Falcons left flightless by Seniors and Twos, Thirds struggle in early start

Saturday was a bad day to be a Falcon as Emmaus St Leo’s reserves and seniors teams downed two Albert Park sides by 100+ points. Elsewhere at Elsternwick Park, the Animals Thirds went down to a winless Elsternwick by 74 points. 

Melbourne provided an intensely cold morning for football as the weather held off at Elsternwick Park until the siren officially sounded to begin the game like it had been waiting for it. It unleashed rain and hail for the better part of the first quarter before finally easing up at the game went on. 

Alex Lavery was named best-on for the losing side, joined by Nick Rodway who’d been strong in defence all day, with Lachlan Hicks’ and Jaxson Penny’s efforts in the midfield making them part of the Animals’ best-six. Ben Kearns was out of the game early in the second quarter, after copping one high as he led up to take a mark, which gave the match a little heat going forward. 

Playing-coach Jonathan Greensides provided the only real ray of sunshine on an otherwise dreary day for the Thirds, receiving a handball off Sean Nathan, ruthlessly selling candy to an Elsternwick defender and slotting the Animals’ only goal of the game. To be fair, the 1.8.14 final scorecard failed to accurately portray the effort the men put in, especially in the third quarter when their pressure amped up. The weather wreaked havoc on Elsternwick’s scoring opportunities, as they finished 11.22.88 after some unfortunate set shots. 

Overall, the Thirds will take some confidence from their leading up forward and their midfield work into their next game against the Old Camberwell Grammarians at home. 

At Bennettswood Reserve, the reserves held steady in the first quarter to take a small lead into the second, then kicking five goals to Albert Park’s zero scoring shots. At the main break, the 49-point differential seemed arguably unassailable if you were to go by the form on display. The pressure let up slightly in the third term as both teams kicked only two goals each to see the home side up by 47 to begin the final quarter.

With the final nail in the coffin having been hammered in at half time, all caution was thrown to the wind in the last quarter as nine goals were kicked by the Animals, to the Falcons’ one. Getting in on the goal kicking party was reserves fullback James Rippon, as well as fellow defenders Cam Price and Tom Wales, with Wales rueing a missed opportunity early in the fourth before getting another crack at it, much to the delight of those watching from the pavilion.

Unstoppable goal kicking forces Anthony Smith and Dan Quattro both contributed five each to what was eventually nineteen goals kicked overall at the final siren, with Adam Bullivant’s midfield work resulting in two majors of his own. Price was named best-on but it was a whole team effort that allowed such dominance for all four quarters. 

Whatever the Emmaus St Leo’s reserves can do, the Emmaus St Leo’s seniors can do better is surely one of the takeaways from the latter’s game against a winless Albert Park team who didn’t score after quarter time. While the reserves ran away 103-point winners, it was the seniors who beat the Falcons senseless by 153 points at Bennettswood Reserve. And it was misery for the away side from the very beginning as the Animals piled on 4.5 to 1.1 in the first term before kicking five goals in the second to take a 55-point lead into the half time break. 

What followed might need a viewers discretion warning for anyone in the Albert Park camp as those in the blue and blue kicked fourteen goals, evenly spread over the two quarters, with all the play in the Animals’ forward half as they eventually ran out comprehensive winners. 

It was goals galore for what could have probably been the Emmaus St Leo’s entire team had the siren failed to sound, as both Isaac Waite and Jacob Glare kicked their very first Animals seniors goals, with the rest of the team mobbing them to celebrate. Dan Hill kept up his incredible form in front of big sticks, booting a casual six majors to back up his four-goal performance from last week, while captain Harry Davis, Emerson Lemkau, backman-turned-ruck Tom Clarke, Nathan Bird, and Hugh Schaeche all contributed two goals each to what was eventually twenty-three goals out of forty-six scoring shots. 

