to reset structurally on numerous occasions throughout the day. With a football brain allowing him to read the play beautifully, Baz’s composure under pressure was instrumental and an asset which will be handy as the Animals look to bounce back.

A hard lesson to learn, but a lesson nonetheless
It may have been dire straits for the Animals at the final siren, but leaders were quick to point out the valuable lessons learnt from such a loss. A 180 point-loss is never a good result, but injured duo Layton Sketcher and George Burgess were vocal in acknowledging the efforts of all the boys in tough conditions, putting a large emphasis on the highs and lows of football. Collectively, the squad agreed Saturday’s result would be an important chapter in the story of 2025, with many lessons learnt being motivation for the remainder of the season.

There’s no doubt the Animals were left licking their wounds, but they departed Old Trinity with a clearer picture of what’s required to compete—and a hunger to bounce back.

WATTLE PARK  1.1     1.2        2.3        2.4      (16)
OLD TRINITY    8.2     13.7     20.13    29.22    (196)

GOALS
Wattle Park: MacDonald 1, Millar 1

BEST
Wattle Park: Zack Flaherty, Sam Fernandez, Bailey McCabe, Jordan Cannizzaro, Andre Toussaint, Lachlan Hicks

NEXT GAME

Wattle Park v Oakleigh (Home), Saturday April 26th (9:20am), Bennettswood Reserve

MATCH REPORT: Div 12 Ressies outclassed by youthful Collegians

The WATTLE PARK THIRDS (Div 12 Ressies) were dealt a difficult start to the 2025 season, losing by 49 points to a strong Collegians team at Bennettswood Reserve. Coming off a strong pre-season after falling agonizingly short of finals in 2024 by percentage, the Animals were eager to land the first blow of the season with a win on their home deck. However, a well-polished Collegians team, full of run and youth, proved too strong, running out victors with a 13.14 (92) to 6.7 (43) triumph on Saturday morning.

With dry conditions and new and familiar faces in the blue and blue, Checkers’ men were well aware that skill execution and two-way running would be key to putting pressure on the scoreboard early. The energy was high at ‘The Zoo’ before the opening bounce, as Coach Checkers led his team in putting the blue-striped guernsey on in unison, marking the beginning of a new Div 12 Ressies’ season. After a tight start to the first term, the Collegians took charge of the midfield battle, converting back-to-back set shots to gain an early lead. Moments later, Will Taylor converted a set shot directly in front in response, getting the Animals on the board for the 2025 season.

The midfield battle continued to be the key area heading into the second quarter, with Collegians taking full advantage of their run-and-carry game style to out-run the Animals on the counterattack. The Animals' defense held strong, however, with Dan Thorson continuing his brilliant 2024 form as a rebounding defender in the backline. Pink helmet brothers Lincon and Layton Sketcher provided much-needed composure for the Animals as the midfield began to click. However, the inability to impact the scoreboard left the Animals trailing by 27 points at the main break.

With some inspiring half-time words from coach Lenny, the Animals were hot out of the gates, kicking the first goal of the quarter off the brilliant midfield run of Jordan Cannizzaro. Debutant Andre Toussaint converted another major for the Animals as the game began to swing in favor of the Div 12 Ressies. However, as fatigue set in, the Collegians responded with their fast-paced game style to take a commanding 35-point lead heading into the final term.

Aspirations to begin the final term in the same fashion as the third quarter were quickly dashed for the Animals, as a clean center-clearance from the Collegians resulted in a quick goal, putting the Div 12 Ressies on the backfoot. Returning from injury, Lachie Killeen held strong and showed off his craft as fatigue took hold for both teams, while Darcy Keegan competed well in the air to slow the momentum of the Collegians. A couple of late goals from Caden MacDonald were a welcome reward for the Animals, but it was too little, too late, as the Collegians ran out 49-point victors at the final siren.

The Pink Brothers’ Grit Cannot Be underestimated
Both Lincon and Layton Sketcher will be key pieces for the Div 12 Ressies in 2025, as the brothers combined for a powerful display at Bennettswood Reserve. The pair looked right at home playing throughout the midfield and backline, showing no sign of fatigue as both sides began to feel the round 1 cramps in the second half. Lincon’s explosive power and courage in and around the contest were pivotal as the momentum shifted in the Animals’ favor in the third term, while Layton’s leadership and football smarts steadied the ship in several periods throughout the Collegians' attack. With both brothers rocking the pink helmets, it’s difficult to overlook their importance for the team going forward.

Cannizzaro’s Courage Pays Off
The third term required the Animals to have a fast start and take risks playing through the corridor. Enter Jordan Cannizzaro. The dashing midfielder took the game into his own hands, bursting through a play involving several Collegian players to showcase his elite pace and composure under pressure. Streaming through the midfield, Cannizzaro’s play resulted in a goal from MacDonald, igniting the spark and momentum shift the Animals were desperately after.

Old MacDonald Still Owns the Farm
If there was any doubt over Caden MacDonald’s ability to continue his 2024 form, those doubts were silenced in the opening game. The 2024 leading goal kicker did what every good forward does - converting goals when it matters. Despite a heavy loss, MacDonald booted four majors to begin his campaign in great form, showcasing his ability to lead the Div 12 Ressies’ forward line for yet another season. If MacDonald can stay injury-free throughout the season, this Temu-version of Bailey Fritsch will no doubt be a key piece to the Animals' success.

