The Amateur Footballer, Week 10, 2017 by VAFA Media

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Michael Sholly

COMPETITIVE BALANCE ON SHOW IN 2017 We have reached the half way mark of the men’s senior sections and, although we are in the middle of a three-week block between byes, it is a convenient time to assess where your club is situated. Nine games completed, nine to go. Each team has played each other and your club is sitting either on the positive side of the ledger or the negative. In William Buck Premier, five teams have won at least five games. We have seen in previous seasons that sides can get on a roll and make up ground. It appears that St Kevin’s, Collegians and Old Xaverians will be there in September so that leaves just one spot for Uni Blues, De La (who have made a habit of surging late in the year) and Old Melburnians as the team’s most likely of filling that fourth spot. In Premier B, Brighton Grammarians and Old Scotch have surged ahead clearing 18 and 14 points of equal fifth placed Monash Blues, Mazenod and Fitzroy and have all but wrapped up a finals berth. Those three will be chasing St Bernard’s and AJAX for the final two spots but as they have only won four games out of nine they will probably need to win six out of their last nine to make it. Caulfield Grammarians and Old Haileybury seem to have secured their finals spots in Premier C; however, last week’s loss to Old Geelong would have the Bloods a little anxious. Only one game splits third placed Williamstown CYMS from eighth placed Old Mentonians. This a very competitive section with one week playing for finals and the next looking in the rear vision mirror avoiding relegation. Percentage will play a key part for both finals and relegation. Five teams have broken away from the pack in Division 1. PEGS, St Mary’s Salesian and Preston have begun the year well with Ormond and

@vafaceo Oakleigh waiting for any one of them to slip up. Depth may be the difference and if you look at the reserves ladder there may be an indicator. Preston has only won two reserves games, Oakleigh four, whilst Ormond are undefeated on top of the ladder. A deep list when injuries and other unavailabilities set in during July may be the difference so Ormond will have the advantage. In Division 2, only three teams are in the positive ledger of wins and losses – Prahran Assumption, West Brunswick and Yarra Old Grammarians. Ninth place Bulleen-Templestowe are only one game out of the four. This is amateur football, promotion and relegation, competitive balance at its best. What a great second half the year it is going to be for these clubs. Uni High Vic Uni (UHS-VU) is undefeated and along with Power House have separated from the rest of the teams in Division 3. This ladder is similar to Division 2 with ninth placed Albert Park only a game out of the four. These two competitions are going to be so close that you may have seven wins and be relegated and eight wins will get you in the four. This millennium, North Brunswick has only participated in three finals but you can ink for a fourth as they sit undefeated on top of the Division 4 ladder. Aquinas looks like joining them whilst Manningham Cobras and Mt Lilydale are one game clear of Eley Park. There are no undefeated sides in the six Under 19 sections with only two teams yet to register a win. Having competitive matches contributes greatly to the enjoyment and therefore the retention of players through the season. The Football Operations department have done a great job in evaluating the teams and placing them accordingly. With all of this activity and the addition of five women’s sections and finals it is sure to be the best ever finale to a VAFA season. Cover: Old Paradians’ player dishes off a handball in their win over Glen Eira.

The Amateur Footballer

THE JOURNAL OF THE VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION June 24, 2017 THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

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Vol. 17 No. 10 1

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER

Nick Armistead The mid-point of the season is a time for reflection as each team reevaluates their situation and how best to attack the second half of the year. There would be few in the Amateur community surprised at SKOB’s position after nine rounds of football. They boast the most lethal all-round attack of all 10 clubs with Jay Schulz (22) and Henry Parkes (16) their only two goal kickers in the top 20. Their average of 97ppg is 11 more than their nearest rival, while their defence stacks up against any opponents, averaging 68.5 points against which is equal-second strongest alongside De La Salle. Their proficiency across all three zones (fwd, mid, back) is ranked number one in the competition, with their forward line averaging the least inside 50s per goal (3.5). Schulz has kicked 15 goals in his past three outings, including two bags of six, while their midfield of Ben Dowd, Gerard Gleeson and the returning Nick Wood is operating at an elite level. The Tigers would have hoped to defend Brindisi a lot better over the weekend but, as previously mentioned, SKOB’s attack is at another level right now. Despite two wins and a tie, the Tigers have impressed with victories against De La Salle and Uni Blues. They’ve won just one of their five home games which will be a concern but play Old Trinity (7th), Uni Blacks(9th), Uni Blues (4th) and Beaumaris (10th) at Brindisi on the stretch home, giving them every chance to avoid relegation should they reclaim their home ground advantage. One of the main points of interest will be their scoring ability moving forward as they are currently ranked 10th with 62.4ppg and Michael Barnes (15) is their sole double digit goal kicker. James Tyquin, Josh Cowan and the Richards brothers have been standouts through the midfield and are a large reason for the Tigers ranking fifth for overall ball use efficiency, while Dan Garside and Jarryd Robertson were the reason the Sharks couldn’t score late in their Round 8 tie. Collegians and Old Xaverians sit two and three, respectively, with the Lions ahead on percentage at the moment. After what was a tight contest for three quarters, albeit slightly unattractive game skills-wise due to the defensive prowess of both sides, the match was abandoned with 6.22m remaining in the fourth quarter when Xavs defender Jarryd Skene suffered a horrific compound fracture in his leg. While the ambulance attended to Jarryd, both sides agreed to end the match with 59m gone on the clock. It is now up to the VAFA Board to decide the distribution of premiership points. For Xavs, it was their strongest all-round performance since their Round 5 loss to SKOB, with Dan Noonan commanding the back 50 and repelling several errant Lions’ forward thrusts. Unsurprisingly, the Xavs’ midfield is the most proficient in the competition, with Tomi Johnston, Denis Symeopoulos and Ben Kennedy feeding off John Shaw’s elite ruck work. While their overall kicking efficiency is ranked 10th, Xavs are disposing of the ball on average 46 more times than their opposition,