But what really got the crowd going at Bennettswood Reserve was seasoned fullback Sam Argus finding himself in the forward line and kicking two goals to add to the ever-growing list of insults to injury Albert Park had been subjected to all day. Argus’s first was from a set shot after a lead in the attacking 50 that even his teammates in the forward line would be proud of, while his second was a running snap kick after winning the ball from a contest. If there was anything that could have summed up the Animals’ performances at home on Saturday, it was that. 

This weekend, the men travel to Canterbury Sportsground to face two Canterbury sides looking to keep their top four hopes alive this early on in the season. The Animals themselves will be taking the confidence and form gained in round six into round seven as the reserves look to take top spot on the ladder if they win by a hefty margin, while the seniors aim to stay tight with the two teams above them. 

Thirds face early game at (oval next to) League HQ

Sights are set firmly on the second win of the season for the Emmaus St Leo’s Thirds team as they travel to Elsternwick Park to take on an Elsternwick side searching for their first. The reserves and seniors will take on two Albert Park outfits who also no doubt have plans to get their seasons started with their first four points of the year at Bennettswood Reserve, while the women’s side are restricted to solely supporting duties as their first round in Division 4 is a bye. 

It’s been a rough start to existence for the Animals Thirds side, who currently sit at 1-4 for the season. Their showing against the Monash Blues in round five was full of Animals spirit, but a 5.4 to 0.0 final quarter probably told the story of the day. It was worse news for Elsternwick though, who were comfortably beaten by 95 points to see them slump to 0-5 for the 2021 season. 

At the selection table this week, captain Oscar McVann misses due to injury but a number of inclusions sets the Thirds in good stead for Saturday. Lachlan Thompson, Cooper Walter and Aaron Burrows will start at fullback while Ben Kearns, Nick Rodway and Matt Allan join them at halfback. Alex Lavery and Jeff Riordan are running the wings, while inside Jai Lamperd has Lachie Hicks, Tom Voogt and Matthew Lewis at his feet. Thirds-coach-extraordinaire Jonathan Greensides returns to the field in full forward, joined by Carlos Urbina, with Anthony Smith, Stan Grech, Sonny Dipietro and Jaxson Penny all starting high up half-forward. Beginning the match on the bench is Joe Caldow, Jonathan Bradley, Niles Sheridan, Sean Nathan, David Cowell, and finally, Greg Rollo-Walker, who could probably win the medal for the longest amount of time at the club without playing a game, makes his debut in the blue and blue. 

This weekend gives the Emmaus St Leo’s Thirds team the perfect opportunity to get back on the winner’s list as they face a team who can’t take a trick. Before you return to Bennettswood Reserve to watch the reserves and seniors, get down to Elsternwick Park and watch the Thirds kickstart the Animals’ day! First bounce is at 9:20am. 

Ressies look to nab top spot with Falcons visit

It’s business as usual for the Emmaus St Leo’s reserves who will take some impressive form into their round six match against Albert Park at Bennettswood Reserve on Saturday. The seniors face a similar situation, while the Thirds begin the day at Elsternwick Park, against an Elsternwick side searching for their first win of the season. For the women’s team, their foray into Division 4 starts off with a well-deserved bye.

You can do nothing but laud the Emmaus St Leo’s reserves team, whose showing against previously-top-of-the-table Richmond Central should have Albert Park wary. A couple of fantastic performances from some Animals goalkickers set the scene for the day as the Snakes struggled to find a way from the very start. To then have ten goals to four piled on in the second half was the final nail in the coffin. The Falcons will have more than just goals to worry about though when they take the field on Saturday at Bennettswood Reserve, searching for redemption after five consecutive losses, the last one against North Brunswick by 52 points.

