jacob spolding nicholas sautner team lists Victorian football league community football weekend cloke & dagger inc

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1 jacob spolding nicholas sautner team lists Victorian football league community football weekend cloke & dagger Seagulls to raid Zebras beach fortress inc EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Round 6 may 10-11, 2008 $3 gst

2 Congratulations to TOBY PINWILL (Port Melbourne) This week s winner of the Ford Best on Ground Ute Visit theoval.com.au for more information. theoval.com.au

3 VICTORIAN FOOTBALL OTBALL LEAGUE COMMUNITY FOOTBALL WEEKEND editorial during the pre-season the VFl passed a significant milestone it produced its 100th player to be drafted or rookie listed by an afl club in the past decade. It was a telling milestone, especially given the AFL s plans to issue two new club licences in the next few years. The AFL s decision means the VFL will grow even more in stature as, between them, the AFL clubs will soon have to find an additional 100 players. And, with Victoria being the country s richest breeding ground of football talent, it is not overstating it to say Victoria, and the VFL, can be expected to provide a huge chunk of those players. Undoubtedly, the talent pool in the VFL will be heavily scrutinised, more so than ever before. And, just as clearly, the standard of the VFL is on a constant upward spiral. Consider the ringing endorsement it has received from AFL clubs over the past decade. The number of VFL players drafted or rookie listed by AFL clubs grew by nearly 50 per cent from to Production line continues VFl producing more and more afl stars from 73 players to 109. Such numbers speak for themselves. But the VFL is not only a proven pathway for aspiring young footballers, it also helps develop young players on AFL lists and rookie lists, while providing an excellent standard of competition for seasoned players returning from injury or illness. AFL clubs now don t hesitate in promoting players who have performed well in the VFL. That was simply not the case 10 years ago. The VFL has grown in stature each season since the competition was revamped in Just look at the success of those players who have got their start in the VFL after initially being overlooked in the NAB AFL Draft and the Pre-season and Rookie drafts. They include Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell, Troy Simmonds, Stephen Milne, Darren Jolly, Damien Peverill, Matthew Boyd and Bret Thornton. For more on other recent VFL graduates see the story on pages of this week s VFL Record. Such success stories have meant players not selected in the various drafts now view the VFL as a viable pathway to the AFL and no longer feel they have to travel interstate in a bid to be drafted. The VFL plays a vital role in football not only in Victoria but nationally. And, in the future, it seems likely the competition will become an even more important part of the national football landscape. John Hook Football Operations Manager, AFL Victoria JACOB SPOLDING NICHOLAS SAUTNER TEAM LISTS RECORD CLOKE & DAGGER Seagulls to raid Zebras beach fortress EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE ROUND 6 MAY 10-11, 2008 $3 round 6 MAy 10-11, 2008 CoVer: Star recruit Jason Cloke has been one of the keys to Williamstown s strong start to the 2008 season. afl Victoria Chief executive officer: Peter Schwab Football operations Manager: John Hook Statistics: Sam Coen Manager director, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Geoff Slattery editor: Nick Bowen designer: Karl Chandler Photo Manager: Natalie Boccassini Photography: Getty Images (02) advertising: Jennifer Pryor (03) Printed by: Condor Printing address correspondence: The Editor, GPO Box 4337, Melbourne, Phone: (03) ContentS Jacob Spolding 5 Nicholas Sautner 7 Scorpions history of success 8 Round five statistics VFL s AFL graduates Round six preview 25 James Flaherty 26 VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 3