WATTLE PARK  1.1     1.3     3.5      6.7      (43)
COLLEGIANS    3.4     5.6     8.10    13.14  (92)

GOALS
Wattle Park: MacDonald 4, Taylor 1, Toussaint 1

BEST
Wattle Park: Darcy Keegan, Daniel Thorson, Lincon Sketcher, Caden MacDonald, Layton Sketcher, Benjamin Kearns

NEXT GAME

Wattle Park v Old Trinity (Away), Sat April 12th (11:30am), Daley Oval Marles Playing Field 1

Last hurrah at home for Senior safety

A crucial day for the Seniors awaits at Bennettswood as they look to draw level on the ladder with St.Mary’s Salesian and give themselves every chance to avoid relegation, whilst the Reserves will be looking for a more concerted effort after two straight large losses.

reserves: vs st. mary’s salesian - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

Two straight 100+ point losses do not sit well with Reserves coach Gerard Clarke, and a hard task awaits against a well-drilled side in St. Mary’s who have already locked away finals footy.

Thankfully, for the sake of continuity, only 3 changes have had to be made from last week’s game.

Thirds leader George Burgess is a welcome addition to the side in the backline along with Oscar Godde, whilst Mitch Lamb returns to provide his run and carry on the wing.

A positional change sees the big kicking Josh Webb moved forward to provide a threat up forward as well as the always creative James Greaves pushing further up the ground to accomodate the inclusion of Lamb.

seniors: vs st.mary’s salesian - bennettswood reserve - 2pm

After 10 straight losses, an opportunity for a well overdue win to create a fascinating final round awaits the Senior Animals tomorrow with four sides still in the throws of a see-sawing drop fight.

Last week’s effort against a South Melbourne side still pushing for a top 2 spot has been rewarded with no changes made to the Senior side this weekend.

This means potential VAFA Div 2 Team of the Year Fullback candidate Joden Crothers will stay at Full Forward after he snagged 2 by the lake last week.

Jem Sibley keeps his spot on the wing in the Senior set up and will look to compliment the never-tiring Matt Hill in what will be the final game played on the hallowed Bennettswood turf this season.

Zoo News: Day to forget for unlucky Animals

Wattle Park Football Club might have developed a serious case of triskaidekaphobia, that is fear of the number 13, on the weekend after all four teams suffered losses at the hands of competitive opposition. It felt as though the footy gods had the scripts already written for round thirteen, with no room for improvisation as the Women kicked off Animal proceedings for the day, falling to Box Hill North by 33 points. Both the Reserves and the Thirds toiled away after their 11:40am first bounces but were ultimately beaten by MHSOB and Mazenod to the tune of 151 and 134 points respectively. Unlucky last was the Seniors, whose 20-point loss was seemingly the icing on a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day for the Animals. 

Two goals to James Greaves is arguably one of the only bright spots on an otherwise forgettable day for the Reserves. On the backfoot from the outset, the Animals were valiant in defeat but were comfortably beaten. Sean Bourke was named best-on, while Greaves, Adam Jopling, Lachie Hicks, Jem Sibly, and in his first game since a 2022 preseason injury, Josh Webb round out the top six. Admin would really like to say more here, but 19 scoring shots to three by half-time kinda says enough maybe. We love footy!

As the only team left standing and with the club on their shoulders, the Seniors went to work on Saturday afternoon but will be left to rue missed opportunities in front of goal. The home side kept their noses in front for the entirety of the game as the Animals struggled to maintain any dominance during the armwrestle. Seven scoring shots to three in the final term summed up the day for the Seniors, who were close but just not close enough. James Rippon’s work in defense sees him top the best players list, joined by Joden Crothers, Ben Collins, Harry Davis, Jess Goldsmid and Baxter Newbegin. Mercurial forward Dan Hill snagged two goals, with Newbegin, Jonathan Greensides, Matt Hill (no relation) and Nathan Bird rounding out the goalkickers list. 

Battling against the top of the ladder was always going to be tough for the Thirds, whose finals march falters just slightly at the pointy end of the season. A scoreless first term did the Animals no favours as their opposition piled on seven goals from 10 scoring shots. Despite consistently ticking over the scoreboard for the remainder of the game, the Thirds were without answers. Mazenod kicked 11 goals to three in the final term to extend the margin well past 100.  Michael Allen, Jordan Cannizzaro, George Burgess, Drew Ashton, Connor Rogers and Austin Cookson were the best six. Two goals each to Caden MacDonald and Jack Lindros saw them as the only multiple-goalscorers.

A lapse in concentration during the second quarter has seen the Women succumb at Elgar Park, though a competitive last half sets them in good stead for this weekend. A goal to Ashton Billing in the first quarter was the perfect reward after marking a centering kick from Rose Kennedy, before a second term to forget set the scene for the rest of the day. Stalwart Animal Sam Hogarth registered her first goal in some time during the final quarter, which came from an oppositional fumble after forward pressure from Kennedy. The usuals ran amok, with vice captain Grace Ambrosini’s ruck efforts yielding a best-on-ground mention, while Georgie Dillon, Elli Haylock, Jas Adern, Emily Severin and Billing join her on the list.

With limited games remaining for the club, all four teams will look to get back on the winners list this weekend. Bennettswood Reserve will welcome Aquinas as the Reserves and Seniors run out at their usual times of 11:40am and 2pm respectively, while the Women continue their away streak, trekking to JP Fawkner Reserve to face top-of-the-table Therry Penola at 9:20am. At the same time, the Thirds will be plying their trade at EE Gunn Reserve, Ormond their opposition. Saturday also marks Wattle Park’s first Community Day at the pavilion, so get down to watch the boys in blue and blue and maybe grab a sneaky BBQ snag while you’re there!

