The Amateur Footballer, Week 9, 2017 by VAFA Media

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WELCOME TO EDITORIAL

Michael Sholly

IMPORTANCE OF THE BIG V The Queen’s Birthday holiday editorial is generally set aside for the reporting of the Big V clashes that had occurred over the previous weekend. Sadly there is nothing to report as the Under 23 Australian Amateur Football Council (AAFC) matches have ceased. The representative matches that will be occurring this year will be in a month’s time when the Senior and Under 19’s take on AFL Victoria Country and the Women play their inaugural representative match against AFL Goldfields. The Australian Amateur Football Council (AAFC) consists of four members. Joining the VAFA is the South Australian Amateurs, West Australian Amateurs and the Tasmanian Football Council. This group of four have been playing Under 23 matches over the past decade but for varying reasons this competition has gone into recess this year. The VAFA were scheduled to play Tasmania but unfortunately they were not able to form a team. Tasmania consisted of their three main community competitions – the Northern Tasmania Football League from Launceston, the North West Football League and the Southern Football League housed in Hobart. The South Australian Amateurs (who are now a professional league) and the West Australian Amateurs were not able to agree on the match conditions with one wanting to play at senior level and the other at Under 23. So sadly the AAFC competitions did not play a match in 2017. The relationship with our partners in the Southern States has been the cornerstone of our representative program since we first played South Australia on the MCG in 1925. Moving forward we need to re-establish our relations with these leagues and ensure matches continue. In 2016, AFL Victoria merged the Metro Championships, the VAFA were the No 1 seed, with

@vafaceo the Country championships to have a combined State-wide Community Football Championships. The VAFA decided not to participate as we already had commitments to playing the combined AFL Victoria Country team and to also fulfil our commitments with the AAFC. Representing the VAFA in matches around the country and wearing the Big V is one of the attractions of playing in the VAFA. This is changing now as all the metropolitan leagues are playing representative football in the Championships. Keeping the VAFA at the forefront of representative football and offering a different product to the metropolitan leagues in Melbourne is critical to the strength and viability of the amateur game. The Ireland Tour is one of those examples where the VAFA lead the way. Most of our senior players have had the opportunity to play for money but have remained loyal to their clubs and the Association. One way to repay their loyalty is to provide money can’t buy experiences. Representing the VAFA in Ireland, playing against the All Ireland team, functions at the Australian Embassy are all opportunities not being presented to any other footballers in Victoria. The Ireland tour and interstate matches are an experience which binds our players together to make our competition bigger than just playing for a club. Players from all the clubs and sections mixing together gives all the tourists a deeper understanding of the competition. This is most notably observed as the players in Premier enjoy playing with those from the Division clubs and vice versa. It also gives our supporters who attend a greater appreciation of the competition as a whole. These are great events where the VAFA is recognised by the wider football community. The campaign for the matches have begun with the naming of the representative teams. I would encourage all those selected to give their total commitment to the Big V as they will share a lifetime of friendships. Cover: Prahran Assumption player fends off a tackle from a Bulleen Templestowe player

The Amateur Footballer

THE JOURNAL OF THE VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION June 17, 2017 THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

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Vol. 17 No. 9 1

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER

Nick Armistead

@NickArmistead

XAVS CRUISING IN FIRST GEAR, WHILE LOCAL DERBY DELIGHTS Beaumaris and St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers met in the 2016 Premier B Grand Final re-match and the result was an accurate depiction of the showcase spectators were subjected to at Banksia Reserve. Drawn at 58-apiece, the Sharks had an opportunity to win after the final siren when Scott Gower took a sensational contested mark and lined up from 5560m out, but he can certainly be forgiven for the ball falling short after four quarters of uninterrupted battery between the two local rivals. The Tigers made the most of their opportunities in the first half (5.1-3.6) and took a seven-point lead into the main break before the Sharks, and reminiscent to last year’s grand final, hit back with four unanswered in the third. An impassioned three-quarter time speech from senior coach, Sam Anstey, inspired the Tigers to the first three goals of the last term before Jordan Smith (Beau) and George Rowlands (SBMT) kicked the final two majors of the match. The Sharks had the last five inside 50s but failed to convert in the final three minutes of the match, with Jarryd Robertson and Tom Garside particularly influential for the Tigers across half back, cutting off several forward thrusts. Tim Cumming was outstanding in the ruck for the Sharks and his importance will only increase now Tom Dean and his ball-winning ability has been ruled out for the season with stress fractures in his foot. Gower was instrumental for the Sharks alongside Rob Cathcart and Nick Dickinson, while Tigers’ midfielder James Tyquin would be stiff to miss the three votes. Despite the loss, it was the Sharks’ second straight impressive performance and if they can lower their eyes more often when entering 50, a forward set-up of Gibbins, Dickinson and Milne will certainly kick winning scores. St Kevin’s edged past Old Melburnians in the fourth quarter of their clash at TH King Oval, running out six-point victors for their seventh win of the season. OMs led at every break throughout the day but gave up four goals to one in the final term, with a red card in the 24th minute handing young gun, Tom Jok, the winning goal. Jok, 20, is one of the most exciting prospects in the VAFA and his form over the past three weeks has been in the top echelon of William Buck Premier players. Sam Critchley and Billy Kanakis impressed for SKOB, while Gerard Gleeson strengthened his claim for a second consecutive Big V squad selection. While the focus has largely been on SKOB’s offensive skillset – and rightfully so 2

with an average of 95ppg – it’s their defence which has shone in all but one game this year. They boast the fourth tightest defence of 71 points against and that includes their Round 6 capitulation against Collegians whereby they allowed 140 points. OM’s missed an opportunity to stamp their authority on the competition by claiming a top-two scalp and, as such, fall a game a half outside the four. Sam Gibbons and Tom Paule led from the front, while Cameron Banfield was named in the best for the fourth time this year. Collegians returned to form with a solid 10-point victory over the in-form University Blues at Uni Oval. Despite posting their second-lowest score of the season (9.13.67), the Lions kept the Blues to just eight goals, which is the seventh time they’ve kept a side below the magical 10-goal mark from the first eight rounds. Viv Michie continues to go from strengthto-strength after having his appendix removed on the eve of Round 1 which ultimately slowed his start to the year. He has clearly been the Lions’ best over the past month and his AFL experience adds another layer of class to the most structurally sound outfit in the competition. Kalem Post returned from injury and had an immediate impact akin to his smooth transition into the Lion’s Den this year. The Blues trailed by 34 at the final break but piled on the last four goals of the game as they refused to give in. Kieran Harper increased his lead as the number one goal kicker in William Buck Premier, booting four and taking his overall tally to 23. Harper’s ankle injuries have been well-documented since his AFL days with North Melbourne, but his utmost professionalism to recovery has seen him dominate across half forward and through the midfield in the first eight rounds after missing the entire 2016 season. Will Cuningham was outstanding in defence and his partnership with fellow defender Connor Lappin is as important to the Blues’ success as Harper’s presence. Six goals to two in the third quarter proved the difference as Old Xaverians defeated University Blacks by 28 points at Toorak Park. With eight points separating the two sides at the main break, Xavs strung together 11 scoring shots (6.5) to three (2.1) as Dan Noonan, Louis Tiernan and Brendan Goss started to get on top. If not for the third term dominance, the scores were level across the other three quarters with 4.13 each. It’s not the first time the Xavs have won a game in the space of a quarter THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