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5 jacob spolding as he reflects on recently passing the 100-game milestone in the VFl, jacob spolding wonders what might have been if he hadn t received a phone call from north ballarat coach gerard Fitzgerald six years ago. Spolding had just finished a stint as a top-up player for Geelong s VFL team when FitzGerald rang offering him a spot at the Roosters. But the offer extended beyond just pulling on the North Ballarat jumper, the opportunity to go to university in Ballarat was also an enticement. The then 19-year-old took up FitzGerald s offer and, last year, graduated with a degree in physical education. If I stayed in Geelong, I don t know what I would be doing workwise and probably I d be playing football at Ocean Grove, Spolding said. They (North Ballarat) gave me some direction not only in my football, but also in life. I owe a fair bit to Fitzy and the North Ballarat Football Club for giving me a chance to come and play football here and get into the university. Fitzy is not just worried about a person being a better footballer, but the footballer being a better person and with that hopefully their football improves. Hopefully, I can repay them with a few more years of service. It s been an interesting couple of seasons for Spolding, now in his sixth season with North Ballarat. Spolding is back in the Roosters leadership group Balanced Ballarat boy spolding racks up 100 VFl games JACOB SPOLDING age: 25 clubs: North Ballarat/Geelong games: 101 goals: 99 after being overlooked the previous season when FitzGerald introduced a peer-group voting system. After being a vice-captain under Gavin Crosisca, Spolding found himself demoted. Not surprisingly, he was disappointed. I put my head down and played a leadership role even without having the title, Spolding said. I had an OK pre-season and we had the same (voting) system, but this year the Jacob Spolding has returned to North Ballarat s leadership group this year. players elected me into the leadership group. Personally, it was good that I stood up and I carried on the way I was going and I was able to get back in there. FitzGerald praised Spolding for responding so positively to last season s setback, saying he was now also winning wider respect throughout the competition. I think he s on the verge of being widely recognised and a well-regarded VFL player. For all that, Spolding is focused on helping to lead the Roosters back into the finals again in 2008 and, beyond that, continuing his VFL career with the Rooster for as long as possible. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 5

6 nicholas sautner Hopping over Hammond sautner soars past 700 goals Few, if any players, in the VFa in the late 1970s early 1980s could soar as high as Garry happy hammond. The Camberwell spearhead thrilled those at the Camberwell Road Oval and the other venues around Melbourne that hosted division one and division two games. Many of those venues, and those clubs, have long gone. But for those who grew up watching Happy Hammond from the grassy banks at Camberwell, the memories remain. Hammond had that unique ability to jump on opponents shoulders, sometimes even on their heads. He matched such aerial skills with deadly accurate goalkicking. Not surprisingly, Hammond played a pivotal part in the Cobras winning their first premiership in 1979 and again in With no video of matches and only one umpire, Hammond was subjected to several crude and cheap shots during his career. Regrettably, it forced him out of the VFL prematurely, which makes his career total of 698 goals even more remarkable. It s about a quarter of a century since Hammond last played in the VFA, but it was not until round four this season that he was dislodged from the No. 9 spot Sandringham s Nicholas Sautner is vaulting up the VFA/VFL s alltime goals and games lists. on the all-time VFA/VFL goalkicking table. The man who passed him was Nicholas Saunter, who, with a nine-goal haul against the Box Hill Hawks in round four, not only passed Hammond, but also became just the ninth VFA/VFL player to kick 700 goals. While Hammond reached his goal tally in 50 fewer games than Sautner, football has evolved dramatically since the former Cobras full-forward performed his regular acrobatics. Sautner also recently passed the 450-goal milestone for Sandringham, leaving only Bruce Harper, who kicked 534 goals for the Zebras, ahead of him. With the 2008 season not even a third of the way over, Saunter looks set to move to seventh on the VFA/VFL s all-time list, with two more VFA/ VFL goalkicking goliaths, Peter Neville (725) and Joe Radojevic (723), now tantalisingly within his reach. But Sautner, 30, faces an Everestlike climb to reach sixth-placed Frank Seymour, the champion Northcote goalkicker in the 1930s. Seymour s career tally of 880 goals would appear at least two seasons away for Sautner, but the Zebras spearhead has no immediate plans to retire. 6 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

