Hampton Rovers have enjoyed a big day on and off the field in their first home game of the 2026 season, highlighted by a dominant victory over arch-rivals Ormond in front of a large ANZAC Day crowd at Boss James Reserve.
In a fitting performance on a special occasion, the seniors ran out 22.14 (146) to 14.7 (91) winners to retain the Buxton Cup, with Zach Ziesing awarded the Barnes Medal for best on ground. William Crawford led the way up forward with six goals, while Charles Kilburn and Tommy Keyte each added three in a strong team performance.
The day began with a moving on-ground ANZAC Day ceremony in conjunction with the Hampton RSL, setting the tone for what was a fantastic atmosphere across the club. Off the field, the first Home Game Luncheon of the season was a sell-out, with 126 guests in attendance inside the Wright-Scarlett Pavilion.
With strong performances also coming from the Reserves, Under 19s and Thirds in the opening rounds, there is growing momentum across the club.
Senior Men
The senior side delivered a strong 55-point win over arch-rivals Ormond, 22.14 (146) to 14.7 (91), to retain the Buxton Cup.
The Rovers made an outstanding start, kicking seven goals in the opening term to open up a commanding lead with the breeze. William Crawford was in excellent form early, kicking three first-quarter goals, while Jake Grima, Josh McPherson, Charles Kilburn and Luke Boccari all contributed with clever finishes.
Holding a 40-point lead early in the second quarter, the game appeared under control before Ormond responded sharply, kicking a run of goals in quick succession to wipe out the margin and reduce the lead to just eight points at half time.
At the main break, the focus shifted to composure and structure, and the response in the third quarter was decisive. The Rovers kicked six goals before Ormond could respond, restoring a significant buffer and regaining control of the contest.
The final quarter saw the back six stand strong, limiting Ormond’s scoring opportunities and preventing any repeat of the second-quarter surge. Key goals from Crawford and Kilburn from long range sealed the result, with the Rovers running out convincing winners.
Zach Ziesing was outstanding and awarded the Barnes Medal for best on ground, while Crawford finished with six goals in a dominant performance up forward. It was also a special day for Josh McPherson, who played his 150th VAFA game for the club.
A number of players new to senior football this season continued to impress, including Tommy Keyte, Leo Carman, Jake Grima, Ben Klingwort, Luke Boccari and first-gamer Toby Clarkson.
Hampton Rovers 7.6 9.8 19.12 22.14 (146)
Ormond 1.2 8.6 10.7 14.7 (91)
Goals: William Crawford 6, Charles Kilburn 3, Tommy Keyte 3, Corey Jones 2, Joshua McPherson 2, Ben Seddon, Jake Grima, Joel Melnjak, Josh Hudghton, Lui Coughlin, Luke Boccari
Best: Zachary Ziesing, Lui Coughlin, Joel Melnjak, Leo Carman, William Crawford, Josh Hudghton
Senior Women
The Senior Women went down narrowly to MCC FC in a tightly contested match, 4.4 (28) to 4.9 (33), after leading for much of the day.
In warm and blustery conditions at Castlefield Reserve, the Rovers showed strong composure and game awareness, particularly through the midfield. Lily Boersma was a standout with a breakout performance, kicking two goals in a lively display.
The Rovers played disciplined football, working the ball to the preferred side of the ground and limiting MCC’s ability to use the open side. Matilda Brown and Olive Tuppen were tireless through the midfield, while Daisy Ward impressed in the ruck with a strong work rate throughout the match.
Despite controlling large periods of play, the Rovers were unable to convert that dominance fully onto the scoreboard. MCC FC were able to take advantage late in the game, kicking the decisive goal in the closing stages to edge in front.
While the result was disappointing, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, particularly the team’s ability to compete strongly across all four quarters.
Hampton Rovers 4.4 (28)
MCC FC 4.9 (33)
Goals: Lily Boersma 2, Amelia Everton-Wilson, Maegan Miller
Best: Matilda Brown, Holly Finlay, Maegan Miller, Olive Tuppen, Elissa Mori, Ava Jenkins
Reserves
The Reserves continued their strong early-season form with a comfortable 10.9 (69) to 6.4 (40) win over Ormond.
The Rovers controlled the game for the majority of the match, gradually extending their lead across four quarters. The side has shown clear improvement from last season, with greater consistency, stronger structures and improved forward efficiency evident in the opening rounds.
Historically, Ormond have been difficult to overcome at Reserves level regardless of senior results, making this result particularly pleasing following strong performances in both the practice match and Round 2.
Hampton Rovers 3.3 6.5 10.8 10.9 (69)
Ormond 1.0 2.2 3.2 6.4 (40)
Goals: Not available
Best: Alex Barton, Jake Klinkhamer, Ryan Leslie, Lucas Sharp, Jack Cookesley, Scott Ebbott
Under 19s
The Under 19s delivered a dominant performance to defeat South Melbourne, 33.36 (234) to 1.2 (8).
The Rovers controlled the match from the outset, generating consistent scoring opportunities and applying strong pressure across the ground. The forward line was particularly effective, with Benjamin Celantano kicking six goals and Charlie Steen adding five in an impressive display.
Hampton Rovers 5.6 16.15 24.23 33.36 (234)
South Melbourne 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 (8)
Goals: Benjamin Celantano 6, Charlie Steen 5, Cruz Giovannini 3, Kaden Khanbashi 3, Lachlan Strahan 3, Campbell Hardie 2, Fletcher Ockerby 2, Harry Ockerby 2, Joshua Haines 2, William Boyd-Turner 2, Ethan Hamilton, Massimo Champness, Taylor Dowe
Best: Charlie Steen, Benjamin Celantano, Harry Ockerby, Hamish Costello, Lachlan Strahan
Thirds
The Thirds continued their excellent start to the season with a commanding 25.15 (165) to 7.6 (48) win over Parkdale Vultures.
After trailing early, the Rovers took control of the contest with a dominant second half, piling on goals across the ground. Mitchell Hall led the way with eight goals, well supported by Darcy Merlo with four and strong contributions from a number of players.
Hampton Rovers 2.4 9.10 16.11 25.15 (165)
Parkdale Vultures 4.3 5.6 6.6 7.6 (48)
Goals: Mitchell Hall 8, Darcy Merlo 4, Jonas Eccles 3, Mohamed Labib 3, Wilbur Derham 2, Angus Zufic, Hudson Thompson, James Bull, James Young, Rupert Hunt
Best: Darcy Merlo, Lucas Civitarese, Angus Zufic, Jonas Eccles, Mohamed Labib, Mitchell Hall
Next up
The Seniors host Fitzroy in the second of three consecutive home games at Boss James Reserve this Saturday. Bookings are now open for the Home Game Luncheon. View full fixture information here.
