Women stun ladder leaders with ease

A strong Wattle Park Women’s side has knocked off ladder-leaders Elsternwick in a rather expert showing at Bennettswood Reserve on the weekend, with a three-goal final term sealing the deal to get the Animals deservedly back on the winner’s list. 

After a heartbreaking one-point loss in round 7, the Women were eager to course correct and it didn’t take very long. When the siren sounded, Wattle Park were on, with the ball spending much of the time in blue and blue hands, until first-year Animal Amber Jackson-Pyne managed to get herself on the receiving end of a loose ball, soccering it through for her first for both the season and the club. It was always going to be tough facing the top-of-the-table team, but getting the first score on the board ignited the Animals. 

In what now appears to be a masterstroke in team selection from head coach Mel Dell’Olio, vice-captain Lilli Fogarty was named to start the game in the forward line after trying her hand on the wing and the backline through both the first part of the season and her footy career. Providing a strong target in the forward line, it wasn’t long before Fogarty was on the receiving end of a kick inside 50, and she found herself with a chance to get in on the first-goal party. And waste the chance she did not, sailing the ball through from almost directly in front, much to the delight of her teammates who were now two goals in front in just the first term. 

As it almost always goes, the second quarter was less scoring shots and more tightly contested football as both teams struggled to wrest momentum. A few missed opportunities in front of goal for Elsternwick allowed Wattle Park to keep their buffer despite not being able to add to their score. 

The third term remained much of the same arm-wrestle the first half of the game had been, just with Wattle Park able to take advantage of their dominance on the scoreboard, with another first-year Animal in Jas Adern getting her first goal for both the season and the club to stretch the lead. 

But on the ground, it felt like Elsternwick were building, and with the momentum arguably going their way at the beginning of the final term, the Animals had to hold their nerve. Despite the 13-point buffer, they knew their opposition were going to push, and push they did. Twenty minutes of football felt far longer to the Women as they appeared to go goal for goal with Elsternwick, but the Animals’ ability to immediately get the response allowed them to keep their foot on the accelerator. Two incredible goals from Paige Hill, whose ability to read the play and get on the receiving end of some Ashton Billing craftiness, including a sliding mark at the top of the 50, allowed the Animals to grit their teeth and grind out the win. With the final nail, Billing also slid one through the big sticks to cap off a best-on-ground performance.

Continuing their red-hot form, the best player’s list consists of Billing, captain Ebony Ratcliffe, Hill, Clover Hart, Lilly Hutchison and Caity Power. 

Going into the King’s Birthday bye in some good form, the Women sit sixth on the ladder, their three wins and five losses giving them a percentage of 64.55%. 

WP 6.2.38

ELS 3.7.25

Key returns ahead of bye weekend

Wattle Park were up to their old tricks on the weekend for round 7, with another two wins and two losses for the club. The Reserves and Seniors were victorious against Elsternwick at Holmes/Todd Oval, while at Waverley Oval, the Women suffered a heart-breaking one-point loss to De La Salle. The Thirds took it to Melbourne High School Old Boys but were unsuccessful. 

With next week the King’s Birthday bye, the Animals are ready to leave it all out on the park as all four teams have been tasked with tough opponents. The Thirds and the Women will both face Elsternwick but at Holmes/Todd Oval and Bennettswood Reserve respectively, while the triple-headers continue as the Reserves and the Seniors welcome Richmond Central to the zoo.

THIRDS:

A rather stable Thirds side will take the field this weekend, with only positional changes and the additional returns of Animals favourite Ben Severin, straight into the ruck, and Will Morris who will start on the bench. 

RESERVES:

The high-flying Reserves continue making their weekly changes, including Cam Price returning to the wing after not playing since round 5. After frequenting the Seniors side for much of the year, both Tom Clarke and Jonathan Greensides boost the already strong forward line as leading goalkicker Matt Price misses with injury. Club secretary Joe Anker makes his first Reserves appearance for the year after good form in the Thirds, while stalwart Thirds backman Adam Jopling returns to the side since round 4. 

WOMEN: 

Hoping to get back on the winner’s list, the Women welcome back a few new faces to bolster an already-strong side. Both Harris sisters return to the team after missing round 7 and will start on the bench, with Sheridan in the forward rotation and Shannon in the backline. With injury keeping her out of round 7, vice-captain Lilli Fogarty comes back into the side, starting on the forward flank. 

SENIORS: 

Few changes await the Seniors with just three new faces joining the team this weekend. Connor Leevers returns in a backline rotation, while Mitch Lamb has his name all over the wing after good form in the Reserves. Jacob Glare’s inside midfield work also seen him get the call up after a string of good performances. 

