The Under 19s celebrated their last win of the home and away season against ladder-leader and premiership favourite Oakleigh to storm into the finals, winning their past nine matches including all sides above them on the ladder.
A victory made much sweeter as the loss took Oakleigh off the top of the ladder, to be replaced by Ormond.
It was a low scoring, tight affair in conditions at the Boss that could only be described as ideal. We kicked with the wind in the first and despite having more of the play and inside 50s we couldn’t trouble the scoreboard and in fact were behind at the break.
In the second, the Crushers took advantage of the wind and banged on a couple more goals to be 14 points up at half time in what had been an arm wrestle. After half time the third quarter was going to be critical. While we had 6 scoring shots to 1 we were still 4 points down and in trouble. Clearly John Cesario’s address at the final break struck a nerve as the Rovers just clicked, 3 goals while keeping the opposition to 1 gave us a 6 point win.
Jack Campion, Tom Fisher and captain Luke Morcom were all dominating their opponents in defence. Hodgy was great through the midfield and brought many players into the game with his unselfish play. Mackie Robertson continued the form that gave him the team of the year selection and gave the forwards many opportunities. Special mentions go to Connor Clarke for his running out of defence, Jandre Olivier for his control of the ruck and young Josh Balleggi whether on the ball or up forward.
Unluckiest player in the comp is Cam Jones. Injured for the last 2 rounds but 10 ahead on the goalkicking ladder you’d reckon he’d be safe? Not so, the Ormond boy kicked 12 in the last 2 rounds to win it by a couple of goals – bad luck Cam.
Next week the Rovers take on De La Salle who we beat by 50 points at our last meeting a month. The match will be played at De La’s home ground – Waverley Oval in East Malvern on Saturday commencing at 9:20am.
HAMPTON ROVERS 0.4 1.6 3.10 6.11 (47)
OAKLEIGH 2.0 4.2 5.2 6.5 (41)
Goal Kickers: C. Jones 2, H. Hodges, R. Fogarty, C. Clarke, M. Robertson
Best Players: T. Fisher, H. Hodges, J. Balleggi, L. Morcom, M. Robertson, J. Campion
