By Jonty Ralphsmith
Hampton Park’s reserves took care of Caulfield 9.9 63 to 2.9 21 in a do-or-die final before the seniors game on Sunday at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc.
Hampton Park put five goals to zero on the board in the first half to open up a 31-point lead, with the result setting up a final against rivals Doveton.
With Hampton Park’s seniors regaining many walk-up starts in recent weeks, the reserves side has been strengthened by the increased depth.
Among the players with senior experience to play in the game were youngsters Jesse Naylor and Corey Braden, as well as Dylan Asling and Charlie O’Neill.
Braden played a key role in the ruck and was a presence inside 50, while Naylor’s class also shone through.
Skipper Jordan Ashwood was excellent in defence, having played in the last two weeks after being hit behind play against Murrumbeena last month.
Also named in the best were Zac Johnston and Sam Ward.
The match against Doveton, which finished with three more home-and-away wins, will be difficult with the Doves set to regain some senior names.
Lachie Moss, Nik Hibbert and Stuart Johnson were among the names in the Doves’ nine-point reserves loss in the qualifying final against Murrumbeena who have played senior footy in 2023.
After Hampton Park won the early season clash between the two sides by a point, Doveton won the most recent bout by 34 points.