FINAL SCORES - ROUND THIRTEEN

Thirds v Mazenod: 8.6.54 - 28.20.188

MHSOB v Reserves: 25.15.165 - 2.2.14

Box Hill North v Women: 7.6.48 - 2.3.15

MHSOB v Seniors: 9.13.67 - 6.11.47 

Beware the eye of July

The middle of July brings a crucial weekend of fixtures for three of the Animals four sides this weekend as the end of the season hurtles closer and closer with every waking moment.

The Thirds can lock away an inaugural finals spot if results go their way this weekend when they host runaway leaders Mazenod, whilst both the Senior Men and Women can go a long way to staving off any semblance of a relegation fight with wins this weekend against MHSOB and Box Hill North respectively.

THIRDS: VS MAZENOD - BENNETTSWOOD RESERVE AT 11.40AM

Bennettswood has resembled more of a paddock after a rained-out music festival than a football oval at times this week but the Thirds will be the only team to grace the sacred ground this weekend when ladder leading Mazenod rolls in to town.

With such an important clash, the backline has been loaded up with Checkers, Jarra Davis, Ben Kearns, and Austin Cookson heading back to provide elite defence and rebound.

The moves see Bailey McCabe and Mickey Allen move in to the middle, with the former playing outside to provide run and carry. Jackson Keegan moves in to the vacated ruck role and will be tapping it down to either Zach Flaherty or Lochie Sketcher.

Up front Darcy Keegan, Cam Muratore, and Drew Ashton all start this week after last week’s mega showing from the forward line. League-leading goalkicker Caden MacDonald will look to add to his tally, with his 30 goals only 2 less than what the entire Thirds team kicked in the second half of last season.

WOMEN: VS BOX HILL NORTH - ELGAR PARK AT 9.20AM

Medical science has come a long way, but even vice-captain Lilliana Fogarty has amazed doctors with her miraculous recovery from a broken wrist and two damaged nerves to make her return after only 3 months of missed footy.

She’ll line up in a forward line look to atone for last week’s profligate effort where they kicked 0.5 against a Parkside team ripe for the taking.

The main change comes in the middle with Ashton Billing released from the ruck shackles after Grace Ambrosini’s efforts in the role last week to roam around with freedom and impact the game more. She’ll have Georgie Dillon and Nadine Pietsch on her wings as the former moves back to the familiar role after a week spent down back, and the latter making her return after missing the last two months of footy.

Maddy Mazar also returns after missing last week at centre half back, a role she has made her own since moving there early in the season, in what is the only change down back.

Meanwhile it’s more cases of returns from injury with Shannon Harris and Tahlia Hill returning from setbacks on the bench.

reserves: vs mhsob - woodfull-miller oval at 11.40am

It was a case of so close yet so far last week for the Twos as a poor second quarter handed the Friars the win. They’ll be looking to bounce back against MHSOB after letting them back in to the game with a 7 goal comeback at Bennettswood earlier in the year.

The big story here is the return of premiership star and last year’s coach Josh Webb from an ACL injury he suffered at the start of the 2022 season. Webb’s return has been long and at times seemingly forlorn, but to his credit he has stuck with it and will proudly run out wearing the blue and blue once again.

It’s a return to the Two’s for Max Warburton, Cam Dapic, and Joe Caldow from the Thirds this week, with the latter two heading up forward whilst Warburton starts at half back looking to stem the flow of goals the Two’s have been conceding.

Meanwhile Jem Sibley makes his long-awaited return from an arm injury, to provide run and delivery from the wing.

Six changes for the Seniors who look to arrest a 6 game losing streak against the side they recorded their last win against in mid-May.

Matt Hill returns after missing last week’s clash after being absent, whilst five players make their way up from the Two’s.

It’s a Senior debut for the well-loved Josh Mancusi-Thomas who has been electric up front for the Reserves this season, and will look to bring his unique brand of forward craft up to Senior football.

Promotions as well for the “Pres” Cam Gardner, Mitch Lamb, Jacob Glare, and Fletcher Cooper. The latter takes on the starting ruck role to give Tom Clarke a well needed rest after he toiled away valiantly in the role last week.

An injury to Sam Davis sees Ben Collins move back to a back flank, as does Zac Durrant, flanking elite swingman Baxter Newbegin.

Turn for home sees finals chase heat up

As we turn for home with all the byes behind us, the end of the season looms large on all, and for some, a lot closer.

The Thirds sit will entrenched in a three team battle for two spots in the top four, whilst the Women, Reserves, and Senior Men all find themselves on the outside looking in as the season reaches a hasty conclusion.

The Animals are split across three grounds at three different times, with the Thirds holding down the fort at Bennettswood as the Women and Reserve and Senior Men head off on travels both north and east.

thirds: vs masala Dandenong - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

It’s a Davis party in the Thirds as Jarra is joined by his family in the forward line for what looms as a vital clash in securing a maiden finals spot for the team.

Bailey, Cooper, and Stuart Davis all line up with Jarra, with non-Davis’ Caden MacDonald and Anthony Smith also lining up forward.

Due to disciplinary action, Riley Srey has been sent to the backline, with coach Checkers strong in his message to the clearance king after he broke team protocol on Thursday night.

Srey forms part of a formidable back 6 which features the likes of Dan Thorson, George Burgess, and Michael Allen.

