A quadruple-header clean sweep opportunity has gone begging for Wattle Park’s 2024 season after only two round six wins at Bennettswood Reserve on Saturday.

The Thirds kicked off proceedings in the morning, taking down a Parkdale side no doubt rueing some missed opportunities in front of goal, while the Seniors continued their winning ways against MHSOB to win by 22 points. The Reserves didn’t fare so well against their own MHSOB opponents, coughing up a final-break lead. In their second game in a row under lights, the Women were unable to get the win this time against the division’s ladder-leaders. 

A goalless fourth quarter has unfortunately seen the Reserves suffer their third loss of the season as a late-game run of five majors from MHSOB got them home. The better team for arguably the better part of the game, the Animals managed to get on top on the scoreboard in the third term, taking advantage of some miskicking in front of goal by the away side. Unsurprisingly, the midfield work of Harrison Jones saw him top the best players list, while Dan Hill scored three goals. 

Despite kicking 18 behinds, the Seniors kept their noses in front from start to finish to get one back on MHSOB. In the end, a rather comfortable win for a side otherwise known for letting teams back in, the Animals kept their foot on the accelerator until the final siren, slowly increasing the margin at each break. Jonathan “#thedifference” Greensides, who has played in each of the Seniors’ wins and none of their losses this season, kicked one major to join a goalkickers list including Hugh Schaeche, who contributed two of his own. Bailey Hunt was once again named best-on-ground as his ability to be anywhere the ball is continues to impress everyone.

Redemption was earned for the Thirds on the weekend, winning a one-point thriller after the heartbreak of round five’s loss. A clutch mark in the dying moments of the game from Jarra Davis as the scoreboard read 62-62 meant all he needed to do was score something, and score something he did, just. Contested footy followed which allowed the Animals to hold on. With most of the Marmalade contingent leading from the front, including 18 disposals from Davis and two goals from Connor Rogers, it was Lochie Sketcher’s midfield performance that was deemed best-on-ground worthy. 

A battle against the top side was always going to be a tough ask for the Women, who fought hard against Therry Penola for much of the game but were ultimately beaten by a well-drilled side. J Clancy continued their goalkicking ways with a gather in the forward 50 and a nice finish during the second quarter to get the Animals on board, while Ashton Billing once again snuck forward to kick another fourth-term goal for the year. But it was unsurprisingly Maddy Mazar who topped the best players list, her contested work in the backline limiting her tough and physical opponent to just one goal for the game. 

Bennettswood Reserve is empty for round seven as all four teams fly the nest in search of their next win. The Thirds head to Albert Park for an 11:40am start, facing South Melbourne Districts at Ian Johnson Oval, while the Women will battle an old foe in Old Carey when they make the trek to Carey Sports Complex, with an unusual start time of 1pm. The Reserves and the Seniors travel to Ferndale Park, their opponents rather unfamiliar in St Mary’s Salesian at their normal times of 11:40am and 2pm respectively. 

FINAL SCORES - ROUND SIX

Thirds v Parkdale: 9.9.63 - 8.14.62

Reserves v MHSOB: 12.6.78 - 13.11.89

Women v Therry Penola: 2.2.14 - 9.8.62

Seniors v MHSOB: 10.18.78 - 8.8.56