WATCH EVERY PREMIER GAME AT WWW.VAFA.COM.AU

but, as previously stated, it’s all that is required at this time of the year. At 6-2 with a percentage of 106.14, Xavs’ average winning margin is still 20.3 and they’ve not even left first gear. The Blacks are now level with the Sharks on four premiership points and a game and a half behind the Tigers in eighth. James Toohey was the Blacks’ best for the second week in a row, while Lochie Dornauf kicked three. The Blacks are clearly a better side than 1-7 suggests but allowing an average of 32 scoring shots through their defence over the past three weeks is, at the very least, concerning given they’ve hit the scoreboard more than 23 times just once this year. Leadership and a hard-nosed edge are characteristics 1-7 sides need and the Blacks have both in spades. De La Salle entered the four a game clear of the Blues after they defeated Old Trinity by 39 points at Daley Oval. Playing for the Fight MND Cup, of which both sides were phenomenal in their support, De La kicked nine of the last 12 goals to run away with their second straight win. Jake Williams and in-form Chris Robinson starred for De La, while Collingwood

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER

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

LAST ROUND

Beaumaris 2.3, 3.6, 7.7, 8.10 (58) St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 3.0, 5.1, 5.3, 9.4 (58) GOALS, Beaumaris: S. Braithwaite 2, S. Milne 2, M. Howes 1, J. Smith 1, J. Ward 1, D. Johns 1 St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: G. Rowlands 2, J. Cowan 2, N. Henricks 1, S. Richards 1, T. Short 1, L. Mirams 1, M. Barnes 1 BEST, Beaumaris: T. Cumming, S. Gower, C. Linehan, C. Beattie-Powell, W. Edmonds St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: D. Porter, B. O’Toole, K. Beveridge, J. Robertson, C. Mangoni, J. Cowan Old Xaverians 4.7, 4.9, 10.14, 10.18 (78) University Blacks 1.0, 3.7, 5.8, 6.14 (50) GOALS, Old Xaverians: B. Goss 3, H. Troiani 2, C. Beetham 1, M. Handley 1, C. Woodley 1, J. Barrack 1, L. Denton 1 University Blacks: L. Dornauf 3, J. Ernest 1, S. Bennett 1, M. Carney 1 BEST, Old Xaverians: D. Noonan, L. Tiernan, B. Goss, J. Barrack, C. Margin, M. Smith University Blacks: J. Toohey, L. Huntington, C. Richardson, B. Mahon, H. Curnow, J. Vrodos St Kevins 3.0, 4.3, 6.6, 10.8 (68) Old Melburnians 5.0, 7.2, 8.6, 9.8 (62) GOALS, St Kevins: J. Schulz 3, T. Cunningham 1, G. Gleeson 1, J. Salopek 1, M. Murphy 1, H. Parkes 1, L. Sullivan 1, T. Jok 1 Old Melburnians: C. Banfield 2, T. Paule 2, A. Armstrong 2, T. Marshall 1, M. Wilkins 1, J. De Steiger 1 BEST, St Kevins: S. Critchley, T. Jok, B. Kanakis, G. Gleeson, L. McKenzie, L. Merrett Old Melburnians: S. Gibbons, T. Paule, G. Hurley-Wellington, S. Peacock, C. Banfield, N. De Steiger Collegians 3.4, 5.8, 9.11, 9.13 (67) University Blues 1.1, 1.5, 4.7, 8.9 (57) GOALS, Collegians: K. Emley 2, C. Hylton 1, V. Michie 1, S. Hibbins 1, W. Johnson 1, K. Ong 1, T. Penberthy 1, L. Ferguson 1 University Blues: K. Harper 4, T. Geappen 2, D. Batarilo 1, J. Mugavin 1 BEST, Collegians: V. Michie, N. Dixon, K. Emley, K. Post, H. Johnson, D. Russo University Blues: W. Cuningham, K. Harper, A. McCorkell, P. Summers, R. Young, D. Batarilo De La Salle 1.5, 3.9, 6.11, 12.13 (85) Old Trinity Gr 3.1, 3.4, 5.9, 6.10 (46) GOALS, De La Salle: J. Williams 3, A. Indovino 2, S. Pickett 2, M. Fieldsend 1, A. Forato 1, A. Walker 1, B. Nethersole 1, M. Chippendale 1 Old Trinity Gr: S. Nicolosi 2, A. Polidoros 1, H. Thompson 1, J. Osborn 1, E. Weatherson 1 BEST, De La Salle: B. Close, C. Robinson, S. Haslem, A. Walker, M. Fieldsend, M. Cullinan Old Trinity Gr: B. Iezzi, L. Pacconi, B. Howell, T. Young, A. Scott, H. Thompson

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

VFL-listed player, Michael Chippendale, made his debut. Jason Tutt and David Lowe both returned after missing last week’s clash against the Lions. It was the T’s fifth loss from their past six outings and the situation at the Daley is beginning to look rather dire. The T’s best form is better than any other in the VAFA, but they are not producing consistently enough over the duration of a match to warrant confidence from even the most loyal supporters. Brendan Iezzi’s return to form over the past month has been a shining light and Luke Pacconi continues to star down back as the best small defender in the competition. Next weekend’s clash against the sixth-placed OMs will be the match of the round because both side’s finals aspirations rely heavily on banking the four points.