Thirds runover by Corns and Wicks extinguished by the Bay

Another week, another win for the Reserves as they held off Elsternwick to avenge their Round One loss, the Seniors produced their best performance of 2023, whilst the Thirds were unable to hang with the boys from Melbourne High

THIRDS

A wayward morning was ultimately punished in the final term as the Thirds were unable to hang with the Unicorns at Bennettswood.

An even first quarter saw both sides unable to assert ascendency in near-perfect late May conditions at Bennettswood. Joey Anker would slot the the opening goal for the Animals as the hosts took it to the team second in the division.

A tough second quarter meant that chances to score were rare sights, so it was fitting the Unicorns were the only ones to major in the second term to take a 6 point lead in to the main break.

The fight continued in the Third, as neither team relented from the contested ball. Big man Sam Cordy was able to kick the Animals second of the match, but MHSOB were able to flex their muscle and take a 3 goal lead in to the final term.

However that is where the Animals would lose touch, as MHSOB pulled away with ease. James Schulman would kick his 6th of the game, the third time he’s achieved that feat this year, as the Animals were unable to stop the role and let their pressure drop.

Jacob Mitchell would goal in the final term, but it was mere consolation as the Thirds would fall to a 47 point loss.

Coach Gideon Sands after the match lamented the lack of a full four quarter effort, and the final quarter run causing the Animals to drop their heads.

President Cam Gardner continued his impressive return to footy with another quality performance, and was not alone in the backline as Sam Heydon and Will Honey put in quality performances. Jordy Rodda also led from the front as he continues an impressive season.

WP 3.11.29

MHS 11.10.76

Goals: Anker, Cordy, Mitchell

Best: Gardner, Anker, Rollo-Walker, Rodda, Cordy, Jopling

RESERVES

Elsternwick presented as the two’s only blip in 2023, a lacklustre round one loss at home. The contest that unfolded was anything but.

A slow start for the Animals saw Elsternwick kick the only two goals of the quarter, one early and one late, with what was a constant and at times unpredictable breeze from the bay that pushed away from the clubrooms.

After a quick spray from coach Josh Webb at quarter time, the Animals sparked in to the life, as the heavily tagged Dan Quattro began to run riot despite Elsternwick’s best efforts. Finding space on the wing and teaming up with fellow runners Mitch Lamb and Jim Sibley, the Animals Midfield Machine whirred in to life, as they would kick four goals for the quarter and take a 6 point lead in to the main break.

An at times ill-disciplined Elsternwick in the second half would allow the Animals to catch mini breaks from pressure, as the third quarter saw honours shared with two goals apiece. Elsternwick used the wind advantage to peg back the Animals lead, but a late flurry by the Animals, with goals from league-leading goalkicker Matt Price, and a long bomb from Fullback Sam Argus. The latter finally capitalising on weeks of threats to kick his first major of the 2023 season with a sweetly struck set shot.

Elsternwick would then bring their toughest run yet, getting to within two points of the Animals with an incredible goal from the clubroom pocket, and an out of zone high free kick paid by the Animals club umpire (A decision which bizarrely drew much ire from the home crowd)

This mattered little as with a minute left, a constantly off-the-chain Dan Quattro took a mark 40m out to have a chance to ice the game. 

Small issue, Quattro cramped, severely.

Up stepped captain Anthony Smith, and with no trouble went back and calm guided through the match sealer and leave just the Animals and their upcoming opponents, Richmond Central, alone atop the Reserves table before the Kings Birthday Bye weekend.

ELS 9.5.59

WP 9.13.67

Goals: M.Price 2, A.Smith (c) 2, C.Leevers, D.Quattro, J.Nelson, J.Lamb, S.Argus

Best: S.Argus, S.Bourke, D.Quattro, A.Smith (c), H.Ticker, M.Lamb

SENIORS

Holmes/Todd Oval was the scene in 2022 of one of the Animals more excruciatingly close losses in the Senior grade. In 2023 however it was scene to one of the best performances to date put out by the side.

It was another heavily contested start for the two teams, similar to Round 1 just with less rain. Bodies flying in at all angles, with hits leaving their desired (and legal) marks. Nathan Bird would manage the Animals first of the day before Matt Hill would find his range and help the Animals to a 5 point lead at the first break.

What proceeded after quarter time can only be believed if witnessed. 

An onslaught from siren to siren from the men in blue and blue floored Elsternwick, even when Elsternwick floored captain Harry Davis.