@NickArmistead showcasing their midfield’s dominance. The growth and development of the Lions has been exceptional to watch as they’ve added an offensive game to their elite defence. While still ranking number one for points against (58.6) and allowing an opposition goal just every 5.8 inside 50s (also number one), the Lions have built an outstanding offensive skillset through Lachie Ferguson (20), Kenny Ong (13), Billy Riddle (12) and Corey Cassidy (11), while Alexander Croft has kicked nine and plays the role of the main target perfectly. They now average 88ppg (second to only SKOB) and kick a goal every 3.5 forward entries. Viv Michie improves every week and has been a top five player of the past month, while Kalem Post provides the ideal second ruck to reining Coaches MVP, Tom Penberthy. University Blues and De La Salle are currently on par, with the Blues edging past by 11 points in their Round 9 clash and re-taking fourth spot. After an unconvincing start to the year where they lost three of their first five games, the Blues have hit their straps for three wins in their past four outings; including, demolition jobs of Xavs and Trinity. Their only loss during the past month has been to Collegians by 10 points, but after failing to fire a shot in the first half, the Blues kicked seven goals to four in the last two terms. Kieran Harper has been a standout and leads the goal kicking with 27, eight of which have come against the Lions and De La. Ross Young’s return has been nothing short of sensational, while Connor Lappin is the form defender of William Buck Premier. The strength of the Blues lies within their even spread of talent as they rank second overall for proficiency through each of the three zones. They are the most efficient ball users which is incredible given they rank highest for kicks per match (211). De La were five wins from their past six before their loss to the Blues, with their Round 7 victory against Collegians the most impressive. Their defence is where they continue to set themselves up, with Tom Humphrey, Brendan Close, Jason Tutt, Sam Williams and Sam Haslem each playing significant roles at various times. Tutt has been a sensational inclusion and will battle Jake Williams for Woodrow votes and their offence is operating reasonably well with Adrian Indovino (21) the star of the forward 50. At this point, De la will be fighting Blues and OMs for the fourth spot come finals and both those blockbusters will be Round 17 and 18. Old Melburnians and Old Trinity were both desperate to stay in touch with the four and it was OMs who claimed victory via a five-goal to one final term at Sportscover Arena. After the split points decision following the abandoned Round 1 match against Beaumaris, OMs have gone down in four matches with their only blowout a 45-point loss to the Lions at Wesley College. Excluding that, the Redlegs’ average losing margin has been a tick over 10, with a three-point loss to Xavs and six-point loss to SKOB showcasing their ability to take it up to the top teams. Josh Freezer and Al Armstrong appears of VAFA Tragics this week and admitted the playing group

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

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believes they can play finals. They rank equal-second for ball use efficiency and have the largest kick-to-handball discrepancy at 66%. The T’s have surprised many with their form in the first nine rounds, winning just three games and averaging 69ppg compared to 75 last year. Their most pressing issue is their forward efficiency as they goal just every 4.9 entries (9th overall) as they continue to work out ways to score without a key target. However, the T’s midfield is outstanding and the form of Brendan Iezzi, Anthony Scott, Ben Howell and Harry Tinney will certainly turn the tide in the second half of the year. Harry Thompson has impressed all in the ruck, while Luke Pacconi does the job week in, week out down back. They now have two games against Blacks and the Tigers, with the small Brindisi St Oval sure to test the hard-running T’s. The final match of Round 9 was easily the most entertaining, with Blacks defeating Beaumaris by three points in a 39-goal affair at Uni Oval. With both sides situated nine and 10 on the ladder, the offensive onslaught was a sensational surprise. The Blacks, who have been rocked by injury as much as anyone, have won two for the season but should welcome back players the ilk of Alastair Robbins, Jordan Quaile, Charlie Richardson, Angus Locke, Simon Hogan and Matt O’Brien

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER

TODAY SELECTIONS IN BOLD Beaumaris v De La Salle Old Trinity v University Blacks Collegians v St Bedes/Mentone Tigers University Blues v Old Melburnians Old Xaverians v St Kevin’s

LAST ROUND

Old Xaverians 1.5, 3.8, 8.12, 10.14 (74) Collegians 2.2, 4.5, 8.5, 10.7 (67) **result pending at time of publication GOALS, Old Xaverians: H. Troiani 3, T. Golds 2, C. Beetham 1, D. Symeopoulos 1, M. Handley 1, J. Barrack 1, B. Goss 1 Collegians: F. Sullivan 2, N. Dixon 2, L. Ferguson 2, B. Riddle 1, K. Post 1, S. Hibbins 1, W. Tardif 1 BEST, Old Xaverians: T. Golds, H. Troiani, D. Symeopoulos, J. Shaw, C. Beetham, D. Noonan Collegians: N. Dixon, F. Cameron, H. Johnson, D. Russo, A. Fahie, W. Tardif Uni Blues 3.7, 5.9, 10.14, 13.15 (93) De La Salle 2.2, 7.5, 11.6, 12.10 (82) GOALS, Uni Blues: K. Harper 4, T. Geappen 2, T. Quinn 2, M. James 1, J. Mugavin 1, D. Hinkley 1, P. Hayes 1, R. Young 1 De La Salle: E. Clinch 4, S. Fisher 2, M. Cullinan 1, A. Walker 1, A. Indovino 1, L. Walker 1, B. Nethersole 1, S. Pickett 1 BEST, Uni Blues: R. Eade, C. Lappin, P. Summers, W. Cuningham, C. Williams, R. Young De La Salle: J. Tutt, B. Nethersole, E. Clinch, M. Cullinan, A. Walker, L. Walker Old Melburnians 2.3, 5.6, 6.10, 11.17 (83) Old Trinity Gr 1.2, 4.4, 8.5, 9.6 (60) GOALS, Old Melburnians: G. Hurley-Wellington 2, G. Borthwick 2, J. De Steiger 2, C. Banfield 1, N. De Steiger 1, T. Paule 1, J. Regan 1, L. Prendergast 1 Old Trinity Gr: J. Spassopoulos 4, L. Juric 3, J. Steinhart 1, B. Iezzi 1 BEST, Old Melburnians: G. Borthwick, J. Freezer, S. Peacock, T. Marshall, T. Cameron, G. Hurley-Wellington Old Trinity Gr: B. Iezzi, A. Scott, C. Pohl, B. Howell, T. Young, H. Tinney St Kevins 3.2, 7.10, 10.13, 16.14 (110) SBMT 1.7, 2.9, 4.12, 6.12 (48) GOALS, St Kevins: J. Schulz 6, S. Kennedy 4, H. Parkes 2, M. Brown 1, B. Kanakis 1, L. Sullivan 1, A. Lynch 1 SBMT: R. Iudica 2, M. Barnes 1, N. Henricks 1, S. Wines 1, T. Doherty 1 BEST, St Kevins: L. Merrett, A. Lynch, J. Schulz, T. Cunningham, G. Gleeson, B. Dowd SBMT: J. Robertson, S. Richards, M. Millwood, B. Dance, J. Tyquin, R. Iudica Uni Blacks 5.1, 9.3, 13.10, 19.17 (131) Beaumaris 3.1, 11.5, 14.7, 20.8 (128) GOALS, Uni Blacks: L. Huntington 6, M. Carney 4, H. Curnow 3, T. Sharp 2, M. Rowlands 2, C. Duck 1, J. Steadman 1 Beaumaris: S. Gibbins 6, S. Milne 6, N. Dickinson 2, C. Linehan 1, W. Gillespie 1, J. Smith 1, J. Nardino 1, M. Williams 1, D. Kelly 1 BEST, Uni Blacks: H. Curnow, M. Carney, H. Allen, M. Rowlands, T. Bean, J. Ernest Beaumaris: S. Gower, T. Cumming, S. Gibbins, J. Ward, R. Cathcart, S. Milne

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

in the second half of the season. Lachie Huntington is the ultimate swingman of William Buck Premier, kicking six goals when forward on the weekend but more than capable of taking a key forward in defence. The Sharks have been building in the past month and were agonisingly close to their first win of the year on the weekend. It wouldn’t be often a side kicks 20 goals, one more than their opponent, 128 points in total and loses the match. The Sharks’ proficiency through all three zones ranks the lowest of all sides and they are currently the most inefficient ball users, but they’ve improved to kick their two highest scores in the past three matches while keeping the Tigers to 58 points in Round 8 – the second-lowest points against the Sharks this year. Scott Gower, Rob Cathcart, Scott Braithwaite and Tim Cumming have been standouts, while Stephen Milne (20) and Sam Gibbins lead the way in front of goal.

