The WATTLE PARK THIRDS (Div 12 Ressies) were dealt a difficult start to the 2025 season, losing by 49 points to a strong Collegians team at Bennettswood Reserve. Coming off a strong pre-season after falling agonizingly short of finals in 2024 by percentage, the Animals were eager to land the first blow of the season with a win on their home deck. However, a well-polished Collegians team, full of run and youth, proved too strong, running out victors with a 13.14 (92) to 6.7 (43) triumph on Saturday morning.

With dry conditions and new and familiar faces in the blue and blue, Checkers’ men were well aware that skill execution and two-way running would be key to putting pressure on the scoreboard early. The energy was high at ‘The Zoo’ before the opening bounce, as Coach Checkers led his team in putting the blue-striped guernsey on in unison, marking the beginning of a new Div 12 Ressies’ season. After a tight start to the first term, the Collegians took charge of the midfield battle, converting back-to-back set shots to gain an early lead. Moments later, Will Taylor converted a set shot directly in front in response, getting the Animals on the board for the 2025 season.

The midfield battle continued to be the key area heading into the second quarter, with Collegians taking full advantage of their run-and-carry game style to out-run the Animals on the counterattack. The Animals' defense held strong, however, with Dan Thorson continuing his brilliant 2024 form as a rebounding defender in the backline. Pink helmet brothers Lincon and Layton Sketcher provided much-needed composure for the Animals as the midfield began to click. However, the inability to impact the scoreboard left the Animals trailing by 27 points at the main break.

With some inspiring half-time words from coach Lenny, the Animals were hot out of the gates, kicking the first goal of the quarter off the brilliant midfield run of Jordan Cannizzaro. Debutant Andre Toussaint converted another major for the Animals as the game began to swing in favor of the Div 12 Ressies. However, as fatigue set in, the Collegians responded with their fast-paced game style to take a commanding 35-point lead heading into the final term.

Aspirations to begin the final term in the same fashion as the third quarter were quickly dashed for the Animals, as a clean center-clearance from the Collegians resulted in a quick goal, putting the Div 12 Ressies on the backfoot. Returning from injury, Lachie Killeen held strong and showed off his craft as fatigue took hold for both teams, while Darcy Keegan competed well in the air to slow the momentum of the Collegians. A couple of late goals from Caden MacDonald were a welcome reward for the Animals, but it was too little, too late, as the Collegians ran out 49-point victors at the final siren.

The Pink Brothers’ Grit Cannot Be underestimated
Both Lincon and Layton Sketcher will be key pieces for the Div 12 Ressies in 2025, as the brothers combined for a powerful display at Bennettswood Reserve. The pair looked right at home playing throughout the midfield and backline, showing no sign of fatigue as both sides began to feel the round 1 cramps in the second half. Lincon’s explosive power and courage in and around the contest were pivotal as the momentum shifted in the Animals’ favor in the third term, while Layton’s leadership and football smarts steadied the ship in several periods throughout the Collegians' attack. With both brothers rocking the pink helmets, it’s difficult to overlook their importance for the team going forward.

Cannizzaro’s Courage Pays Off
The third term required the Animals to have a fast start and take risks playing through the corridor. Enter Jordan Cannizzaro. The dashing midfielder took the game into his own hands, bursting through a play involving several Collegian players to showcase his elite pace and composure under pressure. Streaming through the midfield, Cannizzaro’s play resulted in a goal from MacDonald, igniting the spark and momentum shift the Animals were desperately after.

Old MacDonald Still Owns the Farm
If there was any doubt over Caden MacDonald’s ability to continue his 2024 form, those doubts were silenced in the opening game. The 2024 leading goal kicker did what every good forward does - converting goals when it matters. Despite a heavy loss, MacDonald booted four majors to begin his campaign in great form, showcasing his ability to lead the Div 12 Ressies’ forward line for yet another season. If MacDonald can stay injury-free throughout the season, this Temu-version of Bailey Fritsch will no doubt be a key piece to the Animals' success.

WATTLE PARK  1.1     1.3     3.5      6.7      (43)
COLLEGIANS    3.4     5.6     8.10    13.14  (92)

GOALS
Wattle Park: MacDonald 4, Taylor 1, Toussaint 1

BEST
Wattle Park: Darcy Keegan, Daniel Thorson, Lincon Sketcher, Caden MacDonald, Layton Sketcher, Benjamin Kearns

NEXT GAME

Wattle Park v Old Trinity (Away), Sat April 12th (11:30am), Daley Oval Marles Playing Field 1