The last game of the first half of the season was played on the impressive Marcellin ground, with a surface nearing that of the Junction Oval, but which is almost as wide as it is long. It was a perfect day for footy at the ground which saw Charlie Wilmoth kick the OMs to a famous victory in 2007. Wilmoth was back, but a severely-depleted OMs were always going to struggle against third-placed Marcellin on its home ground. It was a severe test for the OMs and their new Senior coach, the Rev. Lovejoy.

 

Under 19s player Tim McLardy, who showed off his impressive skills in his first senior game against Old Carey, returned to the Seniors for his second game. His natural ability was put on show as he scored the OMs’ first goal whilst falling to the ground in a large pack of players. Ned Morrison started off what would be a tremendous effort by him for the Dark Blues by scoring the OMs’ second goal. He followed it up minutes later, proving a parent’s prediction wrong by goaling (as the Old Melburnians’ smallest player) from a set shot kicked from the 50m line. The OMs were in control of the game, and Marcellin did not look like the third-placed side they were. Rarely did the ball get into Marcellin’s 50m arc. The OMs had kicked three goals before Marcellin scored their first. Their second came from a series of free kicks, and their third resulted from misdirected pass. At quarter time the scores were level.

 

The only downside of the first quarter was the OMs’ failure to capitalise on their dominance with more goals. A good team will step up when under pressure. Marcellin is a good team, and it stepped up to the OMs’ challenge, scoring five goals, and keeping the OMs goalless in the second quarter. It was in this quarter that Marcellin won the game. Hawkins, who has been in good form for the OMs this year, was recognised by Marcellin as a dangerous player, and he battled all day with Marcellin players all over him. Marcellin was all over the OMs in the second quarter, with the ball rarely being in the OMs’ half. However, it was not for a lack of trying that the OMs found themselves in this position.

 

Marcellin came out after half time and scored the first goal of the quarter, and their ninth consecutive goal without a response from the OMs. Heath Thompson broke the goal drought for the OMs. Pete Kennon scored out of a scrimmage, and Beaumont scored the OMs’ third goal for the quarter, equalling Marcellin’s third quarter effort. The last quarter saw Marcellin outscoring the OMs, but two quick and accurate clearances from the centre hit Ed Mitchell cleanly on the chest; one of them being from Morrison. Mitchell converted one of his two marks for the OMs’ sole goal of the final quarter. The OMs again finished the game without the benefit of key defender Andrew Prowse, who succumbed to the groin injury which prevented him finishing the game against Caulfield.

 

Morrison played one of his best games for the OMs, with his characteristic hard running through the centre scoring goals and setting them up, as well as clearing out of defence. He was still running hard in the final quarter, leading by example just as he did as Captain of the MGS 1^st XVIII in 2005. Captain Turner played what was probably his best game of the season so far, as he worked hard to shut down one of Marcellin’s most dangerous players. He has a passion for the Dark Blue, for which he continues to fight with pride despite battling a long-term injury.

 

Heath Thompson was again used around the ground, as a capable forward, defender, and ruckman. He was responsible for some well-directed hit-outs which enabled gave the OMs first possession and shots on goal from inside the 50m arc. New big man Scott Fitzgerald also worked hard against the odds for the OMs.

 

Matthew Charles Collister (OM 2006, Captain of Bruce House) came up from the Under 19s to play his first Senior game for the OMs. He had a baptism of fire, playing under siege in the backline, but worked hard to make a very favourable first impression. Tim McLardy’s (OM 2007) exciting skills were called upon again, and were on display in the forward line. His Class year served MGS and now serves the Under 19s with distinction and pride, which they show on and off the field. Their group is summed up by their dark blue Class of 2007 hoodies which do not sport a discreet Mitre or a minute “MGS 2007”, but instead a huge full colour MGS crest on their backs! McLardy is just one of the passionate and skilful members of the Class of 2007 to whose service the OMFC Seniors can look forward.

 

This Saturday the OMs return to the Junction Oval to take on St. Kevin’s, which the OMs defeated in a classic last-minute one point game in Round 1 this year. St. Kevin’s will be seeking revenge, and the OMs must win to improve their chances of remaining in B Section in 2009. Be there to support them.