The Hampton Rovers powered to a 41-point victory over top of the table Ajax on Saturday in the final home game of the 2024 season. The result sees the Rovers equal top with four rounds remaining.
Ajax went into the game unbeaten in 11 rounds and on top of Premier C, up against the Rovers sitting third on the ladder in the most critical clash of the 2024 season to date. Many questions to be answered. Would the run and spread short game played by the Jackers bamboozle the young Rovers? Would Ajax’s section leading goalkicker add to his 57 goals so far for the season? Could the opposition hold Rovers’ key talls up forward to a losing score? The answers to all of these questions was an emphatic no.
The Rovers had started the game playing their most dominant half for the season, keeping Ajax goalless at the main break, racking up 17 scoring shots to 2. If not for inaccurate kicking, the margin could have been insurmountable.
Ajax’s forward was held goalless by Max Van Der Straaten in a faultless display at full back. Hampton’s talls up forward were dominant and the regularity in which Clinton Young, Corey Jones, Liam O’Driscoll and Will Crawford took contested marks would be worrying to the Ajax coaching panel.
The start of the game was a battle and it was a dour struggle. Goals to Clinton Young and Christian Carnovale gave the Rovers an advantage and the lead would have been greater than 16 points at the break had the boys kicked better. Inside 50s were up 18 to 10 while the mids led by the awesome foursome of Tom, Carny, Perko, and Max C ably backed up by James Prosser and Dillon Melnjak controlled the clearances 12 to 4.
In the second the juggernaut just kept rolling along with goals to Liam O’Driscoll and Josh Docking and when Max Coughlin bounced one through from outside 50, the lead was 35 points. Unfortunately, kicking woes resurfaced and while the boys had 6 scoring shots in time on, only 4 behinds were registered. Still, it was probably the Rovers’ best half of footy for the year. The backs…what can you say when they keep the numero uno team in the competition goalless in a half of footy played in perfect conditions at the Trevor Barker Oval. Lachy Costello and Aussie Parker were miserly with their opponents as were all of the back six. VDS should have picked up a golden fist award for his spoiling efforts on Simon. Great support was given by Joel Melnjak, Hugo Lay and Jacob Gray who both seemed to bob up marking the stray Ajax kicks forward.
The coach didn’t let off on the boys at the break. The Rovers took off again in the third, a goal to Clinton Young in the first 5 mins and then the play of the day when Tredders baulked two quick Ajax backs, steadied and then hit Pross lace out for the goal of the day. Disappointingly, Ajax were gifted their first goal from a free kick and 50m penalty but this was soon forgotten as Lachy Cairns in a Tredders type of movement, but at far greater speed, eluded 2 Ajax chasers broke the second’s tackle and rammed home the goal from the square. At this stage, Hampton were 60 points up at the 20 minute mark of the third quarter, with a massive lead. Then the boys stopped. Three quick goals to Ajax gave them some unrealistic optimism but it did reduce the lead at the final change to 42 points. Ajax’s 4 scoring shots for the quarter had netted them 4 goals.
The coach wasn’t happy with that last 10 minutes of the third and urged the boys to revert to the Rovers footy that they had been playing all year for the last quarter. At the first ball up of the last quarter, Ajax won the clearance and kicked the first goal within 45 seconds and it was game on. They followed up quickly with a goal from a free and a blind snap from the boundary which split the sticks. That was just about it for Ajax for the quarter. At the half way mark Will Crawford passed to Liam O’Driscoll who passed to Speedy who goaled and started us up again, Will Crawford then took a contested mark at the top of the square and when Dillon Melnjak hit Tredders (Liam) lace out, the Rovers had three quick majors that ended Ajax’s run. Hampton then managed another 5 behinds before Ajax right on the siren kicked their 4th goal for the quarter.
Still, to control the game as they did all day (except for a brief period at the end of the third and start of the last) was a sensational effort. The skipper Carnovale picked up the BOG award for a great game with Max Coughlin again being awarded the Whistling Kettle Award.
With four rounds remaining, it’s a three-way tie at the top of the table, with Old Carey, Ajax and the Rovers all square on 48 points. The top two teams will meet again, while the Rovers’ four opponents are all in the bottom half of the ladder. It’s set to be an exciting end to the home and away season!
