U11 Match Report
Round 13 25th July 2010
St Kilda v South Melbourne
Our second last game of the season was played in glorious sunshine at Wattie Watson.
|Max Weir was captain which was a just reward for a fine season from No. 19. As ever, he worked hard through the middle and kicked superbly with his left foot.
South Melbourne was quick out of the blocks but there were some good things in the first quarter. A goal from Lachlan Harris; Callum Welsh, back in the team, marked and kicked well. Nick Watson saved a certain goal with a great mark in the last line of defence.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle with just two points each. Charlie Williams ran the length of the field to shut down an opponent. Dan Hocking has improved week by week and was relentless in his pursuit of the ball. Halftime: St.Kilda City 1.3.9 trailed South Melbourne 4.2.26.
In the third quarter, Matt McNaughton kicked a goal the opportunity having been made by some hard work by Riley Siegel. It was great to have Oliver Moore back too ruling his wing. I also liked Sam Day’s game with a couple of really good marks. Gus Doquile was doing what forwards have to do – working hard defensively. Henry Boileau was at last getting a chance at centre half forward but we had to throw him back to stem the tide.
In the last quarter, Lachy Harris added another goal. Howie Persson never gave up and one chase went for more than 50 metres. Oliver McLeish took a strong mark in the pocket and, on another occasion, nearly kicked true with a banana.
In the end, however, it was South Melbourne’s day as they ran out deserving winners.
The coach’s awards went to Lukas and Noah Rowe, Nick Watson and Dan Parish.
Goals: Lachy Harris (2); Matt McNaughton (1)
Final score: South Melbourne 11.7.73 defeated St.Kilda City 3.4.22
Round 12 18th July 2010
St Kilda v Ormond
It was going to be a tough game against one of the top sides – Ormond. And Ormond played well; they deserve to be a top team. However, in terms of grit, teamwork and tenacity – playing for your mates which is what we love to see - this was one of the best performances of the year. Everyone watching thought the boys were superb - all game.
Dan Hocking was captain and the number 14 was everywhere. He smothered, chased, dropped back to last line of defence. He led from the front. Well done, Dan.
We started with the wind – well, the howling gale- and needed to build a good lead by quarter time. The wind was blowing so strongly a Lachlan Harris kick-in passed the centre line. We built the lead we needed. Charlie Williams kicked a beauty. Howie Persson kicked 2 - one from 1,000,000 miles out (well 50 metres) after a great mark. Quarter time: St.Kilda City 3.3.21 led Ormond 1.3.9.
In the second quarter against the wind we had to hold them. We did. Charlie – “I know no fear” Hicks was inspirational - at the bottom of every pack. I love the way Charlie plays. Nick Watson beat 3 to force it out of bounds in an important contest. Dae Szydlik was impassable at centre halfback. Riley Siegel played like he had secret knowledge of these Ormond boys. Monty Murdoch tackled everything that moved. Half time: St.Kilda City 3.4.22 trailed Ormond 3.6.24.
In the third quarter, Matt McNaughton kicked a goal from the impossible angle over his left shoulder. I stood and cheered. Mr. Football - Lachlan Harris the spiritual leader of this football team - was everywhere. Oliver Woods was so, so unlucky as his shot through the goal was touched off the boot. Bravely, Bailey Troeth came back on after a heavy knock. Howie kicked a third. At three quarter time we led by seven points – 5.7. 37 to 4.6.30. Against a strong wind in the last quarter would it be enough?
I thought the last quarter might get tense. Andrew Tzimas had sparks on his shoes. Lukas Rowe was playing a blinder. It turned out I was right - the game got tense. Then it got more tense. The score was locked at 5.7.37 to 5.7.37. That was the score for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 3 weeks … The game was being played entirely in our defensive goal square, about 3 metres out from Ormond's goal. The boys had turned it up several notches and we would not concede a point. Cyclone Tracy was blowing against us but we would not concede. It was great to watch. Dan Parish was resolute at full back. There was a St.Kilda City brick wall 2 metres out from the Ormond goal.
Eventually, Ormond got 2 points through that brick wall. But this was truly a match that even though we lost by those two points on the scoreboard the boys were entitled to feel they had won. Well done St.Kilda City.
