The Seniors went down to Old Mentonians while the Reserves finished with a win on Saturday. Earlier in the day, the Under 19 Two’s won their final to advance to the Preliminary Final.
With the Rovers fate already sealed going into Saturday’s final round clash at the Keysborough Playing Fields, Old Mentonians had to win and rely on other results to have any chance of making the finals. While it was the home side of recorded a 28-point win, Williamstown CYMS won their clash to claim fourth spot in Premier C.
Hampton started the game in good form. Benji Audige was winning in the ruck, young Ant Folino buzzing around the forward line popped through a goal in the first couple of minutes. CHF Campbell Hetherington then, after a good lead and mark kicked truly. At the break though, Mentone had a four goal lead, kicking 6.5 to our 2.6.
In the second quarter, favoured slightly by the cross breeze, the Rovers again kicked inaccurately – 1.6 to 3.1 and Mentone went into the main break with a 30 point advantage. Roland DeBiase was playing a blinder and his running, blocking and general bullocking work around the packs were a treat. Of course, he missed his partner in the middle, skipper Christian Carnovale, who had been ravaged by a lurgy and, while at the ground, was in no condition to play. Sam Bradford with a roaming commission up forward was in the play and dangerous around goals – he ended the day with four majors.
The third quarter was a bit of a procession. Hampton had the majority of the play, the OMs would steal and intercept and in a flash would score. As the quarter progressed it was getting dark both on and off the ground. Still the boys were putting in the effort. James Prosser, always with his opponent never gave him room to move. Josh Pavlou, at full back, battled hard but sometimes the slick ball movement forward gave him little chance. Stalwarts in Cowboy McNeil and Leigh Fletcher were steadying influences down back.
The final quarter could have got ugly for the Rovers, but to the boy’s credit, this didn’t eventuate. A goal to Luke Verma within a minute, followed a few minutes later by another when Nick Pavlou took a mark over the Mentone ruckman and kicked truly from 45m. Harry Crisp, in his second game, was settling into the pace and kicked a fine goal from a great pickup from the boundary throw in. The Rovers’ confidence grew, and there were a number of great passages of play where we moved the ball from end to end and often just missed out on the major score. Scotty Ebbott, in his first game in the seniors, looked comfortable. His running and second and third efforts were fantastic and I’m sure we’ll see him line up in the seniors for the first game of season 2018. A highlight was at the 30 minute mark of the last quarter when Adam Schaeke, turned on the after burners and ran away from his opponent and put the pass into the path of CHB Luke DeVille, who’d been given a run up forward, plucked the mark. Now, Luke has an unusual kicking style but it is effective and he kicked accurately for his first goal of 2017 with a couple of minutes remaining in the season! The quarter finished with goals to Sam Bradford and Nick Pavlou after a great pass from Oscar Roberts.
Credit to Anthony Quon on an outstanding effort as senior coach since taking over the role after round 10. The Rovers must now re-group, put in a big pre-season and strive to have a successful 2018 in Division 1 of the VAFA. The playing group need to look back just to 2013 when the club last played in this section and had a most successful season.
HAMPTON ROVERS 2.6 3.11 5.13 12.16 (88)
OLD MENTONIANS 6.5 9.7 13.10 17.14 (116)
Goal Kickers: S. Bradford 4, N. Pavlou 2, C. Hetherington 2, L. Verma, A. Folino, H. Crisp, L. Deville
Best Players: R. De Biase, S. Bradford, L. Deville, A. Folino, L. Verma, J. Prosser
The Reserves finished the season on a high, defeating Old Mentonians by 27 points. With leading goal kicker Ash Fisher missing from the line-up, Nick Jackson kicked five with Shem Curry and Tim Jones both kicking four majors.
Tim Jones had three goals on the board by quarter time and was dominating through the centre and his run and carry continued for the full four quarters. Shem Curry put in another fine game in the midfield. Ben Theodore was clearly on top in the ruck. Lynchy, as he has been all year has been great a CHB, Nahas just keeps running week in week out driving the ball forward. Adam Power still has that ability to get the ball and deliver it well.
Some things just don’t change. Jewelly was sent off again – how many times this year? Steph “Big Head” Constantinou’s retirement was announced by injured skipper Daniel Anderson – only problem was that Stef didn’t know about it!
A strong win to finish off the season and credit must go to Anton Duddy who has been a revelation as coach this year. His encouragement of his players, tactics on game days and ability to get the best out of a bunch who don’t necessarily hit the track that often has been terrific, and to finish in 5th spot was a great end for the season.
Sam Care’s Under 19 Two’s took on Oakleigh in the Semi Final at Scammell Reserve and recorded a big 46-point victory to advance to the Preliminary Final this Sunday.
It was a tough, hard first quarter against the traditional rivals at their home ground. Battling against the wind in the first quarter, the coach knew that if we could hold the opposition he was confident we could run over them in the second. In a brilliant move, Corey Jones was given the swing man role and he played it to perfection. A great display from someone who has spent most of the year up forward.
Hampton held them out and with the benefit of the breeze, banged on five goals to go into half time with a handy 19 point lead. Dylan Melnjak was in form up forward and providing a good target for our mids and finished the day with three goals. Brother Joel was similarly lively and providing options around the ground. Ash Hoar was a rock in defence and when released by the coach forward for a short time, managed to slot his only goal for the year – in one of his rare opportunities! All in all, the backs put in great games. Cam Cullis and Jono Aikens had their opponents’ measure while Sam Raghdo was great at half back as was Sam Callaghan who was given the job on Oakleigh’s prime mover and simply put him out of the game – figuratively and literally! That other redhead Magnus Anderson put in a blinder. He dominated the ruck all day and the coach praised his second and third efforts around the ground. Jack Daley, coming into form at the right end of the season, was busy in the middle and provided plenty of drive forward.
The coach was over the moon – first finals win in his short career and he was well pleased with the four quarter effort of the boys, particularly against the wind where the boys kept the opposition to just seven scoring shots – a great effort!
This Sunday, the Rovers are up against top side Old Camberwell in another do or die effort. The match kicks-off at 9:20am at Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick Park. We encourage all supporters to get along and cheer on the boys as they play for a spot in the Grand Final!
Senior Presentation Night will be held on Thursday 28th September at the Sandringham Yacht Club. We invite all players, families & supporters – book your tickets online now >
