Zoo News: Bennettswood blues as Thirds win again

Only one team from Wattle Park is heading into the VAFA representative bye with a mark in the win column as the Thirds successfully defeated Elsternwick at Holmes Todd Oval by 65 points. Back at home at Bennettswood Reserve, the Animals suffered, with the Women losing to La Trobe and both the Reserves and Seniors unable to weather strong Brunswick storms. 

Miskicking in front of goal from Brunswick has saved the Reserves from a 100+-point loss, ultimately beaten by 89 at the final siren. Seven goals from13 scoring shots to zip in the first quarter set the scene pretty quickly as the Animals scrambled to get their heads into the game. A goal from Mitch Lamb against the onslaught was the only shining light in a dismal first half, the deficit already at 64 by the main break after, rather mercifully, some missed opportunities from the away side. The rest of the game continued in much the same way as the first two quarters, possession of the ball hard to come by for the Reserves as they were seemingly one step behind Brunswick, unable to get a handle on the momentum at any stage. Two goals in the third term and one in the final were rewards for enduring the heat in a tough game. Ruckman Sean Bourke did his absolute best, earning best-on-ground honours for his efforts, as did Joe Anker, James Moran, Jacob Glare, Lachie Hicks and Adam Jopling in an otherwise miserable day for the side. Moran, Lamb, Connor Xipolitos and Jarrod Sandells were the only goalkickers. 

Another loss for the Seniors after a strong first half is their fifth in a row, all by 22 points and under, with Brunswick overrunning them in the last two quarters to take the win by 21 in the end. The Animals sit seventh on the ladder, with seven games left of the season to turn it around. More missed opportunities in front of goal cost the home side, going into the main break 7.6 and only 14 points up, which Brunswick clearly took as a challenge. Seven goals from 13 scoring shots to just 1.1 in the third term took all the momentum from the Animals, who were ultimately unable to get their footing back. Despite some chances in the last quarter, which saw them kick one goal from eight scoring shots and limit their opponents to two goals, the Seniors were defeated. Backman James Rippon took top honours in the best players list for his performance, with Seniors usuals in Jonathan Greensides, Tom Wales, Baxter Newbegin, Joden Crothers and Harry Davis rounding it out. Greensides managed four goals for the game, with three of them coming in a hurry during the second quarter, and Newbegin and Dan Hill both kicked two each. 

Making it two from two for the year, the Thirds had their way with Elsternwick on the weekend, keeping the home side goalless for the last half of the game to get the four points. A rather even first quarter saw some missed shots in front of goal for the Animals keeping their buffer at just three points at quarter-time, before four majors to one in the second set them up with a 23-point gap going into the main break. Zero scoring shots from the home side allowed the Thirds to skip away with a larger lead in the premiership quarter, no doubt the defensive efforts of the backline could have been misconstrued as a brick wall. The possibility for a bigger win, with only 12 goals from 28 scoring shots, might be the only sour note in an otherwise rather complete performance for a side pushing for finals, this win their fourth in a row. In his first game for the Animals, James Brady tops the best players list, with a backline brigade of Michael Allen, Daniel Thorson and George Burgess joining him, Lochie Sketcher and Connor Rogers, in his return, rounding out the top six. Caden MacDonald continued his goalkicking ways with just four, while Jarra Davis managed two from the midfield.

A three-goal second quarter to La Trobe has contributed to a 26-point loss to the Women on Saturday, their two-game winning streak unfortunately coming to an end. It was an armwrestle for much of the game, with the away side taking advantage of their chances inside 50 to gain some dominance on the scoreboard. With five points separating the teams going into the second quarter, Rose Kennedy managed to get the only Animals goal of the game against the La Trobe momentum, as they piled on three goals to be in a good spot heading into the second half. The scoring for both sides slowed down in the third quarter as the ball bounced between the 50 metre arcs, stoppages abound. A 20-point deficit for the last quarter meant the Animals were on the back foot, one point kicked to the opposition’s 1.1, though their efforts did not cease until the final siren. First-year Animals Leesa Guastella, Kennedy and Tahlia Hill were deemed best-on, joined by captain Ebony Ratcliffe and the usual one-two punch of Elli Haylock and Ashton Billing. 

With the final VAFA-wide bye of the year this weekend just gone, there were zero Animals on football fields, but the whole squad will be back in action this week to continue the last part of their home and away seasons. Bennettswood Reserve is once again solely a Thirds haven, who will have to reckon with a winless Masala at 11:40am. Pitcher Park is the destination for a Women’s side aiming to get back on the winner’s list against Parkside at 9:20am, while a trip to Whitefriars College awaits for the Reserves and Seniors at their usual times of 11:40am and 2pm, facing, you guessed it, Whitefriars.

FINAL SCORES - ROUND ELEVEN

Elsternwick v Thirds: 3.5.23 - 12.16.88

Reserves v Brunswick: 4.2.26 - 16.19.115

Women v La Trobe: 1.3.9 - 5.5.35

Seniors v Brunswick: 9.14.68 - 13.11.89

Final Triple Header and the trip Bayside

The quirks of the 2024 VAFA draw mean that for one last time Bennettswood Reserve hosts a triple header this season. As such, the desire for three wins at home grows ever stronger after last week’s 1-2 split.

Three strong opponents make their way south this weekend in what is a flip of Round 3, with both La Trobe Uni and Brunswick FC rolling in to town. The only anomaly is the Thirds visiting Elsternwick, looking to keep their spot in the four.

thirds: vs elsternwick - holmes todd oval - 11.40AM

Jim Brady coming in for Riley Srey is the big inclusion this week as the Thirds look to keep the momentum rolling towards a maiden finals berth.

