Hampton Rovers have opened the 2026 season in outstanding fashion, with all five senior teams recording wins in Round 1, including the club’s first senior men’s victory in 580 days.
The Seniors produced a strong 27-point win over Old Peninsula at Mt Eliza, overcoming a mid-game challenge to finish strongly in the final quarter.
When both sides took the field, Old Peninsula appeared to have the size advantage, with a number of bigger bodies across the ground following their premiership and promotion from Division 1. The opening quarter was played at a frenetic pace, with goals to Liam O’Driscoll, Joshua McPherson and Will Crawford keeping the Rovers in the contest. The forward line was active, although both sides’ forwards received limited protection, with heavy physical pressure applied inside 50.
The revised backline held up well early, with Jacob Gray at full back and James Keys in the pocket repelling a number of Old Peninsula forward entries.
The second quarter began positively with an early goal, before Old Peninsula took control for a 10-minute period, kicking five consecutive goals to open up a three-goal lead. With extended quarters providing time to respond, the Rovers steadied through goals to McPherson, Corey Jones and Dan Hall to reduce the margin to just one point at half time.
Zac Ziesing grew into the game in the ruck, adjusting to the new rules before going on to dominate the contest. His influence was evident, with Old Peninsula’s ruck opponent often opting to rove his taps rather than contest directly.
There was concern just before half time when the skipper left the ground with an injury, having entered the match under an injury cloud and unable to see it out.
The third quarter developed into an arm wrestle, with both sides trading goals. A long-range goal from Kai Carrigan and a strong running finish from Lachlan Costello were highlights, although the Rovers led by just nine points at the final break, having missed opportunities through turnovers and skill errors.
The breakthrough came midway through the final quarter, with the Rovers lifting their intensity. McPherson added to his tally to finish with six goals, while Crawford imposed himself on the contest late, kicking three final-quarter goals. Costello continued his strong running game to finish with two goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Joel Melnjak provided leadership across the backline, while Angus Aujard was solid in defence. New additions including Lui Coughlin, Luke Boccari and Josh Hughton all contributed at important moments.
One of the standout plays of the match came in the final quarter, when Jamie Delaney, starting several metres behind his opponent on the wing, sprinted past to collect the ball and delivered a precise pass to Corey Jones, highlighting the side’s speed and transition play.
Hampton Rovers 3.4 7.6 11.9 17.12 (114)
Old Peninsula 2.3 7.5 10.6 13.9 (87)
Goals: Joshua McPherson 6, William Crawford 4, Liam O’Driscoll 2, Lachlan Costello 2, Kai Carrigan, Corey Jones, Dan Hall
Best: Lachlan Costello, Joshua McPherson, Dan Hall, James Keys, Jacob Gray, Zachary Ziesing
Senior Women
The Senior Women opened their season with a strong win over Beaumaris, overcoming a slow start to take control of the match.
After trailing early, the side responded in the second quarter before producing their best football in the third to take the lead. Despite tiring late, the team maintained strong defensive pressure to secure the result.
Seven debutantes and four Under 18 graduates featured in an encouraging first-up performance.
Hampton Rovers 0.0 2.4 5.5 5.5 (35)
Beaumaris 2.1 3.1 3.2 4.5 (29)
Goals: Maegan Miller 2, Grace Bonanno 2, Kera Galaminda Gellar
Best: Olivia Muller, Mandy Naylor, Olive Tuppen, Greta Robertson, Bianca Lenarcic
Reserves
The Reserves set the tone for the day with a dominant 163-point win over Old Peninsula, restricting their opponents to just a single point. The Rovers percentage currently sits at 16400 percent!
Jake Klinkhamer kicked five goals, with Jake Grima also prominent with four, while a mix of senior players and emerging talent controlled the game throughout.
Hampton Rovers 7.4 11.8 16.16 24.20 (164)
Old Peninsula 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 (1)
Goals: Jake Klinkhamer 5, Jake Grima 4, Andrew Woolston 3, Liam Menhennitt 3, Adrian Hug 2, Cooper Becker-Valles 2, Private Player 2, Ryan Leslie, Oscar Donald, Lucas Sharp
Best: Jake Grima, Ben Klingwort, Jake Klinkhamer, Private Player, Bailey White, Mitchell Gathercole
Thirds
The Thirds opened their season with a strong win over Ormond, running out 49-point winners in a solid team performance with a number of new players contributing.
Hampton Rovers 5.2 6.3 9.4 14.10 (94)
Ormond 1.3 2.7 4.9 6.9 (45)
Goals: Eliot Jurdukian 3, Mohamed Labib 2, Marco Giampa, Mitchell Hall, Jeremy Cormick, Oliver Bennett, Campbell Bennett, John Ilias, James Young, Marc Le Miere, Daniel McCoy
Best: Louie Morgan, Adam Oulton, Kai Baker Hill, Flynn Tiley, Joshua Gomo, Andrew Yaksich
Under 19s
The Under 19s delivered a dominant performance, defeating Williamstown CYMS by 197 points in an emphatic start to the season.
Hampton Rovers 33.18 (216)
Williamstown CYMS 3.1 (19)
Goals: Felix Iacovantuono 6, Charlie Steen 4, Benjamin Celantano 4, Kaden Khanbashi 4, Angus Gunn 3, Massimo Champness 2, Dean Hadjikakou 2, Thomas Molz 2, Harry Ockerby, Zach Newton, Valentino Montebelli, Angus Zufic, Taylor Dowe, Gideon Ziesing
Best: Felix Iacovantuono, Massimo Champness, Tobias Green, Harry Ockerby, Will Blackham
It was a standout opening weekend for the club, with all five senior teams recording victories, highlighted by the Reserves’ 163-point win and the Under 19s’ 197-point result.
With grading still to take effect across some competitions, the coming weeks will provide a clearer indication of how each side is placed in 2026.
Attention now turns to next Saturday’s home clash against Ormond at Boss James Reserve, which will also feature the club’s traditional ANZAC Day service and first home game lunch of the season – bookings are now open.
Show your support for the Rovers in 2026 and purchase a Club Membership.