Running in to an open goal, the Senior captain was hit late after slotting the major, seeing a minor scuffle ensue. A free kick for the hit that was later than your morning train to Flinders Street was duly converted by Nathan Bird on behalf of Harry Davis, only for the kick not to count, and Davis made to take the kick himself, which he would from the goal line.

The goals made up two of the eight kicked with the breeze in the second term to Elsternwick’s two, and would blow the margin out to a game high 42 points. 

In the third term, new recruit Tom Hernan would take over aerially as the he continued to clunk contested marks over the vaunted Elsternwick back line. His work allowed the Animals to stop any sort of rebound flow the ‘Wickers looked to employ to drag themselves back in to the contest,   as the margin narrowed to 36 points by the final change.

What also helped was the elite intercepting of Baxter Newbegin. In what was a familiar sight for Animals eyes, the South Australian cut off the majority of Elsternwick’s inside 50’s with aplomb, taking numerous contested intercept marks, and frustrating the opposition tall forwards with eye-watering spoils.

The Animals then professionally and with relative ease managed the game to the final siren, and despite Elsternwick pulling themselves marginally closer (27 points), their attempted fight back never threatened the Animals hold on the much needed 4 points.

Match day call-up Riley Thompson once again impressed on the senior stage, as did Reece Luehman, who was forced in to ruck duties after a late omission. 

However it was the Animals midfield that would hold many of the plaudits by the bay, with Ethan Phillips putting on a clinic of sublime class and elite skill alongside Scott McCarney, Guy Donovan and Harry Davis’ combined contested effort, supported by the unwavering Sean Howard, and assisted by fantastic outside run created by the returning Jesse Goldsmid and Bailey Hunt.

It was the Senior side’s second win of the season of Elsternwick, and saw them jump back in to an already log-jammed top 4.

ELS 9.8.62

WP 14.5.89

Goals: M.Hill 3, H.Davis 3, N.Bird 3, S.McCarney 2, S.Howard, Z.Kearns, T.Hernan

Best: H.Davis, B.Newbegin, T.Hernan, N.Bird, S.McCarney, G.Donovan

Courageous comeback falls desperately short

An undermanned Wattle Park produced a near-herculean effort to steal what would have been a deserved win, but in the end were unable to overcome the weight of numbers as they went down by a solitary point to De La Salle in Malvern East.

An already stretched Animals side, with no less than 10 players unavailable for selection, were the better of the two sides to begin the game in a goalless first term, as both sides spent the quarter fighting a tough contested battle between the arcs.

The Animals would then strike first with Maddy Mazer kicking her first goal for the Animals in her new role after some spectacular lead up play.  

It would be the only goal of the half for either side, as the Animals continued to assert themselves at the contest and restrict the run of a DLS side looking to utilise their full bench. Ashton Billing once again leading from the contest as her ruck craft surpassed any attempt to quell its effect, with Jas Ardern backing her efforts up around the contest and working hard both ways.

The Third Quarter saw a turn in the game however, as two quick DLS goals saw them skip out to their first lead of the morning, as the Guns began to find the run they sought after with the personnel advantage.

The game then took a turn as the ever-fearless Jemima Clancy was involved in a heavy contest coming out of the back 50. It saw Clancy requiring assistance from the field and a large stop to play, and in turn quelling the momentum DLS had acquired.

Clancy would thankfully make her way out of the medical room to be able to watch the final term with the rest of the Animals bench, but it did leave the side down to 17 for the final term.

DLS would pounce on an ever-increasing numerical advantage and quickly kick a third to start the term, and proceeded to put the cue in the rack.

What would unfold was a near-comeback for the ages, as dynamic small forward Paige Hill would kick her team leading fifth goal, extending her goal kicking streak. Ashton Billing then did it all herself as she grabbed the ball out of the ruck and slammed another home to bring the Animals within a kick with mere minutes remaining. 

With less than a minute left Caity Power would see a quick kick sail agonisingly wide, and DLS then move the ball quickly to centre wing with an outnumber. Emma Johnson would do her best to dampen the initial 5 on 1 advantage the home side had, and then Lilly Hutchinson stood tall when required to turn the ball back to the Animals and spring debutant Alayna McKirdy through the middle. 

MacKirdy was able to find an astonishingly wide Paige Hill at the top of the square but was unable to get a kick on goal, DLS would clear and cling on for the win.

