OMFC looked strangely out of sorts on Saturday.  Against an opposition that had won just three games, we never got our A Game going, and despite a couple of patches of good football in the first half, went into the long break 3 points behind.

In front of a good crowd who had come to see a contender for the Top 2 on a weekend devoid of AFL football in Melbourne, the majority of the crowd was waiting for the OM’s to come out and blow Blacks away in the second half.  What they saw was a Blacks outfit that pressured OM’s at every contest, and moved the ball with purpose with the wind, kicking goals from all angles to establish a 7 goal lead at ¾ time. 

Whilst the true believers still clung to the prospects of a fast finish with the wind at our backs, it is very hard to turn on top form when you haven’t been at your best for more than half a game, and Uni Blacks outscored us into the breeze to run out emphatic winners.  Tom Seccull was a standout at Centre Half Forward, presenting all day and marking everything that came within reach.  It was our first loss on the Junction, and the form of the past month needs to be turned around quickly to avoid dropping back within reach of the chasing pack!

  

In somewhat of a blessing, St Bernards and St Kevins both dropped games they were expected to win, and we have retained second spot on the ladder.  

What has happened is that the race for a Top 4 position has tightened, with Ormond, Blacks and Haileybury all staking realistic claims on a finals berth.  

Reserves: OMFC 12.15-87 d Uni Blacks 6.5-41

Click on the Match Reports Tab for Up-to-Date Ladders.  With three OMFC sides holding down top spot and the Firsts in Second place, its a solid reminder of the club’s current strength.