In selection news, there’s been a few changes from the team who took apart Richmond Central as captain Nic Glanville misses round 6 due to injury, Isaac Waite makes his seniors debut, and Mitchell Burrows returns from injury to make his reserves debut. James Rippon begins the game at fullback with Fraser Walker and Cam Gardner providing support, as Tom Wales, Cam Price and Tom Elliott start at halfback. Connor Leevers and Flynn Normand are to run the wings, while inside, Guy Donovan, Jack Gibbons and Adam Bullivant will be at Ben Severin’s feet. Fresh off his 5-goal haul and subsequent donation to the Animals’ National Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser, Anthony Smith retains his position deep in the forward line, joined by fellow goalkicking dynamo Dan Quattro. Matt Price, Tom McBride, Luke Foley and Steve Jones will all have opportunities to score majors as they start forward of the ball. Starting on the bench is Burrows, Noah Skiller, Jackson Campbell and Harrison McConnell. 

After knocking an unbeaten Richmond Central off their perch, Emmaus St Leo’s reserves will be looking to take top spot on the ladder this weekend when Albert Park comes to the zoo. A win will no doubt be what the Animals are after, but a big win wouldn’t hurt their percentage either. First bounce is at 11:40am, get down to Bennettswood Reserve and cheer on those in the blue and blue!

Seniors look to strengthen top 4 spot

The Emmaus St Leo’s senior men are hoping to get their fourth win of the season when they welcome a down-but-not-quite-out Albert Park outfit who are looking to get their first four points of 2021 to Bennettswood Reserve. It’s a similar story for the reserves who take on the Falcons’ twos also searching for a win. The Thirds begin the day for the Animals as they face a winless Elsternwick at Elsternwick Park, while the women’s team start their new journey off in Division 4 with a bye. 

Emmaus St Leo’s come into this game fresh off a 41-point win against Richmond Central that has seen them into the top four at the end of round 5. It was arguably a fantastic return-to-form game for the Animals as they broke the game open in the third quarter, kicking five goals to one after heading into the main break two points down. Defensively, they stood up incredibly well in the second half, limiting the Snakes to just 1.5 in two whole quarters of football, while simultaneously adding 7.12 to their own side of the scoreboard. Albert Park will be hoping to take a top-four scalp to begin their winning ways for season 2021 as they look to rebound after North Brunswick smashed them by 95 points.

Head-to-head, Albert Park spent 2019 in Division 4, while the Animals were competing very well in Division 3. It remains relatively similar this year despite the Falcons’ promotion as they sit on the bottom of the ladder, while Emmaus St Leo’s sits in the 4 one game clear. 

At the selection table this week, five changes have been made to the team who took on Richmond Central. Jesse Collins makes his return from injury, flanking Sam Argus who starts at fullback, while Zac Kearns takes the other side. Ben Collins and Joden Crothers are at halfback, either side of a returning Baxter Newbegin. The Animals midfield is going to hard to beat, as Tom Clarke takes ruck duties with Ethan Phillips, Hugh Schaeche and Nathan Bird at his feet, and Kieran Mair and Matt Hill will run the wings. Emerson Lemkau will join Dan Hill deep in the attacking 50 as Hill hopes to make it two consecutive weeks with multiple goals on the board, with Lawrence Virgo also making his return from injury to join Jacob Anthony, Harry Davis and seniors-debutant Isaac Waite in the forward line. Starting on the bench, Michael Davis comes back into the side, with Callum Dickinson, Jacob Glare and Sam Barrah beside him. 

This weekend marks the second week in a row that the Animals get to play at home which will no doubt play its part. Ideally, this game provides a massive opportunity for Emmaus St Leo’s to boost their ladder percentage which will continue to prove its importance the deeper they go into the season. Get down to Bennettswood Reserve and support your favourite Animals! All the action begins at 11:40am as the reserves take the field, before the seniors follow at 2pm.

House wins as Animals women go down in Pink

In the wise words of Meatloaf, two out of three ain’t bad, and that’s what Emmaus St Leo’s delivered at Bennettswood Reserve on Saturday, as all three home teams ran out in pink jerseys to celebrate the sixth annual Mother’s Day ladies luncheon to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Elsewhere, the Thirds put up a fight against the Monash Blues but ultimately fell short by 64 points. The reserves humbled an unbeaten Richmond Central side, while the Animals seniors systematically dismantled the Snakes’ seniors to see themselves into the top four at the end of round five. But it was the women’s team who kicked off proceedings with their traditional early morning start as they took the field against Power House, losing by 65 points. 