DLS 3.3.21

WP 3.2.20

Goals: Mazar, Hill, Billing

Best: Billing, Power, Ardern, Mazar, Curtis, Haylock

Return of the Wick, Thirds look to return to a High, Women off to Waverley

Round Six saw the Animals break even with two resounding victories over Swinburne Uni in the Senior and Reserve Men, whilst the Women and Thirds were unable to secure wins in their respective clashes. 

A new weekend however brings new challenges, and brings us the first weekend where the Animals will operate across three seperate grounds. Early starts for the Women and Thirds as the former head to Waverley Oval to take on De La Salle, whilst the latter host rivals MHSOB, promising to be a fiery encounter at Bennettswood. Meanwhile the Seniors and Reserves will head Bayside for one of their two trips to the ground in the shadows of VAFA House when they take on Elsternwick.

THIRDS: 

Adam Jopling makes his return to the side after three weeks out and slots straight back in to the backline, flanked by the Heydon brothers Noah and Sam. Jack Hernan, Lachie Hicks, and Cooper Walter are also inserted into the side. 

Both Hicks and Walter have featured in the Reserves Best 6 in their time with the Twos, and will be looked upon to bring that form with their Thirds counterparts. Hicks slots back into a midfield that have continued to impress, with Sam Cordy, Jordy Rodda, and Greg Rollo-Walker all performing spectacularly in 2023 so far.

RESERVES:

Round One was the only slip so far in the 2023 season for the Reserves when Elsternwick held the high scoring Twos to one goal in the second half. In that game Matt Price was kept goalless. Since then, he’s kicked 26 goals and is a runaway leader atop the goal kicking chart.

Price will have a strong forward line accompanying him with Sam Barrah and Riley Thompson returning to the Reserves forward line.

Sam Argus and Connor Xipolitos also return to a Reserve side on a now 5 game win streak, with an average margin of 77 points in that run. Argus and Xipolitos, like Barrah, return from a victorious Senior side last week, and will look to bring that experience to an already successful side in seeking a 6th straight win.

WOMEN:

The last time the Women lost, it spawned a two game win streak with dominant victories of Canterbury and South Melbourne. This weekend a trip to preseason opponents De La Salle provides a new opportunity after the Guns were regraded down from Division 3. 

It will be a different team to the one that lined up in March, with Alayna MacKirdy making her debut this weekend after missing last week, adding to the Animals Tasmanian contingent. Fresh off her club debut last week, Poppy O’Shea will slot into a backline that has shown supreme hunger all season, whilst Maddy Mazer will continue at the other end of the park as Centre Half Forward.

SENIORS: 

Four changes for the Senior side looking for their second victory over Elsternwick this season.

Sean Howard and Jesse Goldsmid make their returns after missing last week, Kieran Jenkins earns his Senior spot back after a successful game last week for the Reserves, whilst the ever-classy Ethan Phillips returns to the Animals engine room. Connor Xipolitos returning to the Reserves after his debut along with Sam Barrah and Sam Argus, whilst Jonathan Greensides also misses the clash with the Wicks.

Women unable to Carey on winning streak

A competitive Wattle Park Women’s squad has fallen short against a well-drilled Old Carey side, ultimately going down by 43 points on an early and cold Melbourne morning. With notable absences and three debutants, the Animals held up well but weren’t able to capitalise on their moments of dominance. 

The women in blue and blue got off to a good start in the first quarter, with a roving Paige Hill in the forward 50 kicking truly to get the first goal of the game, before the away side got their own major to make it equal going into quarter time. A goal to Sheridan Harris after a high free kick inside 50 was the only bright spark for the home side in a second term otherwise dominated by Old Carey, their nine scoring shots giving them a 15-point lead at the main break. 

Despite the Animals’ best efforts, the second half of the game saw their opposition spend much of the time with the ball in hand and the Women were unable to match their speed through the middle of the ground and structures in the forward line. Four more goals were kicked from eight scoring shots to Wattle Park’s zero.

Coming up against a good side was always going to challenge the Animals but the silver lining for the Women was that it gave them the opportunity to figure out what they need to work on for the next game. 

Jas Adern continues her impressive debut year for the Animals with a best-on-ground performance, while the ever-improving Ash Curtis joins on her on the list after a fierce four quarters on the field. Rounding out the best players is Ashton Billing, captain Eb Ratcliffe, Maddy Mazar and Lilly Hutchison. 

Six rounds in, the Women sit sixth on the ladder with their two wins, four losses and a percentage of 51.80%.