PREMIER RESERVE

Beaumaris 3.4, 7.6, 10.9, St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 2.1, 3.2, 4.3, GOALS, Beaumaris: N/A St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: J. Beckwith 3, L. Palfrey 2, J. Mckee 1 BEST, Beaumaris: N/A

11.16 (82) 6.4 (40)

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: M. Geschke, T. Doherty, C. McCready, H. Griffin , D. Waters, L. Palfrey Old Xaverians 1.2, 5.7, 8.7, 14.10 (94) University Blacks 3.0, 3.0, 5.1, 8.3 (51) GOALS, Old Xaverians: S. Knox 3, M. Margin 3, J. Forrest 2, T. Scarce 2, L. Keith 1, R. Ralph 1, M. Parker 1, C. Denton 1 University Blacks: M. Nunan 2, W. Mills 2, S. Myers 2, C. Duck 1, T. Peyton 1 BEST, Old Xaverians: J. Midgley , H. Morris, H. Cullity, S. Knox, R. Ralph, L. Barry University Blacks: C. Moorfield, M. Rowlands, P. Aitken, S. Myers, T. Peyton, E. King Old Melburnians 2.3, 4.5, 4.6, 8.9 (57) St Kevins 2.3, 3.6, 6.9, 6.10 (46) GOALS, Old Melburnians: J. Regan 4, T. De Fegley 1, H. Hanlon 1, J. Rundell 1, T. Healey 1 St Kevins: A. Clough 2, F. Keely 1, F. Bonacci 1, J. Slevison 1, B. Dimattina 1 BEST, Old Melburnians: H. Watkin, C. Barry, S. Clarke, C. Wischer, R. Hayward, D. Watson St Kevins: T. Sullivan, L. Mahoney, N. Murphy, A. Clough, W. Sist, T. Kerr University Blues 2.4, 3.4, 5.9, 8.10 (58) Collegians 0.1, 5.2, 6.6, 8.6 (54) GOALS, University Blues: T. Carr 2, S. Carr 2, J. Carr 1, J. Townley 1, H. Bennett 1, R. McMahon 1 Collegians: B. Mason 4, L. Fernandez 2, F. Huntington 1, N. Bobeff 1 BEST, University Blues: S. Carr, H. Steinfort, R. McMahon, J. Moloney, S. Sleigh, T. Carr Collegians: F. Sullivan, J. Bazzani, B. Mason, H. Sullivan, F. Huntington, H. Apted Old Trinity Gr 2.1, 8.2, 10.3, 11.6 (72) De La Salle 0.1, 2.1, 5.2, 5.4 (34) GOALS, Old Trinity Gr: T. Mitchell 4, J. Nitsopoulos 3, J. Sando 2, M. Corney 1, J. Smith 1 De La Salle: S. Lowe 2, C. Dooley 2, T. Parker 1 BEST, Old Trinity Gr: K. Spassopoulos, J. Sando, T. Mitchell, J. Nitsopoulos, J. Spassopoulos, A. Heuston De La Salle: M. Griechen, D. Marchese, M. Martinez, J. Tyquin, S. Hogan, C. Dooley

PREMIER B

David Chalmers

@DAChalmers81

A DRAW STEALS THE SHOW IN THE LOWEST SCORING ROUND FOR THE YEAR Premier B Round 8 was notable for many reasons: we had our first draw of the season and it was the first time Old Brighton walked away without a win (but are still undefeated). It was also the lowest scoring round (87 goals kicked) and the closest round (average margin 16 points, four results less than 20 points). We also witnessed the first ever win in Premier B for the Peninsula Pirates. Ajax won their previous two matches against Peninsula and Mazenod, but would face a real test against fellow top four side St Bernards. The Snowdogs pipped Old Scotch in a thriller the previous week, breaking a two-game losing streak. The two sides couldn’t be split at the first break, then the game opened up as St Bernards unleashed a seven goal second term and Ajax kicked four of their own, giving the Snowdogs a three goal break at half time. Ajax fought back with four goals to two in the third, narrowing the gap and setting up a ripper final quarter. The Jackas got off to the perfect start when Brandon Joel kicked long to Jake Lew in the first minute and he got the home side on the board. Charlie Vague replied for St Bernards soon after, then behinds from Zachary Fleisher and Shaun Clarke were the only scores for the next 15 minutes. Goals from Lew and Kane Nissenbaum followed, putting the Jackas in front. St Bernards had a chance in the final minutes but the snap from the stoppage missed the big sticks. Ajax ate up the clock by bottling the ball up in their forward line, before Fayman managed a kick off the ground and somehow it went through, giving the Jackas a match-winning nine-point lead. While the Ajax v St Bernards contest might have had most of the focus during the week, over at Camberwell Sports Ground there was a little ‘topof-the-table clash’ going on between Old Brighton and Old Scotch. The Tonners lost Ben Jarick but Hamish Graham came in and was among their best. Old Scotch lost Jordan Clarke and Josh Halsall, who had kicked 28 goals between them so far. Old Brighton had their usual fast start, kicking four goals to one and opening up a handy lead. Old Scotch completely closed the game down in the middle stages, with both sides combining for just ten goals to three quarter time. Matthew Seed got the Scotchies off to the perfect start in the final term, before Lucas Forato retrieved a Cardinals kick-in 4

and replied for Old Brighton. When Patrick Liston goaled, the Tonners looked to be back on top and 21 points clear. From the next centre clearance Josh Tilley kicked truly followed by a contested mark on the goal line from James Sansom. Liston got another one for the Tonners, but from there Old Scotch came storming home in the last ten minutes. Behinds from Dylan Gilbert and Harry Larwill were followed by Sansom’s fourth and in the last minute an Old Scotch kick for goal went out on the full but it was touched off the boot, resulting in a throw in. Josh Tilley roved the stoppage and his hurried snap went sailing through the big sticks, levelling the scores. The final siren sounded not long after and Premier B was gifted its first draw of 2017. Fitzroy were looking to bounce back from a couple of losses to Monash and Mazenod when they travelled to take on Old Carey. The Roys were without Rory Angiolella but were well served by Sam Baker (one goal, in best) in his first game of the season. The Panthers made five changes to the side that pushed Old Brighton to the limit before losing by four goals. George Curnow returned with two goals and was among the best. Very little separated the sides for the first three quarters, and while the Panthers had more scoring shots, Fitzroy’s accuracy gave them a one-point lead at the final break. Neither side found the goals in the first nine minutes, with Matthew Parker, Julian Turner and Nino Lazzaro all missing chances. Sam Baker and Lazzaro finally broke through for the Roys, finishing off contested marks with majors. The Panthers kept attacking but were unable to find the goals, with Marc Lock missing a tricky snap and Ben Smithwick’s long bomb punched through by the Roys defence. Lazzaro produced a party trick late in the quarter, marking the ball on the boundary and rolling it through an unattended goal square, as Fitzroy claimed a 19-point win and moved to outright fifth, one game outside the top four. Both Mazenod and Parkdale had some crucial ‘outs’ before their Round 8 contest, with the Nodders missing significant contributors Kieran McKeogh, Damian Byrne and Shaun Lovell, and the Vultures were minus Charlie Dillon and Jack Vorbach. It’s not often a side has two goals to three-quarter time but is still in the contest, but that was the case for Mazenod on this day. The Nodders managed just THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

