The Senior Men recorded one of their most important wins of the season, defeating fellow top-four contender Mazenod by 14 points in a hard-fought contest at Boss James Reserve.
With the two clubs entering the round equal on points, there was plenty at stake in the race for a top-two finish. Mazenod’s contrasting setup caused the Rovers some early problems, but Hampton adjusted well and produced a strong opening quarter, kicking 3.6 while holding Mazenod to just two behinds.
Christian Carnovale, Liam O’Driscoll and Charles Kilburn kicked the opening-quarter goals as the Rovers established a 22-point lead. Mazenod responded with the breeze in the second term, kicking four unanswered goals and taking a two-point advantage into half time.
The third quarter developed into a genuine arm wrestle. Both sides fought hard around the contest, with Carnovale leading from the front, Lui Coughlin continuing his excellent season and the back six repeatedly standing up under pressure. Leo Carman, Ben Seddon, Dan Hall and Harry Block also produced important moments as the scores were locked at 3.10 (28) to 4.4 (28) at the final change.
Despite kicking into the breeze in the last quarter, the Rovers found another level. Mazenod regained the lead during the term before Jake Seddon put Hampton back in front and Carnovale followed with his second goal. Mazenod again closed the margin to two points, setting up a tense finish.
The game was then delayed for around 20 minutes after a Mazenod player suffered a knee injury. Everyone at Hampton Rovers wishes him all the best in his recovery.
When play resumed, O’Driscoll played an important role at the stoppages, while the Rovers continued to compete strongly around the ball. A passage from defence eventually created an opportunity for Kilburn, who took a strong mark and converted to extend the margin to eight points. Hampton then won the next clearance and found Harry Block, who kicked the final goal to seal a memorable victory.
Carnovale and Coughlin led the way, while Ben Seddon, Leo Carman, Jacob Gray and Jake Seddon were also important in a gutsy team performance. The result completed a season double over Mazenod and strengthened the Rovers’ push for a top-two finish.
Hampton Rovers 3.6 3.7 4.10 8.12 (60)
Mazenod 0.2 4.3 4.4 6.10 (46)
Goals: Charles Kilburn 2, Christian Carnovale 2, Harry Block, Jake Seddon, Liam O’Driscoll, Lui Coughlin
Best: Christian Carnovale, Lui Coughlin, Ben Seddon, Leo Carman, Jacob Gray, Jake Seddon
Senior Women
The Senior Women produced a spirited second-half response but were unable to overcome De La Salle, going down by 21 points at Waverley Oval.
The match marked a significant milestone for Lola Davis, who played her 100th club game for the Rovers. It was a family occasion, with her parents Sophie and Kabel involved on match day and younger sister Audrey also stepping up from the junior program.
The Rovers were forced to contend with several injuries and limited rotations, including an early shoulder injury to Matilda Brown. Kristy Ebbott worked tirelessly around the contest, while Olive Tuppen, Bianca Lenarcic, Daisy Ward, Mandy Naylor and Nadia Stockwell all contributed strongly.
After De La Salle established a lead during the first half, the Rovers regrouped and produced a much-improved performance after the main break. Their defensive pressure lifted during the third quarter before the side finished strongly with two final-term goals.
Evie Taylor impressed with her pace and skill, Emily Merrick continued to grow in confidence at senior level and Lola Davis displayed her versatility across several roles. Captain Shae Raywood provided one of the highlights with a goal from deep in the pocket during the final quarter.
De La Salle 1.0 3.3 4.6 5.7 (37)
Hampton Rovers 0.0 0.1 0.2 2.4 (16)
Goals: Grace Bonanno, Shae Raywood
Best: Evie Taylor, Lola Davis, Mandy Naylor, Emily Merrick, Shae Raywood, Holly Lance
Reserves
The Reserves fell agonisingly short in an outstanding contest against Mazenod, going down by just one point at Boss James Reserve.
The scores were level at quarter time before Mazenod gained control during the second term and opened a 20-point lead by half time. Despite the scoreboard pressure, the Rovers remained composed and continued to back their structures.
The response after the main break was excellent. Hampton lifted around the contest and generated repeat forward entries, kicking five goals for the quarter while holding Mazenod scoreless. The surge reduced the margin to five points at the final change and set up a thrilling finish.