On the wing, Harry Brown (better known as RoamingHaz) will make his Animals debut on the wing to help provide some run alongside Jordy Rodda who will look to continue his stellar 2024 season.

women: vs parkside - pitcher park - 9.20am

Changes aplenty as the Women turn for home, needing a run similar to last season to once again sneak a spot inside the Top 4, in the Women’s first trip back to Pitcher Park since 2022, where only four of this week’s side featured.

Emma Ferrall, Leesa Guastella, and Georgie Dillon all move to the backline to help play vital roles in tightening up the back 6. Charlotte Norton also makes her return to the side and will line up at fullback.

Olivia Frost moves on to the ball to start the game, with Emma Turner moving up the field to flank the on-ballers on one wing, whilst Nadine Pietsch returns after a significant lay off to bring her energy and enthusiasm to the other side.

Heidi Lawrence also makes her return to the team from the bench.

reserves: vs whitefriars - whitefriars college - 11.40am

The Reserves return to the ground where they suffered a tight qualifying final loss last year, looking to exact revenge on a Whitefriars side who held them to only 2 goals earlier in the season.

The return of captain Anthony Smith from holiday will go a long way to reversing the fortunes, playing his first game since Round 8. He’s joined by club president Cam Gardner who returns from a stint with the senior side.

Alex Luttrell, Josh Mancusi-Thomas, and Fletcher Cooper all return to the Reserves fold and will feature up front this week for a forward line which has not kicked more than 10 goals since mid-May.

Down back, Mason Laursen returns after an extended break, whilst Cam Price drops back from the Senior side in what are the only changes for the backline.

seniors: vs whitefriars - whitefriars college - 2pm

Minimal changes for the Seniors this week as the search for a long-awaited win continues. A five game losing streak which dates back to the end of May has seen the Seniors hot start cool off.

Sam Davis, Sam Barrah, Tom Ferguson, and Connor Xipolitos all return to the fold this week.

Davis missed the previous match, and slots in to a backline which did manage to keep the high-scoring Brunswick offence under 100 in their previous outing. David Ray keeps his spot in the Seniors after a strong debut before the rep bye.

Sam Barrah takes up a wing spot after a brief absence, whilst Tom Ferguson will roll through the midfield after he returned to Bennettswood following a mid-season stint in Tasmania.

Up front, Connor Xipolitos only misses the one senior match, promoted straight back in to the prime time arvo spot after a good showing against Brunswick before the bye.

Zoo News: Bennettswood blues as Thirds win again

Only one team from Wattle Park is heading into the VAFA representative bye with a mark in the win column as the Thirds successfully defeated Elsternwick at Holmes Todd Oval by 65 points. Back at home at Bennettswood Reserve, the Animals suffered, with the Women losing to La Trobe and both the Reserves and Seniors unable to weather strong Brunswick storms. 

Miskicking in front of goal from Brunswick has saved the Reserves from a 100+-point loss, ultimately beaten by 89 at the final siren. Seven goals from13 scoring shots to zip in the first quarter set the scene pretty quickly as the Animals scrambled to get their heads into the game. A goal from Mitch Lamb against the onslaught was the only shining light in a dismal first half, the deficit already at 64 by the main break after, rather mercifully, some missed opportunities from the away side. The rest of the game continued in much the same way as the first two quarters, possession of the ball hard to come by for the Reserves as they were seemingly one step behind Brunswick, unable to get a handle on the momentum at any stage. Two goals in the third term and one in the final were rewards for enduring the heat in a tough game. Ruckman Sean Bourke did his absolute best, earning best-on-ground honours for his efforts, as did Joe Anker, James Moran, Jacob Glare, Lachie Hicks and Adam Jopling in an otherwise miserable day for the side. Moran, Lamb, Connor Xipolitos and Jarrod Sandells were the only goalkickers. 

Another loss for the Seniors after a strong first half is their fifth in a row, all by 22 points and under, with Brunswick overrunning them in the last two quarters to take the win by 21 in the end. The Animals sit seventh on the ladder, with seven games left of the season to turn it around. More missed opportunities in front of goal cost the home side, going into the main break 7.6 and only 14 points up, which Brunswick clearly took as a challenge. Seven goals from 13 scoring shots to just 1.1 in the third term took all the momentum from the Animals, who were ultimately unable to get their footing back. Despite some chances in the last quarter, which saw them kick one goal from eight scoring shots and limit their opponents to two goals, the Seniors were defeated. Backman James Rippon took top honours in the best players list for his performance, with Seniors usuals in Jonathan Greensides, Tom Wales, Baxter Newbegin, Joden Crothers and Harry Davis rounding it out. Greensides managed four goals for the game, with three of them coming in a hurry during the second quarter, and Newbegin and Dan Hill both kicked two each. 

Making it two from two for the year, the Thirds had their way with Elsternwick on the weekend, keeping the home side goalless for the last half of the game to get the four points. A rather even first quarter saw some missed shots in front of goal for the Animals keeping their buffer at just three points at quarter-time, before four majors to one in the second set them up with a 23-point gap going into the main break. Zero scoring shots from the home side allowed the Thirds to skip away with a larger lead in the premiership quarter, no doubt the defensive efforts of the backline could have been misconstrued as a brick wall. The possibility for a bigger win, with only 12 goals from 28 scoring shots, might be the only sour note in an otherwise rather complete performance for a side pushing for finals, this win their fourth in a row. In his first game for the Animals, James Brady tops the best players list, with a backline brigade of Michael Allen, Daniel Thorson and George Burgess joining him, Lochie Sketcher and Connor Rogers, in his return, rounding out the top six. Caden MacDonald continued his goalkicking ways with just four, while Jarra Davis managed two from the midfield.