Brady slots straight in to a forward line bursting at the seems with talent flanked by best mates Cados and Cooko, whilst Jack Lindros also comes back in alongside Cam Muratore swinging forward.

Connor Rogers makes his long awaited return on the wing after an extended period out, with the Sketcher brothers also returning after a sojourn in the twos last weekend.

WOMEN: VS LA TROBE UNI - BENNETTSWOOD RESERVE - 9.20AM

Three is the magic number this week for the women as they look to make it three wins on the bounce against a side they’ll be looking to beat for the first time in three attempts.

It will also be Sarah “OG” Becker’s third game of the season as she comes in to help out in the backline along with Lulu McKewan who returns from illness.

It’ll be a case of third time’s the charm for former B&F winner Nyari Grzyb in her attempts to come back from illness in the forward line, with both Olivia’s (Frost and Walker) also joining her forward to create a forward-midfield trio.

reserves: vs brunswick fc - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

The two’s look to arrest a run of form that has not been pretty, dropping four of their last five. So what better time to do it then against an undefeated, top of the table Brunswick which beat them by 101 points last time out?

Late changes have meant that two popular Thirds members Joe Caldow and Tommo Bent have been promoted to the Thirds, both making their debuts at that level.

It’s a reward for Caldow’s perseverance at the Thirds level, having played his previous 46 games at that level.

Moreso, already promoted Thirds cult heroes Junior Singh and James Greaves retain their spots in the side, and will flank Ben Severin across halfback.

Tall forward Connor Xipolitos comes back from the Seniors for the first time in 2024, having played his previous 8 games at the 2pm timeslot. His height and reach will be joined by fellow key forwards Jarrod Sandells and Jacob Mitchell.

seniors: vs brunswick fc - bennettswood reserve - 2pm

Four straight losses, including the last three insides two goals, see the Seniors drop back after their hot start to the season. A match up against a ego-bruised Brunswick may just be the tonic heading in to the second forced break of the season.

Six changes from last week’s side who allowed Elsternwick to snatch a win at home, with Sean Howard, Sean Drummond, Fletcher Cooper, Tom Ferguson, Stavros Andronicos all back.

Meanwhile David “Sugar” Ray makes his long awaited Senior debut, after a string of strong performances for the Reserves in 2024.

Him and Sean Drummond will look to sure up an Animals backline which has been miserly in 2024, only conceding over 100 points once (to the aforementioned Brunswick in Round 3).

Fletcher Cooper was a standout forward for the twos last week, so his promotion in grade sees him stay forward to provide some much-needed hops.

Howard, Ferguson, and Andronicos all come back via the bench, alongside President Gardner who keeps his spot in the Senior fold.

Zoo News: Comebacks, Drop backs, and Finals?

Wattle Park has gone one from three at Bennettswood Reserve on the weekend as the Reserves and Seniors both suffered at the hands of Elsternwick, but only after a comeback win for the ages from the Women, whose nail-biting two-point win against Brunswick will go down as one of their best. Away at Frearson Oval and with the late start time, the Thirds weren’t bothered, once against beating the Monash Blues by 23 points and creating a three-team race for the final Finals spot.

The Reserves have suffered their sixth loss of the season, Elsternwick taking the win by 25 points on Saturday. Miskicking in front of goal kept the scoreline closer than it should have been, with both teams unable to get a handle on it going into quarter-time. Five goals from eight scoring shots to two goals from three in the second term put the Animals well onto the back foot, from which they weren’t able to recover as the momentum swung decidedly into the away side’s favour. With the lead in hand, Elsternwick were able to continue their dominance, a 29-point margin at three-quarter-time denying the Reserves a chance to get in front, despite kicking four goals in the last term. Jacob Glare earned best-on-ground honours for his performance, while a return to the Reserves side has done wonders for Jordy Rodda, who continues his good form for the club. Joining them on the best players list is Lachie Hicks, Fletcher Cooper, and two elevated debutants in Lochie Sketcher and Aman Singh. Seven individual goalkickers managed to get on the scoreboard, with two each from Jarrod Sandells and Jacob Mitchell.

The Seniors’ form slump extends to four losses in a row after going down to Elsternwick by just eight points on the weekend. Despite a five-goal-to-two first quarter, from 11 and two scoring shots respectively, the Animals were ultimately unable to get the job done. An inspired second term from the opposition saw the buffer cut to just seven points at the main break as the Seniors slowly started to lose the momentum. Missed opportunities in front of goal, a consistent theme for the day it seems, kept Elsternwick closer than they arguably should have been. Nine points separated the teams going into the final quarter, with four scoring shots to seven, of which one goal to four were kicked, was the difference as the away side ran away with it. Captain Harry Davis tops the best players list, joined by the usual suspects of Joden Crothers, Nathan Bird, Baxter Newbegin and Tom Clarke. Newbegin continued his goalkicking run with another three, while both Bird and Daniel Hill kicked two of their own. 