Slow starts could well and truly be trademarked by the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team as it took just the first centre bounce tap down from Power House’s ruck, then two clean positions before they kicked the first goal of the game, much to the chagrin of, well, everybody else. The visitors went into the first break 21 points up, as Animals Head Coach Roy Fenton gave his charges an arguably-deserved quarter time spray for the second week in a row. It worked, just slightly, as Power House added three more goals to head into half time 42-0, but there were whisperings of promise by the Animals. 

The third quarter was their best, limiting Power House to just one goal and one point as the ball spent the majority of term in the Animals’ forward half, resulting in four behinds for their efforts. Emma Johnson was on the receiving end of a free kick, which gifted her a set shot right in front of goal. But in what is fast becoming an if-you-don’t-laugh-you’ll-cry situation, missed to the left, thus inducting her into the metaphorical Shankers Anonymous of 2021, joining the likes of fellow teammates Ash Morley and Shannon Harris, as well as Richmond forward Tom Lynch. In the final term, Power House kicked another three majors to take the game 0.4.4 to 10.9.69. 

Vic Holt was, as is clearly becoming the usual, named best-on for the Animals, with Bridget Crowe, Dee Burden, Sam Hogarth, Emma Johnson and Molly Tancred all riding shotgun and getting the rewards for their efforts on the field. 

The Animals women’s team have this weekend off, as the VAFA-restructuring of the women’s divisions has not only seen Emmaus St Leo’s out of Division 3 and into Division 4, but with a bye to begin their next phase of the year. The following week they travel to Pitcher Park to face Parkside. All three men’s teams will be still donning the blue and blue on Saturday though, as the reserves and seniors take on two winless Albert Park teams at home, while the Thirds face Elsternwick at Elsternwick Park. Even though your favourite Animal mightn’t be playing this weekend, get down to Bennettswood Reserve at the very least, and cheer on the men!

Women's coaches see positive future after Division change

After a rough start for the youthful Emmaus St. Leo’s OCFC women’s side, the VAFA have decided to regrade the side to Division 4 for the rest of the 2021 season.

The decision comes after a lamentable 0-5 start to the season for the Animals despite their best efforts, including a round 3 loss by a mere 13 points after kicking 7 behinds in the game.

The largely new and inexperienced side have made impressive strides from week to week, with improvement shown in multiple areas of the ground, however large turnover and a host of players only just beginning their footballing journeys have seen results not match the output.

The move has left Senior Coach Roy Fenton excited for a fresh set of opponents for the rest of the season.

”A new challenge against teams in a similar situation will be the best thing for this side going forward.”

Assistant Coach Geoff Koop shared the enthusiasm for the new division, whilst also praising the resilience of the side.

”They’ve seen some tough games early, and that’s a brutal introduction to league footy. Credit to the girls though they’ve kept their heads up and the effort has been there in every match to change the outcomes and show some promise.”

Koop added, “If we can work on some things on the track, and see the output actually breed some results on the field, then it will be all worth and will be climbing the ladder soon enough.”

A revised draw sees the Animals Women now have a bye this weekend, before travelling to Pitcher Park to face Parkside in their debut year the following week.

”This is a special group, the best we’ve had go through the club on the Women’s side, and Feno and I have the utmost confidence their going to take this new opportunity and absolutely sprint away with it.” said Koop, adding “There’s some good players now, and there’s some players that will become great players, this gives them a better opportunity to get there.”

Ressies and Seniors charm Snakes, Thirds hopes dashed by Monash

The Animals improved to 5-1 on the clubs biggest day as both the Seniors and Reserves struck vital blows in the race for the top 4 against rival Richmond Central.

The Seniors are now 3-1 on the day in pink, whilst the Reserves improved to 2-0.