WP 2.2.14

CAR 8.9.57

Seniors and Ressies Swin easy, Thirds downed

THIRDS:

Facing the ladder-leaders was always going to be a tough ask for the Thirds, who ultimately went down by 104 points at Whitefriars College Oval on Saturday. Whitefriars were out of the blocks quickly in the first term, establishing a lead of 20 points going into the first break, before they put their foot down in the second. Zero scoring shots to the Animals made it hard as their opponents kicked four goals from their seven to keep them at more than an arm’s length for the second half of the game. A seven-goal third term for the home side put the Animals away, despite them getting one on the board against the flow. The final term saw the margin jump out past 100 points despite the whole team’s efforts. 

Goals to Joe Anker and Alex Young provided some sunshine on what was an otherwise dreary day for the Thirds.

It was the usual suspects who were best-on-ground for the Thirds, with Jordy Rodda the clear favourite to take top honours and joined by the president, vice president and secretary in Cam Gardner, Greg-Rollo-Walker and Anker. Rounding out the best players were Sam Cordy and Nick Rodway, who have both quickly become anchors for the Animals this season. 

With three wins, three losses and a percentage of 96.84%, the Thirds sit sixth on the ladder at this stage of the season. 

WP 2.1.13

WHI 18.9.117

RESERVES:

It was another day at the office for the Wattle Park Reserves, who notched their fifth win in a row taking down Swinburne University by 87 points at Bennettswood Reserve. A five-goal-to-nothing first term set the stage for the Animals, continuing the expert execution of structures and gameplan that has seen them excel in the first part of the season. Miskicking in front of goal arguably kept the away side in it, but the boys in the blue and blue continued applying the pressure in the second quarter to take a 46-point buffer into the main break.

Just two behinds from their opponents in the third term really told the story for the Animals, whose strengths are all over the ground and not just in their ability to get goals on the board despite kicking three behinds of their own. But five final-quarter goals from eight scoring shots was the cherry on top for a team who appear to not know how to lose. 

With another bag of five goals, Matthew Price unsurprisingly tops the best player’s list for his efforts, while Sean Bourke’s ruck work sees him also make an appearance. In his first Reserves game for the club, third-year Animal Cooper Walter is rewarded for his performance and is joined by Jacob Glare, Harrison Jones and Ray Kuhnell rounding out the list. The dynamic forward duo of Dan Quattro and Anthony Smith were back at their best with four and three goals respectively, while Lachie Hicks got on the board with two of his own in front of a few vocal supporters. 

The Reserves are still sitting top of the table with their five wins, one loss and percentage of 251.23%, undeniably the best side in the division, six rounds into the season. 

WP 16.16.112

SWI 3.7.25

SENIORS: 

It was about damn time for the Seniors to get back on the winner’s list, and get back on the winner’s list they did with a 123-point smashing of Swinburne University on the weekend. With five goals to two in the first quarter, the Animals were out of the gates quick, leaving their opposition in the dust to take a 24-point lead into the first break. A misfiring forward line for the boys in the blue and blue kept the door ajar slightly, but 13 scoring shots to just one in the second term arguably sealed the deal for Wattle Park, who went into half time with a buffer of 61 points.

It went from bad to worse for the away side in the third quarter as the Animals piled on seven goals from another 13 attempts to take the margin over 100 points before the three quarter-time siren. Due for a big win, Wattle Park continued on their merry way in the fourth term with another five goals to really re-announce themselves in Division 3.

Five goals from Tom Hernan, a first-year Animal who has slid into the Seniors forward line seamlessly this year, seems him on the best player’s list, while Matt Hill’s three-major performance was enough to get him top honours. Rounding out the six best was Guy Donovan, Sean Drummond, Harry Davis, and Baxter Newbegin, who snagged two of his own goals sneaking forward. The goalkicking party consisted of seven other players, with Zac Kearns (3), Jonathan Greensides (2), Tom Clarke (2) and James Moran (2) the other multiple goalscorers on the day.

At this stage of the season with three losses, three wins and a percentage of 132.51%, the Seniors sit fifth on the ladder. 

WP 22.25.157

SWI 5.4.34

New and familiar faces join the family for Round 6

Round five was a huge day for Wattle Park AFC off-field as they hosted their massively successful annual ladies luncheon to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Bennettswood Reserve was filled with a few of the Animals’ favourite women, many yo-yos were sold and consumed and laughs were had in celebration. The celebration continued on-field for the Women, who got their second win in a row and their first ever wearing the pink jerseys, as well as the Reserves and Thirds leaving the ground victorious. Unfortunately for the Seniors, they fell just short in the final term.

