The WATTLE PARK THIRDS (Div 12 Ressies) fell agonisingly short in their round 4 clash on Saturday, losing by 7 points to Hawthorn as they stole the win late in the final quarter. The Animals led the scoreboard for much of the day but were unable to stop a plucky Hawthorn side which kicked 5 goals in the final term to secure a close win on their home turf. The final score of 11.13 (79) to 10.12 (72) left the Animals bitterly disappointed, with their record now sitting at 1 win, 3 losses.
With most of the country waking up and turning their attention to election day, the Div 12 Ressies awoke with only one thing on their minds: to secure a win away from the Zoo. Coming off a convincing win last week against Oakleigh, the Animals knew their game against Hawthorn presented a great opportunity to secure back-to-back wins. The side had a host of inclusions coming into the game, most notably Cam Muratore and Ethan Baker, who were pulling on the boots for the first time in season 2025.
With the sun shining down on a blissful Rathmines Road Reserve, the centre clearance battle would be integral on a ground measuring only 140 metres end-to-end. Hawthorn were quick to draw first-blood, kicking the opening goal of the game in quick fashion before Cam Muratore struck back immediately for the Animals with his first goal of the season. It wasn’t long before Ethan Baker joined the party as he shook off two defenders to kick his first for the day. In defence, both Jarra Davis and Andre ‘The Giant’ Toussaint stood tall as Hawthorn continued to press. Both were silky by foot and in the air to give the animals a 7 point lead at quarter time.
The second term saw the Animals have plenty of scoring opportunities as they dominated much of the play. Dan Thorson’s run and carry off half-back, paired with Roaming Haz’s gut running on the wing, generated an array of opportunities for the Animals, but inability to convert when forward kept the Hawks within touch. Baker and Connor Rogers steadied the ship kicking consecutive goals, but Hawthorn would continue to fight back and stay within striking distance. If it weren’t for the brilliant defensive efforts of Lukas Skaife and Jordan Cannizzarro, the margin would have been much tighter given the Hawks ability to convert quickly and efficiently off half-back. The Animals held a 15 point lead going into the mainbreak.
Coach Lenny put emphasis on the second half being “crunch time” for the Animals and encouraged the boys to put Hawthorn away in the third quarter. The group were well aware inaccuracy was keeping the Hawks in the game and knew it needed to be corrected in the second half to run away with the victory.
The third term saw the Animals begin the quarter hot, getting repeated entries in the forward 50. However, the Hawks defenders stood tall and once again utilised their rebound game to kick the first of the second half. The pressure continued from the Hawks as the Animals defence stood tall also, with Andrew Cox looking very comfortable distributing the ball out of the backline on numerous occasions. Muratore and Baker struck back for the Animals once again, as both Checkers and Srey found themselves in a fiery clash against numerous Hawks. Roaming Haz joined the goal party, but the fightback from Hawthorn made it a 9 point margin at the final break.
The Animals were quick again out of the centre in the final term but continued in their inability to put the game away. Four lead changes and some brilliant passages of play, notably led by Muratore, Thorson and Candyman, made the final term one of excitement for spectators and players alike. Checkers continued his brilliance in the ruck against a formidable Hawthorn ruckman, and unleashed his iconic torps on several occasions to take full advantage of the smaller ground. However, the Hawks were too classy and kicked 5 goals in the final term, leaving the Animals licking their wounds in a 7 point loss.
Standing tall when it matters most
Despite falling just 7 points short, the Animals' defence delivered a near-flawless performance on Saturday. Undersized on paper but mighty in effort, the backline played to their strengths—relentlessly bringing the ball to ground and neutralising Hawthorn’s aerial threats time and again.Their commitment on the counter was just as impressive, launching precise rebounds and offering the midfield clean, composed delivery—along with second efforts that far exceeded recent weeks. Skaife, Thorson, Davis, Cox, Cannizzaro, and The Giant all stood tall when the pressure was on, showing grit, composure, and unity. While the scoreboard didn’t fall their way, the defensive unit’s performance was one to be proud of—and they left the field with heads held high and standards raised.
The Baker and the Comedian
In their season openers, Baker and Muratore were clearly a class above, standing out as the two best players on the ground. Combining for seven majors, the dynamic duo gave the Animals a serious edge up forward, delivering relentless pressure and polish in front of goal. Baker was dominant through the centre, winning contests both in the air and at ground level, consistently outplaying his opponents with strength and skill. Meanwhile, Muratore caused havoc for Hawthorn’s backline with his elite ability to read the play and take strong grabs at the highest point. His vocal leadership and presence around the ground set the tone for the team .With just one game under their belts, the Baker and the Comedian are only just warming up—and that’s an ominous sign for the rest of the competition.
Roaming Haz roams here, there and everywhere
After booting a bag in his sole appearance for the Animals in 2024, Roaming Haz has picked up right where he left off, showcasing electric form in the opening two rounds of the 2025 season. The dynamic wingman covers the ground like a young springbok, combining relentless endurance with explosive pace. With elite foot skills and an exceptional read of the play, Haz consistently breaks lines and turns defence into attack, making the wing his personal playground. Rarely beaten for speed or smarts, he’s a nightmare matchup for any opponent. And when it’s time to finish, Haz delivers—calm under pressure and capable of finding the goals when it counts. A genuine talent, he’s already proving to be a standout addition to the Div 12 Ressies side.
HAWTHORN 2.2 3.4 6.11 11.13 (79)
WATTLE PARK 3.3 5.7 8.8 10.12 (72)
GOALS
Wattle Park: Muratore 4, Baker 3, Brown 2, Rogers 1
BEST
Wattle Park: Lukas Skaife, Ethan Baker, Benjamin Kearns, Cam Muratore, Connor Rogers, Daniel Thorson
NEXT GAME
Wattle Park v TBC (Home), Sat May 10th (Time - TBC), Bennettswood Reserve