Goals: Howie Persson (3), Matt McNaughton (1), Charlie Williams (1)
Final Score: St.Kilda City 5.7.37 lost to Ormond 5.9.39.
Round 11 11th July 2010
St Kilda v East Brighton
Sunny skies at Wattie Watson for our round 11 match against the East Brighton Vampires. The boys were looking forward to getting back into it with just a month of the season to go.
Gus Doquile was a popular choice for captain and as always looked dangerous up forward. Well done Gus.
In the first quarter, we started with really impressive tenacity in our attack on the ball. We had come to play. Nick Watson was brave under the packs. The highlight for the quarter was Oliver McLeish who floated - and floated some more - to take a superb overhead mark under opposition duress on the clubhouse wing. At quarter time we held the slenderest of leads over our more fancied opposition: St.Kilda City 0.1.1 led East Brighton Vampires 0.0.0.
In the second quarter, they got away but two who were working hard were Riley Siegel and Dan Hocking both of whom smothered and chased. They were superb maniacs. Monty Murdoch also is in a fine vein great form. Oliver Woods - well, we all feel better with Oliver Woods on the goal line in defence. Finally, I also liked Noah Rowe's hard work on the half back line. Half time: East Brighton Vampires 4.3.27 led St. Kilda City 0.1.1.
After halftime, to the boys' credit, we broke even in general play and on the scoreboard.
In the third stanza, Andrews Tzimas reached out his right arm in a leisurely way and pulled in a one handed screamer. Andrew went back and slotted it from miles out. It was one for the highlight reel - he may forever be now known as "One Hand Tzimas". Sam Champion won a free kick for strong tackle. Max Weir and Dan Parish worked together really well in the ruck. Dae Szydlik, enjoying a superb season, was rampant across the middle and dropping back in defence. Matt McNaughton kicked the best poster you'll ever see. Patrick Frencken curled it and curled it but couldn't quite bend it back far enough scoring a classy behind. Alexander Scott finished off the team's hard work with a lovely goal to finish the term.
In the last, the great centre half forward target that is Bailey Troeth took a strong markteam's, pressed forward and Mat McNaughton kicked the goal with that famous unerring nose for a goal. And we finished with a fine goal: Lachlan Harris worked it forward and worked it forward again - I love his second efforts - and his willingness to run- found Howie Persson deep in the beach pocket (the pocket from which no-one kicks a goal) - Howie weaved some magic - left the opposition mesmerised - and kicked it from an acute angle.
Goals: Andrew Tzimas (1), Alexander Scott (1), Matt McNaughton (1), Howie Perssson (1)
Final score: East Brighton Vampires 8.8.56 defeated St. Kilda City 4.3.27.
Round 9 20th June2010
St Peters v St Kilda
Tough day in the drizzle out at Centenary Park. St. Peters deserved its win -although our boys showed good endeavour in the wet.
Alexander Martin, the birthday boy, was captain for the day. Happy birthday Alex!
In the first quarter, the highlights were a long torpedo goal on the run from Mat McNaughton and Max Weir's drive out of the centre. Max shrugged off a taekwondo injury to provide great drive all day for St. Kilda City.
In the second quarter, Callum Welsh, another star all day, wearing the number 21 (?) marked brilliantly in the slippery conditions and tackled ferociously but by half time St. Peters had slipped away to a handy lead of 6.5.41 to 1.1.7.
At halftime the message was plain - play in front. Simon spoke to Oliver Woods about number 45 for St. Peters who was causing us grief: we needed to get up close and personal - "give him a hug and a kiss."
The second half got off to a slow start when the umpire left his whistle in the rooms. The third-quarter was our best as each side added just one behind each. Henry Boileau came on to play a memorable half of football - marking the greasy ball overhead. Monty Murdoch played his best quarter of football for the season running hard and providing options. Monty was in everything. I liked Alexander Scott's attack on the ball. Nick Watson too was providing options across half forward and tackling really well.
In the last quarter, Simon swung the changes. Dae Szydlik went to fullback and was resolute. Riley Siegel's bump on the opponent was a highlight. Patrick Frencken paddled the ball in front of him to advantage like the wet weather specialist he is. Getting down low was the key on a day like today. We had one last goal left in us. Sam Champion managed to toe-poke it forward on his left boot and Howie Persson swooped and snapped an impressive long goal on the run.
