The Wattle Park Thirds (Div 12 Ressies’) produced a commanding display in their maiden finals campaign, defeating AJAX by 31 points in the Qualifying Final to secure a place in the Preliminary Final. In front of a lively crowd at Albert Park on Sunday afternoon, the undermanned but determined Animals recorded an 11.19 (85) to 7.12 (54) triumph, their first-ever finals win.
The decisive moment came in the second quarter, when Wattle Park stunned the home side with six consecutive goals to take control of the match. From there, they maintained composure and intensity, holding AJAX at arm’s length for the remainder of the contest. The win not only extends their finals run but leaves them just one victory away from a Grand Final appearance, with MHSOB awaiting in the Preliminary Final.
Before the Bounce
With temperatures sitting at a warm 19 degrees and the sun shining across Albert Park, the scene was set for a high-stakes encounter. Wattle Park entered the match seeking redemption after a humbling 107-point loss to AJAX just three weeks earlier.
The challenge was formidable: AJAX had finished second on the ladder and were in outstanding form. Meanwhile, Wattle Park, finishing 3rd, faced the added difficulty of being without influential leaders Checkers and Srey, along with several other key players.
However, the return of Ethan Baker and the Keegan brothers bolstered the line-up, adding height, strength, and finals experience to a side brimming with determination in its first-ever final.
First Quarter – AJAX Start Strong
The opening bounce set the tone for a fierce contest. Both sides hunted the ball with intensity, eager to establish early scoreboard pressure. AJAX struck first, converting the game’s opening goal and signalling their intent.
For Wattle Park, midfielder-turned-defender Jordan Cannizzaro was instrumental early. Tasked with marking AJAX’s leading goal kicker, Cannizzaro nullified his influence, holding him to just two goals for the afternoon. Across the backline, Burgo provided composed ball movement out of defence, while Lachie Hicks delivered his trademark physicality in the midfield contests.
Roaming Haz found plenty of space along the wing, linking well with Caden MacDonald, who pushed higher up the ground than usual. Their combination led to James “Dimma” Dedes kicking Wattle Park’s opening goal, igniting the travelling supporters.
Despite the early breakthrough, AJAX responded with back-to-back goals, lifting their home crowd. The Keegan brothers rotated effectively in the ruck, giving Wattle Park opportunities to win stoppages, but the home side’s pressure ensured a 14-point lead to AJAX at quarter time.
Second Quarter – The Momentum Shift
The second term began with Wattle Park’s Layton Sketcher linking up with Cam Muratore to drive the ball forward. Muratore quickly converted a goal, sparking belief in the visiting side.
The Keegan brothers began to dominate the ruck, giving the Animals repeated inside-50 entries. However, wayward finishing initially blunted their momentum. A pivotal moment came when Benny Kearns, intercepting an AJAX clearance, set up another attacking chain.
AJAX attempted to respond through midfield run, but the Wattle Park defence, led by Andre “The Giant” Toussaint and the relentless Sketcher, repelled multiple entries with pace and physical commitment.
The reward came in a burst. Ethan Baker kicked two goals in quick succession, followed by Jarra Davis adding back-to-back majors of his own. Jack Tossol and Brandon Rice, both in excellent 2025 form, contributed heavily in controlling possession.
The highlight of the quarter arrived when Will Taylor produced a brilliant snap goal across his body, extending Wattle Park’s lead. The half-time siren sounded with the visitors ahead by 25 points, having completely flipped the momentum with a six-goal quarter.
Half-Time – Composure and Challenge
In the rooms, the message from Checkers, Srey, and Coach Lenny was simple: maintain the intensity. The six-goal blitz had provided breathing space, but AJAX’s quality meant the contest was far from over. Fatigue would be a factor in the warm conditions, and the third term, the so-called “premiership quarter”, would be crucial in determining the outcome.
Third Quarter – A Finals Arm Wrestle
The third quarter lived up to its billing as a tense, low-scoring battle. Both sides increased their physicality, contest after contest turning into a grinding struggle for territory.
Dimma set the tone with relentless pressure, while Twistie’s running game along the wing opened up attacking opportunities. Noah Moon continued his strong form from the previous week, winning key aerial contests and using the ball cleanly.
AJAX, as expected, mounted a fightback. Their midfield generated multiple forward entries, but Wattle Park’s backline resisted, forcing rushed or inaccurate shots. Eventually, the home side broke through for a goal, narrowing the margin.
MacDonald and Hicks fought hard to wrest back control, and Taylor eventually delivered the goal Wattle Park needed to steady. Roaming Haz provided inventive ball use through the middle, and Bailey McCabe’s tackling pressure on the wing proved crucial.
The quarter ended with both sides struggling to convert opportunities. Wattle Park maintained their 25-point advantage, setting up a decisive final term.
Fourth Quarter – Sealing the Victory
Knowing that one or two more goals could seal the result, Wattle Park started the final quarter determined to land the knockout blow. AJAX struck first within the opening minute, reigniting their supporters and applying immediate pressure.