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

1.5 in the second term and 0.6 in the third, yet they had more scoring shots and trailed by just two goals going into the last quarter. The Vultures piled on 6.5 to two behinds in the last to grab a convincing 50-point win and jump from ninth to seventh on the ladder, while Mazenod slip down to eighth. Brad Kovac and Xavier Patti were Mazenod’s goal scorers while Matthew Boland kicked another five for the Vultures, taking his season tally to 19 in four games. Monash travelled out to Frankston to take on a Peninsula side still searching for their first win of the season. Maddison Hardiman was out for the Blues, while Tom Vaughn came in for his first game of the season and was among the best. Ben Southam returned for the Vultures with one goal and was in the best, while Nick Holland made his season debut with a couple of goals. Monash got the jump and held a narrow lead at the half, before the Pirates produced a three-goal third quarter and held the advantage going into the last. Nick Argento received a free kick and kicked the first of the quarter from the boundary, then Ben Southam

PREMIER B

TODAY SELECTIONS IN BOLD Old Brighton Gr v AJAX Fitzroy FC v Old Scotch Mazenod v Old Carey Monash Blues v Parkdale Vultures St Bernards v Peninsula OB

LAST ROUND

AJAX 1.3, 5.7, 9.7, 13.10 (88) St Bernards 1.3, 8.6, 10.11, 11.13 (79) GOALS, AJAX: D. Fayman 5, J. Lew 4, A. Kalb 1, K. Nissenbaum 1, N. Marks 1, J. Cohen 1 St Bernards: E. Sibbald 4, C. Vague 2, C. Spinella 1, T. Delzoppo 1, A. Mcleod 1, A. Bentick 1, D. Riley 1 BEST, AJAX: Z. Braun, B. Kalmus, C. Hamilton, R. Simon, A. Kalb, N. Lewis St Bernards: A. Mcleod , E. Sibbald, A. Singleton, M. Hughes, C. Vague, T. Caven Fitzroy 3.1, 4.1, 6.5, 9.8 (62) Old Carey 3.0, 4.7, 5.10, 5.13 (43) GOALS, Fitzroy: N. Lazzaro 3, L. Baker 1, J. Dalton 1, C. Stevic 1, S. Baker 1, J. Turner 1, A. Burke 1 Old Carey: G. Curnow 2, B. Smithwick 1, T. Carter-Taylor 1, C. Jones 1 BEST, Fitzroy: R. Borland, J. Dalton, J. Long, S. Baker, E. Lincoln, M. Bottomley Old Carey: A. Sloan, J. Ceppi, M. Lock, S. Crocker, M. Evans, G. Curnow Old Scotch 1.3, 2.5, 4.7, 9.10 (64) Old Brighton Gr 4.4, 5.4, 6.9, 9.10 (64) GOALS, Old Scotch: J. Sansom 4, J. Bull 2, J. Tilley 1, S. Lynch 1, C. Melville 1 Old Brighton Gr: A. Mastromanno 4, P. Liston 2, L. Forato 1, N. Coroneos 1, A. Dewar 1 BEST, Old Scotch: J. Sansom, G. van den Broek , W. Carrington, J. Bull, J. Hurley, C. O’Beirne Old Brighton Gr: H. Graham, A. Mastromanno, J. Dickerson, B. Jakobi, P. Liston, T. Fisher Parkdale Vultures 2.3, 4.6, 5.6, 11.10 (76) Mazenod 1.1, 2.6, 2.12, 2.14 (26) GOALS, Parkdale Vultures: M. Boland 5, R. O’Leary 3, J. Green 2, M. Wetering 1 Mazenod: X. Patti 1, B. Kovac 1 BEST, Parkdale Vultures: R. O’Leary, J. Peake, A. Derzekos, S. Kelleher, S. Chitty Mazenod: A. Patti, L. Greco, R. Mann, D. Izon, M. Sier, L. Riley Peninsula 2.2, 4.5, 7.7, 9.10 (64) Monash Blues 4.1, 5.3, 6.6, 9.6 (60) GOALS, Peninsula: T. Taylor 2, N. Holland 2, T. La Brooy 1, N. Fisher 1, B. Williamson 1, W. Harbinson 1, B. Southam 1 Monash Blues: C. Cosgriff 2, N. Argento 2, A. Young 1, E. East 1, N. Petering 1, N. Woodland 1, G. Taylor 1 BEST, Peninsula: J. Pomeroy, N. Fisher, A. Smrdel, T. La Brooy, B. Williamson, B. Southam Monash Blues: C. Pither, T. Cameron, C. Cosgriff, N. Woodland, D. Easson

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

replied for the Pirates after a mark and 25m penalty. Charles Cosgriff and Nick Petering both took marks but their shots for goal fell short and were rushed away by the Pirates defence. A goal from Tory Taylor was answered by another one from Argento and another Monash small forward who crumbed the ball-up and snapped successfully. Stuart Grigg had a chance to give the Pirates some breathing space but his shot skewed off to the right. Monash received a free at halfback and bombed it forward, but the Pirates were able to steady. Three stoppages in the final 30 seconds enabled the Pirates to hold on for their first win in Premier B.