Final score: St. Peters. 9.10 64 defeated St. Kilda City 2.2 14.
Round 8 6th June2010
St Kilda v Dingley
When I was young and TV was black and white it used to rain in Melbourne so it was great for the boys to get their chance to plan in the rain today. In the end, Dingley was too strong and deserved their win but the boys continued their good form. We are a good side. We are hard but fair and play with spirit. We support one another. The boys can be proud of the first half of the season.
Connor Bannister was captain and provided a target up forward all day. Well done, Connor.
The first quarter highlights for me were a really strong mark in defence from Dan Parish and Charlie Williams, fearlessly, running straight at it and winning the ball in the centre.
In the second quarter, Lachy Harris just caught the goalpost with a Leon Davis-esque dribble from so deep in the forward pocket he was standing on the beach. Lachy continues to make so much of the play for our team. Alex Martin slotted a beauty on the run from the same pocket. It was good to have Oliver Argyou back who was running hard on his wing. In the backline, Harvey Emerson laid a tackle so strong they will be feeling it in Dingley for weeks. Halftime: Dingley 2.3 .15 led St.Kilda City 1.2 8
In the third quarter, as the rain came down, Bailey Troeth, took a most impressive overhead mark. Our team looks dangerous with Bailey running amok across half-forward. Riley Siegel was let loose as ruck rover and enjoyed the wet. Noah Rowe took Simon's advice, played in front and reaped the rewards. I thought it was Noah's best game for the year today - well done Noah. Sam Day too more than once led his man to the ball and won the contest. Henry Boileau sacrificed his own game for the team playing at full back.
In the last quarter, for the second week in a row Dan Hocking kicked a goal (it is a happy habit) and Alexander Scott finished off some hot teamwork with another. Finally, Max Weir who had run and run and run all day dived and just about somersaulted on the defensive goal line to stop a certain Dingley goal. Max was a deserving recipient of the coach's award today.
But congratulations to Dingley on their win.
Goals: Alexander Martin (1), Dan Hocking (1), Alexander Scott (1).
Final Score: Dingley 5.10 .40 defeated St.Kilda City 3.5.23
Round 7 30th May 2010
St Kilda v Cheltenham
It was down the highway for our round 7 clash against the Cheltenham Panthers.
Andrew Tzimas was deservedly captain for the day. He played in the centre and repeatedly won the hard ball. Well done, Andrew.
The first quarter was tight as we worked hard into a stiff breeze. Howie Persson with a new haircut was presenting across half forward and kicked our first. Gus Doquile gathered in one hand, blind turned and kicked a second to give us a one-point lead at the quarter time break.
In the second, we added three majors – one to each of Howie Persson, Dae Szydlik and Bailey Troeth to go to half time with a handy lead: 5.8 38 to 2.2.14.
In the third quarter, Charlie Hicks, Charlie Williams, Patrick Frencken and Sam Day all won important one-on-one contests to repel Cheltenham attacks. Harvey Emerson paddled the ball and made not just a second, third and fourth effort but a fifth effort in one passage of play before the cavalry arrived to help. Up forward, Sam Champion took a brave mark and converted and Dan Hocking (ultimately a popular winner of the coach’s award on the day) kicked another. The forward line was also working really hard defensively.
In the final quarter, Oliver McLeish continue to provide dash and options through the centre. Cheltenham, to its credit, never gave up. Oliver Woods, as always, led the defence and cleared one attack with a magnificent double handed fist. Finally, Matt McNaugton and Connor Bannister each kicked long bombs to secure a really good team victory.
Goals: Howie Persson (2), Gus Doquile (1), Dae Szydlik (1), Bailey Troeth (1), Sam Champion (1), Dan Hocking (1), Matt McNaughton (1), Connor Bannister (1).
Coach’s award: Harvey Emerson, Dan Hocking.
Final score: St. Kilda City 9.11.65 defeated Cheltenham Panthers 4.4 28
Round 6 23rd May 2010
St Kilda v East Sandy
The Round Six game certainly went off with a bang and continued so until the last remaining seconds, when, with City only 3 points in front, Lachie Harris marked the ball inside the opposition's goal square to secure victory for the Under 11s team for the second match in a row. It was an action packed four quarters of high energy footy and lots of nail biting excitement for the supporters.
