In what will go down as one of the most dramatic and significant victories in Thirds football history, the Wattle Park Thirds (Div 12 Ressies’) have delivered a spine-tingling upset, defeating ladder-leaders Melbourne High School Old Boys (MHSOB) by a slender 3 points at Bennettswood Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The 9.8 (62) to 9.5 (59) win, sealed by a nerveless set shot from Jarra Davis in the dying minute, not only brought the crowd to its feet but also sent shockwaves through the competition. With the victory, Wattle Park notched their seventh consecutive win and remained second on the ladder, boasting an 8-3 record and a commanding percentage of 161%. It was a result that blew the premiership race wide open and confirmed that the Animals are very much the real deal in 2025.
Coming off arguably their best performance of the season, the Animals entered the top-of-the-table clash brimming with belief. Both sides were undefeated since the early-season division regrading, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown. With Wattle Park assembling their strongest lineup on paper, and with it being their final home game of the year, motivation was sky-high.
The tone was set from the opening bounce. Defender Lukas Skaife made an instant impact, laying a bone-rattling tackle deep in defensive 50 to send an early message: the Animals were here to play physical, fearless football. It was exactly the sort of hard-nosed start coach Lenny would have wanted.
Joining Skaife in the early standouts were Cam Muratore and Connor Rogers, whose combined effort led to the first major of the day - a thumping finish from Andre ‘The Giant’ Toussaint. The midfield dominance was orchestrated by the evergreen Checkers, who continued his superb form in the ruck. Out-bodying his opponent with ease, Checkers not only provided silver service to the onballers but also won several clearances himself, tilting the contest in Wattle Park’s favour.
Yet, MHSOB weren’t ladder-leaders for nothing. They began to apply scoreboard pressure midway through the term, capitalising on brief lapses in Wattle Park’s defence to slot consecutive goals. But just when the Old Boys appeared to seize control, the Animals fought back. Sedgy upped the physicality, throwing himself into every contest, while Muratore snapped truly from a stoppage to stem the tide. At quarter time, the Animals trailed by just 3 points, but the belief in the huddle was palpable.
The second quarter saw Wattle Park take the ascendancy. Dan Thorson, putting together a season worthy of Best & Fairest contention, imposed himself with his trademark run-and-carry, evoking memories of a young Tom Harley. His bursts off half-back lifted the side and helped swing momentum.
Then it was Benny Kearns' turn to ignite the crowd. With trademark flair, he snapped truly from a tight angle, giving the Animals the lead and sparking a wave of energy through the playing group. Forward pressure intensified, with Jarra Davis leading the way, and the midfield brigade began asserting their authority.
Srey, continuing his leadership surge from the previous week, sold a bit of candy to his direct opponent before finding Muratore for his second of the day - a goal born of creativity and class. The Old Boys responded to cut into the lead, but a moment of magic was just around the corner. Aman Singh (Junior), a Wattle Park favourite, brought the crowd to its feet with his first career goal. A moment soaked in elation and raw emotion. The Animals entered the main break with an 11 point lead and momentum in their favour.
Coach Lenny was thoroughly impressed with the Animals first-half effort. But the job wasn’t done. MHSOB were adder-leaders for a reason and the Animals knew they couldn’t be caught sleeping in the second-half.
The third quarter proved the arm wrestle most predicted. MHSOB struck first from the opening clearance, but Wattle Park’s half-back rebirth in the form of Austin Cookson stood tall. Cookson’s transformation in recent weeks has been staggering. His ability to read the play, peel off his opponent, and use the ball with poise has made him a key piece of Wattle Park’s backline puzzle.
Fellow Geelong product Cadan MacDonald added another goal to the tally, as Lachie Hicks, Bailey McCabe and the Candyman waged war in the contest. Candyman’s athleticism was again a difference-maker, while Rogers and Muratore combined with MacDonald to set up a second Kearns major and a 24 point lead.
But as good teams do, MHSOB found a second wind. With three goals in a rapid 10-minute burst, they wrestled back momentum and silenced the home crowd. Wattle Park’s defence, led by the composed Darcy Keegan, stood firm under siege to protect a slender 5-point advantage at the final change.
The final term had everything. Drama, desperation, brilliance, and ultimately, glory.
Wattle Park opened the quarter in style. Muratore extracted the ball and found Kearns, who dished off to Toussaint, then to MacDonald - and the silky goal kicker did the rest. Dean ‘Twisties3’ Milhe crashed every contest, Hicks was breaking tackles, Skaife soared through packs and Checkers continued his ruck masterclass.
But once again, MHSOB wasn't done. Three unanswered goals flipped the game on its head. With 10 minutes remaining, the Old Boys had stolen the lead and the home side was left chasing shadows.
The clock became the enemy and with each missed opportunity, the pressure mounted. Then, with just 90 seconds to play, came the moment that will echo through Wattle Park history.
The ball spilled loose from a contest in the centre. The Giant collected cleanly and released McCabe with a pinpoint handball. With composure beyond his years, McCabe speared a pass to Davis on the lead. He was 30 metres out, dead in front.