A three-goal second quarter to La Trobe has contributed to a 26-point loss to the Women on Saturday, their two-game winning streak unfortunately coming to an end. It was an armwrestle for much of the game, with the away side taking advantage of their chances inside 50 to gain some dominance on the scoreboard. With five points separating the teams going into the second quarter, Rose Kennedy managed to get the only Animals goal of the game against the La Trobe momentum, as they piled on three goals to be in a good spot heading into the second half. The scoring for both sides slowed down in the third quarter as the ball bounced between the 50 metre arcs, stoppages abound. A 20-point deficit for the last quarter meant the Animals were on the back foot, one point kicked to the opposition’s 1.1, though their efforts did not cease until the final siren. First-year Animals Leesa Guastella, Kennedy and Tahlia Hill were deemed best-on, joined by captain Ebony Ratcliffe and the usual one-two punch of Elli Haylock and Ashton Billing. 

With the final VAFA-wide bye of the year this weekend just gone, there were zero Animals on football fields, but the whole squad will be back in action this week to continue the last part of their home and away seasons. Bennettswood Reserve is once again solely a Thirds haven, who will have to reckon with a winless Masala at 11:40am. Pitcher Park is the destination for a Women’s side aiming to get back on the winner’s list against Parkside at 9:20am, while a trip to Whitefriars College awaits for the Reserves and Seniors at their usual times of 11:40am and 2pm, facing, you guessed it, Whitefriars.

FINAL SCORES - ROUND ELEVEN

Elsternwick v Thirds: 3.5.23 - 12.16.88

Reserves v Brunswick: 4.2.26 - 16.19.115

Women v La Trobe: 1.3.9 - 5.5.35

Seniors v Brunswick: 9.14.68 - 13.11.89

Final Triple Header and the trip Bayside

The quirks of the 2024 VAFA draw mean that for one last time Bennettswood Reserve hosts a triple header this season. As such, the desire for three wins at home grows ever stronger after last week’s 1-2 split.

Three strong opponents make their way south this weekend in what is a flip of Round 3, with both La Trobe Uni and Brunswick FC rolling in to town. The only anomaly is the Thirds visiting Elsternwick, looking to keep their spot in the four.

thirds: vs elsternwick - holmes todd oval - 11.40AM

Jim Brady coming in for Riley Srey is the big inclusion this week as the Thirds look to keep the momentum rolling towards a maiden finals berth.

Brady slots straight in to a forward line bursting at the seems with talent flanked by best mates Cados and Cooko, whilst Jack Lindros also comes back in alongside Cam Muratore swinging forward.

Connor Rogers makes his long awaited return on the wing after an extended period out, with the Sketcher brothers also returning after a sojourn in the twos last weekend.

WOMEN: VS LA TROBE UNI - BENNETTSWOOD RESERVE - 9.20AM

Three is the magic number this week for the women as they look to make it three wins on the bounce against a side they’ll be looking to beat for the first time in three attempts.

It will also be Sarah “OG” Becker’s third game of the season as she comes in to help out in the backline along with Lulu McKewan who returns from illness.

It’ll be a case of third time’s the charm for former B&F winner Nyari Grzyb in her attempts to come back from illness in the forward line, with both Olivia’s (Frost and Walker) also joining her forward to create a forward-midfield trio.

reserves: vs brunswick fc - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

The two’s look to arrest a run of form that has not been pretty, dropping four of their last five. So what better time to do it then against an undefeated, top of the table Brunswick which beat them by 101 points last time out?

Late changes have meant that two popular Thirds members Joe Caldow and Tommo Bent have been promoted to the Thirds, both making their debuts at that level.

It’s a reward for Caldow’s perseverance at the Thirds level, having played his previous 46 games at that level.

Moreso, already promoted Thirds cult heroes Junior Singh and James Greaves retain their spots in the side, and will flank Ben Severin across halfback.

Tall forward Connor Xipolitos comes back from the Seniors for the first time in 2024, having played his previous 8 games at the 2pm timeslot. His height and reach will be joined by fellow key forwards Jarrod Sandells and Jacob Mitchell.

seniors: vs brunswick fc - bennettswood reserve - 2pm

Four straight losses, including the last three insides two goals, see the Seniors drop back after their hot start to the season. A match up against a ego-bruised Brunswick may just be the tonic heading in to the second forced break of the season.

Six changes from last week’s side who allowed Elsternwick to snatch a win at home, with Sean Howard, Sean Drummond, Fletcher Cooper, Tom Ferguson, Stavros Andronicos all back.

Meanwhile David “Sugar” Ray makes his long awaited Senior debut, after a string of strong performances for the Reserves in 2024.

Him and Sean Drummond will look to sure up an Animals backline which has been miserly in 2024, only conceding over 100 points once (to the aforementioned Brunswick in Round 3).

Fletcher Cooper was a standout forward for the twos last week, so his promotion in grade sees him stay forward to provide some much-needed hops.

Howard, Ferguson, and Andronicos all come back via the bench, alongside President Gardner who keeps his spot in the Senior fold.

Zoo News: Comebacks, Drop backs, and Finals?

