Dermott Brereton asked Hawthorn to draw a line in the sand against Essendon in 2004. The OMs’ magoos had a similar game against St Kevins.
No punches were thrown and, unlike Hawthorn, we weren’t thrashed. But the game could be the makings of the side.
We played with an intensity and determination not seen since the end of last year. No easy kicks were had. Tackles stuck and players worked hard for each other.
Skevs, the team which belted us by 10 goals in round one, did not know what hit them after quarter time.
The first quarter cost us the game. We did not score a goal as Skevs mounted challenge after challenge on our defence. The defence, led by the full back of the millennium old man Jenks, hung on grimly and we trailed by just 13 points at quarter-time.
But a strongly worded sermon from Reverend Lovejoy, not as vigorous as one delivered by Erwin later in the day - apparently that was heard from astronauts at the Mir Space Station - did the trick.
Our midfield lifted its work rate. Nick Peters won the ball at will in the middle. Wrighty boxed on and despite being first up from a lengthy spell was influential.
Our forward line got on top. Bunny, who came back purely to be featured on the club’s website again, set the cat amongst the pigeons. His baiting and taunting received nibbles and we got a free goal. What a man!
The hard-working theme continued in the third quarter. Nick Russell put his hand up for senior selection with his run from defence. He was cool under pressure and strong in his attack on the ball.
A goal to Bunny in the last quarter put us nine points up and we dared to dream.
But good teams keep fighting and fighting and Skevs, last year’s premiers, refused to give up.
With just two minutes left, one came out the back of a marking contest and Skevs pounced to hit the lead.
We managed one last attacking move but Skevs conjured a clearance to deny us what would have been a memorable win.
Thanks to James Ray for running the boundary, Jozza for goal umpiring and the two Matts (Junior Lovejoy and pal) for running water.
ST KEVINS 2.3-15 4.4-28 6.4-40 8.6-54
OLD MELBURNIANS 0.2-2 4.4-28 6.7-43 7.9-51
Goal Kickers: L. Bunn 3, A. Ray, W. Ray, M. Wright, A. Scotford
Best Players: J. Phillips, N. Peters, L. Bunn, W. Ray, N. Russell, T. Horne
