The reserves were high on confidence following the 110 point demolition job of Parkside in the previous round and on the back of the women’s side coming from behind to win in the curtain raiser. It was a new look side with no less than 18 changes and 10 Animals debutants. The boys jumped out of the blocks early with four of the first 5 majors with Ashley Kaufmann, Emerson Lemkau and The Difference proving very lively early doors

I’m not sure what was in the water bottles for Richmond Central at quarter time because they came out a completely different side. The backline led by Chook O’connor did their best to stem the tide however a lack of two way running saw the snakes level the scores at the major break. J-Rod and TC implored the lads to stay calm in their half time address

It seemed to have an effect with the Animals jumping out the blocks with a good 5 minute spurt in the third registering a couple of majors with Kaufmann again the prominent figure. Flynn was impressive all day with his elite speed burning up the Bennettswood wings and Tom Wales found plenty of the ball and took some good contested marks. Despite this the Snakes came back and went into the final change with a 7 point lead.

It was a last quarter to forget with Richmond Centrals having their day in the sun. Zac Durrant and James Rippon were huge in the final quarter to withstand the charge however the boys in the end couldn’t end up kicking a winning score.

Many of lessons will be learnt from the loss and it’s only one game that doesn’t define a season. Captain Steve Jones suggested post match that the boys remember how much this loss stung to use as motivation in the coming weeks

 

It was a tight tussle early in the Seniors as Richmond Central showed they were up for the fight after two narrow losses. After trialling for most of the first term the Animals found their groove and managed a minor lead at the first break. Despite being first at the contest early Ian implored the guys you use their run and spread as we were the younger and fitter side.

The Animals got things rolling in the second term aided by some inaccurate kicking from the snakes. Co-captain Harry Davis had an inbuilt radar for the goals inside his head and had no issue finding them all day. At the main break the boys had breathing space with a 16 point lead

The third quarter saw the game become a real slog as both teams struggled with efficiency and accuracy in front of goal with Emmaus edging Richmond Central out 2.4 to 1.5. Hugh Schaeche and Paul Baranello were doing well in the guts while Ben ‘Trigger’ Collins was breaking the lines with his elite ball use.

The game opened up in the final term with both sides registering 5 majors however the Animals maintained enough breathing space with a 3-4 goal buffer for the majority of the second half leaving the result never in doubt.

Harry Wines was named BOG following his best on in the reserves the game prior while H was the difference (sorry Greensides) with 6 majors.