MILESTONES

Alice McKinnon (South Melbourne Districts)

Current co-captain Alice McKinnon joined the Bloods mid-season in 2018, which was a tough one with the group not winning a game, but Alice quickly formed strong bonds and came back raring to go for the next year, where the group had a season to remember. Al cemented her spot across half-forward; quickly establishing herself as a steady and encouraging voice and fierce competitor which she continues to be to this day. It won’t be a surprise to anyone to see past-players and supporters coming back in droves to the club to celebrate Alice’s 50th game as a Blood. Her ability to form meaningful relationships while leading by example on the field has left a mark on many. 50

Kasey Jaeger (South Melbourne Districts)

Kasey ‘Hollywood’ Jaeger began her career in 2018 by signing up for the ‘Come and Try’ sessions. Her Pa playing for Richmond in 1957, so Kasey now wears her Pa’s number 27 to honour him and continue her family’s footy legacy. On the field, Kasey has demonstrated her elite fitness and versatility as a player, rucking in the midfield, playing in the forward line in various roles, and serving as the last line of defence in the backline. She brings experience, skill, and strategy to the team, providing support for team members both seasoned and emerging. Kasey has also served as a key contact in the recruitment side of the club, actively encouraging those who reach out to come down and give it a go. Her commitment to the team and the club is exemplary, and this is shown in many areas of club life.

Libby Petty (South Melbourne Districts)

Libby joined SMDFC during our first women’s academy at the end of 2017, and soon put her hand up to help in a number of roles (making her a VERY popular new recruit with the club). Despite setbacks with injuries, illness and an overwhelming number of commitments, Libby has always made time for footy, the club and its members. She has advocated for every one of us, and spearheaded fundraising efforts such as our inaugural Pride Round. Libby is the person you always want in your corner. She has put people flat on their backs with the strength of her hips, and who could forget Libby’s on field squeal of delight the first time she kicked on the run.

Athan Stamatelatos (South Melbourne Districts)

50

Tom Golz (MHSOBFC)

Congratulations to Tom Golz, who brings up game number 50 with MHSOBFC this weekend. Joining the Unicorns’ Development Squad in 2018, Tom made his mark as a smooth-moving defender, culminating in him winning both the B&F and Daniel Eimutis Players’ Player Award in 2019. After suffering a badly broken leg at training in 2021, Tom not only returned to football, but went on to make his senior debut in 2022. Off the field, Tom is a valuable contributor to our club, helping to organise a number of social events and putting other people’s enjoyment ahead of his own. Well done on 50 hard-earned games Tom!

Athan, affectionately known around the club as “Mini” is a stalwart of the South Melbourne Districts. Whilst it is a mystery why his nickname is “Mini,” what is not a mystery is Athan’s ferocity at the contest, his rapid leg-speed, and the blood, sweat and tears he gives for this footy club. Mini has developed into a strong, reliable, line-breaking defender who can be seen on Saturdays, quite literally running through an opposition forward, emerging with the football and launching a long ball to the wing, kick-starting another successful bloods attack. One thing he doesn’t do, is discriminate, equally as happy to run through opposition midfielders and win centre clearances. Often being used as a “break in-case of emergency” when the bloods need to ignite a spark in the midfield late in a game. 50

Jack Brown (Old Scotch)

Congratulations to Jack Brown on reaching 50 games for Old Scotch Football Club. Jack joined the club from Scotch College in 2019, playing a big part in the under 19 premiership team that year. Jack progressed to the Men’s 2nd XVIII post COVID in 2021 and then up to the 1st XVIII in 2022, now a regular and consistent performer at Premier A section level. We wish Jack all the best on reaching this milestone. 150

Alex Ross (Glen Eira Gryphons)

The Glen Eira Gryphons congratulate Alex Ross on achieving the 150-game milestone. A member of the 2016 and 2018 Division 3 Senior Premiership teams, Rossy has improved as the years tick by culminating in a 2nd place finish in the 2022 Senior Best & Fairest. Blessed with a set shot goal kicking routine that looks like poetry in motion, the fast leading and highly skilled forward us a very popular figure around our club. We look forward to Rossy strutting his stuff at Packer Park for a few years yet. 200

250

Michael Henderson (Kew FC)

In round 8, Michael Henderson will play game number 200 for his beloved Kew Football Club. “Hendo” joined the Bear Cave in 2010 and was an instant success, winning the Ken Rogers Memorial Trophy for Best First Year Player. In years to follow, Michael has served on the club’s committee as well as serving as both senior vice caption and senior captain. Making history for his footy club, Hendo played a critical role in all three of the club’s consecutive senior premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015. While either holding down a key opposition forward or running through the midfield, he seldom loses a contest and is looked up to by all his teammates. Off the field, Kew FC has Michael to thank for harbouring the best of its club values, making every single player feel truly welcome at the Bear Cave, knowing they have a mate in the favourite son, Michael Henderson. Congratulations Hendo on this incredible milestone!

Ben Rose (Glen Eira Gryphons)

Ben has been an enormous contributor to our club for over two decades. Affectionately known as ‘Jenny’, Ben was a member or the Monash Gryphons 2010 Division 4 Reserves Premiership team, the Monash Gryphons 2011 Division 3 Grand Final team, the Glen Eira Saints 2016 Division 3 Senior Premiership team and was a member of the Glen Eira Gryphons 2018 Division 3 Reserves Grand Final team in the year he was the Reserves Best & Fairest winner. What Ben lacks in pace he makes up for in guile, cunning and pure hard work with his battered old Kia truck often one of the first to pull up at training. Reaching 250 games is an amazing achievement. Congratulations Jenny, from all of us at the Glen Eira Gryphons!

PREMIER

CollegiansvsCaulfield Grammarians

Old MelburniansvsOld Brighton

Old ScotchvsUniversity Blacks

Old XaveriansvsOld Haileybury

University BluesvsSt Kevins