Thankfully for the only time in 2024, all four Animals sides are spread across three different grounds as we delve in to the mid-part of the season.
In a fixture “quirk” as well, all four teams will be involved in “overlapping” games, stretching the Animals Family across the metro area.
THIRDS: VS SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS - IAN JOHNSON OVAL 11.40AM
After surviving a scare from an inspired Parkdale side, Coach Checkers has made the sensational decision to bench himself and Jarra Davis ahead of the trip to one of Albert Park’s many grounds.
The infrequently used Ian Johnson Oval will see Will Taylor, statless last week, instead take the opening centre bounce in yet another attempt to counter opposition’s tailored gameplans.
George Burgess, Lachie Hicks, and Ben Kearns for a midfield trio the envy of the division, and will be flanked by the non-stop running of Vinnie Brigante and James Greaves.
Up front, injury returns for the prolific Caden MacDonald and the hard-working Joe Anker see the side boast a potent forward line ready to attack a South Melbourne side which has conceded on average 20 scoring shots in the last 3 weeks.
The bench sees the return of the enigmatic Sam Fernandez, Lachie Port, and Niles Sheridan.
women: vs old carey - carey sports complex 1pm
The peculiar timeslot of 1pm sees the Women travel to the middle of the NELP worksite to take on rivals Old Carey.
A fierce battle at this location last year saw the Animals draw within a goal late before the Panthers kicked two late ones to win, and there is certainly no love lost between the two sides.
Half back flankers Nyari Gryzb and Leesa Guastella move in to the midfield for this clash, a return for Gryzb to the position where in 2022 she ran away with the club B&F title.
The moves see captain Ebony Ratcliffe move to the back flank herself, with Charlotte Norton moving up from a pocket to join her. That move facilitated by the return of Emma Turner to the side.
The game will also be the first as vice-captain for Maddy Mazar, promoted to the role this week due to the season-ending injury to Lilli Fogarty.
reserves: vs st.mary’s salesian - ferndale park 11.40am
A relatively settled two’s side will head down the road to Glen Iris looking to bounce back after last week’s phase out against Melbourne High.
Matt Lewis moves back to the back flank to cover Jack Hernan, allowing Cooper Walter to start on a wing and Sam Barrah to return to the fold after some time away from the club.
Ben Severin is the other main inclusion to the forward line, after missing several weeks with an upper body injury.
seniors: vs st. mary’s salesian - ferndale park 2pm
Minor adjustments made for the late game at Ferndale Park, as the Seniors look to continue their stellar start to the 2024 season, with a win allowing the opportunity for the Animals to go second dependant on other results.
Tom Wales is back in for Sam Davis who sits due to concussion protocol, in the only change to a backline that left Melbourne High marvelling at their resilience and stability last weekend.
Up front, Jon “The Difference” Greensides will look to be just that as he starts this week, with Baxter Newbegin back as well after missing last week’s clash against the Unicorns.
The Animals dropped this fixture the last time they played competitively, but have bested Salesian twice in consecutive pre-season fixtures, and will look to reclaim the “Saints Cup” the two sides previously fought for.
