Reserves

Barwon Heads 11.13.79

Drysdale 5.6.36

Goal Kickers - Tom Ryan 2, Corey Parnell, Daniel Tester & Rhys Humpage 1

Best Players - Quinn Taylor, George Christofi, Digby Ford, Mason Davis & Daniel Tester

A very young team started off the season for the reserves, with only 8 of the 23 having played much senior footy before 2020! Barwon Heads is always a challenge, but the group fought hard all day. Was great to see Tom Ryan, Corey Parnell, Dan Delaney, Will Edwards, Alec Hernan, Nick Malcher, Flynn Ness, William Rees, Andrew Robinson, Max Visintin and Daniel Thomas playing at this level, either new to the club, returning after some time off or coming up from our juniors. Quinn Taylor (having missed plenty of footy in 2022) was excellent all day, and George Christofi and Digby Ford were solid in defence.

Seniors

Barwon Heads 15.12.102

Drysdale 10.12.72

Goal Kickers - Tom Ruggles 6, Bailey Sykes 2, Mitch Clark and Hamish Paynter 1

Best Players - Matt Piggott, Tom Ruggles, Bailey Sykes, Mitch O'Dowd, Ben Fennell and Lachie Dalgleish

Coming up against the reigning premiers is always a big ask round 1, and while the result didn't go our way, there were some positive signs for the year ahead. With plenty of run and speed across the field, we welcomed debutants in Michael Case, Ross Celano and Hamish Paynter in their first game for the club, and Luke Preece making his senior debut! Matt Piggot rucked solo all day and was huge coming up against one of the best ruckman in the region and Tom Ruggles continued his preseason form in front of goal with 6 majors. Unfortunately Barwon Heads were able to get out to an early lead, and maintain the distance for the rest of the day. A couple of early goals to start the final quarter saw the excitement levels build around Mortimer Oval, but the Gulls were too good in the end.

We give our best wishes to new recruit Hamish Paynter, who was taken to hospital with an elbow injury (not long after kicking a ripper goal). Hamish showed his class and experience during the day, and we hope he's back in the Brown and Gold in not too long, good luck in the recovery Hammer!

Off to Anglesea on Easter Saturday, which is sure to be in front of a huge crowd at Ellimatta Reserve, we'll need all your support for our beloved Hawks this weekend! Let's show them how loud when can be. Get on down, make a day of it this long weekend.

Go Hawks!