The Hampton Rovers Senior Men produced a dominant performance in their final home game of the season on Saturday, defeating Glen Eira by 107 points on a special day at Boss James Reserve.
It was a big occasion on and off the field, with almost 100 people attending the final Home Game Luncheon of 2026, which also marked Gary Nash’s last home game lunch as Senior President. Nashy’s tireless contribution to the club, particularly throughout his eight years as President, was recognised in front of a packed room before attention turned to the action on the field, with four home games across the day.
Senior Men
The Rovers were in control from the outset against Glen Eira / Old McKinnon, producing a commanding first half to set up a 19.20 (134) to 4.3 (27) victory.
Hampton started with great intent, moving the ball quickly and hitting the scoreboard almost immediately. The Rovers piled on 6.4 in the opening quarter while restricting Glen Eira to just one goal, before a nine-goal second term blew the game open and established a 95-point half-time advantage.
With Glen Eira dropping numbers behind the ball after the break, scoring became more difficult, but the Rovers continued to control proceedings and completed a comprehensive 107-point victory.
There were a couple of great stories among the younger Rovers, with Gil Etienne making his senior debut after some patient development throughout the season, while Cohen Friend also came into the senior side and kicked a goal.
Josh Hudghton’s return to the team was another positive and included one of the highlights of the afternoon with a spectacular mark, while Zach Ziesing produced an outstanding performance to be named among the Rovers’ best.
Lui Coughlin led the way with five goals in a best-on-ground display, while Will Crawford kicked three and Charles Kilburn and skipper Christian Carnovale contributed two each. Dan Hall, Hudghton, Kai Carrigan and Carnovale were also among the best in another strong team performance.
Hampton Rovers 6.4 15.7 17.13 19.20 (134)
Glen Eira / Old McKinnon 1.1 1.2 2.2 4.3 (27)
Goals: Lui Coughlin 5, William Crawford 3, Charles Kilburn 2, Christian Carnovale 2, Cohen Friend, Dan Hall, Harry Block, Jake Seddon, Josh Hudghton, Kai Carrigan, Luke Boccari
Best: Lui Coughlin, Zachary Ziesing, Dan Hall, Josh Hudghton, Kai Carrigan, Christian Carnovale
Senior Women
The Senior Women brought their 2026 season to a close against ladder leaders Richmond Central at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, going down 7.13 (55) to 1.5 (11).
The final margin didn’t fully reflect the contest across the opening three quarters, with the Rovers continuing to compete strongly against the competition’s top side.
The team’s leaders stood tall throughout. Olive Tuppen produced a huge tackling effort despite battling injury, Mandy Naylor was strong in defence and captain Shae Raywood led from the front around the contest.
Daisy Ward continued her development with another strong performance in the ruck, while Holly Lance capped off a fine season by contributing across defence, the wing and forward line, kicking the Rovers’ only goal. It was also great to see Matilda Brown return from her shoulder injury and play an important role across half-back.
While the season finishes without the results the group would have wanted, the development of a young playing group throughout 2026 provides plenty to build on. The focus now turns to continuing to strengthen the Rovers women’s program ahead of the 2027 season.
Richmond Central 7.13 (55)
Hampton Rovers 1.5 (11)
Goals: Holly Lance
Best: Olive Tuppen, Mandy Naylor, Holly Lance, Daisy Ward, Matilda Brown, Shae Raywood
Reserves
The Reserves produced another dominant performance at Boss James Reserve, defeating Glen Eira by 146 points.
Hampton controlled proceedings from the opening bounce, holding Glen Eira scoreless in the first quarter and to just one behind by half-time, while building a 73-point advantage of their own.
Lucas Sharp and Cameron Carmeni provided plenty of security and rebound from half-back, while James Bull continued his strong form with another impressive performance on the wing.
Campbell Bennett was one of the standouts, showing his versatility across the ruck, defence and forward line while also kicking two goals. Under 19 recruit Angus Zufic backed up his strong performance against Marcellin with three majors, while Damon O’Shea was outstanding after being introduced into the midfield rotation.
Nick Murnane led the scoring with four goals, Jake Klinkhamer kicked three and the goals were again spread across the team as Hampton finished with 45 scoring shots to four.