With ice in his veins, Davis calmly slotted the goal. The crowd erupted. Wattle Park had regained the lead with just 40 seconds left. The final siren soon followed, triggering scenes of wild celebration and disbelief. The undefeated had been defeated. The miracle had unfolded.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. The Wattle Park Thirds had announced themselves as genuine contenders. With eight straight wins and a two-week break to recover and reset, the belief within the playing group has never been stronger.
Coach Lenny’s men are writing a story worth remembering. But as the players gathered in a circle post-game, the message was clear: the story isn’t complete yet.
Birthday Boy gets his present
There are moments in football that transcend the scoreboard. Moments that define a team, lift a club, and remind everyone why we play the game. Yesterday at Bennettswood Reserve, Wattle Park witnessed one of those moments when Aman Singh (Junior) slotted his first-ever career goal. 18 months ago, Junior hadn’t played a single game of Aussie Rules. Fast forward to now, and he’s one of the most beloved and respected figures at the Wattle Park Football Club. Known for his unrelenting work ethic, fearless approach, and selfless commitment to the team, Junior has become the beating heart of the Division 12 Ressie. And on his birthday, finally got the reward he so richly deserved. Midway through the second quarter of Saturday’s blockbuster clash, Junior found himself lining up for goal after taking a strong mark inside 50. As he composed himself for the set shot, every player, official and supporter held their breath. When the ball sailed through the middle, the Zoo erupted. You’d be forgiven for thinking the Animals had just won a premiership. Players streamed from every corner of the ground to mob the milestone man. It wasn’t just a goal - it was a moment of recognition, of triumph, and of sheer joy. A footballing fairytale. For a club that thrives on spirit and mateship, Junior’s goal was more than just six points. It was a symbol of growth, belief, and reward for hard work. As his teammates roared and the crowd went ballistic, you could feel what it meant. Not just to him, but to the entire Wattle Park community. A fitting reward for one of the Ressies’ finest, and a reminder that footy’s greatest moments often come from the most genuine people.
The Defenders
Being a defender in the Wattle Park Thirds isn’t a glamorous job. It’s gritty and relentless. But on Saturday, against the most potent attacking side in the competition, the Wattle Park backline produced a masterclass in resilience and structure. Coming into the clash, MHSOB had posted a frightening run of scores. 144, 208, 145, 220, and 99 points. Yet, in the face of that firepower, the Animals’ defence never blinked. Holding MHSOB to just 59 points, their lowest total of the season, was nothing short of extraordinary. The back seven of Lukas Skaife, Austin Cookson, Aman “Junior” Singh, Dan Thorson, Darcy Keegan, Jarra Davis and skipper George Burgess were locked in from the opening bounce. Their structure, composure and discipline under pressure laid the foundation for one of the club’s most significant wins in recent memory. Every contest was met with intensity. Every rebound was measured and effective. Whether it was Skaife crashing packs, Cookson’s smart positioning, Thorson and Keegan’s clean ball use, or the constant communication from Burgess marshalling the troops. The cohesion was undeniable. Junior’s defensive hustle and Davis’ intercept work capped off a flawless unit performance. Their ability to link up in transition and absorb repeated MHSOB surges was the backbone of the victory and a key reason the Animals claimed one of their greatest wins to date.
Davis delivers the Miracle on Grass
The final moments of Saturday’s thriller will forever be etched in Wattle Park lore. A true testament to the grit, teamwork and unyielding spirit that has defined this remarkable Animals side all season. The winning passage of play was born from relentless team pressure and sheer perseverance, the hallmarks of a group that never backs down. When Bailey McCabe released a precise pass to Jarra Davis, an almost tangible calm swept through the crowd and players alike. Every Animal seemed to know instinctively that the ball had found the right hands at the right time. Davis, the 2024 Best & Fairest winner, carried the weight of the match on his shoulders and he delivered without falter. Cool, calm and collected, Davis handled the pressure with veteran poise. His set shot sailed straight through the middle, sparking wild celebrations and securing a memorable upset over the undefeated ladder leaders. This was no ordinary goal. It was the Animals’ very own ‘Miracle on Grass.’ After four quarters of fierce and committed football, the Division 12 Ressies’ fully deserved the win. Thanks to Davis’s clutch finish, Wattle Park walked away with the crucial four premiership points they so desperately sought.
WATTLE PARK 2.0 5.3 7.4 9.8 (62)
MHSOB 2.3 3.4 6.5 9.5 (59)
GOALS
Wattle Park: Muratore 2, MacDonald 2, Kearns 2, Davis 1, Singh 1, Toussaint 1
BEST
Wattle Park: Cameron Muratore, Benjamin Kearns, George Burgess, Jarra Davis, Bailey McCabe, Daniel Thorson
NEXT GAME
Wattle Park v AJAX (Away), Sun July 20th, (9:20am), Gary Smorgon Oval