What a weekend – a combination of the good and the bad – as the Rovers put in their best performance of the year but went down to Old Melburnians by a few goals at Elsternwick Park.
On the good side we had Josh McPherson return to his favourite spot at full forward in the seniors and bang on 7 goals in a BOG performance for the ages. It was reminiscent of his last big haul in the previous decade when he went berserk prior to a holiday departure overseas! On the disappointing side was the announcement that senior coach for the last two years Marty Pask was retiring at the end of the season. After 26 years in the footy system and 14 as a senior coach, he’s decided to step back and have some relief from the pressures of coaching and he will be sorely missed. Certainly, a big dipper ride after the joys of 2024 and then the crushing weight of injuries cruelled the 2025 season.
Again on the good side was the best performance of the seniors for the year. Against a strong Old Melburnians side we looked like a bunch of kids taking on old veterans. Yet, at the 18 minute mark of the first quarter we were leading 5.1 to no score! A great display by a combination of old and young players who had the OMs in trouble. Still by quarter time OMs had reduced the margin to one goal. Not to be overcome the boys fought on after half time to go down by 20 points. On the bad side, the Rovers were on the receiving end of some questionable umpiring calls which led to OMs goals. The final free-kick count was 15-21 according to the Premier Data stats. While the Rovers came back in the later part of the last term, we couldn’t bridge the gap.
Those of you who follow the results will have noted a consistency in our best players in the last 2-3 weeks. The skipper is in top form and was heavily tagged yet again, big Zac Ziesing has been in top form in the ruck, Lachy Costello must just about have a mortgage on the B&F on his form this year, Owen Bater, only 18 but playing with the maturity of a veteran has been sensational (and named this weeks VAFA Rising Star – read more here) as have the host of other youngsters in Ollie Sutherland, Harry Block, the Seddon brothers, Cohen Friend and all of the other 8 players who are playing their first year in the seniors. So many positives to take from the performance, with two games remaining, starting with Caulfield away this week. You can watch the full replay from Saturday’s game below.
OM 5.2 8.4 10.7 16.10 106
HR 6.1 8.2 10.5 13.8 86
Best Josh McPherson, Christian Carnovale, Lachie Costello, Owen Bater, Ollie Sutherland, Zac Ziesing, Corey Jones
Goals Josh McPherson 7, Christian Carnovale 1, Lachie Costello 1, Joel Melnjak 1, Liam O’Driscoll 1, Oliver Horigan 1, Cohen Friend 1
Senior Women
The Rovers Senior Women took on a loaded Old Haileybury side at the college at Keysborough in what was the final game of the season. It was close all day and really it was a toss of the dice to see who would come out on top. I think the difference was that OH had 2 guns (one big) who dominated all day and probably were the difference on the score board. The Rovers could hold their heads high. With veterans Shae, Bryanna, the two Hollies, Greta and Maegan using their experience and newer players in Olivia, Grace and all of those youngsters improving with each game the team looks good for next season. Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention those unavailable on Saturday included 100 gamer Mandy, former captain Hayley, and award winners from 2024 in Tash, Tayla and of course Kera.
OH 2.2 3.3 5.4 6.5 41
HR 2.0 3.1 3.3 4.4 28
Best Hollie Brodribb, Shae Raymond, Maegan Miller, Bryanna Arnold, Olivia Muller, Grace Bracken
Goals Maegan Miller 1, Madeline Pearson 1, Amber Price 1, Hollie Brodribb 1
Men’s Reserves
OM 3.1 7.5 10.7. 13.10 88
HR 0.2 1.3 4.6 5.6 36
Best Damon O’Shea, Ryan Leslie, Scott Ebbott, Sam Horigan, James Bull, Darcy Lyon
Goals James Bull 2, Scott Ebbott 1, Nic Assirvaden 1, Darcy Merlo 1
Under 19s
I heard that it was a very emotional day at the Boss on Saturday as coach Paul Carrigan coached his final game as Under 19 coach. The boys didn’t let him down and in an inspired performance crushed Parkside in a dominating display. When you consider the injuries they have had during the year and the players that have been elevated to the seniors due to injuries in that side it has been an amazing season by both players and coach. A great way for the boys to finish off their 2025 season.
HR 5.3 8.6 11.8 15.10 100
Park 3.1 4.2 6.7 8.14 62
Best Harry Ockerby, Gideon Ziesing, Stef Somogyi, Charlie Steen, Spencer Hawkins
Goals Angus Zufic 4, Gideon Ziesing 2, Spencer Hawkins 2, Nick Karamitos 1, Charlie Steen 1, Lucas Civitarese 1, Harvey McConkey 1, Harry Ockerby 1, Stef Somogyi 1
THIS FRIDAY: The 2025 Domino Lunch is on at the club. While bookings have officially closed, there may be a few seats available if you’re still keen to attend – speak with the President or Steve Johnston.
NEXT SATURDAY: The Seniors and Reserves take on Caulfield Grammarians at Glenhuntly Park next to Caulfield Racecourse.
FINAL ROUND – AUGUST 23 – FINAL HOME GAME LUNCHEON OF 2025 vs OLD IVANHOE
We want this to be big as it is our last game in Premier B in 2025. We hope that all parents of the senior players, members and supporters make the effort to book and be there for lunch with the option of watching the game from the comfort of the Wright-Scarlett Pavilion or outside depending on the weather! The lunch cost is only $40 for what is universally agreed is the best lunch value in the Ammos. Bookings online here or through the President.