Hampton Rovers 4.9 10.13 16.16 22.23 (155)
Glen Eira 0.0 0.1 0.3 1.3 (9)
Goals: Nick Murnane 4, Angus Zufic 3, Jake Klinkhamer 3, Campbell Bennett 2, Lachlan Fraser 2, Stefan Somogyi 2, Damon O’Shea, Joel Bowditch, Lucas Rankine, Peter Somogyi, Ryan Leslie, Scott Ebbott
Best: Damon O’Shea, Jake Klinkhamer, James Bull, Campbell Bennett, Cameron Carmeni, Lucas Sharp
Thirds / Development
The Thirds completed their home-and-away season under lights at Boss James Reserve against AJAX, in what served as a preview of this weekend’s major semi-final.
With both teams already knowing they would meet again for a place in the Grand Final, AJAX made the stronger start, but Mitchell Hall kept the Rovers in touch with two first-quarter goals as Hampton trailed by just seven points at the opening change.
AJAX controlled more of the play during the second term, but the Rovers continued to make the most of their opportunities. A spectacular mark and goal from Darcy Merlo after the half-time siren gave Hampton some momentum heading into the main break.
AJAX took control after half-time and eventually ran out 48-point winners, although some strong defensive work helped keep the Rovers fighting. Baxter Thomas was excellent down back, Marco Giampa provided plenty of rebound and Oliver Anderson worked hard throughout, while Merlo contributed at both ends of the ground.
Hall finished with three goals and, importantly, also finished the home-and-away season as the Development grade’s leading goalkicker.
Following the match, the Rovers invited AJAX into the clubrooms to perform Havdalah, the Jewish ceremony marking the conclusion of Shabbat. It was a terrific opportunity for the two clubs to come together and for the Rovers community to learn more about the traditions of the AJAX Football Club.
The two sides now meet again this Sunday in the second semi-final at Albert Park, with a place in the Grand Final on the line.
Hampton Rovers 2.1 4.2 4.3 4.5 (29)
AJAX 3.2 6.7 7.10 10.17 (77)
Goals: Mitchell Hall 3, Darcy Merlo
Best: Marco Giampa, Darcy Merlo, Oscar Donald, Mitchell Hall, Baxter Thomas, Oliver Anderson
Under 19s
The Under 19s secured their place in the finals with an excellent 27-point victory over St Kevin’s at Boss James Reserve.
The Rovers’ offensive ball movement was a feature of the first half, linking up well by hand and using their run to create opportunities. Sebastien Lynch continued his outstanding recent form with two opening-quarter goals on his way to five for the match, while Harry Ockerby’s pace was causing problems before his day was unfortunately cut short by a knee injury.
Hampton established a 20-point advantage by half-time, but St Kevin’s remained in the contest and reduced the margin during the third term.
Valentino Montebelli and Gideon Ziesing were important in repelling attacks, while Sebastian Witham had a big influence with increased midfield minutes. Benjamin Celantano was also excellent across centre half-back before moving into the ruck and making an impact there.
With the game still there to be won in the final quarter, the Rovers finished strongly. Oli Roberts, back in the side, capped an outstanding performance with two final-term goals as Hampton kicked six for the quarter to secure the 16.13 (109) to 12.10 (82) victory.
It was an important win built on contributions across the team, with the combination continuing to strengthen as players have returned to the side in recent weeks.
Hampton Rovers 3.4 8.7 10.11 16.13 (109)
St Kevin’s 3.2 5.5 8.8 12.10 (82)
Goals: Sebastien Lynch 5, Charlie Steen 3, Campbell Hardie 2, Harry Ockerby 2, Oli Roberts 2, Dougal McCartney, Lachlan Strahan
Best: Oli Roberts, Sebastian Witham, Sebastien Lynch, Valentino Montebelli, Benjamin Celantano, Gideon Ziesing
Next up
The Senior Men and Reserves now have two away games remaining in the home-and-away season, beginning against St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at Mentone Reserve this Saturday at Mentone Reserve, before finishing the regular season against Parkdale Vultures at Gerry Green Reserve on August 29.
The Thirds move straight into finals action this Sunday, with a major semi-final rematch against AJAX. Match details will be confirmed during the week.
And this Friday it’s our 30th Hampton Rovers Domino Luncheon at Boss James Reserve featuring Dermott Brereton as guest speaker. It promises to be a big day and while ticket sales have officially closed, we may be able to fit you in if you’re still interested in coming along. Contact Steve Johnston directly – read more here.