It’s hard to believe that round six is already upon us but alas it is, and with it, brings a few changes to all four sides. The Thirds travel away after finishing the quadruple header under the lights last week, heading to Whitefriars College Oval to face ladder-leaders Whitefriars. It’s another home triple header for the Women, Reserves and Seniors who will welcome Old Carey and Swinburne University respectively.

THIRDS: 

A rather similar Thirds side will take the park on the weekend, bolstered by the return of stalwart Reserves backman Fraser Walker, who pulls the blue and blue on for the first time this year, unsurprisingly in defence and will be joined by Cody Jager, who makes his debut for the club.

RESERVES:

The ladder-leading Reserves have once again made a raft of changes to the side that dispatched their opposition by 80+ points for the third week in a row. Kieren Jenkins comes back into the side at centre halfback role, joined by Liam Elso and Tom Wales who also make their return to the backline. Third-year Animal Cooper Walter makes his debut in the side after performing well in the Thirds and will start on the bench, as will Jack Hernan who pulls on the jersey for the first time since round one, while up forward, Matt Humphrey once again takes to the field after missing since round three.

WOMEN:

With a couple of wins in the bank, the Women are back in the business of debuting some fresh faces, and in doing so, are moving a few of the magnets around the board. Emma Johnson moves to fill the fullback role, while Jemima Clancy shifts from halfback to the middle as rover and Maddy Mazar to the half-forward line. Four new faces join the squad this week, with Amber Jackson-Pyne and Chloe Hulme beginning their lives as Animals on the bench, and Poppy O’Shea and Alayna MacKirdy joining the forward line. 

SENIORS: 

A few returning faces join the Seniors this weekend as they look to get back on the winner’s list. After stringing together some good performances in the Reserves, both Sam Argus and Lawrence Virgo make their return to boost the backline. First year Animal Connor Xipolitis has been rewarded for his consistency and will officially make his debut for the Seniors, starting on the bench as the midfield rotation. 

Seniors cede lead late, Ressies and Thirds dominate

THIRDS:

Under the lights at Bennettswood Reserve for the first time, the Thirds made it a day to remember with a comprehensive 60-point win on the weekend against Mazenod. The game itself started close, with both teams going into the first break 1.3.9, before some missed opportunities in the second quarter kept the away side in it. Three goals to one in the third term kept a defendable buffer before five in the fourth really sealed the deal.

On a big day for Wattle Park, the footy gods could not have scripted a finer finish with the Thirds already well ahead deep into the fourth quarter. After missing an easy shot on goal the previous minute where he’d had time to settle, club legend Paul Baranello received a free kick for holding inside 50, which left him on a tough angle. Calls of ‘he doesn’t miss’ rang around the pavilion and those who were still left waited with bated breath as he started his run up from against the fence. In a shock to absolutely no one, Baranello sent the ball straight through the big sticks with the cleanest shot for goal anyone has seen in awhile, much to his delight as he turned to the crowd with his arms outstretched before being mobbed by his teammates.

In his second game of the day, Dan Quattro was the Thirds’ best player, with four goals to his name and was joined in his goalkicking ways by Sean Howard, who kicked a goal in a second-half performance that earned him a spot in the top six. Club president Cam Gardner, Patrick Leevers, Sam Cordy and Jordy Rodd rounded out the list, while Ethan Boyd, Tyson Henry, Nick Rodway and Jacob Mitchell all managed to snag a goal, and Jamie Whipps two. 

Five rounds into the season, the Thirds sit fourth on the ladder with three wins and two losses, their percentage at 140.26%. 

WP 12.11.83

MAZ 3.5.23

RESERVES:

A nine-goal haul to full forward Matthew Price has seen the Reserves continue their run of huge wins, with this weekend’s victim in Hawthorn subjected to an 80-point loss. The first quarter started pretty tamely for both sides who appeared to be matched evenly, until five goals in the second term set the tone for the rest of the game and left Hawthorn without answers.

The Animals’ speed with the ball and ability to stick to structures provided very few chances for the away side to get their footing, as the boys in the blue and blue piled on six goals from ten scoring shots in the third term. With the Reserves’ foot eased just slightly off the accelerator in the final quarter, despite still kicking five majors, Hawthorn managed to scramble 2.5 to finish the game. 

Unsurprisingly, Price was named best-on-ground for his efforts, joined by strong backline performers Lawrence Virgo and Sam Argus with Sean Bourke, Henry Tickner and Lachie Hicks rounding out the best player’s list. Also on the board with multiple goals were Anthony Smith and Dan Quattro who kicked two each, while James Nelson, Ray Kuhnell, Connor Leevers and Riley Thompson contributed with one each. 

