After a long and arduous preseason, the season proper kicked off in full swing last Saturday with the Seniors, Reserves and Under 19’s all taking the field at the sun drenched Mentone Oval.
The Under 19’s started the season in fine fettle with a convincing 10 goal victory over last year’s finalists Collegians. The boy’s were on their game from the start and with a winning ruck, and slick ball movement into the forward line, they had a fine focal point in Lachlan Palfrey who kicked 7 goals for the day. In an outstanding Team Effort, Reagan Maddaford, Max Millwood, and Sam Lundy, were also great contributers. Great first up effort for new Coach Chris Heverin and his team.
The Reserves were unfortunately taken to task by a very big and strong St Kevin’s unit who just did not give us a chance from the time the ball was bounced to start the game until the final siren sounded. Johnny Cayhun, and Mitchell Kent battled manfully against the odds, with some help from Louie Stutterd. It’s only Round 1 so plenty of room for improvement in this side.
Billed already by some of the pundits as a possible Grand Final preview, the Senior side took on perennial B Section finalists St Kevin’s. The game lived up to expectations with a fast flowing pressure packed spectacle that continually had the crowd on it’s toes. Some 20 points in arrears at the main break, the Tigers came out breathing fire in the third kicking some 7 goals to take a 7 point lead into the final stanza. SBMT had plenty of chances in the last term to lock up the game, but were let down by some unsteadiness in front of goal, and unfortunately were unable to hang on and suffered a heartbreaking 4 point loss. The Tyquin Brothers were in everything all day, while Jimmy Colyvan made an impressive debut for the club with 3 goals.