PREMIER RESERVE

Old Xaverians 2.0, 3.1, 6.7, 10.9 (69) Collegians 5.3, 7.5, 7.7, 8.8 (56) GOALS, Old Xaverians: M. Margin 3, J. Forrest 3, S. Knox 2, R. Ralph 1, H. Cullity 1 Collegians: J. Hocking 2, N. Bobeff 2, Z. Nicholls 1, J. Christie 1, H. Pool 1, T. Wyett 1 BEST, Old Xaverians: T. Scarce, S. Knox, H. Nidam, M. Margin, H. Cullity, J. Midgley Collegians: N. Bobeff, J. Christie, H. Pool, Z. Nicholls, E. Rice, T. Wyett Uni Blues 5.5, 7.6, 12.11, 16.15 (111) De La Salle 1.1, 3.2, 3.2, 4.5 (29) GOALS, Uni Blues: J. Wood 4, L. Wardle 2, T. Carr 2, D. Cumming 2, J. Moloney 2, J. Carr 1, J. Townley 1, E. Ratcliffe 1, J. Caldow 1 De La Salle: C. Dooley 1, L. Williams 1, M. Griechen 1, S. Lowe 1 BEST, Uni Blues: J. Carr, L. Wardle, M. Blair, S. Carr, T. Carr, J. Moloney De La Salle: G. McDonough, M. Colak, N. Taylor, L. Bisognin, J. Black, C. Dooley Old Melburnians 2.1, 7.4, 10.5, 15.9 (99) Old Trinity Gr 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 6.4 (40) GOALS, Old Melburnians: J. Rundell 3, C. Wischer 2, T. Hywood 2, W. Leveni 2, H. Hanlon 1, C. Barry 1, J. De Fegley 1, W. Dowling 1, T. Healey 1, S. Hooper 1 Old Trinity Gr: E. Satur 3, M. Corney 1, E. Beasley 1, J. Dwyer 1 BEST, Old Melburnians: W. Leveni, H. Hanlon, C. Wischer, J. Leigh, J. De Fegley, C. Barry Old Trinity Gr: E. Satur, J. Dwyer, L. Robertson, C. Rae, E. Beasley, J. Smith St Kevins 6.4, 15.8, 17.14, 20.23 (143) SBMT 3.1, 3.1, 6.7, 8.8 (56) GOALS, St Kevins: A. Clough 6, F. Keely 2, P. Dowd 2, J. Tighe 2, H. Lagastes 2, J. Slevison 1, W. Sist 1, L. Nankervis 1, C. Ross 1, B. Dimattina 1, F. Bonacci 1 SBMT: J. Beckwith 4, C. Michaud 2, J. Mckee 2 BEST, St Kevins: A. Clough, J. Tighe, J. Stewart, B. Dimattina, J. Nash, L. McDonald SBMT: L. Palfrey, J. Beckwith, S. Barca, J. Mckee, J. Townley, D. Waters Beaumaris 1.6, 4.8, 7.10, 8.11 (59) Uni Blacks 2.2, 3.4, 4.6, 7.8 (50) GOALS, Beaumaris: Uni Blacks: W. Mills 2, Z. Harris 1, S. McKenzie 1, T. Peyton 1, D. Cooper 1, D. Restrepo 1 BEST, Beaumaris: Uni Blacks: T. Peyton, T. Monkhouse, W. Mills, P. Aitken, L. Steere, D. Restrepo

PREMIER B

David Chalmers

@DAChalmers81

CARDINALS CRAZY QUARTER SETS UP HIGHESTSCORING ROUND FOR THE YEAR The siren has sounded for half time in the 2017 season and we have a wide-open and fascinating competition over the next couple of months. Old Brighton goes into the rooms on top and undefeated, though they have been pushed in recent weeks. To set us up for the second half of the year, Round 9 produced the highest-scoring round of the season so far, with 127 goals kicked, including a massive 15-goal quarter from Old Scotch. After winning three out of four, Mazenod lost a couple in a row and were looking to regroup when they took on Old Carey. The Nodders made three changes, with Jacob Murdock out but they were well served by their inclusions, with Rees Thomas kicking two and Goy Lok bagging four in his first game for the season. The Panthers made five changes and their inclusions also contributed well, with James Gaff, Jarrod Reid and Luke Crozier all kicking goals and Cameron Wallace named second best on. The Nodders opened a 16-point lead and maintained their advantage at each of the breaks. Old Carey made a charge in the final term and got within a goal, but the Nodders left with the points, lifting them within a game of the top four. Ajax had won three in a row, including a gritty win against St Bernards in Round 8, but would face a stern test against ladder-leaders Old Brighton. Both sides made four changes, with the Jackas losing Zac Fleisher, Josh Ludski and Kane Nissenbaum, but adding Brad Caplan and Dean Rotenberg back into the lineup. Old Brighton were without Premier B leading goalkicker Alex Mastromanno. The Jackas held the edge in the first half, with the Tonners inaccuracy (3.8) contributing to their first halftime deficit for the season. The home side fought back with four third-quarter goals to take the lead heading into the final term. Jake Lew got the Jackas off to the perfect start in the last but was answered by two goals from Michael Dewar, stretching the Tonners lead out to 14 halfway through the quarter. Lew struck again twice, reducing the margin to one, but late goals to Andrew Dewar and Tom Larkworthy got the Tonners over the line and helped them remain unbeaten at the halfway mark of the season for the first time in their history. Ajax (5-4) remain in the top four, one game ahead of Monash, Fitzroy and Mazenod. 4