At this stage of the year, the Reserves are sitting pretty in blue and blue at the top of the ladder with four wins and one loss, their wins granting them a rather hefty percentage of 228.77%. 

WP 17.13.115 

HAW 4.11.35

SENIORS:

A prime opportunity for Wattle Park AFC to go four from four for the first time ever has gone begging, with a 13-point loss to the Seniors against Hawthorn on Saturday. It was an arm-wrestle for much of the day as both teams had their goalkicking boots on early with nine goals kicked between them going into the first break. Eight behinds to the Animals in the second term skewed the scoreline and probably wasn’t an accurate representation of the game, before five goals in third quarter righted the ship. 

But it wasn’t to be for the Seniors as Hawthorn pounced on their opportunities in the final term to score five goals to nothing and grab victory from the jaws of defeat. 

Captain Harry Davis was named best-on-ground for his work all over the field, including kicking one major, while Nathan Bird’s three-goal performance warranted a mention in the best player’s list. Rounding out the goalkickers were James Moran, Matt Hill and Jonathan Greensides all managing two each, and Ethan Phillips the one. The usual suspects filled out the top performers, with Kieran Mair, Bailey Hunt, Joden Crothers and Baxter Newbegin all making an appearance.

With two wins, three losses and a percentage of 105.13%, the Seniors sit just outside the top four in fifth, five rounds into the season. 

WP 11.17.83

HAW 14.12.96

Women win in pink with dismissal of Districts

The history-making continues for the Wattle Park Women’s squad after getting the first ever back-to-back win in their existence on the weekend, also marking the first time they have won donning the pink and pink jerseys for round five’s annual ladies luncheon. Not ones to shy away from a challenge, the Animals faced a tough side in South Melbourne Districts, but ultimately ran away 29-point victors to kick off a big day for the club on a high note. 

A misfiring first quarter for both sides saw the Women take the slimmest of leads into the second term, where the first goal of the game was finally kicked. After consistent inside 50s for much of the game resulting in little to no score, a Nyari Grzyb snap kick from outside 50 landed the ball perfectly into the hands of Paige Hill, who had led expertly from the top of the goalsquare. Taking as much time as she needed, Hill sent the ball straight through the big sticks, much to the delight of her teammates who mobbed her in celebration. Another set shot to Rhiannon Stute further into the quarter saw the Animals into the main break up by 14 points, with the scoreboard arguably accurately reflecting the effort the Women had put in for the first half. 

With the foundations firmly set, the Animals came out in the third term with a point to prove. Much of the ball was spent in their possession as they peppered the goals, registering three behinds for their troubles, including one smacked into the post by Hill after gaining possession from the contest. The major finally came when Stute made another crafty lead and marked the contested ball, kicking true to register her second of the game. 

Kicking in the direction of the pavilion in the last quarter always provides that extra bit of intangible inspiration, and inspire it did. A mantra of ‘win the quarter, win the game’ was thrown around the third term break, and that was exactly what the Women did. With more inside 50s than they were able to capitalise on, the Animals’ fourth major of the game came in the middle minutes, where a free kick to Grzyb allowed her to kick a goal in front of her parents, who hadn’t been able to see her play in two years. Evening out the other side of the ground, an Ashton Billing shot at goal smashed into the post to give the Women their final score of 4.8.

With the ball spending quite amount of time in the defensive half of the ground, the Animals backline had their work cut out for them, but limiting their opponents to just one behind for the final twenty minutes gave their side even more to celebrate than just the win.

After her two-goal performance and a dominant display on the half-forward line, Stute takes top honours as best-on-ground, while the usual brigade of Elli Haylock, Clover Hart, Jemima Clancy, Billing and Hill round out the top 6. 

Five rounds into the season, the Women are sitting fifth on the ladder with their two wins, three losses and a percentage of 61.21%.

WP 4.8.32

SMD 0.3.3

Favourites return for Ladies Luncheon Day

Round four marked a 714-day drought-breaking win for the Wattle Park Women, who got over the line by twenty points against Canterbury, with the Reserves following suit in another high-scoring game. Unfortunately for the Thirds and the Seniors, the wins weren’t to be. 

It’s Bennettswood Reserve’s favourite time of the year this weekend for round five, where all four teams will wear the pink jerseys in a quadruple header for the club’s annual Mother’s Day ladies luncheon. With more than $100,000 raised in the years they’ve run the function, it’s arguably the biggest day of the year and Saturday will be no different. 