Wattle Park has gone one from three at Bennettswood Reserve on the weekend as the Reserves and Seniors both suffered at the hands of Elsternwick, but only after a comeback win for the ages from the Women, whose nail-biting two-point win against Brunswick will go down as one of their best. Away at Frearson Oval and with the late start time, the Thirds weren’t bothered, once against beating the Monash Blues by 23 points and creating a three-team race for the final Finals spot.

The Reserves have suffered their sixth loss of the season, Elsternwick taking the win by 25 points on Saturday. Miskicking in front of goal kept the scoreline closer than it should have been, with both teams unable to get a handle on it going into quarter-time. Five goals from eight scoring shots to two goals from three in the second term put the Animals well onto the back foot, from which they weren’t able to recover as the momentum swung decidedly into the away side’s favour. With the lead in hand, Elsternwick were able to continue their dominance, a 29-point margin at three-quarter-time denying the Reserves a chance to get in front, despite kicking four goals in the last term. Jacob Glare earned best-on-ground honours for his performance, while a return to the Reserves side has done wonders for Jordy Rodda, who continues his good form for the club. Joining them on the best players list is Lachie Hicks, Fletcher Cooper, and two elevated debutants in Lochie Sketcher and Aman Singh. Seven individual goalkickers managed to get on the scoreboard, with two each from Jarrod Sandells and Jacob Mitchell.

The Seniors’ form slump extends to four losses in a row after going down to Elsternwick by just eight points on the weekend. Despite a five-goal-to-two first quarter, from 11 and two scoring shots respectively, the Animals were ultimately unable to get the job done. An inspired second term from the opposition saw the buffer cut to just seven points at the main break as the Seniors slowly started to lose the momentum. Missed opportunities in front of goal, a consistent theme for the day it seems, kept Elsternwick closer than they arguably should have been. Nine points separated the teams going into the final quarter, with four scoring shots to seven, of which one goal to four were kicked, was the difference as the away side ran away with it. Captain Harry Davis tops the best players list, joined by the usual suspects of Joden Crothers, Nathan Bird, Baxter Newbegin and Tom Clarke. Newbegin continued his goalkicking run with another three, while both Bird and Daniel Hill kicked two of their own. 

An 11-point deficit at the final break has been whittled away by the Women, who took down a fierce Brunswick side by just two points after an inspiring last-term effort. With much of the play for the first half of the game in the away side’s control, the Animals wrestled back some momentum in the later stages of the second quarter, a Liv Walker goal getting them back into it. Two goals to Brunswick in the third quarter might have had the game won, but a goal from Rose Kennedy with less than three minutes to go reminded the Animals they still had one last quarter left. Eager to keep their lead, Brunswick came out in the final term intent on stoppages and contests, but with 10 minutes to go, the Women had had enough and flipped the switch. A behind to both sides had the deficit back at 11 points and with consistent pressure, the Animals were finally able to get another goal on the board, through the efforts of Emily Severin, who had been moved to the backline for the final term but managed to sneak her way forward. Suddenly, everything seemed possible with the margin at less than a goal. The home side was rolling now, the momentum swinging firmly in their favour as the ball barely made it past the middle of the ground before it was booted back towards the pavilion. A mark from Kennedy at the top of the 50 settled the team before an expert lead from Ashton Billing saw her with a shot on goal almost directly in front, the ball no doubt in the hands of one of the Animals’ best users. Now with a tiny lead, the Animals put their heads down, leaving Brunswick with no room to move as the seconds ticked down. Scrounging another behind in the final few minutes of the game to keep the ball down their end of the ground, the Women ultimately sealed a fourth-quarter come-from-behind-win to get their second set of four points in a row. 

The Thirds have won their seventh game of the season after taking down the Monash Blues in their rematch on Saturday. The Animals got going early, keeping their noses in front for much of the game and denying the home side a sniff. With a six-point margin going into the third quarter, the Thirds kicked four goals to one, with Monash’s inability to convert in front of the big sticks allowing the Animals a larger buffer. A rather even final term saw the Animals get the job done with relative ease, moving to third on the ladder. Only three goals for Caden MacDonald from his 10 disposals, who continues his run of at least a goal a game. Benjamin Kearns was once again best-on, joined by Daniel Thorson, Cameron Muratore and, for the first time all season, WIll Taylor, who appears to have broken his streak of zero touches. 

For round eleven, Bennettswood Reserve will be home to a second consecutive, and final, triple-header as the Women, Reserves and Seniors run out at their usual times of 9:20am, 11:40am and 2pm respectively, facing La Trobe and Brunswick. All three squads will be looking to even up the ledger after suffering losses to those teams earlier in the season. A trip to Elsternwick awaits for the Thirds, with first bounce scheduled for 11:40am. 

FINAL SCORES - ROUND TEN

Monash Blues v Thirds: 7.8.50 - 11.7.73

Reserves v Elsternwick: 9.10.64 - 12.17.89

Women v Brunswick: 4.4.28 - 4.2.26

Seniors v Elsternwick: 10.13.73 - 12.9.81

Cult figures and a bulging medical room

It’s a story as old of time in local footy, come the depths of June and winter, the medical room begins to burst at the seems with a litany of injuries across the four sides.

However between forced and voluntary absences, it’s provided opportunity for some popular moves between the sides ahead of this weekend.

THIRDS: VS MONASH BLUES - FREASON OVAL - 4.15PM

After being the first game of last week, the Thirds wrap up the Saturday this week with a trip to Clayton to take on the Monash Blues.