Fitzroy welcomed Rory Angiolella and Aidan Lambert back in for their clash against Old Scotch, while the Cardinals lost important contributors Matthew Seed and Josh Tilley but gained Jono Daggian and Max Van den Broek came in for his first game of the season. The Roys beat Old Carey in Round 8 after losses to fellow finals contenders Mazenod and Monash, while Old Scotch were searching for their first win in three weeks following their draw against Old Brighton and three-point loss to St Bernards. The scores were all locked up at four goals each by halftime, giving no indication of the storm that was to come. In the third term, the Cardinals took the ball straight out of the middle and Max Van den Broek kicked the first. This was quickly followed by goals to Dylan Gilbert and Harry Larwill, before Nino Lazzaro steadied the ship for Fitzroy. Larwill scored again for the Cardinals, then the Roys quickly took it down the other end and Jack Dalton finished off nicely. The Scotchies proceeded to kick the next eleven goals in the space of 20 minutes, leaving the Brunswick Street oval crowd stunned. Van den Broek, Daggian, Gilbert and Cameron Melville all contributed to the mammoth score line. The Roys managed to regain their composure in the last, keeping the Cardinals to five goals and adding four themselves. Lazzaro kicked five and Tom Cheshire chipped in with three for the Roys, who remain one game outside the top four, while Old Scotch consolidated second place. After winning just one of their first six games, the Parkdale Vultures put together two wins in a row and could have been considered the ‘form team’ in their clash with Monash. The Vultures were without Ryan O’Leary and Jarrod Peake but Jackson Boland returned with a couple of goals, while the Blues got good value from their additions, with Connor Ambler (one goal) in the best and Andrew Pitson booting four. The Vultures started better, taking a narrow advantage into quarter time then kicking the first 2.2 of the second term, with Matthew Boland getting on the board both times. The Blues hit back with a couple, including one from Pitson, before Boland pounced on an out-on-the-full free kick and dobbed one from the boundary. Joe Harrison and Andrew Young kicked majors either side of a couple of Vulture behinds, before Pitson took a mark on a lead and converted the set shot, THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

Please email your match reports, thoughts and feelings by Sunday afternoon to dachalmers@gmail.com

sending the Blues into the main break in front. Seven goals to two in the second half gave Monash a comfortable victory and kept them within one game of the top four, while Parkdale slipped to eighth. With just one win in the past month, St Bernards were looking to get back on the winners list against Peninsula, who were riding high after posting their first ever Premier B win in Round 8. The Pirates stayed in the contest in the first term, going into quarter time with a six-point margin. Chris Spinella missed an early chance in the second, but the Snowdogs retrieved the kick-in and Alex Singleton made no mistake. Alex Marshall got the Pirates first for the quarter soon after, before Adam Bentick roved a throw-in and snapped truly. St Bernards controlled the contest and goals from Spinella and

PREMIER B

TODAY SELECTIONS IN BOLD Old Brighton v Monash Peninsula v Fitzroy AJAX v Parkdale Old Scotch v Old Carey St Bernards v Mazenod

LAST ROUND

Old Scotch 3.3, 4.5, 19.7, 24.8 (152) Fitzroy 1.0, 4.5, 6.6, 10.9 (69) GOALS, Old Scotch: M. van den Broek 9, J. Daggian 6, D. Gilbert 3, C. Melville 2, H. Larwill 2, L. Byrne-Jones 1, J. Bull 1 Fitzroy: N. Lazzaro 5, T. Cheshire 3, T. Clayton 1, J. Dalton 1 BEST, Old Scotch: M. van den Broek, J. Daggian, J. Hurley, C. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Beirne, G. van den Broek , M. Martin Fitzroy: J. Dalton, N. Lazzaro, J. Long, N. Ligris, T. Clayton, E. Lincoln Mazenod 4.4, 7.6, 11.10, 14.12 (96) Old Carey 2.0, 5.4, 9.8, 13.12 (90) GOALS, Mazenod: G. Lok 4, P. Rozanitis 3, S. Welsford 2, R. Thomas 2, T. Odrowaz 1, L. Riley 1, B. Kovac 1 Old Carey: C. Jones 4, S. Cust 3, L. Crozier 1, B. Smithwick 1, J. Ceppi 1, J. Gaff 1, J. Reid 1, G. Curnow 1 BEST, Mazenod: R. Mann, A. Patti, S. Welsford, B. Kovac, M. Rice, G. Lok Old Carey: S. Cust, C. Wallace, C. Jones, M. Lock, A. Sloan, W. Nichols Monash Blues 1.4, 6.6, 10.8, 13.12 (90) Parkdale Vultures 2.2, 5.7, 5.8, 7.9 (51) GOALS, Monash Blues: A. Pitson 4, E. East 4, A. Young 1, C. Pither 1, C. Ambler 1, N. Woodland 1, J. Harrison 1 Parkdale Vultures: M. Boland 4, J. Boland 2, Z. Straker 1 BEST, Monash Blues: C. Pither, J. Cosgriff, C. Ambler, A. Young, K. Mason, E. East Parkdale Vultures: S. Chitty, M. Boland, T. Redmond, A. Knight, S. Kelleher, L. Clark Old Brighton Gr 1.4, 3.8, 7.13, 11.15 (81) Ajax 3.3, 5.4, 7.5, 10.7 (67) GOALS, Old Brighton Gr: M. Dewar 3, M. Karayannis 3, B. Jakobi 2, T. Larkworthy 1, A. Dewar 1, O. Cavallaro 1 Ajax: J. Lew 5, A. Kalb 1, D. Rotenberg 1, A. Burstin 1, J. Berkowitz 1, B. Carp 1 BEST, Old Brighton Gr: B. Jakobi, M. Karayannis, M. Dewar, D. Verney, B. Austen, T. Garner Ajax: R. Simon, J. Lew, A. Kalb, Z. Braun, S. Fayman, N. Lewis St Bernards 3.2, 9.5, 15.8, 18.18 (126) Peninsula 2.2, 4.5, 7.8, 7.10 (52) GOALS, St Bernards: C. Spinella 5, E. Sibbald 4, S. Clarke 2, T. Cartledge 2, C. Riley 1, A. Singleton 1, N. Burgin 1, A. Bentick 1, J. McNamara 1 Peninsula: A. Wood 3, A. Marshall 2, F. Roberts 1, N. Holland 1 BEST, St Bernards: C. Riley , M. Hughes, C. Spinella, E. Sibbald, L. Di Lizio, M. Angel Peninsula: S. Harrison, S. Glenn, B. Williamson, B. Southam, A. Wood, S. Grigg

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

Jack McNamara opened up a healthy lead, before Marshall got one back for the Pirates just before half time. Nine goals to three in the second half gave St Bernards a convincing win, and consolidated their position in the top four. Alex Wood kicked three for the Pirates, while Ben Southam and Sam Harrison were standouts.

