Eighth-placed OMs met fourth-placed Marcellin on the Junction in what was – on paper – a tough game. It proved to be a tough game for Marcellin….

 

Marcellin scored first, after a lengthy defensive effort by the OMs. In a fine chain of play which characterised the OMs’ play in this game, Wilmoth got the footy out of the centre to Morrison, who found Millsy, who passed to Riggers at the top of the goal square for the OMs’ first goal. After Marcellin goaled again, a long kick found James Beaumont, who ran in for the first of his two goals for the day. His skilful play and ability to set up forward forays was largely responsible for the OMs’ great start to the game. Although the OMs finished the quarter eleven points down, and were fortunate Marcellin was off-target, the OMs were playing better football.

 

In the second quarter the OMs kicked 7.3.45 against a team which will play in the finals. At the other end, Marcellin could only manage 1.2.8 for the quarter. Ed Mitchell was at his non-preferred end of the ground, but did an excellent job in defence. Nick “Vodafone” Russell effectively folded up and pocketed the dangerous Maclaren, who only scored two goals for Marcellin: a far cry from the eight he kicked against the OMs last time.

 

Morrison scored the first goal of the second quarter. Bennison, who had worked hard but who had had a frustrating first quarter, finally got results. He scored his first goal from a set shot, and minutes later a clever tap by Hawkins was snaffled by Benno, who snapped truly for his second. Joining the OMs’ goal feast, Beaumont scored his second, McKie the first of his three, and Thompson and Davis scored their only goals for the game. Bachet and Morrison were working at a frantic pace through the middle, setting up the forward attacks.

 

At half time the OMs found themselves 26 points in front, and the rattled Marcellin players clashed verbally with the OMs as they left the ground. The third quarter was a true test of the OMs, which they passed with flying (Dark Blue) colours. Within the first minute, Morrison extracted the footy from the middle, passed it to Seccull, and he goaled. Seccull continued his great form of recent games, with his strong overhead marking being his key attribute. Unfortunately for Seccull and the OMs, he left the field with an injury which was later diagnosed as a season-ending collarbone fracture.

 

Marcellin quickly responded with a goal from a free kick. After a tussle in front of goal, Wilmoth passed to Millsy, whose set shot was taken directly in front of goal after his Marcellin opponent overstepped the mark. Marcellin goaled again, but Millsy was having a purple patch, and had another shot. Although it hit the goal post, minutes later he scored truly from another set shot. When he was not scoring goals he was setting them up. He has missed most of the season due to injury, and his return to the OMs is most welcome. McKie ran into goal for his second, and Ned scored from the goal square after Handley handballed cleverly over his opponent.

 

The OMs found themselves in the all-too-rare position of having everything going their way, and scoring goals with ease. After a lengthy battle, McKie was awarded a free kick and goaled directly in front whilst some argy bargy went on behind him. Riggers marked just inside the 50m arc, but was crunched as he marked. Two consecutive penalties against Marcellin put Riggers inside the goal square, and he scored truly. It was becoming the type of cakewalk to which the embattled OMs have often been subjected, and it was relished. The OMs’ intensity throughout the game had been unrelenting, and when it was briefly relaxed, Marcellin scored two easy goals. Morrison was then crunched twice, and his free kick found Benno, who scored his third and the OMs’ final goal for the game. It was a fitting win for Angus “Guus” Waddell’s 200^th game for the OMs. He was chaired from the ground.

 

As exciting as the narrow wins over St. Kevin’s were, this game was probably the OMs’ best game of the season so far. It was a 45 point victory against a quality opponent. Although fierce tackling and continuous pressure was a feature of the OMs’ game, the game remained comparatively free-flowing, and was a joy to watch. 

 

 

The OMs play Old Carey at Carey’s sports grounds in Bulleen this weekend. Old Carey will be looking to avenge its defeat at the hands of the OMs. The OMs then play St. Bernards at the Junction Oval, and finish against Caulfield (away). Caulfield plays Old Essendon, Beaumaris, and the OMs. Beaumaris plays St. Kevin’s, Caulfield, and Old Carey. It will be a tight finish to the season. The OMs need your support.