Football has finally returned for Wattle Park after a lengthy and productive off-season. Both men’s and women’s head coaches Glenn Hopkins and Mel Dell’Olio have returned to their respective helms after successful first seasons, with the elevation of the men’s squad to Division 2 for 2024 and a first-time appearance in the finals for the women’s. Gerard Clarke has taken the reins for the Reserves this year, while social media group Marmalade has joined the club, hoping to take the Thirds to premiership glory, with Checkers taking on the role of playing coach. 

All teams have now officially kickstarted their 2024 campaigns, with three out of four tasting success in round one. 

Both the Reserves and the Seniors lulled their Aquinas opponents into false senses of security in their respective first halves as the two games played out in rather similar fashion, with the clubs no doubt trying to shake off the preseason rust. But the shackles were off in the second half and six goals each to both Animals sides in the final quarters were the difference-makers as the boys in the blue and blue banked the four points. Matthew “BagMan” Price continued his 2023 form with six goals himself for the Reserves, while Jonathan Greensides kicked three majors of his own in the Seniors to start his season. 

The Thirds consolidated their emphatic 119-point opening round win with another quality performance against Elsternwick at Bennettswood Reserve to go 2-0. The four points were Marmalade’s first of the year, as they officially began their flag tilt after missing the start of the season. Checkers finished the game with 62 hitouts, while Srey kicked three goals. 

The Women weren’t so victorious but were still valiant in defeat, going down to De La Salle at Waverley Oval. In a sparkling return from injury, J Clancy provided a ray of sunshine for the Animals, kicking a fantastic goal on the run and celebrating with a passionate jumper grab, and Ashton Billing’s efforts were best-on-ground worthy. 

Round two is the first triple header of the year at Bennettswood Reserve, with the Women opening proceedings at 9:20am, followed by the Reserves at 11:40am and the Seniors at 2pm, while the Thirds get to ply their craft away from home, heading just down the road to Burwood Reserve for an 11:40am start.  

FINAL SCORES - ROUND ONE

Thirds v Elsternwick: 13.14.92 - 6.13.49

Aquinas v Reserves: 16.5.101 - 20.10.130

De La Salle v Women: 9.14.68 - 1.1.7

Aquinas v Seniors: 9.12.66 - 14.4.88