PREMIER B RESERVE

St Bernards 4.2, 8.3, 11.6, 14.6 (90) AJAX 0.1, 3.2, 8.5, 8.8 (56) GOALS, St Bernards: D. Colaco 4, B. Garth 2, B. Cooper 2, M. Farrant 1, W. Considine 1, S. O’Keeffe 1, J. Pignataro 1, D. Heenan 1, T. Riley 1 AJAX: O. Hoffman 3, A. Danby 1, D. Rotenberg 1, D. Glass 1, M. Voinsky 1, J. Baron 1 BEST, St Bernards: J. Gay, E. Connelly, J. Forder, W. Considine, L. McIntyre AJAX: G. Vadas, A. Danby, C. Nankin, O. Hoffman, J. Goldberg, B. Schwartz Fitzroy 5.3, 11.3, 14.7, 21.9 (135) Old Carey 2.0, 4.2, 8.4, 9.6 (60) GOALS, Fitzroy: L. Henderson 5, Z. Hancock 3, T. Wells 3, M. Cussen 2, B. McDonald 2, I. Wattis 1, L. Sugrue 1, C. Polidoras 1, S. Batterton 1, W. Fenton 1, M. McWhinney 1 Old Carey: B. De Leijer 4, C. Cameron 2, C. Wallace 2, K. Rodenberg 1 BEST, Fitzroy: I. Wattis, S. Batterton, M. Deasey, L. Edwards, C. Polidoras, L. Henderson Old Carey: C. Wallace, K. Rodenberg, B. De Leijer, J. Quartermain, E. Aujard, H. McQueenMiscamble Old Scotch 6.2, 8.5, 13.7, 14.9 (93) Old Brighton Gr 2.0, 5.2, 8.3, 10.3 (63) GOALS, Old Scotch: E. Furey 6, M. van den Broek 3, P. Djordjevic 1, W. Stewart 1, B. Hays 1, J. Nikolovski 1, J. Slobom 1 Old Brighton Gr: B. Gadsden 5, C. Auty 2, W. Bardoel 2, P. Olivier 1 BEST, Old Scotch: S. Neil, B. Hays, M. Davis, M. van den Broek, E. Furey, N. Bennison Old Brighton Gr: A. McBain, M. Ho, B. Gadsden, N. Graham-Bowman, P. Olivier, J. Balleggi Mazenod 1.0, 3.1, 4.6, 10.7 (67) Parkdale Vultures 2.2, 4.4, 6.5, 6.7 (43) GOALS, Mazenod: B. Riley 2, J. Devlin 2, T. Patterson 2, D. Fowler 1, D. Hayes 1, T. McDonald 1, J. Egan 1 Parkdale Vultures: M. Ferguson 2, J. Hall 1, T. Congerton 1, D. Glascott 1, P. Borboa 1 BEST, Mazenod: B. Riley, M. Rich, J. Devlin, A. Noone, T. McDonald, D. Smith Parkdale Vultures: J. Stent-Powell, G. Crilley, D. Glascott, J. Everest, K. Bode, B. Stevenson Monash Blues 5.5, 10.6, 16.7, 20.8 (128) Peninsula 2.0, 2.1, 2.1, 5.4 (34) GOALS, Monash Blues: R. Phillips 5, W. Hogan 4, J. Young 4, N. Cowan 3, C. Wheeler 1, G. Powles 1, T. Vaughan 1, S. Walsh 1 Peninsula: A. Hochegger 2, S. Barbour 1, A. Brockley 1, J. Williams 1 BEST, Monash Blues: T. Vaughan, T. Lancaster, R. Phillips, C. Wheeler, N. Cowan, L. Cosgriff Peninsula: A. Brockley, J. Cox, J. Williams, C. Davis, F. Roberts, A. Hochegger

PREMIER C

Mitch op’t Hoog

THE SEASON SO FAR Almost mid-way through the regular season and following a bye weekend, it’s as good a time as any to reflect on Premier C thus far. While it’s been a close contest across the board, there are two teams that have separated themselves from the pack and with each week that passes, the chasing group is beginning to take a more definitive shape. Old Haileybury (1st) and Caulfield Grammarians (2nd) are inseparable on paper. So far this year, the Bloods are building a reputation as a defensive powerhouse, averaging just 58 points against per game, 12 fewer than the next best, Caulfield. While after eight rounds, Caulfield are known for their offensive prowess, averaging an impressive 122 points per game, 13 greater than the next best, Old Haileybury. While both are impressive stats, it’s worth noting that last year in Premier C, the team with the strongest defensive stats went on to win the premiership (Mazenod averaged just 63 points against per game after the home and away season in 2016). The signs are there for both teams, it’s a matter of who can maintain their standard come the tail-end of the season. The Round 10 matchup between these two teams can not come soon enough! Williamstown CYMS (3rd): So far, the CYs have been the most consistent side beyond the top two and deserve their spot in third place. The past three weeks they have put in a few stand out performances. They’re definitely good enough to beat everyone below them on the ladder, but can they match it with the Fields and the Bloods? Between fourth and ninth position, there is still only one game separating the six teams. Old Mentonians (4th), Old Ivanhoe (5th) and Old Camberwell (6th) are all sitting at 4-4. After four rounds, Old Mentonians were flying at 3-1, but their last month they’ve had a rough run with losses to Old Ivanhoe, Old Haileybury and Caulfield. They’re now sitting at somewhat of a crossroads. We know their best is good enough, but my main concern is whether they’ll be able to reignite their season after a mini slump, just as they did in 2016, or have we seen the best of them. Old Ivanhoe are without a doubt the most confusing of all Premier C teams. So far this year, they are the only team to have defeated Old Haileybury, but they’ve fallen to three teams below them on the ladder. It’s hard to get a read on The Hoers, but we know their best is as good as anyone’s. Their inconsistency is killing them … and me! As for the Wellers, they’ve shown some good signs throughout the year, highlighted by 6

@mitch_toog their solid win against the CYs in Round 6. However, on one or two occasions they have collapsed in defence. Currently, the Wellers have 799 points against, averaging just under 100 points against each week, the second most of any club. As with all teams, the next month of games will be crucial to Old Camberwell’s season and finals hopes and they’ll need to tighten up in the backline. Old Geelong (7th), Marcellin (8th), and Hampton Rovers (9th) are each sitting at 3-5 after eight rounds just one game behind the pack ahead of them. For the OGs, Making the climb from Division 1 to Premier C has been a challenge, but at their best, they have proven more than capable and worthy. They need to build on their strong performances and start finding more consistency towards the back end of the year. For Marcellin, a fall from grace over the past month has left them in an unenviable position on the ladder. However, they did show some good signs in the opening rounds and against Old Haileybury in Round 6, but have failed to claim any big scalps so far in 2017. They still have a lot to prove for the season ahead, but they’re by no means down and out. Disappointingly, Hampton Rovers have kicked the least amount of points of all teams bar Kew in 2017 averaging just 69 points a game and find themselves sitting in ninth spot on the ladder. The Rovers will need to find some power up forward in order to ensure they can stay clear of the relegation zone come the end of the season. Kew (10th): Despite not having yet won a game in 2017, Kew have consistently improved throughout the first eight rounds and I don’t think they’re too far off their first win. In saying that, it could well be a long season ahead! One thing’s for sure, Brazzale is a jet, he just needs more support. Now onto Round 8; The Hoers proved they are capable of big things, bouncing back from a 104-point trouncing at the hands of Old Geelong to claim an important 32-point victory over Marcellin. The final term saw the Hoers produce some of their best footy for the year, kicking seven goals for the quarter and holding Marcellin to just the two. Sam Geilings recorded his fourth BOG for the season while teammates Carl Groth, Stephen Tsanoudakis and Hayden Heta kicked three goals each. Adam Tomaro (3) and Andrew Kay (3) combined for six for the Eagles. At Victoria Park, bottom of the ladder, Kew, came up against top of the table, Old Haileybury. While ultimately the game went as expected with Old Haileybury claiming a comfortable 48-point victory, the Bears were not blown out of the water by the Premier C leaders at any stage. One positive for Kew was they had nine individual goal-scorers from their 10 goals, with Brazzale (2) being their only player with multiple goals. Additionally, Kew managed to kick a commendable score of 70 against THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2017

