The Hampton Rovers hit the road this weekend for another important round of football, highlighted by the Seniors and Reserves at Mentone Reserve on Saturday, while the Thirds/Development team take on AJAX in the second semi-final on Sunday.
The weekend’s action follows Friday’s 30th anniversary Domino Luncheon at Boss James Reserve, featuring Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton as guest speaker.
Senior Men
The Senior Men head to Mentone Reserve to face St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at 2:00pm on Saturday in the penultimate round of the Premier C Men’s home-and-away season.
The Rovers enter the clash following an impressive 107-point victory over Glen Eira / Old McKinnon in their final home game last Saturday and will be looking to continue their strong form as the season reaches the business end.
St Bedes/Mentone currently sit fifth on the ladder (with the Rovers third), ensuring there will be plenty at stake on Saturday afternoon.
The sides last met at Boss James Reserve in Round 10, when the Rovers recorded a 31-point victory, 16.11 (107) to 12.4 (76).
The Reserves get proceedings underway at Mentone Reserve at 11:40am before the Senior Men take centre stage at 2:00pm.
Thirds
It’s finals time for the Thirds / Development team, who face AJAX in the second semi-final at Gary Smorgon Oval at Albert Park on Sunday at 11:30am.
The equation is simple, the winner advances directly to the Grand Final, while the loser advances to the preliminary final.
The two teams are very familiar with each other, having met under lights at Boss James Reserve only last Saturday in the final round of the home-and-away season. AJAX took the honours on that occasion, but the Rovers now have an immediate opportunity to turn the tables when it matters most.
It promises to be a huge morning for the Development team, and we’d love to see plenty of green and gold at Gary Smorgon Oval supporting the boys as they chase a place in the Grand Final.
Note regarding parking: we recommend parking in Canterbury Road and surrounding streets, then walking across the light rail line near Fraser St light rail station. Avoid parking inside Albert Park itself.
Under 19s
The finals-bound Under 19s travel to Fearon Reserve to take on Williamstown CYMS at 9:20am on Saturday in the last game of the home and away season.
The young Rovers enter the round following an excellent 27-point win over St Kevin’s at the Boss last weekend, a result which secured their place in the finals.
Saturday provides another opportunity to build momentum ahead of their finals campaign which commences the following weekend.
Domino Luncheon on Friday
Before the footy gets underway, attention turns to Boss James Reserve on Friday for the 30th anniversary Hampton Rovers Domino Luncheon.
The popular annual event will feature five-time Hawthorn premiership player Dermott Brereton as this year’s guest speaker and is set to provide a great lead-in to another big weekend for the Rovers. Ticket sales have now closed for the event.
Good luck to all four Rovers teams in action this weekend, and especially our Thirds as their 2026 finals campaign gets underway.
Also, good luck to the 12 Hampton Rovers junior teams participating in SMJFL Finals on Sunday! The Rovers are hosting four finals games at Boss James Reserve on Sunday.
Go Rovers! 💚💛