Dedes, in the thick of the action once more, won a crucial contest and found Kearns inside 50. Wearing his trademark glove, Kearns marked strongly and converted from 25 metres, restoring composure. Moments later, a courageous effort from Sketcher earned him a free kick inside 50, and he made no mistake with the set shot.
AJAX continued to push, adding another goal, but the deficit remained too great. McCabe delivered the final blow with a well-taken major, prompting wild celebrations from the travelling “Animal Army” behind the coaches’ box.
As the final siren sounded, Wattle Park players embraced, aware they had achieved a significant milestone in the club’s history: their first-ever finals victory, achieved in hostile territory against a higher-ranked opponent.
Key Performers and Turning Points
Jordan Cannizzaro: Outstanding in defence, nullifying AJAX’s leading forward and taking multiple intercept marks.
Layton Sketcher: Courageous and relentless, impacting contests across the ground.
Ethan Baker: Provided dominance in the forwardline and two vital second-quarter goals.
James “Dimma” Dedes: Physical presence at every contest, lifting teammates in key moments.
Andre “The Giant” Toussaint: Quick and composed in transition from half-back.
Will Taylor: Delivered the goal of the day and provided a consistent forward target.
Second Quarter Blitz
The second term of Sunday’s preliminary final will go down as arguably the Animals’ finest quarter of the 2025 season. Six unanswered goals, fuelled by relentless pressure and high-intensity footy, laid the platform for a famous win and secured a place in Div 12 Ressies folklore. The Keegan brothers were dominant in the clearance battle, setting up wave after wave of attack, while Ethan Baker was clinical in front of goal when the heat was on. Jarra Davis, arguably the side’s most reliable set shot, made every opportunity count, while the ever-dependable Cam Muratore kept the midfield ticking over. Will Taylor’s goal was a reminder of the game’s heart and soul – the battlers who don’t need big possession numbers to leave a mark. Around the stoppages, Dimma, Rogers, Hicks, and Roaming Haz were ever-present, feeding the forwards with quality delivery. It was a complete and ruthless quarter of football – the kind that wins finals.
Sketcher & Muratore Lead The Way
Every finals series produces a handful of players who rise above the pressure and deliver when it matters most, and on Sunday, Layton Sketcher was one of them. The tough-as-nails midfielder has been a cornerstone of the Animals’ 2025 campaign, and against AJAX his trademark grit was on full display. He was in every contest, putting his body on the line without hesitation, and executing the 1% acts – spoils, pressure, smothers – that often go unnoticed but win games. Alongside him, Cam Muratore was simply outstanding. A strong best-and-fairest contender, Muratore split his time between the midfield and forward line, crashing packs and winning contested ball with trademark ferocity. His link-up play with Baker proved particularly damaging. Off the field, his humour keeps spirits high. On the field, he’s a leader who gives everything, every week. If both men can reproduce that form in the next weeks game, the Animals will be a red-hot shot at glory.
Cannizarro Stands Tall
Heading into the match, the pressing question was simple - who could stop AJAX’s spearhead, fresh from an eight-goal haul in their last meeting? With Skaife, Junior, Cookson, Thorson, and the Candyman all unavailable, the backline stocks looked dangerously thin. The answer came in the form of Jordan Cannizarro. Usually a midfielder, Cannizarro was shifted into defence for the biggest game of the year so far, and he rose to the challenge magnificently. Restricting AJAX’s danger man to just two goals, he not only blunted their forward threat but also launched numerous counter-attacks, distributing with precision to grateful midfielders. His ability to adapt and excel in an unfamiliar role may have unearthed a crucial tactical weapon in the Animals’ 2025 premiership push. Whether he stays in defence or returns to his natural position remains to be seen – but the impact of Sunday’s performance will be felt all the way to the grand final.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Wattle Park Thirds will now face MHSOB in a Sunday morning Preliminary Final in enemy territory. MHSOB finished 1st on the ladder with an impressive win-loss record of 12-3. Their only defeat in this division came at the hands of The Animals in round 11, losing by 3 points.
If we win - The Animals will book themselves a spot into their first-ever Grand Final and will have the bye next week.
If we lose - The Animals will play in another preliminary final next week in aim of securing a Grand Final spot. They will face the winner of AJAX v Hawthorn.
AJAX 3.4 3.6 4.10 7.12 (54)
WATTLE PARK 1.2 7.7 8.11 11.19 (85)
GOALS
Wattle Park: Baker 2, Davis 2, Taylor 2, Dedes 1, Kearns 1, McCabe 1, Muratore 1, Sketcher 1
BEST
Wattle Park: Connor Rogers, Cam Muratore, Jackson Keegan, Darcy Kegan, Brandon Rice, Andre Toussaint
NEXT GAME (Preliminary Final 1)
Wattle Park v MHSOB (Away), Sunday 11:40am, Melbourne High School