The Women are welcoming South Melbourne Districts, the Reserves and Seniors will face Hawthorn, and under the lights, the Thirds take to the field against Mazenod. 

THIRDS:

A rather stable Thirds side will take to the field on the weekend, hoping to get back on the winner’s list after a tough fight last week. In his first game of the year, and his first official game as president, Cam Gardner will start at half-back, while Animals’ favourite son Paul Baranello dons the jersey for the first time this season.

RESERVES:

Fresh off another massive win, the Reserves will field a similar side to hopefully continue their three-game winning streak, but will be boosted by the return of Sean Bourke in the ruck and Jacob Glare as rover. Jem Sibly comes back into the team for the first time since round two, starting on the bench.  

WOMEN:

With a check firmly in the W column for the Women, there are few changes to the side that got the job done. Chanelle Delarue returns to the side for the first time since round two and will start as the half-back rotation on the bench. Thirds coach Gideon Sands gets her day going a little earlier with an on-field job in her first game for the year, and will begin on the bench as the half-forward switch. 

SENIORS: 

A raft of changes to the Seniors side who went down on the weekend will hopefully see the Animals get back on the winner’s list. Elevated from the Reserves, James Rippon comes into the side, straight into fullback, while down the other end, Kieren Jenkins makes his return to the forward line, joined by Zac Kearns. Ruckman Tom Clarke slots back into the role after being out due to injury, his first game since round one. Missing round four due to injury also was Jess Goldsmid, who returns as the wing rotation.

Two's storm away, but Seniors and Thirds slip up

The Thirds will be rather proud of their efforts against a tough Parkside outfit, despite going down by 78 points at Pitcher Park on Saturday. While it’s not a win for the Animals, there was much improvement after a less-than-ideal round three performance, and limiting a ladder-leading team on the scoreboard the way they did is something to be proud of. 

Especially in the wet, it was a hard slog for Wattle Park as they got off to a shaky start with the home side taking a 26-point lead into the first break, before increasing it to 45 at half-time. Matthew Lewis was a tiny sliver of sunshine for the Animals in the third quarter, kicking a goal to break the momentum just a bit. But it wasn’t to be for the boys in the blue and blue as Parkside ultimately ran away major winners. 

Lewis was the Animals’ only goalscorer, while Greg Rollo-Walker, Sam Cordy and Nick Rodway continue to leave nothing in the tank as the three best players in the blue and blue.  

WP 1.1.7

PAR 12.13.85

A sharp-shooting Reserves side has taken a 94-point win against Canterbury on the weekend, with twelve individual goalkickers getting in on the action. The Animals didn’t waste any time at all, kicking six goals to nothing in the first term as the home side were quickly left with many questions and zero answers. 

The Animals’ eight-goal third term certainly snuffed out any chance of a Cobras comeback, but it was their defensive work that was equally important as they limited their opposition to zero scoring shots to hand them a flat 100-point buffer going into the final quarter. A lessening of the foot on the accelerator from Wattle Park in the last term allowed Canterbury to kick four goals, but they still saw the footy enough to kick three majors to seal an already well sealed deal. 

Riley Thompson had a day out in front of goal with four majors in a best-on-ground performance. But sharing is caring if you’re in the forward 50 for the Animals, and captain Anthony Smith, Mitch Lamb, Connor Leevers, Matthew Price and Dan Quattro also contributed two each. Sneaky backman Nic Glanville also made the most of his opportunity at the other end of the ground, sailing one through before a team-wide celebration. 

WP 20.8.128

CAN 5.4.34

The Seniors will be left to rue a missed opportunity for three-from-three at Canterbury Sportsground on Saturday after going down by 24 points in a tight tussle. Seemingly on the back foot from the start, the Animals struggled to get their footing as the ball spent more time in Cobra hands, resulting in more scoring shots. A four-point buffer at quarter time turned into just a six-point deficit at the main break, as inaccuracy in front of goal from the opposition kept Wattle Park in it for the better part of the day. 

The second half of the game saw eight goals scored to just four, with the Animals their own worst enemy inside 50, kicking eight behinds as Canterbury ultimately ran out winners after converting more of their chances.

Ever the wall down back, it’s no surprise Baxter Newbegin takes top honours as best-on-ground, while Nathan Bird’s two goals gets him on the best player’s list. In his return game, Harry Davis makes an appearance, with Kieran Mair, Ethan Phillips and Bailey Hunt rounding it out. James Moran also managed two, while Phillips, Sean Drummond, Jonathan Greensides and Tom Hernan got on the scoreboard with one each. 

WP 8.10.58

CAN 12.10.82