Round 9 Results - Triple header & 2000 Premiership Reunion

It was another big week at the club with a triple header at home last weekend, highlighted by the well attended 2000 Premiership Reunion. Unfortunately no wins on the board but some terrific individual and team performances to work on.

This week we have a big chance for victory in all games!

The Women take on WHITEFRIARS at HOME at 9.20 while the Men’s Teams travel AWAY to take on MANNINGHAM in two very winnable but challenging games.

ROUND 8 REVIEW

THE WOMEN fronted up at the Ross Gregory Oval to take on rivals Glen Eira and started slowly, finding themselves a goal down at the first break and 3 goals down at the half. Some rearranging of the team and some refocussing of expectations led to a vastly improved third term where we booted 2 goals to one, both through the superboot of Captain Lisa McCombs. We continued the fight in the last quarter but disappointingly went down by 22 points.

Captain Lisa McCombs kicks for goal

Our clear best player was Lisa McCombs (2 goals) who dominated around the ground and hit the scoreboard. Anna Jones, Cat Bartholomew and Grace Curran fought bravely never backing down while Lucy O’Sullivan and Courtney Coologhan battled hard.

The second half was much improved however the damage had been done early and we couldn’t claw our way back into the game. A tough loss but more encouraging signs to look forward to.

A very undermanned RESERVES took the field in a game that was challenging from the start. Losing gun Tal Sardone with a thumb dislocation in the first 10 minutes was a blow, but the boys stuck at it putting together some impressive pieces of play leading to goals.

They finished the game out strongly, and football and teamwork were the winners on the day as this group of players showed what could be done in the face of adversity with their backs to the wall.

Reserves 3/4 time huddle

Prolific gun forward Daniel Buckley was again amongst the goals as was Jai Fernandes-Kemp. Jessie Murrell hit the scoreboard in his 4th club game as did seasoned veterans Mark Nicholson and Brad “Spudda” Phillips.

Best for the House were Chris Destefano and Johnny Clelland both in their debut games. Newcomer Noah Coggan-Gartlan was elusive and hard and Richie Ogenche led the way.

THE SENIORS came out looking to continue their form from last week despite a long injury list against a top 4 team in West Brunswick. Another slow first quarter start was rectified by an impressive and fierce second term where they outscored their opponents and went into the major break with some momentum and belief.

The third term saw West Brunswick slip away but an impassioned 3/4 time speech by coach Jeff Scotland lifted the boys as they again outscored their opponents in the final term to walk off with their heads held high, pride intact and the belief that their best efforts are competitive against good sides.

In his 100th game, superstar Ben Circosta was immense dominating around the ground and kicking 2 goals. Swingman Jeremy Hill locked in another two goals while Sean Scotland put in another great performance on the ball and helped himself to a goal.

Ben Circosta on the ball

Livewire Kevin O’Connell was awesome in and around the packs in a great game. Veteran Traolach O’Sullivan booted his first senior goal while youngster Brian Letch starred up forward booting a goal and proving elusive and electric.

Ben Circosta is chaired off the ground in game 100

Mildura boys (L-R) James Ditchfield, Ben Circosta and Jeremy Hill

Overall a much improved effort despite the scoreboard.

The Women take on WHITEFRIARS in a must win game, while the Men’s teams take on MANNINGHAM in two winnable games.

See you on the weekend!

2000 PREMIERSHIP REUNION RECAP

Great to see plenty of numbers at the club last Saturday to celebrate the 20 year reunion of the famous 2000 Premiership victory. Plenty of Life Members in attendance including Mick Verberne, Patrick Arnold, Ric Dakin, Daniel Buckley, Francis Doyle, Andrew Morris, Craig Richardson, Shane Cross, Jimmy Hall, Jason Nicholls, Warde Elliott, Lindsay McIntyre, Roddy Marshall, Ian Hammet, Nic Pavlou and Club Legends Peter Dakin and Stephen Mason

The room was full of the 2000 players as Warde Elliott and Cat Bartholomew talked about the Women’s program. Then Senior Coach Jeff Scotland and his co-captains Ben Circosta and Luke Stubbs talked about the main game.