As soon as the siren blasted to start of the first quarter it was obvious that this was going to be a tough match. Connor Bannister scored early in the first quarter giving the team the momentum to apply the pressure to a very feisty and talented opposition. Daniel Parish and Oliver Moore were formidable in the centre, often finding the unstoppable Dae Szydlik on the wing. East Sandy pushed on but more often their efforts were shut down by Cities' ‘wall of fire' defence line. Tackle after tackle sent the ball to the City end where Connor Bannister, after marking a banana bender set up by Alexander Martin, sent the ball clean through the big white sticks once again for a second six points.
At quarter time, Coach for the day, Rob McNaughton, fired the team up and after making some final adjustments to the white board game plan it was back into the second quarter. Max Weir and Alexander Scott were on the ball and made off with some clean disposals to Monty Murdoch and Andrew Tzimas. Noah Rowe made some fine saves on the wing stopping the play and sending the ball back to the City end. East Sandy however fought back kicking three goals in the second quarter but that wasn't enough to put the St Kilda City fire out. But moments before the half time siren, Howie Persson sent the ball through the goal posts to level the scores.
Despite the added distraction of Shane Warne being the opposition's Umpire Escort, the boys managed to regain their focus and come out fighting in the third quarter. Was it the hunger of missing out on the oranges at half-time (Rob left them on the bench), or was it just the sheer guts and determination of the City boys that resulted in a backyard blitz- like comeback in the third quarter. With all the precision of a Swiss watch, the boys shepherded, hand-balled, kicked and tackled the East Sandy boys to their knees. A giant kick by Alexander Martin form the fifty-metre mark into the goal square was scooped up by Matty McNaughton and popped through for a goal. The Footy Trinity of Lachie Harris, Howie Persson and Dae Szydlik maintained the pressure through the centre and Henry Boileau and Harvey Emerson were the saviours of the back-line. Before the siren, the ubiquitous Lachie Harris once more tackled the ball away from his opposition and disposed of it to Matty McNaughton who once more sent the ball soaring through the big white sticks for a goal. And when the siren sounded at the end of the third quarter, St Kilda City had clawed back and was ten points in front.
After three grueling quarters, the boys seemed to be more energised in the last quarter, unfortunately so was East Sandy who caught up with two quick goals in succession. And with only a few minutes to go, East Sandy was trailing only by 3 points. Oliver McLeish gave the their goal kickers a hard time tacking and blocking their kicks. Riley Siegel and Patrick Frencken kept the ball away from the opposition and Nick Watson was wide-awake and ready when the ball came his way. But with the clock ticking away and the tension mounting, you could have heard a pin drop when the opposition took a mark inside 30 metres right smack in front of the their goal. The ball left the boot of Number 14 for East Sandy and sailed straight towards the centre posts to what looked like a perfect goal...but like Phoenix rising from the Ashes, Number 2, none other than Lachie Harris, emerged form the scrum and marked the ball within a cat's whisker form the goal post and with the scores at St Kilda City 43 points and East Sandringham 40 points, victory was ours. Congratulations to Rob McNaughton on a fine coaching effort.
Go City!
Round 5 16th May 2010
Beaumaris v St Kilda
Eh! Eh Eh! We had a win today. Eh! Eh! Eh! We had a great win today.
Before the drama, it was a long drive down the Highway for our game against undefeated top of the table Beaumaris Blue. A few were murmuring as to whether it was going to prove a visit to the house of pain; few knew how the story would unfold.
Sam Champion was Captain and the only thing he lost all day was the toss.
In the first quarter, Beaumaris Blue was fast out of the blocks and by quarter time St Kilda City trailed 0.1.1 to 3.0 18.
Enter the coach for an inspirational quarter time address. The message was: “Act like maniacs. Get in front, be at the bottom of the packs and I've seen you lunatics do stupid things”. As one, the team lifted.
