In perfect conditions for footy in the final home game of the year for the Rovers, both sides were playing for pride and also to finish in at least fifth spot on the Premier C table in what was a fast-paced game. For Mazenod, they were playing their last game for the season as they have the bye next week, while for Hampton, there’s the final game of the season next week at Ormond.
Mazenod goaled within the first minute of the game, a deflection on the goal line to land in a Nodders’ hands to just dribble it through. However, the Rovers bounced back and controlled much of the first term. Justin Krok, attempting two mark of the year nominations, but not holding onto them, was lively up forward. 4.6.30 to 1.2.8 in the first term was a solid start, with Speedy, Carnovale (2) and O’Driscoll hitting the scoreboard.
The second term was all out attack by both terms. Lots of pressure around the contest with Carnovale, O’Driscoll, McIntrye and Prosser working overtime, however, both teams had their fair share of momentum. 13 goals between the teams was a good sight for the fans in what was a classic shootout at the Boss. Rovers 7.3 to Mazenod 6.1, with VDS (2), Cogs, Speedy, Krok, Prosser and Beames all hitting the scoreboard.
There was plenty of run on the outside which was pleasing the coaches. Beames, Sharp, Costello and Speedy providing a lot of good ball movement from defence to attack. Disappointingly, Will Walker suffered a minor hamstring injury and was done for the day prior to half time. The Rovers held a 30-point lead at the main break.
The third term saw Mazenod have more control and the Rovers always felt the game was not quite put away. Despite getting out to a 36 point lead early in the third, Mazenod fought back hard, winning clearance after clearance, and some of their key talls taking control of their forward line. This was painful for the coaches to watch as Hampton kicked 1.5 – VDS loving playing up forward, scored the only goal to Mazonod’s 3.2 for the quarter.
The last term was an old fashion Bonney time. Holding a 21 point lead into the final change, the Rovers put the foot down, despite Mazenod kicking the first goal, the leaders stood up in the last.
Carnovale and O’Driscoll took control of the game. Some great ball movement and strong marking by big Liam O’Driscoll was just too much for Mazenod. He was supported by some busy work on the ground by Carny, Hug, Crothers and Perkins and the Rovers forwards were too much for Mazenod, who by now were thinking of 2024. Goals to Cogs, McIntyre, O’Driscoll (2), Carny, Sharp and Krok. The coaches asked for competitiveness throughout the day and that’s what they got!
Rovers move onto Ormond at EE Gunn Reserve for the last game of the season, with Ormond needing to win to stay in Premier C for 2024 and the Rovers looking for victory to rise to fifth spot on the ladder to finish the season.
Hampton Rovers 4.6-30 11.9-75 12.14-86 19.17-131
Mazenod OC 1.2-8 7.3-45 10.5-65 12.8-80
Goal Kickers: L. O’Driscoll 3, M. van der Straaten 3, C. Carnovale 3, J. McPherson 2, M. Coughlin 2, J. Krok 2, L. Sharp, J. Beames, J. Prosser, H. McIntyre
Best Players: C. Carnovale, L. O’Driscoll, J. Krok, L. Costello, J. McPherson, M. van der Straaten
Great to see a solid attendance for the final Home Game Luncheon of the season and the final one in the current social rooms before the redevelopment gets underway. About 85 in attendance for what we think is the 176th Rovers Luncheon in the rooms since they opened back in 2002. Stay tuned for more on the redevelopment and what’s to come in 2024.
RESERVES
In the early game, the top of the ladder Mazenod were far too strong for the Rovers, running out comfortable winners. Great to see Nathan Smith and Dylan Melnjak back after overseas travel.
Hampton Rovers 2.1-13 3.3-21 4.4-28 4.4-28
Mazenod OC 4.2-26 6.6-42 10.12-72 15.18-108
Goal Kickers: N. Smith 2, J. Cookesley, J. Bowditch
Best Players: W. Cowie, J. Bowditch, D. Melnjak, J. Dartnell, D. Osborn, Z. Raghdo
UNDER 19s
A strong win by the Rovers over Old Melburnians to guarantee finals action – sitting third (equal second) ahead of the final round. Big Charles Kilburn is 6 goals clear on top of the U19 Division 1 goal kicking ladder. A great year to make it consecutive wins in the U19s for goalkicking – Will Crawford last year and Charles Kilburn for 2023.
Old Melburnians 2.3-15 4.7-31 5.10-40 8.10-58
Hampton Rovers 3.5-23 5.9-39 9.13-67 13.16-94
Goal Kickers: C. Kilburn 6, L. Coughlin 2, L. Nixon-Smith 2, W. Crawford, W. Rogacki, B. Klingwort
Best Players: J. Keys, W. McPhee, C. Kilburn, L. Coughlin, P. Somogyi
Upcoming Events
Fri 1 Sept – Domino Luncheon, 12pm @ Boss James Reserve
Sat 2 Sept – End of Season Drinks, 7pm @ Boss James Reserve
Fri 6 Oct – Senior Presentation Night, 7pm @ Sandy by the Bay
Sun 15 Oct – Rovers Golf Day, 9am @ Sandy Golf Links