The final quarter was played at finals-like intensity, with every contest fiercely fought. The Rovers continued to press and were moving the ball forward during the final minute, but Mazenod held on to secure a one-point victory.
Peter Somogyi, Luke Boccari, Lucas Sharp, Jake Klinkhamer, Lachlan Fraser and Bailey White were among the Rovers’ best. Oscar Donald and Clinton Young each kicked two goals, while Daniel McCoy, Darcy Lyon, Jake Grima and Samuel Clements also contributed majors.
Hampton Rovers 2.3 2.4 7.9 8.9 (57)
Mazenod 2.3 5.6 5.8 8.10 (58)
Goals: Clinton Young 2, Oscar Donald 2, Daniel McCoy, Darcy Lyon, Jake Grima, Samuel Clements
Best: Peter Somogyi, Luke Boccari, Lucas Sharp, Jake Klinkhamer, Lachlan Fraser, Bailey White
Thirds / Development Team
The Thirds recorded one of their best wins of the season, overcoming Beaumaris by 10 points in a crucial contest between two teams competing for a finals position.
The match was even early, with the scores level at quarter time before the Rovers kicked 1.6 with the breeze during the second term. Hampton’s defence, led by Baxter Thomas and Jesse Lovig, stood firm and ensured the scores remained level at half time.
Beaumaris took control during the third quarter, kicking four goals to one and establishing an 18-point lead at the final change. With the breeze easing, the Rovers faced a difficult task but responded with a desperate final-quarter effort.
Goals to Nicholas Anderson, Angus Gunn and Angus Zufic helped turn the contest, while the defence held Beaumaris scoreless for the term. Hampton finished with 3.5 in the final quarter to secure an excellent comeback victory.
Darcy Merlo, Jesse Lovig, Eliot Jurdukian, Nicholas Anderson, Baxter Thomas and Nicholas Crosbie were named among the best in a strong team performance.
Hampton Rovers 2.0 3.6 4.10 7.15 (57)
Beaumaris 2.2 3.2 7.5 7.5 (47)
Goals: Angus Gunn 2, Angus Zufic, Mohamed Labib, Nicholas Anderson, Oliver Anderson, Oliver Bennett
Best: Darcy Merlo, Jesse Lovig, Eliot Jurdukian, Nicholas Anderson, Baxter Thomas, Nicholas Crosbie
Under 19s
The Under 19s were unable to match one of the competition’s benchmark sides, going down to Old Melburnians despite an encouraging third-quarter fightback.
After trailing by 32 points at half-time, the Rovers produced their best football of the afternoon in the third term, kicking four goals to give themselves a chance. Charlie Steen kicked a superb goal from the boundary, while Angus Zufic backed up after already playing in the Development Squad earlier in the day. Old Melburnians steadied late in the quarter before pulling away in the final term.
Harry Ockerby, Cohen Friend, Benjamin Celantano, Hamish Costello, Tobias Green and Will Blackham were among the Rovers’ best in a performance that showed plenty of resilience despite the final margin.
Old Melburnians 2.6 6.12 10.14 14.20 (104)
Hampton Rovers 1.3 2.4 6.6 6.8 (44)
Goals: Charlie Steen 3, Angus Zufic, Benjamin Weeks, Cohen Friend
Best: Harry Ockerby, Cohen Friend, Benjamin Celantano, Hamish Costello, Tobias Green, Will Blackham
Next up
The Senior Men travel to Marcellin College this Saturday to face Marcellin in Round 15 of the VAFA Premier C season. After an important win over Mazenod, the Rovers will be looking to maintain their push for a top-two finish with four home-and-away rounds remaining.
The remaining senior fixture includes a final home game against Glen Eira at Boss James Reserve on Saturday 15 August, followed by away matches against St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and Parkdale Vultures to close out the regular season.
The August 15 fixture will also feature the President’s Lunch, the final Home Game Luncheon of the season and the final with Gary Nash as President – we’re expecting a full-house so book now. The Domino Luncheon follows on Friday 21 August, featuring special guest Dermott Brereton, with tickets available through the Rovers website.
