Just three points stood between a Wattle Park clean sweep on ladies luncheon weekend when all four teams ran out onto Bennettswood Reserve in dual-pink guernseys. The Thirds kicked off proceedings early, unfortunately suffering a three-point loss to Ormond after dominating much of the game, before the Reserves came out with a point to prove, dismantling a dismal Hawthorn side by 61 points. The Seniors arm-wrestled with their own Hawk opponents, ultimately coming out on top by seven points, while the Women valiantly prevailed in their first ever home game under lights, winning by 13 points in their grudge-match against Parkside. 

After a disappointing performance in round 4 for the Reserves, they knew there was work to be done. The competitive shift was almost immediate in the first quarter as Hawthorn were left scrambling to keep up. With ten scoring shots to none going into the quarter time, the Animals were well on top, before a nine-goal second term all but slammed the door on any kind of away side resurgence. Zero majors in the final 25 minutes did nothing to dim the celebrations as the Reserves got their season back on track. Harrison Jones was their best, while both Anthony Smith and Matthew Price kicked four goals each. 

Three goals from Nathan Bird has seen the Seniors home against their Hawthorn rivals. With nine individual goalkickers on the day, the Animals had an answer for everything. With just an 11-point lead going into the main break after some misfires in front of goal, the Seniors were able to keep a handle on the lead, just, despite some pushback from the away side. Bailey Hunt’s ability to be everywhere was best-on-ground worthy. In unfortunate news, Tom Hernan did suffer an arm injury, after contributing two of his own goals.

A dominant effort from the Thirds for all but the last two minutes of game time has seen them fall short by just three points to Ormond, despite leading at every break and controlling much of the play. After a strong first quarter for the Animals, the away side staged a fightback, managing to turn the game into a back-and-forth for the rest of it. Four goals to one in the final term arguably sealed the deal for Ormond as the Thirds are left to rue missed opportunities in front of the big sticks. Ethan Baker was arguably best-on for the Thirds, while Jarra Davis managed three goals and club stalwart Nic Glanville stood tall in the backline. 

Under the lights at Bennettswood Reserve for the first time ever, the Women came up trumps against Parkside, putting together four quarters of footy full of smart plays and connection. But it wasn’t until the second quarter where it finally yielded scoring opportunities, as a goal to Emily Severin saw the Animals up by five points at the main break.Kicking home and in front of a crowd full of Animals, both from the ladies luncheon and the men’s squad, the Women had a final quarter to remember. Down on the scoreboard, some Ashton Billing brilliance, who managed to rove a Severin ruck tap and kick truly, in the first couple of minutes kickstarted the Animals. 

Now with a lead to protect, the contest came alive. A behind saw possession go to Parkside who tried to clear it out of their defensive 50, but typical pressure on the kicker from J Clancy meant a miskick and the ball landed in Olivia Walker’s hands. After her hurried kick forward bounced towards goal, Clancy calmly collected to slot the major and hammer the final nail in the opposition’s coffin. Jas Ardern was undeniably best-on, toiling away in the midfield for the entire game. 

Footy continues at Bennettswood Reserve for round six, as the Reserves and Seniors welcome MHSOB in their usual timeslots of 11:40am and 2pm respectively, and the Women round out their three-game homestand with a visit from current ladder-leaders in Therry-Penola at 4:45pm. 

FINAL SCORES - ROUND FIVE 

Thirds v Ormond: 10.10.70 - 11.7.73

Reserves v Hawthorn: 16.18.114 - 7.11.53

Women v Parkside: 3.3.21 - 1.2.8

Seniors v Hawthorn: 12.12.84 - 11.11.77