SFNL 2025: Hampton Park top Division 2 ladder after five-match unbeaten run
The Redbacks have won five in a row in Division 2 of the Southern league but now face one of their toughest tests. Inside their latest win.
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The Redbacks are in fine form heading into this week’s top-of-the-ladder clash in Division 2 of the Southern league.
Hampton Park has now won five games on the trot, with its latest an emphatic 77-point win over the Doveton Doves.
The Redbacks burst out of the blocks with five unanswered goals and didn’t look back as they cruised to the 15.19 (109) to 4.8 (32) win at Robinson Reserve.
“I said we’ve just got to get off to a good start and we did, so I was happy with that,” reflected Hampton Park playing-coach Luke Bull.
“I just wanted to see our good ball users get their hands on it and they did.
“It was just a good all-round day, even contribution to the side, which was good.”
Trent Thomas led the way with a four-goal performance, while Makaio Haywood also won plenty of the footy.
Bull himself was returning from a hyperextended knee.
“I hadn’t played in five weeks and was happy as to be back,” he said.
Jayden Weichard and Liam Scott also performed strongly as they returned to the Hampton park side, while Jye King was emphatic in the ruck, as was Dylan Morris in the midfield.
Bull added that Tristan Fernandez-Phillips however had been best-on-ground in his eyes.
Hampton Park had held a game in hand since round 9, but now find themselves a game clear on top of the ladder for the first time all season with a healthy percentage of 153.27.
The Redbacks’ depth is a strong point given the reserves are also sitting pretty with a 12-1 record and percentage well north of 300.
After a slow start to the season the Doves had picked up their form over the past six weeks but find themselves languishing in ninth.
“I’m glad we got that win, they’ve been in good form, we must match up well against them,” Bull said.
The Redbacks also toppled the injury-ravaged Endeavour Hills by 55 points the week prior, but will face one of their greatest tests yet against an East Malvern side out to bounce back from a surprise loss at the hands of Highett.
“If we win next week we go two games clear which is awesome,” Bull said.
“We’re looking forward to that.”
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