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the defensive powerhouse of Old Haileybury who are averaging just 58 points against per game this season, the lowest of any club. Despite Hampton Rovers having more scoring shots than the Wellers, Old Camberwell managed to secure a 14-point victory and claim their fourth win for the year. Old Camberwell were up by three goals at the main break but by three quarter time, the Rovers had reduced that margin to just four points to set the game up for a thrilling final term. The last quarter was an armwrestle between the two sides as each managed to acquire seven scoring shots. In the end, however, it was Old Camberwell’s accuracy that proved the difference as they managed to kick 6.1 to the Rover’s 4.3, finishing the game with an important victory. Chris Hensby extended his purple patch to make it two games in row named in Old Camberwell’s best, this week taking out BOG honours. After defeating Old Ivanhoe by 104-points in Round 7, Old Geelong were given a taste of their own medicine in Round 8 being handed a 96-point defeat from Caulfield Grammarians. For the Fielders, their emphatic victory marked their highest score of the year (147) and their sixth win in a row. It was an 11-goal-to-one second quarter that put the game

PREMIER C

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

LAST ROUND

Old Camberwell Gr 4.3, 7.4, 9.7, 15.8 (98) Hampton Rovers 1.3, 3.10, 7.15, 11.18 (84) GOALS, Old Camberwell Gr: N. Adamson 5, A. Brettingham-Moore 3, J. Allen 3, C. Allen 1, S. Bennett 1, S. Powell 1, C. Hensby 1 Hampton Rovers: N. Smith 4, N. Pavlou 3, R. Atkins 2, J. Prosser 1, L. Fletcher 1 BEST, Old Camberwell Gr: C. Hensby, N. Adamson, J. Howells, H. Crothers, A. Brettingham-Moore, S. MacDonald Hampton Rovers: L. Deville, Z. Donald, J. Pavlou, J. Schmitz, M. Care, J. McPherson Old Haileyburians 3.2, 9.2, 12.6, 18.10 (118) Kew 1.1, 4.5, 5.8, 10.10 (70) GOALS, Old Haileyburians: C. Rich 4, L. Treverton 2, J. Nicolopoulos 2, N. Garratt 2, E. Limon 2, P. Shakallis 2, N. Gooda 1, L. Nash 1, C. Connelly 1, Z. Tsinanis 1 Kew: A. Brazzale 2, T. Orchard 1, T. Wiegold 1, M. Vlahos 1, M. Hannan 1, R. Maibaum 1, B. Goodwin 1, K. Margaritis 1, N. Sambevski 1 BEST, Old Haileyburians: T. Witherow, L. Nash, C. Rich, J. Paul, N. Gooda, P. Shakallis Kew: M. Henderson, M. Hannan, K. Margaritis, M. Waters, A. Brazzale, T. Allman Caulfield Gr 5.1, 16.4, 18.7, 23.9 (147) Old Geelong 3.1, 4.2, 6.6, 7.9 (51) GOALS, Caulfield Gr: D. Reilly 6, M. Neratzoglou 5, T. Green 3, N. Baltas 2, J. Toniolo 2, D. Meddings 2, T. Small 1, T. Nixon 1, W. Barker 1 Old Geelong: S. Anderson 2, C. O’Brien 2, C. Wood 1, B. Gore 1, J. Hoevenaars 1 BEST, Caulfield Gr: D. Reilly, J. Small, X. Jordan, T. Thompson, A. Lister, M. Neratzoglou Old Geelong: R. Kemp, J. Read, J. Jess, H. McKay, C. O’Brien, J. Anderson Old Ivanhoe Gr 10.6, 10.6, 10.6, 17.7 (109) Marcellin OC 10.2, 10.2, 10.2, 12.5 (77) GOALS, Old Ivanhoe Gr: S. Tsanoudakis 3, H. Heta 3, C. Groth 3, N. Reeves-Smyth 2, B. Lee 2, D. Bruno 1, J. Binney 1, A. Solomidis 1, R. Skok 1 Marcellin OC: A. Tomaro 3, A. Kay 3, J. Gaul 2, D. Cullinan 1, D. Mc Mahon 1, J. Green 1, J. Iezzi 1 BEST, Old Ivanhoe Gr: S. Geilings, C. Groth, D. Bruno, J. Erman, M. Mitris, S. Wilcox Marcellin OC: A. Tomaro, J. Green, A. Viney, M. Gasparini, J. Blanch, J. Bortolotto Williamstown CYMS 4.3, 9.11, 12.14, 18.17 (125) Old Mentonians 1.3, 2.3, 6.4, 8.7 (55) GOALS, Williamstown CYMS: B. Gray 3, J. Gray 3, B. Deller 2, R. Chan 2, M. Carland 1, N. Blackney 1, R. Ackerly 1, M. Venosta 1, D. Calman-Orr 1, W. Ostrowsky 1, J. Hogarth 1, B. Carvalho 1 Old Mentonians: J. Davis 4, K. Conlon 2, J. Kay 1, A. Hill 1 BEST, Williamstown CYMS: K. Dawson, J. MacKenzie, B. Tucker, N. Blackney, J. Connolly, D. Calman-Orr Old Mentonians: L. Hull, J. Davis, D. Brown, T. Wilton, J. Dalzotto, J. Kay

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to rest for Old Geelong. The margin at halftime was already an unattainable 74 points. The Ogs were admirable in the last half and managed to outscore Caulfield in the third, however, the final stanza was won convincingly by the Fielders as they capped off their 96-point victory. Williamstown CYMS solidified their spot in third after claiming a comfortable 70-point win over fourth placed Old Mentonians. In their best performance for the year, The CYs had 12 individual goal scorers, dismantling the Panthers defence. While the Panthers did outscore the CYs in the third term, 21 to 25, the final term saw Williamstown CYMS kick six goals to two and run the game out 70 points the better. Kallan Dawson played his best game for CYs, earning himself BOG honours, as the Gray brothers, Jack and Ben, did the most scoreboard damage, combining for six goals with three apiece.

