By Jonty Ralphsmith
Hampton Park’s year came to a close in an ugly eight-goal scrap against East Malvern on Saturday, likely drawing the curtain on decorated coach Hayden Stanton’s career.
The Redbacks were gallant but ultimately fell short 5.8 38 to 3.13 31 at a blustery Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc.
In a season moreso defined by repeated player absences than consistent footy, it was a testament to the leadership and resilience of the club to reach semi final weekend.
The Spiders fielded their strongest team all year against East Malvern, with the return of Trent Thomas particularly influential in giving them firepower early.
But the Redbacks were ultimately plagued by poor set shot goal kicking, missing four shots with the breeze in the first quarter from within 25 metres.
Despite their momentum, Hampton Park led by just 12 points at quarter time.
In most facets of the game, Hampton Park had the game on their terms, owning territory with the wind and generating scoring opportunities against it – but were unable to ever put scoreboard pressure on.
Fullback Jye King went down with a bad corkie midway through the game so he couldn’t play on Isaac Morrisby, but even still, the East Malvern spearhead’s influence was limited.
Kicking against the wind in the last quarter with a lead of just five points, Hampton Park was able to generate run off halfback, but kicked just one behind from its three shots on goal, compared to East Malvern’s 1.7.
Tanner Stanton turned in another best-on-ground performance in his last match playing under Dad, Hayden, impacting at stoppage in the first three quarters before giving them drive off halfback in the last term.
Hampton Park’s 11-7 season and a finals win is a step forward from 2023, but they will be seeking more presence inside 50, star-power in the midfield and a greater spread of contributors to continue to progress in 2025 under incoming coach Luke Bull.