PREMIER B RESERVE

Old Scotch 4.4, 6.8, 13.12, 18.14 (122) Fitzroy 2.0, 4.3, 6.5, 8.6 (54) GOALS, Old Scotch: W. Stewart 5, E. Furey 4, P. Djordjevic 2, N. Bennison 2, T. Holding 1, C. Millar 1, H. Calway 1, A. Franetic 1, L. Hill 1 Fitzroy: L. Henderson 3, N. Jumeau 3, O. Salvatore 1, K. Menzies 1 BEST, Old Scotch: R. Macdougall, H. Calway, C. Long, W. Stewart, E. Furey, B. Hays Fitzroy: L. Edwards, B. Frazer, K. Menzies, O. Salvatore, M. McWhinney, T. Wells Mazenod 2.0, 5.2, 8.3, 9.10 (64) Old Carey 3.4, 4.5, 7.8, 9.8 (62) GOALS, Mazenod: C. Campbell 3, S. Mydaras 2, F. Palleschi 2, C. Martino 1, B. Woods 1 Old Carey: T. Smith 2, Z. Rose 2, C. Lack 1, M. Parker 1, B. De Leijer 1, Z. Lisle 1, A. Candlish 1 BEST, Mazenod: C. Campbell, C. Martino, S. Deegan, D. Wiles, T. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara, F. Palleschi Old Carey: M. Parker, J. Quartermain, Z. Adam, N. Richardson, D. Clarke, S. Fisher Monash Blues 2.1, 5.4, 9.4, 11.11 (77) Parkdale Vultures 1.3, 1.4, 3.5, 4.5 (29) GOALS, Monash Blues: A. Headberry 4, S. Walsh 2, P. Clifton 1, P. Long 1, T. Vaughan 1, L. Buck 1, N. McConville 1 Parkdale Vultures: P. Lee 2, J. Hall 1, M. Ferguson 1 BEST, Monash Blues: N. McConville, S. Baring, S. Walsh, J. Lawson, G. McMahon, P. Long Parkdale Vultures: J. Stent-Powell, K. Bode, H. Spencer, R. Meade, R. Irvine, G. Crilley Old Brighton Gr 5.0, 8.2, 10.5, 14.10 (94) Ajax 0.1, 2.3, 4.7, 4.8 (32) GOALS, Old Brighton Gr: G. Yeoman 3, C. Macleod 3, M. Ho 2, L. Otto 2, M. Slater 2, D. Mount 1, Z. Alcott 1 Ajax: J. Forbes 1, O. Hoffman 1, J. Goldberg 1, B. Michelson 1 BEST, Old Brighton Gr: B. Jarick, J. Cowling, M. Slater, C. Macleod, G. Yeoman, A. Grant Ajax: J. Tonkin, D. Janover-Rocha, A. Danby, B. Michelson, J. Goldberg, J. Gocs St Bernards 6.8, 12.10, 18.14, 26.20 (176) Peninsula 2.2, 3.3, 4.3, 5.3 (33) GOALS, St Bernards: D. Colaco 10, B. Peart 4, T. Madden 4, J. Shine 2, B. Garth 2, M. Farrant 1, J. Gay 1, P. Le Noury 1, L. Scerri 1 Peninsula: S. Barbour 2, L. Barbour 1, A. Hochegger 1, J. Williams 1 BEST, St Bernards: T. Madden, W. Considine, D. Colaco, J. Shine, A. Dillon, P. Le Noury Peninsula: S. Barbour, L. Barbour, S. Barbour, M. Glenn, J. Cox, B. Theobald

PREMIER C

Mitch op’t Hoog

@mitch_toog

BURBURY HELPS OGS BUMP THE BLOODS OFF THE TOP AS FIELDERS ASSUME THE MANTLE First game back after the Queen’s Birthday bye weekend and many clubs will be thankful for the rest it provided. However, a few teams mightn’t have been too happy with the timing of the bye to interrupt their momentum and good form; none more so than Old Haileybury who were dealt a shock defeat at the hands of an impressive Old Geelong outfit. With Round 9 in the rearview mirror, we’re now officially half way through the 2017 season and there’s still only eight points separating third and ninth place, that’s just two wins between a finals berth and relegation disaster. With a lot of football yet to be played, there’s still plenty of time for teams to put their hands up and start widening the gaps in the Premier C ladder. After claiming that Old Geelong are capable and worthy of their Premier C status, they’ve come out in Round 9 and proven me right. Travelling away from home and and facing off against top of the table, Old Haileybury, you could be forgiven for giving Old Geelong little chance of a win. However, the Ogs came out firing and managed to inflict Old Haileybury with their second loss for the year in a nail biter. Not to be mistaken for a lucky win, this was a complete performance from Old Geelong, whose elite midfield restricted the Bloods run for a majority of the game. George Burbury led from the front and was best on ground, dominating on all fronts for four quarters and clearly showing why he’s the only Premier C player to be selected in the 2017 Big V Squad. In saying that, the Bloods will be disappointed they weren’t able to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat given they had 12 scoring shots to three in the final term. In the end, Old Geelong’s defence, with the help of their hardrunning mids, did just enough to hold on by the skin of their teeth and claim the upset of the year by four points. The Bloods’ will be none too happy with the timing of the bye weekend disrupting their five game winning streak. For all their hard work, Old Geelong fail to climb a spot on the ladder and remain in seventh with four wins. With Old Haileybury falling to Old Geelong, Caulfield Grammarians took their chance to assert their dominance on Premier C and reclaim top spot on the ladder. Unfortunately for Hampton Rovers, 6

they bore the brunt of Caulfield’s dominant display and were handed a 107-point beating. The Fields comprehensive performance will send chills down the spine of the Bloods coach, Daniel Ward, ahead of their Round 10 top-of-table clash. The Fields ran rampant around the ground and extended their lead at every break. It was Declan Reilly who did most of the scoreboard damage, kicking a bag of six for the second week in a row and taking his season tally to 28. We know Caulfield are an attacking machine, and with their impressive score of 130, they made it seven weeks in a row where they’ve scored over 120 points. However, possibly more impressive was their defensive display in Round 9, holding the Rovers to just two goals for the day. Andre Lister and Tim Nixon both continued their strong form and were named two of the Fielders’ best for the fifth time this year. Old Ivanhoe once again proved what they’re capable of, kicking their biggest score for the year and defeating the in-form Williamstown CYMS by a comfortable 47 points. The CYs were coming off four wins from their past five games and were the favourites heading into the match against the Hoers. Right from the start, the fresh legs of both sides after the week off was apparent and both teams combined for 20 goals in the first half of football. The Hoers lead by just 14 points at halftime, and the game was still there for the CYs to claim. However, in the second half, it was Old Ivanhoe, led by Sam Geilings, who were able to maintain the leg speed and kick 12 goals to six in the last two quarters to claim the important win. Sam Geilings is becoming somewhat of a barometer for the Old Ivanhoe team and every time he plays well, the team seems to follow his lead. If they’re looking to get serious and cause some real damage in the next half of the season, Gielings will look to be one of their go to players. In a high-scoring affair, both teams had some impressive displays from their forwards with Brandon Lee top scoring with five for the Hoers. William Ostrowsky was Williamstown CYMS’s best in front of goal with four. For the Hoers, this was an important win in a classic eight point game, and now, despite their unflattering percentage of 89.38, they sit fourth on the ladder with an equal win-loss ratio to the third-placed CYs. THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