Our second quarter was our best quarter of football for the season so far. Lachy Harris kicked our first major to turn the tide and moments later brought down a Beaumaris opponent deep in the back pocket. He was everywhere man. Dae Szydlik lit up centre half forward in neon and Harvey Emerson repelled everything in the back half. Matt McNaughton and Sam Day were killing them on their wings. Charlie Hicks was so far under the packs he was coming up for air from underground. And Callum Welsh was a ball magnet across half forward - for the day had a highlight reel longer then Avatar. Callum deservedly kicked our second. By half time St. Kilda City had a sniff. Half-time St Kilda City trailed 2.2.14 to 3.2.20.
Half time break - Today was umpire appreciation day. Umpires, like us all, make mistakes and it is easy to blame the umpire when things go wrong. I have never seen any team lose a game because of the umpiring. Today our umpire Liam did a great Job. Remember: no umpire, no game.
In the third quarter, we played like even better maniacs. We dominated. Max Weir was electric up forward. Dan Parish returned from injury to ruck against a Boy giant. Noah Rowe was harder than nails. Gus Doquile ever the opportunist manufactured a goal out of nothing and the classy left boot of Alexander Scott slotted home another with style. By three quarter time we had grabbed a narrow lead – 4.2.26 to 3.4 22.
Mostly, however, this is a team game and everyone in the team was playing out of their skins. Also on team, a special mention for Howie Persson who even though he was not playing came along to support his mates. Well done Howie!
The last quarter was a nail biter- Beaumaris to their credit came again (the game is always better with two great teams) and got their noses in front. But the last goal was ours - Gus Doquile making it two for the day. Over the last few minutes time stood still as we held on. Ever reliable Henry Boileau cleared from the last line. Connor Bannister made a game saving tackle. Bailey Troeth ate turf for the cause.
The siren sounded and we were ahead. Was it good to hear the song? It was good to hear the song.
Goals: Gus Doquile (2), Lachy Harris (1), Callum Welsh (1), Alexander Scott (1).
Final Score:
St. Kilda City 5.5.35 defeated Beaumaris Blue 4.7.31
Oh When the Saints.....
Round 4 9th May 2010
South Melb v St Kilda
The boys were playing for their mums on a glorious sunny Mothers' day at Albert Park against South Melbourne.
We started the day with the mums sashaying through a banner between a guard of honour formed by the two sides. It was great to see the source of all that the talent in our ultra-talented team. We also had some flowers for the mums which was a good start to the day.
Lachlan Harris was Captain for the day. Good things happen when Lachie has the football. Good things also happen when he doesn't have the football; tackling and working hard for his teammates. Our side is lucky to have such a hardworking footballer.
In the first quarter, we started well with Charlie Williams showing the way with his attack on the ball and Monty Murdoch providing drive from half back. Sam Champion's shot drifted just left and South Melbourne snuck the only major for the quarter. The boys were contesting really well.
In the second quarter, Dae Syzdlik stamped his authority on the game pulling down some of his 12 marks for the day and Alexander Martin provided an imposing target at Centre Half Forward - demanding the ball like the young Dermot Brereton. Henry Boileau had licence to roam the ground and roam he did. Dan Parrish took a big mark and Bailey Troeth hung onto another falling to the ground. Matt McNaughton with his unwavering instinct for the goals slotted our only major for the half. Halftime: St.Kilda City 1.2 8 trailed South Melbourne 3.2.20.
In the third quarter Gus Doquile was lively in front of goals and I really liked Patrick Frencken's mark under heavy pressure. Connor Bannister was working really hard in defence and it was good to see the number 3 back after a couple of weeks on the sidelines. All the Olivers in our side our players and Oliver McLeish took a big mark and then drove it forward. Great stuff. Howie Persson was bloodied but unbowed.
In the last quarter, we decided to press offensively to see if we could make up a small deficit. Alexander Scott kicked a long point with his rangy left foot; Andrew Tzimas put one right through the middle after a Matthew Lloyd routine. Dan Hocking and Nick Watson were running hard off half back. Fittingly, Lachie Harris kicked a well earned goal.
In the end we fell just short in a game we were in all day.
Coaches Award: Dae Szydlik
Goals: Matt McNaughton (1); Andrew Tzimas (1); Lachlan Harris (1).
Final score: St Kilda City 3.7.25 lost to South Melbourne 6.4.40.
Round 3 2nd May 2010
St Kilda v Ormond
We were back at home against some classy opposition in Ormond and although the boys went down by 28 points they were competitive against a top side.