An 11-point deficit at the final break has been whittled away by the Women, who took down a fierce Brunswick side by just two points after an inspiring last-term effort. With much of the play for the first half of the game in the away side’s control, the Animals wrestled back some momentum in the later stages of the second quarter, a Liv Walker goal getting them back into it. Two goals to Brunswick in the third quarter might have had the game won, but a goal from Rose Kennedy with less than three minutes to go reminded the Animals they still had one last quarter left. Eager to keep their lead, Brunswick came out in the final term intent on stoppages and contests, but with 10 minutes to go, the Women had had enough and flipped the switch. A behind to both sides had the deficit back at 11 points and with consistent pressure, the Animals were finally able to get another goal on the board, through the efforts of Emily Severin, who had been moved to the backline for the final term but managed to sneak her way forward. Suddenly, everything seemed possible with the margin at less than a goal. The home side was rolling now, the momentum swinging firmly in their favour as the ball barely made it past the middle of the ground before it was booted back towards the pavilion. A mark from Kennedy at the top of the 50 settled the team before an expert lead from Ashton Billing saw her with a shot on goal almost directly in front, the ball no doubt in the hands of one of the Animals’ best users. Now with a tiny lead, the Animals put their heads down, leaving Brunswick with no room to move as the seconds ticked down. Scrounging another behind in the final few minutes of the game to keep the ball down their end of the ground, the Women ultimately sealed a fourth-quarter come-from-behind-win to get their second set of four points in a row. 

The Thirds have won their seventh game of the season after taking down the Monash Blues in their rematch on Saturday. The Animals got going early, keeping their noses in front for much of the game and denying the home side a sniff. With a six-point margin going into the third quarter, the Thirds kicked four goals to one, with Monash’s inability to convert in front of the big sticks allowing the Animals a larger buffer. A rather even final term saw the Animals get the job done with relative ease, moving to third on the ladder. Only three goals for Caden MacDonald from his 10 disposals, who continues his run of at least a goal a game. Benjamin Kearns was once again best-on, joined by Daniel Thorson, Cameron Muratore and, for the first time all season, WIll Taylor, who appears to have broken his streak of zero touches. 

For round eleven, Bennettswood Reserve will be home to a second consecutive, and final, triple-header as the Women, Reserves and Seniors run out at their usual times of 9:20am, 11:40am and 2pm respectively, facing La Trobe and Brunswick. All three squads will be looking to even up the ledger after suffering losses to those teams earlier in the season. A trip to Elsternwick awaits for the Thirds, with first bounce scheduled for 11:40am. 

FINAL SCORES - ROUND TEN

Monash Blues v Thirds: 7.8.50 - 11.7.73

Reserves v Elsternwick: 9.10.64 - 12.17.89

Women v Brunswick: 4.4.28 - 4.2.26

Seniors v Elsternwick: 10.13.73 - 12.9.81

Cult figures and a bulging medical room

It’s a story as old of time in local footy, come the depths of June and winter, the medical room begins to burst at the seems with a litany of injuries across the four sides.

However between forced and voluntary absences, it’s provided opportunity for some popular moves between the sides ahead of this weekend.

THIRDS: VS MONASH BLUES - FREASON OVAL - 4.15PM

After being the first game of last week, the Thirds wrap up the Saturday this week with a trip to Clayton to take on the Monash Blues.

Several changes across the field see a much different side to the one that valiantly clawed back in the last quarter to overrun St. Mary’s Salesian last weekend.

A total of six changes, including two club debuts, with the returns of earlier season regulars Cam Muratore and Vinnie Brigante headlining. Muratore will start at half back whilst Brigante will begin from the bench.

Adham Saab, after only recently joining the club, will make his debut this weekend alongside Drew Ashton, both will also start on the bench.

Thommo Bent heads on to a wing, flanking a positional change of clearance king Srey moving inside and on-ball.

Meanwhile Will Taylor ditches the headphones and the magnets to resume his playing role after his successful “coaching” stint last weekend.

women: vs brunswick fc - bennettswood reserve - 9.20am

The women kick off the day at home against the re-graded Brunswick FC, a side who has only one once on their drop from the higher division.

J Clancy, Ingrid Cain, and Chloe Woolley will all spend extended time out due to injuries suffered in the heroic win last weekend up north in Preston.

Sam Hogarth moves back to fullback as a result after starting forward last week, with vice-captain Maddy Mazar back in to the 22 after missing last weekend.

Caity Power taking over on the wing is the only change made to a midfield group, with Power expected to deliver just that in the free-roaming role

Up forward, Nyari Gryzb returns after missing last week, and will look to fill the small forward role vacated by Clancy’s absence.

Hayley Lim also returns to the side via the bench.

reserves: vs elsternwick - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

The Animals twos will look to seek revenge for last year’s preliminary final loss in Sandringham when the ‘Wicks come to town.

In a boost, four popular promotions from the Thirds have been made for the clash, with Aman “Junior” Singh, both Lochie and Layton Sketcher, and Jordy Rodda all given Reserve debuts.

In Singh’s first year of football, his effort and willingness to impact the play have impressed everyone at the club, and his shock win of the Thirds training goal kicking comp earning him a move forward was not the last of his shock moves.

The Sketchers have been building an impressive portfolio of work for the Thirds in 2024, especially Lochie. The smaller of the pair forming a dangerous midfield combination with one elite ruck in Checkers, will look to do the same with newly-annointed captain Sean “Spider” Bourke.

Meanwhile for Rodda, it’s a return to the Reserve fold he hasn’t played in since 2019, where he injured his ankle playing against Parkside in the opening game of the Men’s season. His elite ball use and vision will be an asset sorely needed for the Reserves.

Both Oskar Godde and James Greaves retain their spots after being elevated last weekend, whilst a schedule clash sees Fletcher Cooper drop back from the Seniors allowing him to fill a height gap up front.

seniors: vs elsternwick - bennettswood reserve - 2pm

A Senior side looking to put a disappointing night time loss to Bulleen-Temp behind them will do so with the first ever President-Vice President combo in Animals history.

President Cam Gardner and Vice-President Tom Clarke will both line up in the square, with Gardner’s impressive Reserves season seeing him rewarded with his call up.