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Old Camberwell secured their fifth win for the season to remain within touch of the top four mid way through the year defeating Kew by 55 points at Gordon Barnard Reserve. Kew would have been feeling hopeful after the bye weekend, but the Wellers left little chance of the Bears snaring their first win for the year after the lead at halftime was blown out to 39 points. Kew did manage to outscore Old Camberwell in the third, but failed to take any of that momentum into the final quarter where Old Camberwell kicked away to claim the 55-point win. Chris Hensby continued his good form for the Wellers, kicking two goals and claiming BOG honours for the second week in a row. Nicholas Adamson bagged four to take his season tally to 25 from just the six games. It’s worth mentioning that it was the first game for the year where Kew’s elite forward, Andrew Brazzale, was held goalless. Max Waters and Jack Delbridge did their utmost to the fill the void for the struggling Bears. Old Mentonians continue their fall from grace making it five losses from their last six matches as Marcellin managed to get themselves back in the

PREMIER C

TODAY SELECTIONS IN BOLD Hampton Rovers v Kew Old Geelong v Old Mentonians Caulfield Grammarians v Old Haileybury Old Camberwell v Old Ivanhoe Marcellin v Williamstown CYMS

LAST ROUND

Caulfield Gr 8.3, 9.4, 13.7, 19.16 (130) Hampton Rovers 2.0, 2.5, 2.8, 2.11 (23) GOALS, Caulfield Gr: D. Reilly 6, D. Meddings 3, W. Osborn 2, N. Baltas 2, J. Small 1, H. Mills 1, T. Nixon 1, F. McEVOY 1, W. Kingwill 1, W. Barker 1 Hampton Rovers: A. McNeil 1, B. Kneebush 1 BEST, Caulfield Gr: A. Lister, T. Nixon, X. Jordan, D. Reilly, D. Meddings, J. Small Hampton Rovers: C. Carnovale, J. Pavlou, R. Fogarty, C. Hetherington, J. Schmitz, M. Care Old Camberwell Gr 5.4, 9.8, 11.11, 16.12 (108) Kew 2.2, 3.5, 6.8, 7.11 (53) GOALS, Old Camberwell Gr: N. Adamson 4, J. Edwards 2, C. Hensby 2, J. Arnold 2, S. Boyce 1, C. Allen 1, B. Hart 1, J. Allen 1, C. Young 1, H. Crothers 1 Kew: W. Ryan 2, K. Margaritis 1, J. O’Bryan 1, M. Hannan 1, M. Henderson 1, P. Couvalias 1 BEST, Old Camberwell Gr: C. Hensby, J. Allen, C. Wilson, J. Howells, J. Edwards, S. Powell Kew: M. Waters, J. Delbridge, P. Couvalias, D. Boehm, N. Sambevski, M. Henderson Old Geelong 3.4, 7.8, 9.11, 12.11 (83) Old Haileyburians 2.0, 4.1, 7.5, 11.13 (79) GOALS, Old Geelong: C. Wood 4, E. Keach 2, J. Grimshaw 2, J. Simson 1, C. O’Brien 1, S. Youngman 1, H. Graham 1 Old Haileyburians: N. Waite 4, C. Connelly 2, P. Shakallis 1, N. Gooda 1, M. Rafferty 1, A. Budge 1, E. Limon 1 BEST, Old Geelong: G. Burbury, J. Jess, E. Keach, J. Simson, J. Nettlefold, C. Wood Old Haileyburians: A. Toy, A. Woltering, J. Paul, J. Arthur, N. Waite, N. Gooda Old Ivanhoe Gr 5.1, 11.4, 16.6, 23.7 (145) Williamstown CYMS 4.0, 9.2, 11.4, 15.8 (98) GOALS, Old Ivanhoe Gr: B. Lee 5, N. Reeves-Smyth 4, D. Buttifant 4, J. Binney 3, M. Del Monte 2, C. Groth 2, S. Tsanoudakis 1, A. Solomidis 1, J. Kandiliotis 1 Williamstown CYMS: W. Ostrowsky 4, Z. Read 3, J. Gray 2, B. Gray 2, M. Parkinson 1, B. Carvalho 1, R. Ackerly 1, J. Hogarth 1 BEST, Old Ivanhoe Gr: S. Geilings, N. Reeves-Smyth, B. Lee, C. Groth, J. Erman, T. O’Halloran Williamstown CYMS: R. Ackerly, B. Tucker, W. Ostrowsky, J. Hogarth, K. Dawson, J. MacKenzie Marcellin OC 2.2, 10.5, 12.7, 18.10 (118) Old Mentonians 1.3, 3.6, 8.9, 10.11 (71) GOALS, Marcellin OC: A. Kay 4, A. Viney 3, M. De Luca 2, D. Mc Mahon 2, J. Robertson 2, J. Gaul 1, J. Iezzi 1, R. Costanzo 1, M. Jones 1, A. Tomaro 1 Old Mentonians: J. Davis 2, L. Hull 1, K. Conlon 1, C. Sharp 1, A. Hill 1, J. Kay 1, D. Brown 1, J. Dalzotto 1, B. Nicoll 1 BEST, Marcellin OC: J. Green, M. Jones, J. Iezzi, J. Blanch, A. Tomaro, A. Bonato Old Mentonians: K. Conlon, T. Wilton, L. Hull, C. Edgeworth, J. Dalzotto, B. Nicoll

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

winners books after three losses on the trot. The Eagles 47-point win was set up in the second quarter, when, after leading by just five points at the first break, they managed to kick eight goals to two and skip away to a 41-point halftime lead. The second half was evenly matched with Marcellin kicking eight goals to the Panthers seven. Jackson Green was the Eagles best for the second successive match while Andrew Kay booted four. Kyle Conlon worked hard all day for the Panthers as he capped off a solid month of footy with a best on for the losing side. The Panthers now find themselves in the unenviable position of eighth on the ladder, one game clear of the Hampton Rovers who sit in the relegation zone. They’re going to need to do some soul searching in the coming weeks to see if they can snap out of this rut and get their season back on track.

