The Rovers made amends for their defeat to Old Carey earlier in the season, reversing the result to the tune of 47 points to break their nine game winning streak, in cold and wet conditions away from home.
Prior to the bounce you could sense that both sides were fired up for this big top four clash – 2nd v 3rd where the Rovers (3rd) were seeking retribution for the 12-point home loss in round 12. There were a number of changes to the side – in came 2023 B&F Liam O’Driscoll, former AFL player Will Walker, Josh Hudghton from the U19s, Jacob Gray from the Ressies and fan favourite Adrian Hugg.
The game could be summed up by referring to the first three quarters and the final quarter. For three quarters it was hard, tough brutal footy in poor conditions where at times ground was gained as if we were playing rugby – in other words relentless pressure inch by inch. There was clearly a wind advantage but in those first three quarters, neither team really took advantage of it.
Old Carey with the wind in the first gained a small lead by quarter time but that was the only time in the game that they had the lead and even so, looked shaky. They did have a couple of goal kickers in the top 10 in the division but the Rovers back 6 gave them no latitude and they didn’t do any damage on the scoreboard. A great effort by the boys who knuckled down to restrict their scoring opportunities.
Joel Melnjak was playing his usual intercept role and his sure hands in poor conditions where a highlight. Harry Crisp was relentless in his pursuit of his opponent, Tom Ellinghaus was dominating in the ruck and using his substantial height advantage to good effect with some deft taps. Tredders started the game up forward and was holding his marks and had influence after half time in the ruck. From a spectators viewpoint it was hard, visibility was limited.
With the benefit of the wind in the second, the Rovers banged on 4 goals to nil with some great work by Max Coughlin, Corey Jones and Lachy Cairns up forward. Will Crawford was on song and kicked a couple, one when he snapped truly from a big pack and the second in time on when in a coast to coast, he ran 30m with the ball and then with a beautiful kick bounced it through from 55m out.
The third quarter was going to be critical. Hampton had to hold Carey and that’s what eventuated. The pressure Hampton were applying had the opposition on edge. The lead should have been bigger at the final break but Carey just kept banging in optimistic snaps for goals to keep the margin less than a goal.
The Rovers were kicking towards the scoring end in the final quarter and started with a flurry of behinds, but when Liam O’Driscoll kicked perfectly from the boundary after a desperate Carey clearance went OOB on the full, the complexion of the game changed. The Rovers kicked 5 goals in less than 10 minutes to put the game away and it was only appropriate that the last goal at the 31 minute mark was kicked by Will Crawford from a bullet pass from Tredders.
Next up, the Rovers return to Trevor Barker Oval for their second last home game of 2024 – hosting Monash Blues. Book now for the Home Game Luncheon.
Old Carey: 2.2, 2.5, 5.11, 5.12 (42)
Hampton Rovers: 0.4, 4.6, 6.8, 13.11 (89)
GOALS: W. Crawford 4, L. Cairns 3, W. Walker 2, M. Coughlin 1, C. Perkins 1, L. O’Driscoll 1, C. Carnovale 1
BEST: W. Crawford, M. Coughlin, C. Carnovale, L. Cairns, C. Jones, H. Crisp
SENIOR WOMEN
In a thrilling showdown against Hawthorn, the Rovers Women’s team showcased their resilience and determination, emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle. Trailing by 7 points at halftime, the Rovers surged ahead in the final term, thanks to their relentless effort and strategic coaching. Hawthorn, with their revamped midfield and forward lineup, had the early momentum aided by the wind.
Despite the wet and muddy conditions, the Rovers maintained their execution and composure. Hard tackling and effective handballs out wide were key in advancing the ball. Even with several players unavailable due to travel and illness, and the loss of Amber for the season (love to Amber), the team welcomed back Tash, Alana, Maegen, Greta, U18s Matilda Brown and Zoe, and U16s Isla and Zara.
We managed to kick a couple of goals against the wind, with Tash and Lizzie dominating the play. A standout moment was 15-year-old Isla Tucker’s fantastic pack mark in the goal square. In the second quarter, the wind shifted and blew straight across the ground, aiding Hawthorn’s strong defense as they protected their lead and extended it by halftime.