Clarke’s return from holiday could not have been better timed with Fletcher Cooper’s absence from the senior fold this week, whilst Ben Collins moves inside from the wing to cover Bailey Hunt’s injury.

Up front Mitch Lamb has earned an immediate senior recall after an impressive outing in the Reserves comprehensive win last weekend at Ted Ajani, whilst Cam Price and Jimmy Moran will join the bench after also being elevated.

Zoo News: Final hurdle stumble prevents undefeated day

Another quadruple sweep opportunity has gone begging for the Wattle Park Football Club as the Seniors fell at the last hurdle against a Bulleen-Templestowe hellbent on getting the four points, while the other three teams all picked up wins earlier in the day. A lone homestand at Bennettswood Reserve saw the Thirds get one back over St Mary’s Salesian, before newly appointed captain Matthew Price steered the Reserves home to the tune of 107 points. Over at W. R. Ruthven Reserve, the Women continued their dominance over Preston, leaving the field 13-point winners to make it two from two for the year. 

Four goals to 50-gamer Lachie Hicks headlines a smashing win by the Reserves, taking down a Bulleen-Templestowe side only able to scrounge together two goals from eight scoring shots. Twelve individual goalkickers made things very hard for most of the 100-minute game as the Animals seemingly lulled the home side into a false sense of security in the first quarter, before launching ahead in the second, taking a 31-point lead into the half-time break. The scoreboard heavily ticked over for the Reserves in the third term, kicking 5.5 to extend their margin to 58 points. While the door was arguably already shut by the final 25 minutes, the Animals were unrelenting, adding nine more goals to really send a message. In his return from injury, Mitch Lamb earns best-on-ground honours, while Thomas Mariadason contributed three goals. Two majors each to Louis Fasolino and Jacob Mitchell rounds out the multiple-goalscorers list. 

A low-scoring affair at Ted Ajani Reserve has seen the Seniors slump to their third loss in a row. It wasn’t to be for the Animals, who started the game on the back foot after miskicking from both sides saw the Bullants take just a one-point lead into quarter-time. The back and forth would continue for much of the game as the home side began to take more of their limited opportunities inside 50 and out-hunted the Animals for possession of the ball. Never really out of it, the Seniors were just unable to find their way through, ultimately losing by 11 points at the final siren. In positive news, backman-turned-forward Baxter Newbegin kicked three goals, with two from first-year Animal Tom Ferguson and one from ruckman Fletcher Cooper rounding out the goalkickers. Tom Wales continued his good form, with his work in defence earning him top honours in the best players list, joined by Scott McCarney in his return from injury. 

The Thirds righted some past wrongs on the weekend, downing St Mary’s Salesian by 18 points in spectacular fashion in direct contrast to their previous encounter. A Caden MacDonald masterclass of seven goals, with the opportunity for more, drove the Animals to victory after a slow first quarter, which saw just three scoring shots to eleven. However, after a rousing first-break speech, the Thirds well and truly awoke, kicking seven goals in the second term to take a nine-point lead into half-time. The arm wrestle then continued for the last half as miskicking in front of goal kept the scoreboard closer than it arguably should have been. Down by seven at the final break, the Animals were unrelenting in their ball movement, running out the game in a six-goal-to-two quarter to take the win convincingly. Backline general Daniel Thorson was named best-on-ground, with his patrolling the defensive half of the ground seeing many chances for the away side to score slip away. A Thirds appearance for Anthony Smith has resulted in top-six best mention, joined by regulars in Benjamin Kearns, George Burgess and Jordy Rodda, and rounded out with MacDonald. 

Fourteen behinds have propelled the Women to their third win of the year, and their second against divisional foes in the Bullants, as the miskicking in front of goal proved to be the only misstep in an otherwise complete 80-minute game of football. Two goals to first-year Animal Rose Kennedy in the first quarter got her team well and truly started as the fast-start focus once again paid dividends. With a lead at the start of the second term, the Women continued their intensity, limiting the opposition on the scoreboard while adding two of their own goals through vice-captain Grace Ambrosini, whose kick forward bounced fortunately over the head of a Preston defender and through the big sticks, and Emily Severin, who managed to send the ball through at insane angle for the Animals’ fourth of the match. After half-time, with both the lead and the knowledge of games passed, the Women made every effort to ensure they kept up their pressure. With the final goal of the game in the middle of the third quarter, Shannon Harris, without taking possession and running on pure instinct, soccered the ball out of the air after a Kennedy kick saw it smashed into the face of a Bullants player before rebounding into the swingman’s path. For the rest of the game, the Animals held on, contest after contest allowing the time to elapse as the final siren sounded amongst loud cheers. Ashton Billing was undoubtedly best-on-ground, having to navigate the attention of at least two opposition players at all times. 

A traditional triple-header at Bennettswood Reserve awaits for round ten as the usual timeslots see the Women welcome an unfamiliar opposition in Brunswick at 9:20am, while at 11:40am/2pm respectively, the Reserves and Seniors take the field against Elsternwick. For the Thirds, they head to Frearson Oval for a rematch against the Monash Blues at 4:45pm.

FINAL SCORES - ROUND NINE
Thirds v St Mary’s Salesian: 16.12.108 - 12.18.90
Bulleen-Templestowe v Reserves: 2.6.18 - 19.11.125
Preston v Women: 4.7.31 - 5.14.44
Bulleen-Templestowe v Seniors: 7.10.52 - 6.5.41

Animals go nocturnal after week off

Two games under lights and a late afternoon start see the back end of Saturday feature your Animals heavily after the week off, with this week’s fixtures a full reverse of the Round 2 weekend earlier in the year.

thirds: vs st. mary’s salesian - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am

The “early” start game for the Animals this week, with the Thirds fresh off the high of the Friday night Daisy game at Oakleigh, looking to get revenge on a St. Mary’s side which fielded a strong line up last time.