Before the game the boys tuned up with some of Leon's drills and were raring to go from the opening bounce
Captain Courageous Charlie Hicks led from the front. In the last quarter on the boundary line, he brought an opponent to a standstill with the "stare", then smothered, then tackled, then won the ball. It was so good it was scary. It was also great to see Harvey Emerson, mouthguard recovered, marking and then feeding off the handballs at halfback for his first game of the season proper.
In the opening quarter, Ormond got a flying start, but Riley Siegel was fighting back the other way against his school mates. Our only goal was to Matt McNaughton who finished off some good pack crashing work from Alex Martin (a great target at centre half forward) and Howie Persson. I love Howie's work.
In the second quarter, Oliver McLeish marked strongly in the centre, Lachlan Harris, ran down the outer wing like a cheetah, a fast cheetah, and Callum Welsh finished with a stylish goal. Callum also had a "poster" to finish with 1.1 for the day. Half time: St. Kilda 2.0. 12 trailed Ormond 6.3 39.
Special mentions: Jon Brown (Oliver Woods' dad) was doing a stellar job on the far boundary - keeping an eye on his two daughters at either end of the field as well as running the boundary - and I for one thought it was a correct call when he called it out of bounds as it crossed the centre square line on an Ormond break. Go Jon! Oliver Woods nearly sharked a goal from his dad's throw in, showing a canny understanding of where the ball was going.
In the third quarter, we added two goals - a second to Mat McNaughton and one to Howie Persson. In defence, under pressure from Ormond, I was really impressed by the hard work of Patrick Frencken and Sam Day, Dan Hocking who took a bruising mark and the bustling of Lukas and Noah Rowe, who kept winning contests at ground level.
In the last quarter we kept contesting and running hard and were rewarded when Charlie Williams kicked a goal despite being dragged down in a tackle at the end of a passage of play where we had taken it end to end. Great stuff.
Boys - we are due for a win. We have been right in it against some very good opposition. Keep working hard as a team and success will come.
Bring on next week.
Coach's award: Charlie Hicks:
Goals: Matt McNaughton (2), Charlie Williams (1), Howie Persson (1), Callum Welsh (1).
Final score: St. Kilda City 5.2 32 lost to Ormond 9.6.60.
Round 2 25th April 2010
St Kilda v East Brighton
It was a privilege for the boys to play on ANZAC day and I hope they all remember lining up before the game with their families and hearing just a little about what happened on the battlefields in 1915. Well done East Brighton for how they went about it. .
Once the game got going, the boys led for three quarters against the Vampires only to be overhauled in the last to go down by just nine points.
Howie Persson as captain was inspirational and ran all day in the ruck.
It was great to have a number of boys playing their first game of the season and every one contributed something positive for the side: Patrick Frencken beat 3 with a cunning left foot toe poke (think Matthew Scarlett) to repel a Vampires attack; Sam Champion ran fearlessly with the flight of the ball to nearly pull in a gutsy mark; Oliver Argyrou gave the team same speed across half back and Nicholas Watson ran hard to every contest across the big ground. Lukas Rowe was dependable deep in defence. And the coach has Monty Murdoch down as the human glove – run all day and shut down the opposition’s best.
In the first quarter City had all the play but struggled to post a score. As ever, Oliver Moore did the 1 percenters; the team things. Then, nearly at quarter’s end, Charlie Williams held a big mark under pressure at centre half forward, stopped, thought about it and pinpointed Bailey Troeth with a pass. Bailey did the rest and kicked truly for the only goal of the term. At quarter time City was up by 3 points.
The first score of the second quarter was an, oh so close point, to Gus Doquile, the birthday boy. Then, in a Sunday Special (I hope someone has put it on you tube) Henry Boileau released from fullback to run on the ball kicked one over his left shoulder from the goal square - it was Peter Daicos meets with Nick Natanui – the Vampires were left gasping. Half time: City 2.2.14 led Vampires 1.3 9.
In the third quarter, Lachlan Harris, who is in the engine room of this team, he makes things happen set up a goal for Andrew Tzimas. I also had the odometer on Dae Syzdlik and I reckon he ran 5km. Max Weir was playing on the wing and creating opportunities, kicking beautifully. Down the other end, Charlie “hard nut” Hicks was fierce off centre half back and Riley Siegel was playing on a man much bigger than him and conceding nothing.
