Southern league 2021: Aaron Holden jumps into ruck for Redbacks

With Russ Gabriel sitting it out, Aaron Holden was thrown into the ruck and was best-afield as Hampton Park downed Caulfield.

Aaron Holden was outstanding for Hampton Park in the win over Caulfield.

Two out of three ain’t bad.

Just ask Hampton Park coach Nathan Wilson.

His playing list has been hit hard by injury, yet the Redbacks have pulled off two fine wins since starting the SFNL Division 2 season with an honourable loss to the strong Springvale Districts.

On Saturday they unfurled their Division 3 premiership flag and could celebrate Jackson Philpin’s 150th club game when they saw off Caulfield 12.13 (85) to 11.8 (74).

They did it without their gun ruckman Russell Gabriel, after being 25 points in arrears at quarter time and despite having only one fit player on the bench in the last quarter.

With Gabriel (groin) among the long list of injured players, coach Nathan Wilson turned to Aaron Holden to go up against big Bear Adam Ballard.

Wilson thought Holden was best-afield.

Milestone man: Jackson Philpin.

Veteran Peter Dye kicked five goals, classy little left-footer Cam Wilson booted four in his first game of the season and Steven Stredwick was like a brick wall at centre half back.

Kyle Hendy was off target, kicking 0.6, but he was on song in the air when he pulled off a spectacular grab in the second quarter.

Youngsters Dylan Sorbello, on debut, and Jack Agar, playing his second game, held their own against strong opposition.

Holden is the son of Hampton Park great John Holden, who was runner on Saturday.

“He rucked the whole game, unchanged,’’ Wilson said.

“It was a supreme effort. To not change, when you’re not used to playing in the ruck, he was fantastic. Even late he took some marks. Gee he was good. We’ve found something there to chop Russ out in the future.’’

Wilson was thrilled with the performance of his team, noting the quality of the opposition. He said Caulfield had a formidable midfield.

“We had nine of our best 22 out,’’ Wilson said.

“To tough it out like we did was just incredible. They’re a different breed, this bunch. They’ve got something special in them, I reckon. Guts and heart that I’ve rarely seen in my time in footy. I know it’s only Round 3 but we’ve played five Under 18s already and played blokes who, if we were fully fit, we probably wouldn’t have looked at. To be 2-1 with a really tough draw, we’ll take that.’’

Hampton Park had trailed 4.3 to 0.2 at the first change.

“Our first quarter was awful,’’ Wilson said.

“I didn’t pick it. We had the flag unfurling, we had ‘Jacko’ Philpin’s 150th and the boys looked up. Caulfield jumped us … we had to give them a few home truths at quarter time and they responded.’’

The Redbacks are seeing the sharp end of competition early: this week they visit Chelsea Heights, which is expected to push for a finals position.