A fiercely contested Reserves clash saw the Animals strike early and often, jumping out to a 3 goal lead early and holding that to the half. Forward tandem Dan Quattro and Anthony Smith proving a tough combo for the Snakes backline to smother, with Guy Donovan and Adam Bullivant providing spectacular service from a fiercely contested midfield.

The second half would see the Snakes discipline stumble with a contentious downfield free kick sparking a 3 goal run , and allowed the Animals to put the game out to a safe 5 goal lead.

This made for a comfortable final term as the twos landed a 5 goals to 1 quarter and a comfortable 56 point win, handing the Snakes their first loss of the year, and draw level on points at the top of the table.

A much tighter contest broke out in the televised Senior clash, with Richmond Central holding a slim 2 point lead going in to the main break.

But the long change would see the momentum dial swing wildly, and another 5 goal to 1 quarter would all but see of the contest in the third, which lasted over 36 minutes.

It did also feature the first free kick for a team kicking in not clearing the protected zone after a behind, which would allow the Snakes to grab their only major, but not until a 3 minute exchange about the ruling broke out.

The final term would see the Animals backline show its premiership potential, keeping the Snakes to just 3 behinds as the rain began to set in.

Harry Davis, fresh off organising the Ladies Luncheon all but by himself, snag 4 goals in a best on performance, with Dan Hill kicking 4 himself.

The Thirds however would not see success out at Monash Uni, as the Blues proved far too strong, despite the Animals claiming the 3rd term.

Two six goals halves by Monash Blues would be more than enough to see them re-enter the top 4, whilst the Animals stay in 6th, but drift 3 games off the top 4 themselves.

An under-strength thirds put in a performance worthy of being proud of, with Senior Assistant Luke Paramanathan taking the reins for the day as the search for a new coach continues.

Pretty in pink to take on Power House

This weekend, Bennettswood Reserve will be bathed in pink as the Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club holds their sixth annual ladies luncheon and fundraise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The aim this year is to hit the $100,000 mark in money raised over the years. Games-wise, proceedings kick off at 9:20am as normal, with the women’s team taking the field to face Power House, while the reserves and seniors welcome Richmond Central. Elsewhere at Frearson Oval at Monash University, the Thirds will take on the Monash Blues. In a first for the Animals, all four teams will run out in pink guernseys and pink socks to mark the occasion. 

It’s been an interesting week in the land of the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, with news from the VAFA that they will moving down to Division 4 after the weekend, though their opponents remain the same in Power House, who will also be making the move with them. Both teams are coming into the game on zero wins after four rounds, with Power House only above the Animals on the ladder due to percentage. Redemption will be thoroughly sought after as this game is the perfect opportunity send an important message to both Division 3 and 4. 

Head-to-head, Emmaus St Leo’s and Power House faced each other twice in the Animals’ debut season, with their first battle resulting in a draw, before Power House got one back at their home ground, downing the women in blue and blue by 19 points. It can be said though that both teams are vastly different in 2021, with this Saturday’s game set to be a fierce one. 

In team selection news, Molly Tancred has taken the fullback duties, with captain Dee Burden and Eilish Wallace on her flanks. Lilly Hutchinson, Vic Holt and Sam Hogarth will start at halfback as Susan Sohar and Ebony Ratcliffe traipse the wings. Inside, Maddy Mazar begins in the ruck, with Mel Barlow, Emma Johnson and Aisha Fairweather at her feet. At half-forward, Celine Khong and Brooke Chapman stand either side of Bridget Monaghan, with Bridget Crowe, Allie Lemchens and Eleanor Tunley starting deep in the attack 50. Sheridan Harris, Shannon Harris, Ash Curtis, Kiah Duncan, Taylia Hough and first-gamer Megan Cheng will start on the bench. 