Four new debutants feature this week, as the Keegan brothers Jackson and Darcy are set to bookend the field, with friend of Caydos Austin Cookson also joining the Animals ranks this season, whilst Marshall Weir also makes his long awaited debut after joining in pre-season.

Michael Allen and Junior Singh swap ends after the weekly goal kicking competition saw Junior win his way in to the forward line.

women: vs preston - w.r ruthven reserve - 4.45pm

The return of Olivia Frost and Tahlia Hill from injury helps bolster a women’s side looking to re-join the winners circle against a team they beat earlier in the season.

It’s a return to the “normal” timeslot in the north, with the evening trip to Preston the fourth time it’s happened since the women’s team began.

Sam Hogarth swings forward to bring her marking capabilities to the front 50, seeing Rose Kennedy push on to a wing spot to provide some run and carry, whilst Captain Ebony Ratcliffe pushes in to the backline.

reserves: vs bulleen-templestowe - ted ajani reserve - 3.10pm

A 50th club game for Lachlan Hicks headlines this match up the Animals won easily earlier in the season, which will see them miss regular captain Anthony “Sportsbet” Smith.

This sees enigmatic full forward Matt Price take on the captaincy duties, an announcement met with loud cheers when read out at Thursday dinner.

Oskar Godde and James Greaves make their Reserves debuts, which also sees former captain Sean Howard also back in returning from injury.

Mitch Lamb drops back from Seniors to add some seniority to the side in a stacked midfield which sees Jimmy Moran, Cam Garnder, and Jacob Glare all expecting plenty of touches.

seniors: vs bulleen-templestowe - ted ajani reserve - 5.30pm

A senior debut for Jack Hernan and the return of captain Harry Davis headline the Seniors as the strive to return to early season form.

Jack becomes the second Hernan to play for the Animals seniors, after brother Tom featured heavily last year up forward.

Meanwhile Harry Davis plays his first game since playing Bulleen-Temp in Round 2, with the captain looking to put all frustration behind him and make a late charge for the League B&F Top 10 like he did in 2023.

Sam Davis, Connor Xipolitos, and Scott McCarney are all back from injury, and just in time to cover for fresh injuries and travel-related absences.

Zoo News: Friday > Saturday

Wattle Park might have to petition the VAFA to get all their games played on a Friday night, after a fixture change for the Thirds proved fruitful on the weekend with a 23-point win over Oakleigh under lights and the Saturday squad unable to get four points between them. A heartbreaking one-point loss to De La Salle continues the rivalry for the Women, while South Melbourne Districts ended up with wins against the Reserves and Seniors to round out the Bennettswood Reserve triple header. 

An aesthetically pleasing scoreboard and two goals from Matthew Price are two of the silver linings to the Reserves’ 58-point loss to South Melbourne Districts on the weekend. Miskicking in front of goal by the away side kept the margin to just four going into the second quarter, before they put the foot down to take a 23-point buffer into the main break. The Animals kept the scoreboard ticking over just, registering 1.1 in all four quarters of the game. 11 scoring shots to just two in the final term told much of the story for the Animals, who weren’t able to get their foot in the door from the first siren, despite their best efforts. Jack Hernan continues his impeccable form with a best-on-ground performance, while Jacob Mitchell’s foray into the Reserves squad has yielded a goal and club president Cam Gardner rounds out the goalkickers.

A shortened fourth quarter after an unfortunate injury to an opposition player has seen the Seniors go down by 10 points against South Melbourne Districts. With only a few minutes played of the final term, the decision was made to end the game early, with the away side arguably the better team on the day. The Animals found themselves down by 19 points at the first break, before rallying in the second quarter to be in front by four at halftime. The armwrestle continued as the opposition started to get the upper hand, swinging the momentum their way just before three-quarter-time. Sharing the goalkicking load saw the regular contributors on the scoreboard, including one from Sam Barrah in his return to the Senior side and two from Dan Hill, who continues to cement his spot in the team. Backman Sean Drummond topped the best players list. 

Six goals from Caden MacDonald to get the Thirds over the line at Scammell Reserve on Friday night has moved the spotlight ever so slightly from former AFL player Dale Thomas making an appearance in the striped blue and blue long-sleeves, although his 24 disposals and 10 clearances are nothing to sniff at either. After a five-goal-to-one first quarter, the Animals let Oakleigh back in during the second, with missed opportunities in front of the big sticks allowing just an eight-point buffer at the main break. The defensive units of both teams stood strong as the ball bounced between the arcs for much of the third term, before Wattle Park decided enough was enough and nailed the coffin shut in the last.

Known for their rather sluggish starts, the Women opened up Saturday’s game like bullets out of a gun, catching De La Salle sleeping and getting out to a 13-point lead at halftime. With chains of play happening all over the ground and staunch defensive efforts from all backline players, there was nowhere to move for the away side. Goals from first-year Animal Rose Kennedy in the first term and one each from regulars Ashton Billing and J Clancy in the second boosted the morale even higher, both on the field and off it. Momentum started to steadily slip midway through the third quarter as the opposition pushed back, with the Animals’ lead cut to just six points at the final break despite a goal from Emily Severin, which steadied the ship just. Paying the price for the fast start, Wattle Park were unable to regain the lead, falling short by just one agonising point after a hard-fought 80 minutes. Severin was deemed best-on-ground for her efforts everywhere.