PREMIER C RESERVE

Hampton Rovers 1.2, 4.6, 9.6, 13.11 (89) Old Camberwell Gr 4.2, 6.4, 8.8, 11.9 (75) GOALS, Hampton Rovers: N. Jackson 4, E. Turner 3, S. Bradford 2, N. Murnane 1, A. Fisher 1, J. Donald 1, C. Ellison 1 Old Camberwell Gr: A. Taverner 4, N. Latsas 2, J. Huntsman 2, M. Jenkin 1, J. Simon 1, A. Gilmour 1 BEST, Hampton Rovers: T. McCarthy, N. Jackson, L. Morcom, E. Turner, N. Jewell, D. Broadstock Old Camberwell Gr: T. Eastick, B. Warburton, T. Stayner, T. Vogel, T. Stone, N. Latsas Old Haileyburians 4.1, 7.4, 9.4, 12.6 (78) Kew 2.2, 5.4, 8.9, 11.9 (75) GOALS, Old Haileyburians: B. Oakes 5, J. Klein 1, S. Mulholland 1, N. Maiorana 1, S. Hall 1, J. Mulholland 1, D. Gauci 1, C. Faulkner 1 Kew: J. O’Bryan 3, G. Smart 3, T. Cook 2, N. Rohrt 2, G. Evans 1 BEST, Old Haileyburians: S. Hall, B. Scammell, B. Oakes, K. Hartnett, J. Mantell, B. O’Leary Kew: L. Wright, N. Zaher, N. Drummond, G. Smart, T. Bateman, S. Smart Caulfield Gr 3.1, 5.3, 7.3, 11.6 (72) Old Geelong 1.3, 3.4, 3.7, 5.8 (38) GOALS, Caulfield Gr: T. Tonkin 3, R. Handel 3, W. Kingwill 3, A. Fujiwara 1, D. Hay 1 Old Geelong: W. Holmes 2, A. De Fegely 2, H. Hewitson 1 BEST, Caulfield Gr: L. Nixon, R. Lewis, R. Handel, T. Tonkin, O. Sweetapple-Gagiero, D. Dickson Old Geelong: X. Everett, A. Herd, W. Holmes, O. Le Lievre, A. Jackson, A. De Fegely Marcellin OC 2.5, 5.10, 7.13, 11.14 (80) Old Ivanhoe Gr 1.1, 2.4, 5.5, 6.7 (43) GOALS, Marcellin OC: A. Bonato 4, J. Cullen 2, N. James 2, L. MacKie 1, A. Salvatore 1, J. Dimattina 1 Old Ivanhoe Gr: A. Meikle 2, R. Glavas 1, B. Leach 1, W. Gough 1, W. Nifakos 1 BEST, Marcellin OC: L. MacKie, J. Doran, R. Elphinstone, J. Cullen, J. Baxter, A. Bonato Old Ivanhoe Gr: A. Meikle, W. Gough, C. Matheson, M. Golden, T. Fidler Williamstown CYMS 1.4, 4.6, 6.14, 10.17 (77) Old Mentonians 2.4, 5.5, 5.6, 6.6 (42) GOALS, Williamstown CYMS: S. Puhar 3, N. Green 2, M. McLaughlin 2, B. Ford 1, R. Danaher 1, S. Raunik 1 Old Mentonians: A. Palmer 5, M. Brown 1 BEST, Williamstown CYMS: M. McLaughlin, J. Venosta, J. Micallef, T. Ball, S. Puhar, M. Long Old Mentonians: M. Myers-Snyders, A. Palmer, M. Brown, S. Bardoel, J. Costello

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LATE SCORES, FINES AND TRIBUNAL Tribunal Results – Wednesday 31 May 2017 PLAYER TEAM *Maddison Hardiman Monash Blues *Anthony McGlin Marcellin (Res) *Kelvin Williams St Kevins (Res) *Thomas Clarke Old Brighton (Res) *Dylan Gollant St Bernards (U19 Premier) *Patrick Phillips Old Xavs (U19 Premier) *Victor Hosking Williamstown (U19-2) *John Panagiotaros Prahran/Assumption (Res) *Charlie Angley St Marys *Alex Erwin-Ross Glen Eira *Charlie Dillon Parkdale *Benjamin Gannon Mazenod (U19-4) Jordan Hooper Old Melburnians *Jacob Bevanda St Bernards *Accepted prescribed penalty

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

GEOFF REILLEY MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA A true testament to the passion and love for the game is our very own VAFA Life Member and Retrospective scribe, Geoff Reilley, who has been recognised for his service to the sports he loves with a Medal of the Order of Australia. Geoff is still heavily involved at club level. Among his many achievements, Geoff is a life member of Ormond Amateur Football Club and Caulfield Grammarians Football Club, Cricket Australia 50 years’ service to cricket award recipient (2011), Australian Sports Medal recipient (2000), AFL Recognition Award for services to amateur football recipient (2010) and, of course, VAFA life member (2015). Congratulations, Geoff, on yet another welldeserved achievement.

JESS ROTTURA - WOMEN’S BIG V ASS. COACH Jess Rottura continues to make waves in the VAFA after recently being appointed assistant coach of the first-ever women’s Big V side ahead of the July 9 clash against AFL Goldfields in North Ballarat. Jess first caught the attention of the wider VAFA community when she was appointed the first-ever female head coach. Talented, driven and with an expansive knowledge of the game, Jess possesses all the qualities representative of successful coaches from decades past. Led by University Blues premiership coach, John Kanis, Jess joins an all-star coaching panel which includes Western Bulldogs AFLW assistant and University Blacks senior coach, Cam Roberts, as well as Old Xaverians premiership coach, Ted Woodruff.

THE MAILMAN DELIVERS! In the dying moments of the Premier B match AJAX v St Bernard’s, David Fayman sealed the game with an opportunist snap. Not only did David ensure victory, but the goal brought his club tally to an incredible 600 goals. David’s career started with two games in 2006 with the Under 19’s. The following year was again with the Under 19’s, that season, he bagged 34 goals in 12 games. Then, in 2008, he scored 65 goals for the year including 14 goals against Peninsula. Immediately, David was elevated to the seniors and has accumulated 138 senior games in both Premier C and Premier B. Dave has not been out of the senior side since. Along the way he has been the section leading goal kicker on five occasions. In 2011 he may have hit the “ton” but was rested in the final round of the season when the “stand in” scored 8. The “mailman” has been a real crowd pleaser down at AJAX for many years, always delivering when needed most. Congratulations David on reaching the fantastic milestone. We’re looking forward to many more freakish efforts in the years to come. 10

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DE LA AND OLD TRINITY FIGHTING MND! During their Round 8 clash in the inaugural Fight MND Cup, Old trinity Grammarians and De La Salle banded together to join the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and help raise much needed funds for medical research. After the long day down at Daley Oval Trinity Grammar Playing Fields, the two clubs managed to help raise a total of $15,400 - more than triple last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total. A great effort by the two clubs and their sponsors, Bendigo Bank East Malvern Community Bank Branch, and generous contributors Old Xaverians Football Club,The Racecourse Hotel, Liv4: fitness East Malvern and a number of individuals and supporters who came alone on the day. The event was made even more special with the support of Neale Daniher who attended the game and presented the Cup to De La Salle captains, Tom Humphrey and Sam Williams after their 39-point win.

