The Hampton Rovers senior men produced a dominant final quarter to defeat Marcellin on Saturday at Boss James Reserve, highlighting a mixed day of results across the club.
Off the field, the club’s Home Game Luncheon celebrated the 2001 C Grade Premiership side, along with the 1951 and 1946 premiership teams, in a fantastic afternoon recognising several generations of Hampton Rovers history. The day also featured the presentation of Life Membership to Neil Hope in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the club.
Senior Men
The senior men continued their strong start to the 2026 season with a hard-fought 12.12 (84) to 7.11 (53) victory over Marcellin.
The Rovers made a strong start with the opening two goals of the game before Max Blackie and Harry Ockerby both hit the scoreboard to establish an early advantage. However, Marcellin gradually worked their way back into the contest and reduced the margin to just four points at quarter time.
The visitors then took control through the second quarter, kicking two goals to none while the Rovers struggled to convert opportunities forward of centre. Marcellin led by seven points at the main break and extended that margin further during the third term to lead by 14 points midway through the quarter.
The momentum began to swing late in the third quarter as Liam O’Driscoll kicked an important goal before the Rovers added another to reduce the deficit to just one point at the final break.
From there, the final quarter belonged entirely to the Rovers.
O’Driscoll kicked truly early in the term to restore the lead before the home side piled on six goals to one in a dominant finish. Christian Carnovale’s goal midway through the quarter proved a major moment before O’Driscoll and Lui Coughlin added late goals to seal an impressive 31-point victory.
Liam O’Driscoll finished with four goals, while Tommy Keyte and Charles Kilburn were again influential around the contest. Ben Seddon was outstanding in defence and among the side’s best players alongside Lui Coughlin, Jacob Gray and Josh Hudghton.
The win sees the Rovers remain equal-second on the Premier C ladder, with Parkdale and Mazenod, with a two-game gap between fourth and fifth. Fitzroy lead the way as the only undefeated team.
Hampton Rovers 3.4 3.8 6.9 12.12 (84)
Marcellin 2.6 4.9 6.11 7.11 (53)
Goals: Liam O’Driscoll 4, Charles Kilburn 3, Lui Coughlin 2, Christian Carnovale, Harry Ockerby, Max Blackie
Best: Ben Seddon, Lui Coughlin, Liam O’Driscoll, Charles Kilburn, Jacob Gray, Christian Carnovale
Marcellin
Next up, the Rovers travel to Packer Park to take on Glen Eira/Old McKinnon on Saturday, with the match scheduled for an earlier 1:30pm start, and the Reserves fixture will be played after the senior game at approximately 4:00pm. These changes have been made due to a scheduling issue at the ground.
Senior Women
The Senior Women were defeated by St Mary’s Salesian, 8.5 (53) to 3.2 (20), at Castlefield Reserve.
The Rovers remained well in the contest for much of the afternoon and trailed by only three points at quarter time before St Mary’s pulled away late with a strong final quarter.
Grace Bonanno, Maegan Miller and Shae Raywood each kicked goals for the Rovers, while Nadia Stockwell, Matilda Brown and Holly Lance continued their strong form.
Hampton Rovers 2.0 2.1 3.2 3.2 (20)
St Mary’s Salesian 1.3 2.4 3.5 8.5 (53)
Goals: Grace Bonanno, Maegan Miller, Shae Raywood
Best: Nadia Stockwell, Matilda Brown, Maegan Miller, Kristy Ebbott, Greta Robertson, Holly Lance
Reserves
The Reserves produced one of their best performances of the season, defeating Marcellin by 58 points, 10.15 (75) to 2.5 (17).
After a relatively even opening quarter, the Rovers steadily took control of the game and restricted Marcellin to just one goal across the middle two quarters. Peter Somogyi was outstanding with three goals, while the Rovers enjoyed strong contributions across every line.
Hampton Rovers 2.1 6.4 8.9 10.15 (75)
Marcellin 1.1 1.1 1.2 2.5 (17)
Goals: Peter Somogyi 3, Damon O’Shea 2, Jake Klinkhamer 2, Campbell Bennett, Eliot Jurdukian, Mason Carrigan
Best: Oscar Donald, Lucas Sharp, Peter Somogyi, Duncan McKenzie, Eliot Jurdukian, Daniel McCoy
Thirds
The Thirds were defeated by Wattle Park, 14.7 (91) to 7.10 (52). The Rovers matched Wattle Park early before the home side gradually extended its lead through the middle stages of the game.
Wattle Park 3.2 7.3 10.6 14.7 (91)
Hampton Rovers 3.2 5.5 6.7 7.10 (52)
Goals: Chris Storton, Marc Le Miere, Mitchell Hall, Mohamed Labib
Best: Archie Steedman, George Lamb, Marco Giampa, Mitchell Hall, Jonas Eccles, Finbar Concaig
Under 19s
The Under 19s were defeated by Williamstown CYMS, 20.14 (134) to 4.5 (29), in Division 1 South action. The Rovers remained competitive early before Williamstown CYMS took control through the second and third quarters.
Hampton Rovers 1.1 4.1 4.3 4.5 (29)
Williamstown CYMS 3.5 9.5 15.8 20.14 (134)
Goals: Benjamin Celantano, Benjamin Weeks, Charlie Steen, Joshua Haines
Best: Massimo Champness, Will McKean, Hamish Costello, Benjamin Weeks, Valentino Montebelli