It was fantastic to see a big crowd in attendance for the Rovers ninth and final home game at Sandringham’s Trevor Barker Oval – our home away from home for the 2024 season. It was another big home game luncheon with 120 packed into Sandy by the Bay for the last match day function of the year. We’ll be back there for Presentation Night on October 11.
HR 2.5 6.11 9.14 12.21 (93)
Ajax 0.1 0.2 4.2 8.4 (52)
Best: Christian Carnovale, Max Coughlin, James Prosser, Aussie Parker, VDS, Liam O’Driscoll
Goals: Clinton Young 3, Liam O’Driscoll 3, Lachy Cairns 1, Josh Docking 1, Max Coughlin 1, Josh McPherson 1, Will Crawford 1, James Prosser 1
SENIOR WOMEN
In a commanding display, the Rovers Women’s team secured a solid 42-26 victory over Richmond. This win not only showcased the Rovers’ strength across the field but also secured their place in the finals.
The Rovers’ goals were well-distributed, with Alana leading the charge with two goals. Bree, Casey, Daisy, and Millie each contributed with a goal apiece, ensuring a balanced and effective attack. Bree was exceptional, crumbed tirelessly throughout the game, contributing significantly to the Rovers’ forward momentum. Bianca, a dominant presence in the forward line, made crucial plays and applied constant pressure on Richmond’s defence. Shae was a consistent force, actively engaging in packs and showing a strong, hands-on approach. Isla played with determination and was a forceful player, impacting the game significantly. Zara demonstrated growing confidence with plenty of touches, further establishing her role in the team.
Hayley made an early impression with impressive chest marks, setting a strong tone for the game. Greta has firmly established herself as a formidable force in the backline, providing solid defensive support. Harmoni and Holly have been indispensable in the backline, demonstrating reliability and effort.
And let’s not forget our stars – Mandy and Bella. Mandy exhibited toughness throughout the match, contributing both defensively and offensively. Bella Cameron delivered an outstanding performance in the back, making crucial plays and maintaining a strong defensive presence.
This week, our coaches demonstrated exceptional tactical acumen that was pivotal to today’s success. Their strategic decisions, including repositioning players from the forward line to the back, showcased their deep understanding of the ladies on our team. In the face of absences and injuries, the coaches adeptly adjusted our game plan, maximizing the potential of the remaining squad. Their insightful adjustments and keen strategic foresight have not only adapted our game style but also set us up for a strong performance in the finals.
With this victory, the Rovers have secured their position in the finals, showcasing a well-rounded team effort and tactical prowess
RICH 0.1 2.1 3.2 4.2 26
HR 1.1 5.3 5.3 6.6 42
Best Isla Turner, Poppy Ward, Isabella Cameron, Mandy Naylor
Goals Alana Graham 2, Millie Smith 1, Daisy Ward 1, Casey Politakis 1, Bree Anna Kavanagh
UNDER 19S
OMs 1.1 2.2 5.3 5.3 33
HR 5.2 7.8 11.8 17.13 111
Best Charles Kilburn, Jake Taranto, Ben Celantano, Jake Grima, Stef Somogyi
Goals Charles Kilburn 4, Ben Celantano 3, Jake Taranto 3, Luke Boccaci 3, Lui Coughlin 1, Dan Hall 1, Jake Grima 1, James Keys 1
SENIOR RESERVES
HR 0.3 0.3 3.5 7.9 51
Ajax 4.2 8.4 14.5 16.5 101
Best Tom Goldsmith, Ant Folino, Andrew Woolston, Dan Osbourne, Duncan McKenzie, Joel Bowditch
Goals Andrew Woolston 4, Ant Folino 1, Nick Murnane 1, Leon McCarthy 1
This was a bit of a shock to the powers that be given our good form of the last few weeks. On a positive note after the main break, the Rovers scored 7.6 to the opposition’s 8.1, in other words a very tight second half.
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
HR 2.0 3.0 3.2 4.3 27
Mentone 1.8 2.13 9.15 11.17 83
Best Darcy Merlo, Dan McCoy, Matt Dixon, Zac Raghdo, Bailey White
A tough season for the Rovers Thirds came to an end, but still a fantastic effort to get through the season after numbers looked low prior to the season. Thanks to everyone who has participated at some point on or off the field.