7 nicholas sautner More immediately, Sautner is eyeing the prospect of becoming Sandringham s games recordholder, with current record-holder Anthony Allen just seven games away on 165 games. As long as Sautner stays injury free and away from the tribunal, he will take over the mantle in round 13 against North Ballarat. If he plays every remaining game and two finals, Sautner will move into the top 10 on the VFA/ VFL all-time games honour roll. Currently, Sautner is equal 16th with Michael Deaton (Mordialloc), but he could overtake Springvale champions Damian Carroll and Jason Caples, who occupy the No. 8 and 9 spots respectively with 233 and 231 games. As he reflected on his achievements with the VFL Record recently, Sautner revealed another goalkicking machine, the AFL s leading all-time goalkicker Tony Lockett, was his childhood hero. When I was growing up I was a strong St Kilda supporter and would go most weeks to watch Tony Lockett at Moorabbin, Sautner recalled. In those days you had fullforwards on a number of teams (Jason) Dunstall, (Paul) Salmon and (Gary) Ablett (snr) and up until this season you haven t seen as many full-forwards kicking big tallies of goals. I really enjoyed the great contests between Lockett and Silvagni. I remember Lockett kicking 10 goals one day. For all his achievements, Sautner admits he owes much to the teammates who have given him such good supply over the years, especially at Sandringham. Ironically, Sautner spent his first couple of VFL seasons in defence, before former teammate and Norm Goss medallist Tim Rieniets suggested to then Sandringham coach Graeme Yeats that he should be tried as a forward. The move was nothing new for Sautner who played full-forward through most of his junior days. Undoubtedly, it would prove an inspired choice, as Sautner has gone on a goalkicking rampage unparalleled in modern times. Last season, Sautner captured his seventh goalkicking title, one more than the legendary Jim Frosty Miller, whose name adorns the VFL s goalkicking award. Asked if reeling in Seymour s tally was a realistic goal, Sautner replied: If I m able to balance my work life and my family life, and my body is still holding up and I m still contributing to Sandringham, I ll still keep playing. But I haven t really contemplated anything beyond Sautner, Telstra Dome s general manager of operations, would love nothing more than to play in a premiership this season as the VFL makes the historic switch to a night Grand Final at Telstra Dome. From a personal perspective, Sautner said it would be a career highlight, given the time and effort he has put into building Telstra Dome into a benchmark venue. In many ways it would be apt Nicholas Sautner knows a thing or two about benchmarks. nicholas sautner age: 30 Games: 217 Goals: 707 clubs: Sandringham, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Sandringham honours: Jim Frosty Miller Medallist record seven times , 2007; Sandringham premiership player 1997, 2000, ; VFL Team Of The Year 1999, , 2007; VFL representative VFa/VFl all-time top 10 goalkickers 1. Fred Cook Rino Pretto Bob Bonnet Mark Fotheringham Jim Miller Frank Seymour Peter Neville Joe Radojevic nicholas sautner Garry Hammond 698 VFa/VFl all-time games played Billy Swan 302 Fred Cook Damian Carroll Jason Caples 231 Eq. 16 Michael Deaton 217 eq. 16 nicholas sautner 217 sandringham all-time games played Anthony Allen 165 nicholas sautner 158 sandringham all-time leading goalkickers Bruce Harper 534 nicholas sautner 455 Denis Oakley 434 VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 7