With the King’s Birthday bye this weekend, all four teams are out of action. The Animals are back on the field next week, the reins of Bennettswood Reserve handed to the Thirds solely, who start at 11:40am. Ted Ajani Reserve is playing host to the Reserves and Seniors as they take the field against Bulleen-Templestowe, with unusual start times of 3:10pm and 5:30pm respectively, while the Women head to W. R. Ruthven Reserve to face Preston, intent on getting 2024’s ledger to 2-0. 

FINAL SCORES - ROUND EIGHT

Oakleigh v Thirds: 9.6.60 - 12.11.83

Reserves v South Melbourne Districts: 4.4.28 - 12.14.86

Women v De La Salle: 4.2.26 - 4.3.27

Seniors v South Melbourne Districts: 9.5.59 - 10.9.69

Friday night lights and the Triple Header

A Friday night delight and a Saturday Triple Header before the mid-season ball is what sits between the Animals and a well-deserved mid year break this weekend.

thirds: vs oakleigh - w.a. scammell reserve - friday 7.30pm

A Friday Night showdown against the Krushers has been hyped up with the arrival of former AFL player Daisy Thomas to the side.

Daisy will join a stacked Animals midfield with Checkers, Jarra Davis, and Big Sketch creating a formidable quartet.

The inclusions see Jordy Rodda and George Burgess move to the backline to help rebound the ball from 50, with Cam Muratore coming in to the side.

Ben Kearns also moves out of the middle to provide some outside run, and will link up with a re-jigged forward line which was profligate the week before.

Ethan Baker, Michael Allen, Zach Kangelaris, and Jordan Cannizzaro all move forward in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure off Caden MacDonald, who’s return last week saw him kick all three goals the Animals obtained.

Will Taylor, Joe Caldow, and Riley Srey all drop back to the bench after starting last week.

women: vs de la salle - bennettswood reserve 9.20am

A seventeeth debut for the 2024 season headlines a changed side from last week’s loss to Old Carey as the women look to avenge the opening round loss at Dairy Bell.

Claudia Said will be the new Animal this week, slotting straight in to the forward line. She’s joined by both Rose Kennedy and Jas Ardern who both missed last week’s game.

Ardern returning as a forward has seen Vice-Captain Grace Ambrosini move in to the middle after her outstanding efforts in quelling Old Carey’s midfield last time out. She’s joined by Leesa Guastella also returning to the side to provide some push out of the middle.

Captain Ebony Ratcliffe moves out to a wing, where she started her time with the Animals, where she’ll look to link up with half back Elli Haylock, who also returns as well this week.

reserves: vs south melbourne - bennettswood reserve 11.40am

A 2022 Grand Final rematch at Bennettswood Reserve with the two sides on the opposite ends of two game streaks, but only a handful of changes for the Animals.

Jack Hernan and Harrison Jones return across half back for the Animals, as does Jarrod Sandells in a new look line.

Joe Anker returns up forward after a conditioning game with the Thirds last weekend upon his return from injury, with Cam Dapic also coming up from the Thirds for his Reserves debut.

Captain Anthony Smith plays his 50th game for the Animals this weekend

seniors: vs south melbourne - bennettswood reserve 2pm

Only three changes for the Senior side who suffered their first loss in a month last weekend.

Jess Goldsmid returns from concussion protocol and goes straight to Centre Half Forward, whilst Dan Hill also joins the forward line this weekend after a solid start for the Reserves this year.

Sam Barrah also comes back in via the interchange after a game with the Reserves last weekend after returning from overseas.

Zoo News: Tales of despair on the road

Round seven was arguably a day to forget for the Wattle Park Football Club as all four teams suffered losses away from home, although for those concerned, Bennettswood Reserve was alive and kicking on Saturday night, don’t you worry. With the entire Animals squad spread across three different grounds and scheduled to start at similar times, it was a mammoth effort from all involved to get on the park. 

A best-on-ground performance from Reserves captain Anthony Smith ultimately could not stem the flow of a well-drilled St Mary’s Salesian side, who took the win by an unfortunate 82 points. Nine scoring shots to two in the first quarter set the scene before the Animals were left scrambling, the margin already at 60 by the main break. Without answers, the Reserves couldn’t do much else as the deficit continued to grow and scoring shots were getting harder to come by, before eight to three in the final quarter summarised the game. Five goals from the one-two punch of Dan Hill, who had three, and the older Anthony Smith with the rest kept the scoreboard ticking over in an otherwise tough day at the office. 

Not even three goals from defender-turned-forward Baxter Newbegin could get the Seniors over the line on Saturday, as St Mary’s Salesian kicked away in the final term, leaving Ferndale Park 22-point winners. Four straight to the home side versus 1.4 to the Animals in the first quarter left much to be desired before goalkicking worries in the second got the better of St Mary’s Salesian to keep the away team in it. The Seniors rallied to get within three by the final break but were unable to make it stick in the end. Backman Joden Crothers was deemed best-on, joined by some of the usuals in Tom Clarke, Ben Collins, Bailey Hunt and Nathan Bird. 

In his return game, Caden MacDonald kicked all three of the Thirds’ goals from 10 disposals as they suffered at the hands of South Melbourne Districts, going down by 53 points at Ian Johnson Oval. With just one major in the first quarter, the Animals started the game on the back foot and remained there for the rest of the day, with missed opportunities in front of goal doing little to lift the spirits. In more positive news, it seems like the backline suits Bailey McCabe, who managed 15 disposals and five rebound 50s, but it was fellow defender Aman Singh who was deemed best-on-ground. Resident Thirds in Jordy Rodda and George Burgess were also unsurprisingly part of the top 6 cohort.  