In the last quarter, the Vampire’s stronger legs started to overhaul us. Callum Welsh was one who just kept running and running but in the end the Vampires were just a little too Strong on the day.
The boys should hold their heads high for the way they played in the ANZAC spirit and the first win is just around the corner.
Goals: Bailey Troeth (1); Andrew Tzimas (1); Henry Boileau (1).
Final score: East Brighton Red (Vampires) 4.6 30 defeated St. Kilda City 3.3 21.
Round 1 18th April 2010
St Kilda v East Malvern
Wattie Watson was bathed in glorious sunshine for the season opener against East Malvern.
Oliver Woods led the team out as captain. All day he led by example - the Rock of Gibraltar, with added dash, at centre halfback.
Everyone had on the coconut oil and was feeling smooth.
In quarter one, East Malvern was pressing and on boundary onlookers were impressed by a goal saving tackle from Sam Day, and the second and third efforts from Andrew Tzimas, magician number 22. Noah Rowe was strong in the last line of defence. Connor Bannister was lively early.
Again, in the second quarter, we found ourselves under defensive pressure - but the boys worked hard in the clinches: Charlie Hicks made a brave smother, Dae Szydlik was running everywhere, Riley Siegel never took a sideways step. Callum Welsh was a speedster. Oliver Moore tied it up for the team although outnumbered. For me, I am always calmer when ever-reliable Henry Boileau is close to the ball. Also, Howie Persson and Dan Parish were alternating well in the ruck on East Malvern’s tall timber. Halftime: St Kilda City 0.0.0.v. East Malvern 4.3 .27.
The third quarter was St Kilda City's best. Simon asked the team to win the quarter and the boys responded in style outscoring their opponents. Lachy Harris provided run and carry through the middle and Bailey Troeth was proving a target up forward - including a really clever centreing of the ball from deep in the pocket to create a scoring chance. Max Weir ran himself to a standstill. I also liked Daniel Hocking’s defensive work up forward. Matt McNaughton finished off a great mark with a deserved goal, was unlucky not to kick another and Charlie Hicks added City’s second major with a classy finish.
In the last corner we fought it out well, holding East Malvern to just one goal. In the end, on the day, quality opposition proved too strong but the boys stuck to their task all day -- particularly impressive in winning the third quarter. It was tough to have a loss first up, but there were plenty of signs of things to look forward to in the season to come.
Coach’s award: Andrew Tzimas
Goals: Matt McNaughton 1, Charlie Hicks, 1.
Result: St Kilda City 2.2.14 defeated by East Malvern 7.6.48.
St Kilda City v South Melb Practice Match
11th April 2010
A howling wind at Wattie Watson was a perfect welcome back to winter and the boys delivered an impressive practice match victory over South Melbourne in tough conditions, the opposition held goalless.
It was the boys’ first tackling game but the way the 23 hard nuts went about it parents on the boundary knew there had been practice at home.
The first quarter was an arm wrestle - a solitary point to South Melbourne the only score. Oliver McLeish was impressive on debut. The familiar sights of fearless Riley Siegel, Max Weir’s long left boot and Oliver Woods charging from defence reminded us all why we love winter. In the second stanza, Charlie Hicks, who was on fire, kicked the half’s only major on the end of an unselfish assist from Lachy Harris. Mr. Gadget, Henry Boileau somehow flung out a long arm stopping a certain South Melbourne goal: half-time: St. Kilda City 1.2.8. South Melbourne 0.1.1.
In the third quarter, Oliver Moore laid tackles, Andrew Tzimas shepherds and Harvey Emerson marked deep in defence. Noah Rowe was courageous at the bottom of the packs. Mat McNaughton did it all – tapping the ball forward for the team while lying injured on the ground. At the end of some great team play, Charlie Williams marked, played on, his shot drifting just left.
In the last quarter, the floodgates opened: with 3 unanswered St. Kilda City goals to Alexander Scott, Gus Doquile and Howie Persson who put one through post high.
Next week: the season proper begins. What do we say? BRING IT ON!!!!
Final Score: St Kilda City 4.4.28 defeated South Melbourne 0.1.1.