PREMIER C RESERVE

Caulfield Gr 1.4, 3.7, 7.12, 11.15 (81) Hampton Rovers 2.1, 2.2, 3.4, 5.5 (35) GOALS, Caulfield Gr: O. Sweetapple-Gagiero 2, D. Hay 2, T. Tonkin 1, R. Handel 1, L. Nixon 1, M. Wood 1, N. Fallu 1, L. Everett 1, R. Lewis 1 Hampton Rovers: A. Fisher 2, J. Donald 1, T. McCarthy 1, S. Bradford 1 BEST, Caulfield Gr: R. Lewis, C. Wilson, T. Smith, L. Nixon, T. Rothel, N. Fallu Hampton Rovers: B. Kezilas, T. McCarthy, B. Clarke, J. Donald, D. Broadstock, J. Zaina Kew 2.0, 3.0, 8.3, 10.6 (66) Old Camberwell Gr 2.3, 6.10, 6.11, 7.12 (54) GOALS, Kew: G. Smart 3, E. O’Donnell 2, N. Drummond 2, M. Quinn 2, M. Matheson 1 Old Camberwell Gr: J. Simon 3, N. Russell 2, G. Thorbecke 1, S. Kaiser 1 BEST, Kew: N. Drummond, N. Zaher, O. Twine, T. Lloyd, M. Quinn, E. O’Donnell Old Camberwell Gr: M. Jenkin, O. Lloyd, T. Eastick, T. Stayner, N. Latsas, J. Huntsman Old Geelong 6.5, 10.10, 15.18, 19.21 (135) Old Haileyburians 3.0, 4.2, 4.5, 7.8 (50) GOALS, Old Geelong: A. Leahy 4, H. Gubbins 4, W. Holmes 3, T. Sheridan 2, J. Coumans 2, A. De Fegely 1, J. Kemp 1, X. Everett 1, A. Jackson 1 Old Haileyburians: J. Cain 2, B. Oakes 2, M. Quiambao 1, M. McIntyre 1, J. Alkemade 1 BEST, Old Geelong: J. Coumans, A. Herd, A. De Fegely, H. Gubbins, B. Millar, N. Mason Old Haileyburians: S. Hall, B. White, B. O’Leary, M. Quiambao, J. Alkemade, J. Spanos Old Ivanhoe Gr 6.3, 12.5, 15.6, 18.10 (118) Williamstown CYMS 3.1, 3.1, 7.2, 10.5 (65) GOALS, Old Ivanhoe Gr: B. Lewis 3, J. Begeman 3, C. Matheson 2, N. Exton 2, J. O’Neill 2, A. Karim 2, A. Meikle 1, A. Stenta 1, B. Thompson 1, B. Leach 1 Williamstown CYMS: H. Barnett 2, L. Hogarth 2, R. Horkings 1, M. Michetti 1, D. Ellis 1, J. Dawson 1, M. McLaughlin 1, J. Neylon 1 BEST, Old Ivanhoe Gr: T. Ikeda, N. Exton, B. Lewis, W. Nifakos, B. Thompson Williamstown CYMS: G. Daaboul, M. McLaughlin, J. Dawson, R. Danaher, D. Ellis, J. Venosta Marcellin OC 3.3, 7.8, 14.13, 22.16 (148) Old Mentonians 0.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.2 (14) GOALS, Marcellin OC: N. James 6, J. Baxter 3, R. Di Roberto 2, N. Watty 2, S. Crapper 2, J. Licciardi 2, S. Mackie 1, P. Lunn 1, A. McHenry 1, Z. Tolley 1, D. Redmond 1 Old Mentonians: T. Ward 1, A. Saico 1 BEST, Marcellin OC: S. Mackie, J. Dimattina, H. Malos, N. James, Z. Tolley, A. Berlangieri Old Mentonians: M. Myers-Snyders, L. Pittard, A. Todd, T. Ward, T. Speers

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LATE SCORES, FINES AND TRIBUNAL Tribunal Results – Wednesday 6 May 2017 PLAYER TEAM

CHARGE

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Point Cook

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*James Davis

Old Brighton

Striking

2 Matches

*Alexander Armstrong

Old Melburnians

Abusive Language to an Umpire

2 Matches

Nicholas Blackney

Williamstown

Striking

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Result of Investigation 06 June Parkside and Preston Bullants U19 – Minor Melee. Both Clubs accepted the prescribed penalty of $150 (1st offence)

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FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME Send any FTLOTG stories to mitch@vafa.com.au by midday on Monday.

OLD BRIGHTON GRAMMARIANS RAISE FUNDS FOR ALD, SECURE FOUR WINS! Last Saturday, Old Brighton Grammarians Women’s Football team wore pink ribbons and socks to help raise money and awareness towards breast cancer research. On the same day, they held a ladies’ luncheon in their clubroom with over 100 guests in attendance. Their luncheon and raffle were a complete success, raising $1500 worth of funds that will go towards the care for Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) sufferers. The club also secured four wins from four games for the day and after the women’s match, Old Brighton’s no.1 ticket holder, Tim Wilson MP awarded Morgan McGregor with the best player trophy donated by Winning Edge. FIELDERS TO DON PINK FOR BREAST CANCER NETWORK This Saturday 24 June, Caulfield Grammarians are pinking up at Glenhuntly Oval as part of their Pink Sports Day to support the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Their women’s team will be wearing pink jumpers for the first time with the famous fields hoops while the four men’s teams will be wearing pink socks with the traditional fields uniform. The big day for the club falls on the same day that Caulfield’s men’s senior side face off against Old Haileybury in a top-of-the-table clash! Hopefully it will be a successful day both on and off the field in their bid to raise $7,500 for Australians affected by breast cancer. If you’d like to help out and donate to the BCNA through Caulfield Grammarians head to www.cgfc.com.au and follow the links provided. 10

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

SPORTSMANSHIP ON DISPLAY IN WOMEN’S GAMES This photo recently came to our attention of a West Brunswick player pulling on a Marcellin jumper to help make up numbers during one of the grading games earlier in the year (hence the black shorts). Clearly, while helping out Marcellin, she got a bit of the ball and even managed to snag a goal for the opposing team! Now, we love to see sportswomanship on display, particularly when you kick a sausage roll and run in your teammates faces, just like the West Brunswick (Marcellin?) player is doing here!

OLD SCOTCH EXPLODE FOR 15 IN A QUARTER! After the game was tied at 29-apiece at half time between Fitzroy and Old Scotch in Premier, you could be excused for considering an early exit due to what looked to be a rather dour affair with just eight goals kicked until halftime. However, in the third term Old Scotch came out firing and piled on 15 goals in one quarter! Fitzroy even chipped in with two to take the quarter total to 17. The first two goals of the third came in 1:30m, the next five in 8:50m and the final 10 goals came within 19 minutes! To make the stats even more impressive, Scotch have kicked 15 goals just three time this year, and 20 goals (which they kicked in the second half) just once now! Head to the VAFA HQ Facebook page to watch all 15 of Old Scotch’s goals. THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

HERALD SUN’S GREATEST AMATEUR TEAM OF THE LAST 50 YEARS Over the weekend, the Herald Sun’s, Jon Anderson, shared his greatest amateur football team of the past 50 years. With many names, old and new, to choose from, you can imagine, there were quite a few names left off the team sheet, so the Herald Sun has also released the greatest amateur players from each team. To check out the full team list and each team’s best players, head to Herald Sun sport online.

