The Wattle Park Thirds (Div 12 Ressies) have sent a strong message to the competition, steamrolling UHS by 63 points at Bennettswood Reserve to claim their sixth consecutive win. The 16.19 (115) to 7.10 (52) victory was a clinical display of team football, with Cam Muratore leading the charge with four goals in a best-on-ground performance.
With all eyes on the only Wattle Park side playing at ‘The Zoo’, the Ressies came in hungry to back up their unconvincing win against South Melbourne. Determined to sharpen their brand of football and fuelled by the debut of Koul Koul and Jack Tossol, the home side looked to flex their muscle in front of the faithful. The squad knew the importance of defending their turf, and the sideline was buzzing with anticipation from the first bounce.
Under a sun-drenched sky, the Animals wasted no time imposing their physicality on the contest, matching up against a larger UHS outfit in a bruising opening term. With stoppage footy dominating the early exchanges, birthday boy Aman Singh (Junior) was electric from the outset, showing no regard for his own safety as he courageously cut off multiple attacks. Dan Thorson was again a machine, racking up 24 touches and kilometres to match, anchoring the backline with his reliable rebound and composed ball use.
After a scrappy start, the floodgates opened thanks to the Candyman’s dash through midfield, setting up the first major. Cardman quickly followed, and Muratore began to find his groove up forward, slotting the first of his four majors. Bailey McCabe added to the mix, Wattle Park held a 22-point buffer at quarter time. The team’s willingness to win the contested footy and spread with pace began to take its toll on the opposition.
UHS lifted in the second quarter, applying heat through the corridor, but the Animals held firm. Andre ‘The Giant’ Toussaint was a colossus in the air, while Dean Milhe danced past defenders with poise. Jordan Cannizzaro's coast-to-coast run led to a Benny Kearns goal that lit up the sideline. Despite the impressive ball movement and pressure, wayward kicking restricted the damage, with the margin stretched to 38 points at the half. There was a feeling that the scoreboard didn’t quite reflect the Animals’ dominance, but they had laid the foundation for a strong second half.
Interim coach Srey praised the side's structure and ball use at the break, urging greater selflessness in front of goal. The third term opened with a UHS goal, but the Animals quickly found their rhythm. Jarra Davis calmed the chaos with smart positioning, Tossol drove through packs like a battering ram, and Skaife was impenetrable in defence. Srey slotted a stunning goal from the boundary before Cannizzaro curled through his first in club colours. Still, inaccuracy persisted with the Animals posting 2.4 for the term.
The final quarter saw the Animals unleash their full potential. Muratore proved too much to handle as he bullied his way to more scoreboard pressure. Debutant Koul finally got his reward, while MacDonald and Tossol joined in the fun courtesy of superb ruck work from the Candyman. Sedgy’s long-overdue major was met with disbelief and celebration, while Captain Burgo, cool and composed in defence, orchestrated the final surge. Lachie Hicks continued to provide grunt in the contest, and the team’s work rate was evident right until the final siren. It was a quarter that showcased not just individual brilliance, but also selfless team-first football - a theme that has defined this winning streak.
Now second on the ladder with a healthy percentage of 173% and 28 points in the bank, the Div 12 Ressies are firming as a genuine finals threat. The momentum is undeniable, and with their form peaking at the right time, Wattle Park’s maiden finals berth is no longer just a dream. It’s becoming an expectation. With belief growing, depth increasing, and the Zoo turning into a fortress, September footy could be just the beginning.
Koul, calm and collected
A last minute debut in this Animals squad is no surprise given the very extensive list size, but the debut of Koul Koul was something special. Instantly a cult hero, Koul didn’t take long to set the tone and showcase the elite football ability he possesses. The man isn’t afraid to sidestep several opponents up forward and take the game on, backing himself in every contest. He can take a big contested mark, as evident in the third quarter, and knows how to nail one through the big sticks. Whether the man is a one-off superstar or a weekly specialist remains to be seen. But wow, what a debut by King Koul.
Srey’s words of wisdom spark Animals
Riley Srey is the heart and soul of the Div 12 Ressies. He may not be your typical footy player who lights up the stage each week, but his tough grit and physicality was on full display on Saturday. Srey’s ability to slow down play in dire moments by creating stoppages was a key reason the Animals were able to dominate the way they did. It may not reflect on the stats sheet, but his frequent pressure in and around the contest hindered UHS’ ability to transition out of defense. Taking on the coaching role, Srey was a large presence vocally on field and in the rooms, and was responsible for correcting the teams kicking in front of goal, emphasising the importance of not being selfish. It may sound simple, but sometimes all you need is someone to point out the obvious, which is exactly what Srey did. Leadership comes in many forms, but it sure does look good on Srey.
Did someone order the baker's dozen?
Kicking goals is a luxury, especially in Division 5 Thirds football. More often than not, it’s 3 or 4 players that kick the snags to get the team across the line. But not this week. Cam Muratore led the way as one of 12 goal kickers on the day for the Div 12 Ressies. Goals came from Muratore, Taylor, MacDonald, Tossol, Kearns, Cannizzaro, Sedgy, Srey, Koul, Cardman, McCabe and Candyman. It was raining goalkickers at the Zoo and showcased the teams versatility in the forwardline. A scoresheet like Saturday’s would strike fear into the competition. Each Animal is a cog in a well oiled machine, and what a machine the boys are putting together. The baker must of ordered a dozen of his finest.
WATTLE PARK 4.6 7.12 9.16 16.19 (115)
UHS 1.2 2.4 3.8 7.10 (52)
GOALS
Wattle Park: Muratore 4, Taylor 2, MacDonald, Tossol, Kearns, Cannizzaro, Sedgy, Srey, Koul, Cardman, McCabe and Candyman
BEST
Wattle Park: Cameron Muratore, Candyman, Jordan Cannizzaro, Daniel Thorson, Koul Koul, Benjamin Kearns
NEXT GAME
Wattle Park v MHSOB (Home), Sat June 28th, (9:20am), Bennettswood Reserve