8 150 years Over its century-long journey it has played in five different leagues, a host of communities and endured several name changes, but one thing has followed the springvale Football Club throughout success. While details of its record in the Mulgrave Football Association at the turn of the 20th century are sketchy, Springvale boasts premierships in each of its subsequent four competitions. Starting in the Berwick District Football Association, where it won seven flags before the outbreak of World War II, it won another premiership in 1956 in the Caulfield Oakleigh District Football League before joining the Federal Football League in As current general manager and premiership player Brian Woodman noted, Springvale became the powerhouse of the Federal League over the next quarter of a century, winning five premierships in six years in the 1960s. If we talk about the 90s being a strong period for the club then the 60s was even stronger, Woodman said. Not surprisingly, Springvale attracted the attention of the then VFA powerbrokers and in the early 80s, Springvale embarked on its most dramatic transition. While Kilsyth, the other club admitted in the same year as Springvale, failed to see out the decade, Springvale would emerge over the next 20 years, as Woodman put it, as the powerhouse of the VFA. Success with a sting scorpions proud and long history of success Within one season of its admittance, Springvale, under former Richmond premiership player Laurie Fowler, won a division two premiership. Promoted to division one, Springvale struggled for several seasons, but before the 87 season the club decided, as Woodman put it, to go for broke. Former Carlton and Footscray player Phil Maylin led the club to its first division one premiership that year, defeating Port Melbourne. While the club endured some angst at the start of the 90s, by the time the 21st century arrived, Springvale had won four premierships. Scorpions captain Kain Taylor and coach Brad Gotch celebrate their 1996 premiership. The advent of the revamped VFL in 2000 saw Springvale change its name to the Springvale Scorpions then the Scorpions before settling on its current moniker, the Casey Scorpions. The Scorpions moved from their traditional base at Newcomen Road, Springvale to Moorabbin, to AFL Park and now reside in the state-of-the-art Casey Fields, Cranbourne. Success so far hasn t come to the Casey Scorpions, but Woodman has no doubt it will. The spade work over the past few years and in the future three to four years will set up another dynasty, Woodman predicted. 8 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

9 TiPSTerS VFL tipsters Paul Amy Leader Newspapers Coburg Tigers 10pts Geelong 15pts North Ballarat 30pts Port Melbourne 16pts Frankston 15pts Sandringham 20pts Casey Scorpions 25pts last round: 5 Ross Booth ABC-TV Coburg Tigers 10pts Geelong 45pts North Ballarat 30pts Port Melbourne 15pts Frankston 5pts Williamstown 20pts Casey Scorpions 25pts last round: 5 Phil Cleary ABC-TV Coburg Tigers 20pts Geelong 12pts North Ballarat 15pts Port Melbourne 25pts Frankston 18pts Williamstown 20pts Northern Bullants 15pts last round: 5 Scott Cummings 3AW Collingwood 10pts Geelong 2pts North Ballarat 35pts Port Melbourne 15pts Frankston 13pts Williamstown 29pts Northern Bullants 15pts last round: 6 Carley Jellett The Age Coburg Tigers 14pts Geelong 12pts North Ballarat 25pts Port Melbourne 18pts Bendigo Bombers 6pts Williamstown 25pts Casey Scorpions 12pts last round: 6 Adrian Dunn Herald Sun Coburg Tigers 9pts Geelong 25pts North Ballarat 15pts Port Melbourne 4pts Bendigo Bombers 6pts Williamstown 10pts Casey Scorpions 7pts last round: 5 Lady Luck Coburg Tigers 14pts Geelong 20pts North Ballarat 19pts Port Melbourne 1pt Bendigo Bombers 6pts Williamstown 8pts Casey Scorpions 12pts last round: 6 John Hook Football Operations Manager, AFL Victoria Coburg Tigers 23pts Geelong 18pts North Ballarat 25pts Werribee Tigers 12pts Bendigo Bombers 6pts Williamstown 26pts Casey Scorpions 12pts last round: 6 Tony Leonard 3AW Coburg Tigers 13pts Geelong 19pts North Ballarat 25pts Werribee Tigers 15pts Bendigo Bombers 16pts Williamstown 17pts Casey Scorpions 19pts last round: 2 Chris Mitchell Herald Sun Collingwood 20pts Geelong 25pts North Ballarat 35pts Port Melbourne 25pts Frankston 13pts Williamstown 9pts Northern Bullants 15pts last round: 5 Peter Schwab AFL Victoria CEO Coburg Tigers 10pts Box Hill Hawks 15pts North Ballarat 25pts Port Melbourne 12pts Frankston 1pt Williamstown 24pts Casey Scorpions 13pts last round: 4 LeADeRBoARD John Hook 25 ross Booth 21 lady luck 25 Phil Cleary 21 Chris Mitchell 23 Scott Cummings 18 Peter Schwab 23 adrian dunn 18 Carley Jellett 22 Tony leonard 15 Paul amy 21 For all the latest VFl results and competition details, log on to VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 9

