SENIORS v HAMPTON ROVERS 11.15-81 def. 11.11-77 The Seniors were up for a tough challenge on Saturday, heading out to Boss James Reserve to take on ladder leaders Hampton on a very windy afternoon. It was the first games for Riley Bochel, Tynan Brazionis and Jordan McGillivray, and the team was without our Captain Sammy and Vice-Captain Alex. The first quarter was tight, with multiple scoring opportunities but unable to convert adequately on either side. The second quarter was back-and-forth, as both teams started kicking majors, but unfortunately injuries struck the panthers. By half time, we were two players down on the bench, and needing to put men in different positions to overcome the player deficiency. Trailing by 15 points at three-quarter time, Hampton came out with an early goal in the last quarter. However, we responded by kicking the next five. It was a tight last few minutes on the field, as Hampton kept pushing back, but the OMs held out and clocked the win by four points. Florent was easily the best performer, earning him the VAFA Rising Star Award for Round 6. Oliver and Edgeworth had massive games down back, ensuring Hampton couldn't kick any late goals. McCarthy and Conlon on the wings also had outstanding games. It's rewarding to see the team chemistry and trust building, culminating in a fantastic win that felt almost like a final. Great show-out by our Panthers supporters as well, as we look forward to hosting Old Ivanhoe in another must-win game this Saturday. Goal Kickers: A. Grant 2, S. Roberts 2, T. Morecroft, D. Brown, T. McCarthy, L. Haig, K. Conlon, J. McKinnon, J. Florent Best Players: J. Florent, L. Oliver, T. McCarthy, K. Conlon, J. Gorman, S. Harris RESERVES v HAMPTON ROVERS 7.4-46 def. by 25.12-162 With a long list of injury & unavailable players, a short trip to Hampton was probably a blessing. Starts haven't been our strong point so far this season, so being in front with three goals on the board at quarter time was impressive. Lack of rotations available and some genuine ones players in the Hampton side made it difficult for our boys to keep up the pressure, and playing against the breeze proved our downfall, conceding plenty of goals during those quarters. Overall, you sometimes learn more by big losses than the smaller margins, and we learnt a bit about our boys. They do not give up, they crack in & play for the jumper every single week, which they need to be commended for. Hopefully over the next few weeks we can start to strengthen our list a little more, get some players back & register a win. Goal Kickers: D. Heverin 2, H. Ferdinand, T. Vear, M. Myers-Snyders, E. Tait, A. Martin Best Players: C. Dawes, E. Tait, T. Vear, D. Heverin, B. Thompson U19s v AQUINAS 5.7-37 def. by 6.16-52 The 19s ventured out to Aquinas for a top of the ladder clash, with both sides undefeated. The weather was freezing and the hail pre-game was unpleasant, especially when we were forced out of the away change rooms due to an electrical fault. The lads started very well kicking with a stiff wind in the first quarter. Austin Parker lead from the front, assisted by the consistent Jacob Tinker. The second quarter saw OMs defense under constant attack. The back six worked tirelessly, repelling the constant Aquinas forward entries. Max Tulloch and Jack Williams putting in some Herculean efforts. The third quarter the OMs didn’t capitalise as much as we would have liked. A captains goal lifted efforts however couldn’t get enough to go into the last quarter. The last quarter we were down to 1 on the bench, and some players doing their best on one leg. Aquinas kicked away in the last quarter. Finlay McKinnon was outstanding throughout the game, having the ball on a string and having a devastating impact around the contest. Although our first loss for the season, the lads take a lot of confidence from the game and look forward to another block buster on the return game. Goal Kickers: J. Tinker 2, J. Williams, A. Parker, L. Nott Best Players: F. McKinnon, M. Tulloch, J. Tinker, A. Parker, J. Williams, D. Rimanic WOMENS v HAWTHORN 6.12-48 def. 0.2-2 Saturday's match was an awesome team effort against the top of the ladder Hawks, with a 46 point win which has left the Women's team just outside the Top 4 on percentage and full of confidence with 8 rounds to go. This week's performance was a true team effort in soggy conditions with occasional hail. We named our strongest line up the year, and once again our veterans lead the way and our younger players thrived under their leadership. We played in front, looked for first options and adapted better in the wet conditions. Sammy Kerr had yet another dominating performance in the Ruck, Lotus looked dangerous in the mid-field all day, Lauren was courageous and unfortunately has a shiner to boot, and Tess played an awesome game at CHF. The women are looking forward to another away game this Saturday, hoping to secure a win for a fantastic milestone - Jesse Hamill's 50th game. The first woman to reach 50 games for the club, Jesse is the epitome of a team player who leaves no stone unturned in her training & preparation and is thoroughly deserving of this recognition. Goal Kickers: J. Smith-Love 2, M. Maitland 2, L. Myers-Snyders, L. Jeffs Best Players: S. Kerr, L. Myers-Snyders, Z. O'Hara, L. Jeffs, C. Scott