GET TO A Healthier Plac OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD FOR PETER KAGAN A huge well done to president of AJAX, Peter Kagan, who was recently awarded a trophy for his outstanding services to Jewish sport by Maccabi Victoria! A giant achievement on a personal, community and football level. Congratulations, Peter.

MAJOR MILESTONE: 650 GAMES VAFA field umpire, John Natoli, recently umpired his 650th game. Congratulations on reaching the impressive milestone, John, and thanks for your many years of service. We look forward to plenty more years and games ahead.

More than 3,000 Gyms and 3 million memb

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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

VAFA CONGRATULATES YOU IN REACHING THE MILESTONE

Congratulations to ANTHONY SHEEHY on reaching 200 games for Old Paradians this Saturday against Glen Eira. Anthony started with the under 19’s in 2006 and since then has played many games in both the seniors and reserves. Anthony has always been a reliable backman and has also served on the committee and is a two time best clubman. Anthony was also a member of the 2015 premiership win which is his career highlight. Congratulations Anthony and good luck this Saturday. Congratulations to MATT WALSH on reaching 200 games for the Old Xaverians Football Club. Walshy has played in all men’s teams other than the 23s, including a number of senior games, with most played in the Reserves. Walshy commenced back in 2001, playing in the Under 19s premiership team. His other premiership was as captain of the reserves team in 2013. Walshy has won four club Best and Fairest awards across the Reserves, Ménages and Crocs and the Club XVIII Competition Best and Fairest in 2015. His record may have been more impressive other than for a four year sabbatical overseas from 2006-09. Walshy continues to burn down the wing with those silky skills for the Crocs and is hoping for more team success in 2017. Well done Walshy, hopefully many more games in the ‘red and black’ to come. Congratulations to CHRIS SHEPHERD on reaching 150 games for Old Paradians. Chris first joined the club in 2008 in the under 19’s and has been a stalwart of the club ever since. Chris has always been a leader on and off the field; he was reserves captain for 2012 and 2013, and has won two best clubman awards. Chris has been a utility on the field and over the years has played in every position with unquestionable determination. Congratulations Chris, we are sure there are many more to come. Congratulations to MATTHEW RAPONI on reaching 150 games at Old Paradians. Matthew joined the club in 2008 and has made a name for himself as a reliable midfielder for both the reserves and seniors. Matthew is quiet on the field but leads by example with his ability to win the ball and deliver passes with his trusty left foot. Congratulations on your 150th game Matt!

100

Congratulations to LACHLAN NANKERVIS on reaching his 100 game milestone for SKOB FC. ‘Tank’ came to SKOBs in 2012, after a successful football career at St Kevin’s College where he played in the 2011 Premiership side. He was the leading goal kicker with the U19s in 2012, kicking 49 goals. In 2013 he was promoted to the Senior team while still an U19 player. He is a versatile utility player with both the Senior and Reserve sides. Well done, Tank!

100

Congratulations to BRENDAN CLOSE on reaching 100 club games for De La Salle. Brendan is a two time U19 premiership player and B&F winner. He captained the clubs U19 team in 2011, the same year he made his senior debut. Brendan played a season in the EFL and missed another season due to work commitments but since his return to the club in 2015 has not missed a beat and has developed into one of the competitions premier defenders. He is highly regarded for his courage and leadership and to this point of the season would be figuring prominently in senior B&F calculations. Congratulation on the milestone, Brendan.

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GAMES

100

VAFA CONGRATULATES YOU IN REACHING THE MILESTONE

Congratulations to the following players on reaching 100 games for the Old Xaverians Football Club. ROBERT RALPH, SAM FRANKLYN, MATT MARGIN, JEREMY PREECE, LIAM ROGERS and JAMES SMITH. Well done on achieving this significant milestone, hopefully many more games in the ‘red and black’ to come. Congratulations to LUKE GRECH on his 100th game for Old Paradians. Luke joined Old Paradians after attending the school, and since joining has always been a leader and respected member of the club. He had to wait a long time for his first senior game but was rewarded this year and is playing the best he ever has. Well done Grechy on reaching 100 games.

100

ED LIMON plays his 100th game for Old Haileyburians today. Now in his tenth year at the club, the classy left-footer, with the often taped shoulders, has been an integral part of the Bloods' line up in the midfield and up forward, especially since the 2015 premiership campaign. That Grand Final was memorable for a couple of important goals from Ed as well as a spectacular clash of heads in the last quarter, soon forgotten at the final siren.

100

Congratulations go out to JAMES HERTAN on the achievement of reaching 100 games with the Monash Blues this week! Since making his debut in 2008, Jim has juggled gracing Melbourne’s social pages and a successful mixed netball career with making a big contribution to the Monash Blues both on and off field. Jim is a stalwart of the Monash Blues, plying his trade strongly in the Clubbies and 3’s over the years, with his talents being recognised with a few seasons in the reserves and captaincy of the Clubbies in 2013 - coming runner-up in the B&F of that year. The pain Factory, as he's known, has great versatility on gameday – a pillar and leader down back taking intercept marks, a Dean Cox-esque around-the-ground ruckman or valuable goalkicker leading out from the goal square. Jim is a great clubman and leader. Congratulations on reaching 100 games.

BEN SCAMELL plays his 50th game for Old Haileyburians this weekend. Ben joined the club in 2014 and has been a regular first in the U19s and now in the reserves. Over his 50 games, Ben has played mainly in defence, and there has never been any doubting his determination.

Well done to JAYDEN GEARY on reaching 50 games for North Brunswick AFC. Although there is not much of him, Jayden is never afraid to attack packs and fly for the occasional speccy. We look forward to seeing Jayden play many more games down at the Bullpit. Congratulations on reaching 50 games!

Congratulations to the following players on reaching 50 games for the Old Xaverians Football Club. HUGO DENTON, TOM ANDERSON, BEN DALBOSCO, JON DONOHOE, JACK KELLIHER and MATT MCLEAN. Well done on achieving this milestone, hopefully many more games in the ‘red and black’ to come.

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