A slow first half with six goals kicked to just one has seen the Women fall by 39 points to familiar foe in Old Carey at Carey Sports Complex. With the midfield battle going all game long, it was the home side who capitalised on the dominance, where most of their goals came from clearances. But the game itself wasn’t all doom and gloom as the Animals dusted themselves off after the first quarter, kicking a major in the following three. A move from the backline to the forward line proved fruitful for Shannon Harris, who took a strong second-term, double-grab pack mark in the goalsquare before slotting a goal from right in front to open the Wattle Park account, before she provided an expert handball to teammate Caitie Power in the third quarter which resulted in another major. For the final Animals goal, you just can’t keep J Clancy away from the big sticks, solidifying another strong performance in the forward half of the ground. First-year Animal Ingrid Cain was staunch in defence for all 80 minutes, but Nyari Grzyb’s midfield work sees her top the best players list. 

This weekend we wipe the slate clean, with a traditional triple header on Saturday following a first-of-its-kind Friday night appearance for the Thirds. They’ll travel to Scammell Reserve to face Oakleigh for a 7:30pm start under lights, with a certain floral aroma rumoured to be in the air. For the Women, they return to their regularly scheduled time of 9:20am on Saturday morning hoping to even the ledger with De La Salle, while the Reserves and Seniors will run out for their  11:40am/2pm timeslots respectively, intent on getting on one back in the club stakes against South Melbourne Districts. 

FINAL SCORES - ROUND SEVEN

South Melbourne Districts v Thirds: 12.7.79 - 3.8.26

St Mary’s Salesian v Reserves: 19.15.129 - 7.5.47

Old Carey v Women: 9.8.62 - 3.5.23

St Mary’s Salesian v Seniors: 14.10.94 - 10.12.72

Here, there, and everywhere!

Thankfully for the only time in 2024, all four Animals sides are spread across three different grounds as we delve in to the mid-part of the season.

In a fixture “quirk” as well, all four teams will be involved in “overlapping” games, stretching the Animals Family across the metro area.

THIRDS: VS SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS - IAN JOHNSON OVAL 11.40AM

After surviving a scare from an inspired Parkdale side, Coach Checkers has made the sensational decision to bench himself and Jarra Davis ahead of the trip to one of Albert Park’s many grounds.

The infrequently used Ian Johnson Oval will see Will Taylor, statless last week, instead take the opening centre bounce in yet another attempt to counter opposition’s tailored gameplans.

George Burgess, Lachie Hicks, and Ben Kearns for a midfield trio the envy of the division, and will be flanked by the non-stop running of Vinnie Brigante and James Greaves.

Up front, injury returns for the prolific Caden MacDonald and the hard-working Joe Anker see the side boast a potent forward line ready to attack a South Melbourne side which has conceded on average 20 scoring shots in the last 3 weeks.

The bench sees the return of the enigmatic Sam Fernandez, Lachie Port, and Niles Sheridan.

women: vs old carey - carey sports complex 1pm

The peculiar timeslot of 1pm sees the Women travel to the middle of the NELP worksite to take on rivals Old Carey.

A fierce battle at this location last year saw the Animals draw within a goal late before the Panthers kicked two late ones to win, and there is certainly no love lost between the two sides.

Half back flankers Nyari Gryzb and Leesa Guastella move in to the midfield for this clash, a return for Gryzb to the position where in 2022 she ran away with the club B&F title.

The moves see captain Ebony Ratcliffe move to the back flank herself, with Charlotte Norton moving up from a pocket to join her. That move facilitated by the return of Emma Turner to the side.

The game will also be the first as vice-captain for Maddy Mazar, promoted to the role this week due to the season-ending injury to Lilli Fogarty.

reserves: vs st.mary’s salesian - ferndale park 11.40am

A relatively settled two’s side will head down the road to Glen Iris looking to bounce back after last week’s phase out against Melbourne High.

Matt Lewis moves back to the back flank to cover Jack Hernan, allowing Cooper Walter to start on a wing and Sam Barrah to return to the fold after some time away from the club.

Ben Severin is the other main inclusion to the forward line, after missing several weeks with an upper body injury.

seniors: vs st. mary’s salesian - ferndale park 2pm

Minor adjustments made for the late game at Ferndale Park, as the Seniors look to continue their stellar start to the 2024 season, with a win allowing the opportunity for the Animals to go second dependant on other results.

Tom Wales is back in for Sam Davis who sits due to concussion protocol, in the only change to a backline that left Melbourne High marvelling at their resilience and stability last weekend.

Up front, Jon “The Difference” Greensides will look to be just that as he starts this week, with Baxter Newbegin back as well after missing last week’s clash against the Unicorns.

The Animals dropped this fixture the last time they played competitively, but have bested Salesian twice in consecutive pre-season fixtures, and will look to reclaim the “Saints Cup” the two sides previously fought for.

Zoo News: Thrills and spills as day split at Bennettswood

A quadruple-header clean sweep opportunity has gone begging for Wattle Park’s 2024 season after only two round six wins at Bennettswood Reserve on Saturday.

The Thirds kicked off proceedings in the morning, taking down a Parkdale side no doubt rueing some missed opportunities in front of goal, while the Seniors continued their winning ways against MHSOB to win by 22 points. The Reserves didn’t fare so well against their own MHSOB opponents, coughing up a final-break lead. In their second game in a row under lights, the Women were unable to get the win this time against the division’s ladder-leaders. 