Several changes across the field see a much different side to the one that valiantly clawed back in the last quarter to overrun St. Mary’s Salesian last weekend.

A total of six changes, including two club debuts, with the returns of earlier season regulars Cam Muratore and Vinnie Brigante headlining. Muratore will start at half back whilst Brigante will begin from the bench.

Adham Saab, after only recently joining the club, will make his debut this weekend alongside Drew Ashton, both will also start on the bench.

Thommo Bent heads on to a wing, flanking a positional change of clearance king Srey moving inside and on-ball.

Meanwhile Will Taylor ditches the headphones and the magnets to resume his playing role after his successful “coaching” stint last weekend.

women: vs brunswick fc - bennettswood reserve - 9.20am

The women kick off the day at home against the re-graded Brunswick FC, a side who has only one once on their drop from the higher division.

J Clancy, Ingrid Cain, and Chloe Woolley will all spend extended time out due to injuries suffered in the heroic win last weekend up north in Preston.

Sam Hogarth moves back to fullback as a result after starting forward last week, with vice-captain Maddy Mazar back in to the 22 after missing last weekend.

Caity Power taking over on the wing is the only change made to a midfield group, with Power expected to deliver just that in the free-roaming role

Up forward, Nyari Gryzb returns after missing last week, and will look to fill the small forward role vacated by Clancy’s absence.

Hayley Lim also returns to the side via the bench.

reserves: vs elsternwick - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

The Animals twos will look to seek revenge for last year’s preliminary final loss in Sandringham when the ‘Wicks come to town.

In a boost, four popular promotions from the Thirds have been made for the clash, with Aman “Junior” Singh, both Lochie and Layton Sketcher, and Jordy Rodda all given Reserve debuts.

In Singh’s first year of football, his effort and willingness to impact the play have impressed everyone at the club, and his shock win of the Thirds training goal kicking comp earning him a move forward was not the last of his shock moves.

The Sketchers have been building an impressive portfolio of work for the Thirds in 2024, especially Lochie. The smaller of the pair forming a dangerous midfield combination with one elite ruck in Checkers, will look to do the same with newly-annointed captain Sean “Spider” Bourke.

Meanwhile for Rodda, it’s a return to the Reserve fold he hasn’t played in since 2019, where he injured his ankle playing against Parkside in the opening game of the Men’s season. His elite ball use and vision will be an asset sorely needed for the Reserves.

Both Oskar Godde and James Greaves retain their spots after being elevated last weekend, whilst a schedule clash sees Fletcher Cooper drop back from the Seniors allowing him to fill a height gap up front.

seniors: vs elsternwick - bennettswood reserve - 2pm

A Senior side looking to put a disappointing night time loss to Bulleen-Temp behind them will do so with the first ever President-Vice President combo in Animals history.

President Cam Gardner and Vice-President Tom Clarke will both line up in the square, with Gardner’s impressive Reserves season seeing him rewarded with his call up.

Clarke’s return from holiday could not have been better timed with Fletcher Cooper’s absence from the senior fold this week, whilst Ben Collins moves inside from the wing to cover Bailey Hunt’s injury.

Up front Mitch Lamb has earned an immediate senior recall after an impressive outing in the Reserves comprehensive win last weekend at Ted Ajani, whilst Cam Price and Jimmy Moran will join the bench after also being elevated.

Zoo News: Final hurdle stumble prevents undefeated day

Another quadruple sweep opportunity has gone begging for the Wattle Park Football Club as the Seniors fell at the last hurdle against a Bulleen-Templestowe hellbent on getting the four points, while the other three teams all picked up wins earlier in the day. A lone homestand at Bennettswood Reserve saw the Thirds get one back over St Mary’s Salesian, before newly appointed captain Matthew Price steered the Reserves home to the tune of 107 points. Over at W. R. Ruthven Reserve, the Women continued their dominance over Preston, leaving the field 13-point winners to make it two from two for the year. 

Four goals to 50-gamer Lachie Hicks headlines a smashing win by the Reserves, taking down a Bulleen-Templestowe side only able to scrounge together two goals from eight scoring shots. Twelve individual goalkickers made things very hard for most of the 100-minute game as the Animals seemingly lulled the home side into a false sense of security in the first quarter, before launching ahead in the second, taking a 31-point lead into the half-time break. The scoreboard heavily ticked over for the Reserves in the third term, kicking 5.5 to extend their margin to 58 points. While the door was arguably already shut by the final 25 minutes, the Animals were unrelenting, adding nine more goals to really send a message. In his return from injury, Mitch Lamb earns best-on-ground honours, while Thomas Mariadason contributed three goals. Two majors each to Louis Fasolino and Jacob Mitchell rounds out the multiple-goalscorers list. 

A low-scoring affair at Ted Ajani Reserve has seen the Seniors slump to their third loss in a row. It wasn’t to be for the Animals, who started the game on the back foot after miskicking from both sides saw the Bullants take just a one-point lead into quarter-time. The back and forth would continue for much of the game as the home side began to take more of their limited opportunities inside 50 and out-hunted the Animals for possession of the ball. Never really out of it, the Seniors were just unable to find their way through, ultimately losing by 11 points at the final siren. In positive news, backman-turned-forward Baxter Newbegin kicked three goals, with two from first-year Animal Tom Ferguson and one from ruckman Fletcher Cooper rounding out the goalkickers. Tom Wales continued his good form, with his work in defence earning him top honours in the best players list, joined by Scott McCarney in his return from injury. 