It’s been a really tough first month for the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, but despite some lapses here and there, their effort and morale has never wavered. After the weekend, there will be a whole new bunch of teams to face, so this game provides no better opportunity to begin the Animals’ 2021 season. Will the pink guernseys provide some luck? Who will be 2021’s first goalkicker? Get down to Bennettswood Reserve to support your favourite Animals and find out! First bounce is at 9:20am. 

Men suffer trio of defeats

It was a rough day across all three men’s sides, with a trio of defeats souring the start of May.

Unseasonably warm weather replaced Melbourne’s unpredictable dreariness, but the dreary feeling of defeat begun when a spirited thirds team proved to be no match to Whitefriars FC, going down by 117 points.

A 3 goal final term rescued back some respect for the Animals on the scoreboard, but were unable to undo the damage of 7 goals first and third terms by the Friars.

Despite the loss, the Thirds still hold a stranglehold on 6th.

Down the road in Hawthorn, the Reserves would suffer their first loss of their premiership defence, with a listless display seeing the twos trail early and for the game.

Anthony Smith would kick 5 on the small confines of Rathmines Road Reserve, Adam Bullivant would be best on, but it would be a dark day for the defending premiers as a lack of cohesion stifled any comeback attempt. A 38 point loss would see the Animals surrender top spot.

It would be a similar story for the seniors, as the injury bug continued to bite hard.

Injuries to Zac Durrant, Kye Roberts, and Ben Collins would leave the Animals with one fresh player for a half.

Despite straight kicking up to half time, the Hawks would keep the ones at arms length for most of the day, and run out comfortable 34 point winners.

Jack Hunt would continue his good form with the boot slotting 5, but had little help on his crusade for goals.

Women fall to 4th straight loss

It was a bad day to be an Animal on Saturday as all four Emmaus St Leo’s team went down, despite some rare footy weather in blue skies and sun. The Thirds welcomed Whitefriars to Bennettswood Reserve, who left the home of the Animals 117-point winners, while elsewhere at Rathmines Road Reserve, Hawthorn dismantled two Emmaus St Leo’s outfits, with the reserves losing by 38 points, and the seniors 34 points. And at Lindsay Hassett Oval, the women’s team were beaten by AJAX, 104-0. 

It’s unfortunately fast becoming the tale of the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, whose pressure and effort could not be faulted from the second quarter onwards despite zero scoreboard reward. A dismal first quarter start, where AJAX kicked 6 unanswered goals, resulted in a largely-justified-but-rare spray from head coach Roy Fenton which quite evidently did its job as his charges only allowed 3.3 to be kicked before the main break. While seven goals were kicked after half time, defensively, it was the fourth term where Emmaus St Leo’s stood up well, despite the consistent barrage for the whole game, limiting AJAX to just two goals. 

First-year player Ebony Ratcliffe was named best-on for the Animals, while familiar names in Vic Holt and Mel Barlow joined her with Bridget Crowe and Lilly Hutchinson rounding out the six. Carla Varani joins an ever-growing list of injured players, after coming off the ground with an ankle injury and unable to bear any weight, later confirmed to be badly dislocated. 

This weekend is a huge one for the Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club, whose annual ladies luncheon is set to surpass $100,000 in fundraising efforts over its 5 years, with 2021 being the 6th year, despite no official luncheon in 2020. It’s another triple header at Bennettswood Reserve on Saturday, but it’ll be all four teams running out in the pink jerseys, as the Thirds take on the Monash Blues away at Frearson Oval. The reserves and the seniors will welcome Richmond Central, as the women kick off proceedings in a must-win match against Power House, all at home. It’ll be a battle of last and second-last on the ladder and will be an arguably large answer as to the question where both teams are at five rounds into the 2021 season. 

Hunt for elusive win continues for Women

Animals spirit will well and truly be all over Melbourne on Saturday as three out of four Emmaus St Leo’s sides fly the coop and travel away for round 4. The Thirds get to remain at home at Bennettswood Reserve and take on Whitefriars at 9:20am, while Hawthorn get to welcome the reserves and seniors to Rathmines Road Reserve for 11:40am/2pm starts. But it’s the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team who return to Albert Park for the second week in a row to face divisional-newcomers in AJAX at Lindsay Hassett Oval. 

Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team are coming into this game off the back of three hard-fought losses, and despite being a sore and wounded group, are no doubt taking some momentum they gained against South Melbourne Districts into round 4. Though their effort is yet to yield the scoreboard result they desperately deserve, this weekend might very well be the day. For AJAX, they sit 3rd on the ladder, but come into this match ready for redemption after going down to Oakleigh by a goal in round 3.

Selection news for the Animals this week has Sam Hogarth starting at fullback, with Dee Burden and Eilish Wallace in either back pocket. Vic Holt will continue her red-hot form at centre halfback, and has Celine Khong and Bridget Crowe for company. Beginning the game in the ruck is Kiah Duncan, with Mel Barlow, Allie Lemchens and Emma Johnson ready to win the ball at her feet. Lilly Hutchinson and Susan Sohar will roam the wings, with Eleanor Tunley, Ebony Ratcliffe, Bridget Monaghan and Emily Kerr all starting at half forward. Deep in the attacking 50, Molly Tancred and Brooke Bishop will hopefully add some goals to the board. On the bench is Ash Morley, Sheridan Harris, Shannon Harris, Carla Varani, Ash Curtis and Amber Walker. 

The Animals are away from home for their second game in a row and will run out onto the field a strong side, with enough confidence to get the job done. Their round 3 clash was everything it needed to be but a goal on the board, and if the feeling at training is anything to go by, it’s not very far away at all. Will the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team score a major? Is it finally time for the them to get their first four points on the ladder? Get down to Lindsay Hassett Oval at Albert Park to support your favourite Animal and find out! First bounce is at 11am. 

Thirds host Friars, Twos and Ones back to Hawthorn

Bennettswood Reserve will be home to only one of Emmaus St Leo’s four teams this weekend as three of them travel for their wins in round 4. The Animals women are back at Albert Park again to take on AJAX at Lindsay Hassett Oval, while the Thirds face Whitefriars at home for their second game at Bennettswood Reserve in a row. And on Saturday, the reserves and seniors will head to Rathmines Road Reserve to take on Hawthorn in what will hopefully be a rematch of the preseason games played before round one.

It’s only by percentage that the Hawks sit in 3rd on the ladder as the Animals trail behind in 4th with both teams the only two to have two wins and a loss for the season so far. It’s been an interesting one for Emmaus St Leo’s, whose only loss is arguably one they should have won and would have seen them above Hawthorn going into this match. For the Hawks, their shock one-point loss to North Brunswick in round 1 has clearly been one they’ve been using as motivation. 

2019 was an unfortunate one for Hawthorn as their one win in division 2 sent them packing down to division 3 for 2021, while Emmaus St Leo’s fell agonisingly short in a preliminary final. 

At the selection table this week, the seniors have seen a few changes, mostly due to injury. Tom Clarke comes back into side to start in the back pocket, joined by Sam Argus at full back and Ben Collins on the either side. At centre halfback is Joden Crothers, with returning-player Bailey Hunt and Jesse Collins beside him. Matt Hill and Kieran Mair resume their usual posts on the wings, while in the middle Zac Durrant makes his return to seniors footy and has Ethan Phillips, Nathan Bird and returning-captain Harry Davis at his feet. In the forward line, Sam Barrah and Emerson Lemkau will start high, Kye Roberts and Guy Donovan will lead from the middle, and Jack Hunt and Dan Hill are beginning the game deep. On the bench sits James Moran, Jacob Glare, with Leiwyn Jones and Jacob Anthony making their seniors footy debuts off the back of some very impressive form in the reserves. 

If the preseason practice game was anything to go by, this weekend’s game is set to be an intense one. And with more than percentage on the line, the Emmaus St Leo’s seniors are going to be hard to beat. Get down to Rathmines Road Reserve to watch the reserves at 11:40am before the seniors run out for a 2pm start.