Another week, another win for the Reserves as they held off Elsternwick to avenge their Round One loss, the Seniors produced their best performance of 2023, whilst the Thirds were unable to hang with the boys from Melbourne High

THIRDS

A wayward morning was ultimately punished in the final term as the Thirds were unable to hang with the Unicorns at Bennettswood.

An even first quarter saw both sides unable to assert ascendency in near-perfect late May conditions at Bennettswood. Joey Anker would slot the the opening goal for the Animals as the hosts took it to the team second in the division.

A tough second quarter meant that chances to score were rare sights, so it was fitting the Unicorns were the only ones to major in the second term to take a 6 point lead in to the main break.

The fight continued in the Third, as neither team relented from the contested ball. Big man Sam Cordy was able to kick the Animals second of the match, but MHSOB were able to flex their muscle and take a 3 goal lead in to the final term.

However that is where the Animals would lose touch, as MHSOB pulled away with ease. James Schulman would kick his 6th of the game, the third time he’s achieved that feat this year, as the Animals were unable to stop the role and let their pressure drop.

Jacob Mitchell would goal in the final term, but it was mere consolation as the Thirds would fall to a 47 point loss.

Coach Gideon Sands after the match lamented the lack of a full four quarter effort, and the final quarter run causing the Animals to drop their heads.

President Cam Gardner continued his impressive return to footy with another quality performance, and was not alone in the backline as Sam Heydon and Will Honey put in quality performances. Jordy Rodda also led from the front as he continues an impressive season.

WP 3.11.29

MHS 11.10.76

Goals: Anker, Cordy, Mitchell

Best: Gardner, Anker, Rollo-Walker, Rodda, Cordy, Jopling

RESERVES

Elsternwick presented as the two’s only blip in 2023, a lacklustre round one loss at home. The contest that unfolded was anything but.

A slow start for the Animals saw Elsternwick kick the only two goals of the quarter, one early and one late, with what was a constant and at times unpredictable breeze from the bay that pushed away from the clubrooms.

After a quick spray from coach Josh Webb at quarter time, the Animals sparked in to the life, as the heavily tagged Dan Quattro began to run riot despite Elsternwick’s best efforts. Finding space on the wing and teaming up with fellow runners Mitch Lamb and Jim Sibley, the Animals Midfield Machine whirred in to life, as they would kick four goals for the quarter and take a 6 point lead in to the main break.

An at times ill-disciplined Elsternwick in the second half would allow the Animals to catch mini breaks from pressure, as the third quarter saw honours shared with two goals apiece. Elsternwick used the wind advantage to peg back the Animals lead, but a late flurry by the Animals, with goals from league-leading goalkicker Matt Price, and a long bomb from Fullback Sam Argus. The latter finally capitalising on weeks of threats to kick his first major of the 2023 season with a sweetly struck set shot.

Elsternwick would then bring their toughest run yet, getting to within two points of the Animals with an incredible goal from the clubroom pocket, and an out of zone high free kick paid by the Animals club umpire (A decision which bizarrely drew much ire from the home crowd)

This mattered little as with a minute left, a constantly off-the-chain Dan Quattro took a mark 40m out to have a chance to ice the game. 

Small issue, Quattro cramped, severely.

Up stepped captain Anthony Smith, and with no trouble went back and calm guided through the match sealer and leave just the Animals and their upcoming opponents, Richmond Central, alone atop the Reserves table before the Kings Birthday Bye weekend.

ELS 9.5.59

WP 9.13.67

Goals: M.Price 2, A.Smith (c) 2, C.Leevers, D.Quattro, J.Nelson, J.Lamb, S.Argus

Best: S.Argus, S.Bourke, D.Quattro, A.Smith (c), H.Ticker, M.Lamb

SENIORS

Holmes/Todd Oval was the scene in 2022 of one of the Animals more excruciatingly close losses in the Senior grade. In 2023 however it was scene to one of the best performances to date put out by the side.

It was another heavily contested start for the two teams, similar to Round 1 just with less rain. Bodies flying in at all angles, with hits leaving their desired (and legal) marks. Nathan Bird would manage the Animals first of the day before Matt Hill would find his range and help the Animals to a 5 point lead at the first break.

What proceeded after quarter time can only be believed if witnessed. 

An onslaught from siren to siren from the men in blue and blue floored Elsternwick, even when Elsternwick floored captain Harry Davis.

Running in to an open goal, the Senior captain was hit late after slotting the major, seeing a minor scuffle ensue. A free kick for the hit that was later than your morning train to Flinders Street was duly converted by Nathan Bird on behalf of Harry Davis, only for the kick not to count, and Davis made to take the kick himself, which he would from the goal line.

The goals made up two of the eight kicked with the breeze in the second term to Elsternwick’s two, and would blow the margin out to a game high 42 points. 

In the third term, new recruit Tom Hernan would take over aerially as the he continued to clunk contested marks over the vaunted Elsternwick back line. His work allowed the Animals to stop any sort of rebound flow the ‘Wickers looked to employ to drag themselves back in to the contest,   as the margin narrowed to 36 points by the final change.

What also helped was the elite intercepting of Baxter Newbegin. In what was a familiar sight for Animals eyes, the South Australian cut off the majority of Elsternwick’s inside 50’s with aplomb, taking numerous contested intercept marks, and frustrating the opposition tall forwards with eye-watering spoils.

The Animals then professionally and with relative ease managed the game to the final siren, and despite Elsternwick pulling themselves marginally closer (27 points), their attempted fight back never threatened the Animals hold on the much needed 4 points.

Match day call-up Riley Thompson once again impressed on the senior stage, as did Reece Luehman, who was forced in to ruck duties after a late omission. 

However it was the Animals midfield that would hold many of the plaudits by the bay, with Ethan Phillips putting on a clinic of sublime class and elite skill alongside Scott McCarney, Guy Donovan and Harry Davis’ combined contested effort, supported by the unwavering Sean Howard, and assisted by fantastic outside run created by the returning Jesse Goldsmid and Bailey Hunt.

It was the Senior side’s second win of the season of Elsternwick, and saw them jump back in to an already log-jammed top 4.

ELS 9.8.62

WP 14.5.89

Goals: M.Hill 3, H.Davis 3, N.Bird 3, S.McCarney 2, S.Howard, Z.Kearns, T.Hernan

Best: H.Davis, B.Newbegin, T.Hernan, N.Bird, S.McCarney, G.Donovan