The Thirds righted some past wrongs on the weekend, downing St Mary’s Salesian by 18 points in spectacular fashion in direct contrast to their previous encounter. A Caden MacDonald masterclass of seven goals, with the opportunity for more, drove the Animals to victory after a slow first quarter, which saw just three scoring shots to eleven. However, after a rousing first-break speech, the Thirds well and truly awoke, kicking seven goals in the second term to take a nine-point lead into half-time. The arm wrestle then continued for the last half as miskicking in front of goal kept the scoreboard closer than it arguably should have been. Down by seven at the final break, the Animals were unrelenting in their ball movement, running out the game in a six-goal-to-two quarter to take the win convincingly. Backline general Daniel Thorson was named best-on-ground, with his patrolling the defensive half of the ground seeing many chances for the away side to score slip away. A Thirds appearance for Anthony Smith has resulted in top-six best mention, joined by regulars in Benjamin Kearns, George Burgess and Jordy Rodda, and rounded out with MacDonald. 

Fourteen behinds have propelled the Women to their third win of the year, and their second against divisional foes in the Bullants, as the miskicking in front of goal proved to be the only misstep in an otherwise complete 80-minute game of football. Two goals to first-year Animal Rose Kennedy in the first quarter got her team well and truly started as the fast-start focus once again paid dividends. With a lead at the start of the second term, the Women continued their intensity, limiting the opposition on the scoreboard while adding two of their own goals through vice-captain Grace Ambrosini, whose kick forward bounced fortunately over the head of a Preston defender and through the big sticks, and Emily Severin, who managed to send the ball through at insane angle for the Animals’ fourth of the match. After half-time, with both the lead and the knowledge of games passed, the Women made every effort to ensure they kept up their pressure. With the final goal of the game in the middle of the third quarter, Shannon Harris, without taking possession and running on pure instinct, soccered the ball out of the air after a Kennedy kick saw it smashed into the face of a Bullants player before rebounding into the swingman’s path. For the rest of the game, the Animals held on, contest after contest allowing the time to elapse as the final siren sounded amongst loud cheers. Ashton Billing was undoubtedly best-on-ground, having to navigate the attention of at least two opposition players at all times. 

A traditional triple-header at Bennettswood Reserve awaits for round ten as the usual timeslots see the Women welcome an unfamiliar opposition in Brunswick at 9:20am, while at 11:40am/2pm respectively, the Reserves and Seniors take the field against Elsternwick. For the Thirds, they head to Frearson Oval for a rematch against the Monash Blues at 4:45pm.

FINAL SCORES - ROUND NINE
Thirds v St Mary’s Salesian: 16.12.108 - 12.18.90
Bulleen-Templestowe v Reserves: 2.6.18 - 19.11.125
Preston v Women: 4.7.31 - 5.14.44
Bulleen-Templestowe v Seniors: 7.10.52 - 6.5.41

Animals go nocturnal after week off

Two games under lights and a late afternoon start see the back end of Saturday feature your Animals heavily after the week off, with this week’s fixtures a full reverse of the Round 2 weekend earlier in the year.

thirds: vs st. mary’s salesian - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

The “early” start game for the Animals this week, with the Thirds fresh off the high of the Friday night Daisy game at Oakleigh, looking to get revenge on a St. Mary’s side which fielded a strong line up last time.

Four new debutants feature this week, as the Keegan brothers Jackson and Darcy are set to bookend the field, with friend of Caydos Austin Cookson also joining the Animals ranks this season, whilst Marshall Weir also makes his long awaited debut after joining in pre-season.

Michael Allen and Junior Singh swap ends after the weekly goal kicking competition saw Junior win his way in to the forward line.

women: vs preston - w.r ruthven reserve - 4.45pm

The return of Olivia Frost and Tahlia Hill from injury helps bolster a women’s side looking to re-join the winners circle against a team they beat earlier in the season.

It’s a return to the “normal” timeslot in the north, with the evening trip to Preston the fourth time it’s happened since the women’s team began.

Sam Hogarth swings forward to bring her marking capabilities to the front 50, seeing Rose Kennedy push on to a wing spot to provide some run and carry, whilst Captain Ebony Ratcliffe pushes in to the backline.

reserves: vs bulleen-templestowe - ted ajani reserve - 3.10pm

A 50th club game for Lachlan Hicks headlines this match up the Animals won easily earlier in the season, which will see them miss regular captain Anthony “Sportsbet” Smith.

This sees enigmatic full forward Matt Price take on the captaincy duties, an announcement met with loud cheers when read out at Thursday dinner.

Oskar Godde and James Greaves make their Reserves debuts, which also sees former captain Sean Howard also back in returning from injury.

Mitch Lamb drops back from Seniors to add some seniority to the side in a stacked midfield which sees Jimmy Moran, Cam Garnder, and Jacob Glare all expecting plenty of touches.

seniors: vs bulleen-templestowe - ted ajani reserve - 5.30pm

A senior debut for Jack Hernan and the return of captain Harry Davis headline the Seniors as the strive to return to early season form.

Jack becomes the second Hernan to play for the Animals seniors, after brother Tom featured heavily last year up forward.

Meanwhile Harry Davis plays his first game since playing Bulleen-Temp in Round 2, with the captain looking to put all frustration behind him and make a late charge for the League B&F Top 10 like he did in 2023.

Sam Davis, Connor Xipolitos, and Scott McCarney are all back from injury, and just in time to cover for fresh injuries and travel-related absences.