Millie was a star, kicking a crucial goal and fulfilling her role with precision. Maegen was a reliable target throughout the match, while Lizzie’s ability to run and carry the ball significantly contributed to the team’s success. Tash was omnipresent, consistently getting her hands on the ball, and Mandy’s versatility allowed her to excel in multiple positions, attacking the ball with vigor. The game was particularly special for Bella Cameron, our skipper, who celebrated her 50th game with yet another stellar performance. Alana’s winning ruck contests swung the momentum with the help of Bree and Zara to continue with the forward momentum. Isla, our young gun, once again dominated the field, reinforcing her growing reputation.
Hayley led the backline magnificently. Our relentless attacks on the footy and hard running eventually wore Hawthorn down. Sadie’s improvement was evident today, as she demonstrated her progress with numerous touches and kicks. By three-quarter time, we had the lead. The final message was to lift for BC in what was a great last quarter of footy by both teams. We managed to hang on for a two-goal win. In the end, the Rovers’ ability to rise to the occasion and execute their game plan in challenging conditions led them to a well-deserved victory.
The highlight of the day was Lizzie’s unbelievable goal of the year—winning a contested ball on the wing, breaking two tackles, sprinting out of the pack, taking four bounces in the rain, and bouncing a goal through from 50 meters.
Hawthorn: 2.1, 3.1, 3.1, 3.2 (20)
Hampton Rovers: 2.0, 2.0, 4.1, 5.3 (33)
GOALS: Hampton Rovers Senior Womens: I. Tucker 2, M. Miller 1, M. Smith 1, L. Dingeldei 1
BEST: I. Tucker, L. Dingeldei, N. morris, I. Cameron, M. Naylor, A. Graham
RESERVES
A comprehensive victory by the Men’s Reserves against the third-placed Old Carey, to come within one win of the Panthers and two games and a healthy percentage clear of fifth.
Old Carey: 1.0, 1.0, 2.2, 2.2 (14)
Hampton Rovers: 2.2, 8.5, 8.8, 12.12 (84)
GOALS: Hampton Rovers Reserve Mens: N. Jackson 4, A. Woolston 3, R. Leslie 2, T. Goldsmith 1, B. Deighton 1, J. Bowditch 1
BEST: Hampton Rovers Reserve Mens: H. Twigg, C. Carmeni, R. Leslie, J. Bowditch, D. Osborn, J. Wilson
UNDER 19s
A solid win by the Rovers Under 19’s over rivals Old Xaverians at Boss James Reserve as the boys charge towards the finals series. The skipper was on fire in front of goals, booting six majors.
Hampton Rovers: 2.5, 6.9, 11.11, 14.17 (101)
Old Xaverians 2: 1.1, 3.3, 5.6, 8.6 (54)
GOALS: Hampton Rovers U19 Mens: C. Kilburn 6, W. Rogacki 3, J. Grima 2, B. Mcgurgan 1, N. Astill 1, B. Seddon 1
BEST: Hampton Rovers U19 Mens: C. Kilburn, K. Carrigan, B. Mcgurgan, S. Somogyi, L. Coughlin
DEVELOPMENT/THIRDS
The Rovers couldn’t get the job done against the more fancied De La Salle, but Saturday was all about club legend Steve Anderson who ran out for his 500th club game for the Rovers (more than 350 of them in the VAFA. Ando played with his two sons – Ollie and Nick – who chaired off their dad following the game. Great scenes and an amazing milestone – congrats Ando!
Hampton Rovers: 2.0, 3.1, 4.1, 4.1 (25)
De La Salle: 1.2, 5.6, 5.10, 9.14 (68)
GOALS: Hampton Rovers Thirds Mens: S. Anderson 2, T. Folino 1, D. Merlo 1
BEST: Hampton Rovers Thirds Mens: M. Dixon, O. Anderson, D. Merlo, S. Horigan, C. Ellison, S. Anderson
