Hampton Rovers faced a strong test in Round 3, with Fitzroy proving too strong across the day, although there were positive signs across the board including another dominant performance from the Under 19s.
Off the field, more than 60 guests attended the second Home Game Luncheon of the season at Boss James Reserve, continuing a strong start to 2026, while attention now turns to next week’s Women’s Luncheon which is expected to attract a big crowd.
Senior Men
The senior men were defeated by an in-form Fitzroy side, 11.7 (73) to 18.14 (122), in what was a competitive contest for much of the afternoon.
The Rovers started strongly and were able to match Fitzroy early, with goals to Josh Hudghton, Corey Jones, Tommy Keyte and Benjamin Crothers helping keep the scores tight throughout the opening term. Despite Fitzroy edging ahead late, the Rovers remained well in the contest at quarter time. There was a setback for the Rovers early in the game with Adrian Hug forced from the field following heavy contact with the ground – we wish Huggy a speedy recovery.
Fitzroy began to gain the ascendancy in the second term, kicking a run of goals to open up a buffer, although the Rovers responded through Corey Jones and William Crawford to stay within reach at the main break.
After half time, Fitzroy again extended the margin early in the third, pushing the lead beyond five goals. However, the Rovers produced their best football of the day with a strong run of four unanswered goals. Corey Jones was instrumental during this period in his 300th club game, kicking multiple goals, while Crothers, Crawford and Harry Ockerby also contributed as the margin was reduced to just eight points and the momentum swung.
Unfortunately for the Rovers, Fitzroy steadied late in the quarter and took control in the final term, kicking away to secure a 49-point win.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for the Rovers, particularly given a number of senior players were unavailable, with a young side showing strong effort and competitiveness against one of the competition’s early premiership favourites.
Hampton Rovers 4.4 6.6 11.7 11.7 (73)
Fitzroy 5.2 10.2 14.8 18.14 (122)
Goals: Corey Jones 4, Benjamin Crothers 2, William Crawford 2, Harry Ockerby, Josh Hudghton, Tommy Keyte
Best: Lui Coughlin, Josh Hudghton, Corey Jones, Zachary Ziesing, James Keys, Tommy Keyte
Senior Women
The Senior Women were defeated by UHS-VU, 2.3 (15) to 5.9 (39), in a competitive early Saturday morning contest at Brens Oval in Parkville.
Despite the result, the Rovers showed strong effort throughout, with Grace Bracken finishing with two goals and a number of players contributing strongly across the ground.
UHS-VU were able to gradually build their lead across the match, but the Rovers continued to compete well and will take positives into the coming rounds.
UHS-VU 1.3 3.5 4.7 5.9 (39)
Hampton Rovers 1.2 1.3 1.3 2.3 (15)
Goals: Grace Bracken 2
Best: Olive Tuppen, Bianca Lenarcic, Grace Bracken, Shae Raywood, Matilda Brown, Scarlett Budimir
Reserves
The Reserves were defeated by a strong Fitzroy outfit who won the Premier B reserves flag last season, 1.6 (12) to 16.18 (114).
After a challenging start, the Rovers worked hard across the four quarters against an accurate and well-structured opposition, with a number of players continuing to compete strongly despite the scoreboard.
Hampton Rovers 0.1 1.4 1.6 1.6 (12)
Fitzroy 5.3 9.5 12.11 16.18 (114)
Goals: Nick Murnane
Best: Scott Ebbott, Mason Carrigan, Peter Somogyi, Finn McMaster, Jack Cookesley, Nick Murnane
Under 19s
The Under 19s continued their outstanding start to the season with a convincing 17.15 (117) to 4.7 (31) win over Parkdale Vultures in a twilight game at Gerry Green Reserve.
The Rovers controlled the game from the outset, setting up the win with a dominant first half before continuing to apply pressure across the ground. Benjamin Celantano led the way with five goals, while Benjamin Weeks added three in another strong performance.
Hampton Rovers 7.5 10.6 15.10 17.15 (117)
Parkdale Vultures 1.0 2.2 2.4 4.7 (31)
Goals: Benjamin Celantano 5, Benjamin Weeks 3, Kaden Khanbashi 2, Angus Gunn, Charlie Steen, Fletcher Ockerby, Taylor Dowe, Thomas Molz, Tobias Green, Zach Newton
Best: Benjamin Weeks, Koby Harrison, Benjamin Celantano, Zach Newton, Valentino Montebelli
Thirds
The Thirds suffered their first defeat of the season, going down to AJAX under lights at Boss James Reserve, 5.6 (36) to 9.10 (64).
After a solid start in front of a good crowd in perfect conditions, the Rovers remained competitive throughout the match but were unable to bridge the gap as AJAX controlled key periods across the game.
Hampton Rovers 2.0 4.0 4.3 5.6 (36)
AJAX 4.2 4.8 7.8 9.10 (64)
Goals: John Ilias 2, Angus Zufic, Jonas Eccles, Oliver Bennett
Best: Lucas Civitarese, Micky Crook, Jonas Eccles, Marc Le Miere, Will Black, James Bull
Attention now turns to Round 4, with the senior men set to host PEGS at Boss James Reserve in the third of three consecutive home games.
Off the field, it’s set to be a big day for the club with the annual Women’s Luncheon, raising funds for BCNA. With strong demand expected, supporters are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out. Purchase tickets here.