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MILESTONES

All milestones to mitch@vafa.com.au by Monday noon. Please supply a picture or Milestones reserves the right to find one on the web. GAMES

200

150

100

VAFA CONGRATULATES YOU IN REACHING THE MILESTONE

Congratulation to BOYD UPSTILL on reaching 200 club games for Ormond. Boydy began playing for the Ormond juniors in the U/13s. He played in the reserves premiership in ’07 and the senior premiership in ’08. He was senior captain for two years and VC for five years. He loved playing footy with his brother and has many good friendships at Ormond. Congratulations on achieving this impressive milestone. Congrats to DAVID MILLS for reaching 150 games for Yarra Old Grammarians! David debuted for the Bushies in 2008 but struggled to string games together early on due to recurring shoulder injuries. In 2010, David played his first full season at the club and began cementing himself as the side's most determined, in and under mid. His list of accomplishments is vast, a triple best and fairest winner, premiership player, skipper of the reserves for four years and more recently the playing coach of the squad. Congratulations, Millsy! Congrats to BRENDAN RYAN on his reaching his 150th club game. A St Bernards junior, Brendan won U19 Premierships in 2002 and 2003 before making his senior debut in Rd 1 of 2005. On field, Brendand, known as ‘Chick’, has always been a hard running midfielder who gives his all for the team. Off field he has been a first class clubman all the way. Well done on reaching the 150, Chick. Congratulations to Oakleigh's TIM SCOTT on reaching his 150th game against Whitefriars. Tim was recruited from Oakleigh Chargers and played his first game against Parkdale Seniors in round 1 2009. Tim has played a majority of his games in the seniors midfield and has won several club awards throughout the years. Congrats, Tim. Congratulations to NATHAN MILLER who played his 150th game for Oakleigh on the weekend against Whitefriars. Nathan was recruited from Oakleigh JFC and played his first game against St Bede’s Under 19’s in round 1 2005 Nathan has played most of his footy as a forward in the reserves. Congrats, Nathan, Oakleigh would like to congratulate NICK SEEL on reaching his 150th game against Whitefriars. Nick was recruited from Oakleigh JFC and played his first game against St Mary’s Under 18’s in round 1 2009. As a regular senior midfielder, Nick has managed to relish in this role. Great work on reaching the big milestone, Nick. Congrats to BILL HARDING on reaching 100 games for Yarra Old Grammarians! Bill debuted in 2010 and was thrust straight into the full back position where he has tormented opposition forwards ever since. Every week, Bill shows incredible courage often flying back with the flight of the ball and laying big bumps. With his premiership experience, Bill continues to marshal the backline and we wish him all the best for game 100 and beyond. Congratulation to Richmond Central's JOSH SHARP on reaching 100 games. A fine tall forward, and latterly key defender, Sharpy has got to his century the hard way in coming back from two broken legs. Playing coach in the 2014 Reserves premiership, he is now back as a cornerstone of the senior side. His importance off-field was notable from the outset and has culminated in his being elected President at the end of 2016. One of the club's favourite sons and a genuine football man, naturally, Richmond Central are very proud of his achievements thus far. Congratulations, Josh. THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

GAMES

100

VAFA CONGRATULATES YOU IN REACHING THE MILESTONE

Congratulations to REX GAVIN from the MHSOBFC on reaching his 100th game for the High School. Touted as the ‘Future’ from an earlier age, Rex emerged as a first class midfielder in 2016. Known for his courage and explosive strength, Rex’s consistent performance and humble demeanour over his 100 games has meant that he is a favourite teammate of the senior squad. Well done to Rex. We're looking forward to your next 100 games, mate. Congratulations to MASON FENNESSER-KENT on his 100th game for Melbourne High School. Known around the club as ‘the Viper’, Mason's low centre of gravity and explosive pace has meant he is a force to be reckoned with around stoppages. Playing a starring role in the reserves premiership last season, the budding fashion designer has always loved playing on the big stage. Let’s hope the Viper can continue his recent form for the remainder of 2017 and beyond. Well done Mas.

100

Well done to TIM BLACKBURN who reaches his 100th game for Ormond this weekend. Timmy began playing for the Ormond juniors in the U/9s. He played in the 2013 senior grand final and was runners up in the senior Best & Fairest in 2014. He is part of the leadership team in 2017. Congratulations on achieving this milestone, Tim.

100

Congratulations to St. Marys Salesian's NATHAN EVANS on reaching 100 club games! Commencing as a talented and skilful under-age onballer, Nathan is a determined running player, hard at the ball, a good kick, and dangerous around the goals. Nathan is the son of former Saints legend, Evan Evans, and just like his father, Nathan is an excellent Clubman and very popular with teammates both on and off the field.

Congratulations to the following players on reaching 50 games for the Old Xaverians Football Club. DAVID NASH, FLETCHER NUGENT, JEREMY PYTEL, JAMES AGIUS, BEN STEEDMAN and FOTIOS KERAMITSIS. Well done on achieving this milestone, hopefully many more games in the ‘red and black’ to come.

MITCH PIAZZA played his 50th game for Brunswick NOBSPC on Friday night under lights at Elsternwick Park. From Riddells Creek, Mitch came to the club in 2013 after playing 55 games for Rupertswood. Mitch does his best work as a traditional deep full forward but also gets around the ground well in the ruck. Mitch has coached the Club XVIII side for the past two seasons and has easily maintained and even improved the great clubbies culture at Brunswick NOBSPC. Congratulations Mitch on reaching this milestone!

TIM JAMES, better known as ‘TJ”, is a teammate you love to have. TJ always gives his all for the team, and you can always rely on him to have a red hot crack come game day. TJ is also one of the more committed and passionate blokes at Marcellin, as he is one of few who turn up to every single training session, rain hail or shine. Well done on getting to 50 games, TJ. Well-deserved.

Congratulations to CAM PULLEN on reaching 50 games with Richmond Central. Cam arrived from Tasmania in 2014 and has since enjoyed a meteoric and thoroughly deserved rise to co-captain of the senior side. The heartbeat of the team with his run and carry and ferocious desire to win contested ball, we look forward to him being a wonderful captain and player for many years to come. Congrats, Cam.

Well done to DAMIEN HOLLAND on reaching 50 games for Richmond Central. 'Damo' arrived from Old Xavs in 2014 as one of a band of brothers -- and the youngest is the first to reach his half-century of games. Damo's hard running and workrate on the wing are a feature of the current senior side. This year, Damo has also joined the committee where he has immediately made a valuable contribution. Congratulations, Damien.

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