A goalless fourth quarter has unfortunately seen the Reserves suffer their third loss of the season as a late-game run of five majors from MHSOB got them home. The better team for arguably the better part of the game, the Animals managed to get on top on the scoreboard in the third term, taking advantage of some miskicking in front of goal by the away side. Unsurprisingly, the midfield work of Harrison Jones saw him top the best players list, while Dan Hill scored three goals. 

Despite kicking 18 behinds, the Seniors kept their noses in front from start to finish to get one back on MHSOB. In the end, a rather comfortable win for a side otherwise known for letting teams back in, the Animals kept their foot on the accelerator until the final siren, slowly increasing the margin at each break. Jonathan “#thedifference” Greensides, who has played in each of the Seniors’ wins and none of their losses this season, kicked one major to join a goalkickers list including Hugh Schaeche, who contributed two of his own. Bailey Hunt was once again named best-on-ground as his ability to be anywhere the ball is continues to impress everyone.

Redemption was earned for the Thirds on the weekend, winning a one-point thriller after the heartbreak of round five’s loss. A clutch mark in the dying moments of the game from Jarra Davis as the scoreboard read 62-62 meant all he needed to do was score something, and score something he did, just. Contested footy followed which allowed the Animals to hold on. With most of the Marmalade contingent leading from the front, including 18 disposals from Davis and two goals from Connor Rogers, it was Lochie Sketcher’s midfield performance that was deemed best-on-ground worthy. 

A battle against the top side was always going to be a tough ask for the Women, who fought hard against Therry Penola for much of the game but were ultimately beaten by a well-drilled side. J Clancy continued their goalkicking ways with a gather in the forward 50 and a nice finish during the second quarter to get the Animals on board, while Ashton Billing once again snuck forward to kick another fourth-term goal for the year. But it was unsurprisingly Maddy Mazar who topped the best players list, her contested work in the backline limiting her tough and physical opponent to just one goal for the game. 

Bennettswood Reserve is empty for round seven as all four teams fly the nest in search of their next win. The Thirds head to Albert Park for an 11:40am start, facing South Melbourne Districts at Ian Johnson Oval, while the Women will battle an old foe in Old Carey when they make the trek to Carey Sports Complex, with an unusual start time of 1pm. The Reserves and the Seniors travel to Ferndale Park, their opponents rather unfamiliar in St Mary’s Salesian at their normal times of 11:40am and 2pm respectively. 

FINAL SCORES - ROUND SIX

Thirds v Parkdale: 9.9.63 - 8.14.62

Reserves v MHSOB: 12.6.78 - 13.11.89

Women v Therry Penola: 2.2.14 - 9.8.62

Seniors v MHSOB: 10.18.78 - 8.8.56

Last quad header of the year sees changes four all sides

Changes up and down the four Animals sides as we head in to our second consecutive and last quad header of the 2024 season.

The revelation of the finals Thirds draw this year means that this will be the last time all four sides are in the same location at consecutive times.

With this, it’s set to be a bumper day of action at Bennettswood Reserve.

THIRDS: VS PARKDALE - BENNETTSWOOD RESERVE at 9.20am

With the promotion of several players down back, it’s a return for Junior Singh, Cam Muratore, and Daniel Thorson to the Thirds side to sure up the back 6, with the departure of Nic Glanville for the rest of the 2024 season set to leave a large gap to fill.

Up front, there’s returns of Cam Dapic and Ben Kearns, as well as Will Taylor moving in to the starting side, whilst Joe Caldow and Riley Srey drop back to the bench.

Vinnie Brigante also comes on to the wing to provide some run to the opposite side of Connor Rogers, who had a stellar opening half last week against Ormond and kicked the opening goal of the game.

WOMEN: VS THERRY PENOLA - BENNETTSWOOD RESERVE AT 4.45PM

A clash with table toppers Therry Penola awaits the Women under the lights for a second consecutive week.

Therry have conceded only 2 goals over their last 3 games, so the return of Rose Kennedy will be a crucial in this weekend to help a forward line ready to cut loose and kick a bag.

The game also sees the debut of Chloe Woolley. Chloe was the first new player down for the 2024 season, and has now become available. She will slot in to the open wing spot in what will be a crucial battle for supremecy down the flanks at Bennettswood.

Down back, Nyari Gryzb moves back to her new position coming off the half back flank in the only change for the back 6.

reserves: vs mhsob - bennettswood reserve at 11.45am

A resounding return to winning ways for the Reserves last week will look to be backed up against the only other side who is 3-2 in the Reserves competition in MHSOB.

Six changes are made from the winning side on Pink Day, with the promotions of Mason Laursen, Nick Rodway, Cooper Walter, Lachie Hicks, Max Warburton, and Louis Fasolino from the Thirds.

Laursen and Rodway slot in to a backline which kept Hawthorn scoreless in the first quarter last weekend, and will look to continue that strong performance.

These moves allow Harrison Jones to move in to the midfield after a stellar performance last week, to bolster what is already a strong unit.

Hicks and Warburton slot in to the forward line to try and crack a MHSOB defence that has not yielded 10 goals since mid April.

SENIORS: VS MHSOB - BENNETTSWOOD RESERVE AT 2PM

The Seniors will look to consolidate their early season form when they take on MHSOB for the first time at Bennettswood since Round 1 2018.

That day, MHSOB ran out comfortable winners, but the two sides have had different fortunes in 2024.

Popular new player Stavros Andronicos makes his senior debut after strong showings in the Reserves to start the season, and is one of four promotions from the Reserves.

Kieran Jenkins, James Moran, Mitch Lamb, and Jacob Glare all make their way up from the twos, with the latter three impressing as well on Pink Day.

Jono “The Difference” Greensides is also back in to the Senior fold after a recent absence, and will look to add so much needed height to the forward line.