10 club notes VFL club notes Frankston The Dolphin Bistro is open every home game from 12-2pm offering a beautiful three-course luncheon for only $20 a person or $15 for Senior Card holders. Bookings are advisable on The club s annual Champagne Day is on Sunday, May 25 (Frankston versus Tasmania) in the social rooms. The cost is $25 for three courses and complimentary champagne. Bookings essential on For all the Dolphins latest news log onto frankstonfc.com.au, to find out what s happening in town go to box Hill Hawks Welcome to today s match-day partner, Bartercard, Melbourne North, represented by Margaret Hendy. Bartercard is the world s largest trade exchange, so why not boost your business today by calling northern bullants The Northern Bullants are hosting a family day next Sunday, May 18 at NAB Oval when they take on North Ballarat. The first 200 children through the gate will receive a sausage sizzle voucher while each parent with a child under 15 will go into the draw to win a $250 NAB Visa gift card. Other activities will include: face-painting, a halftime kicking competition to win a Sherrin football, and the Crazy Johns mascot will there with giveaways. Don t forget that thanks to our partnership with Metlink the first 100 people to present a valid Metcard will receive free entry to the game. For the best public transport options to the match, please see the customised online journey planner at northernbullants.com.au or metlinkmelbourne.com.au. casey scorpions The Casey Scorpions have four home games coming up in May and June at Casey Fields. All members, supporters and guests are welcome to attend the president s luncheon at any home game. Bookings are essential. Friday, July 25 is the Scorpions Gala Ball. The night includes Johnny D s Hidden Agenda magic act, a bold and funny caricature artist, auction items valued at more than $10,000, and a DJ. Bookings essential: For more club information, check out scorpions.com.au. Williamstown Welcome to today s game against Sandringham on Community Football Weekend. To show our appreciation of the great support we receive from the community, today s game was free for all spectators. This initiative was possible through the generosity of the club s major sponsor Hocking Stuart, Williamstown. At today s luncheon leading jockey Brad Rawiller will be guest speaker. Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers in attendance. The next president s luncheon is on Saturday, May 24 at the club s match against the Box Hill Hawks. The guest speaker will be the Reverend Tim Costello. The Williamstown football auction is on Saturday, July 26 at 7.30pm. For information and bookings call Brendan Curry on or bcurry@westernjets.asn.au. coburg tigers Jake King is returning to Coburg for Coburg Footy Fit, an initiative that will be a fantastic way for everyone to get fit in a fun and footy-based environment based on programs Watch out for V TV each week on Ford s theoval.com.au. The show features all the latest VFL news, with hosts Dwayne Russell and Nigel Carmody previewing the coming matches. 10 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

11 club notes used by the top AFL players. Further information: The president s luncheon is held every home game in the social club. The next luncheon will be held before our round eight match against the Bendigo Bombers on Sunday, May 25. Enjoy delicious roast meals with salads and accompaniments for $25, with kids just $15. Phone by 3pm on the Wednesday prior to the match to book. For all club news, visit coburgtigers.com.au. Werribee tigers Welcome to the members of our 1965 committee and playing group who join us for lunch today. We are delighted you could attend. Please visit our revamped website to keep up with all club news werribeefc.com.au. The club s trivia night is on Friday, May 16 at 7.30pm. The cost is $10. Bookings: Club merchandise can be purchased at all home games. Our next match-day luncheon is on Saturday, May 24 at 12pm. The guest speaker is Lindsay Fox, while a two-course meal and drinks are included. The cost is $40. Bookings: north ballarat Breast Cancer in City/ Country (BICC) support young women under 45 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are the recipient of our gold coin entry initiative at today s game. To find out more, visit Today, we also welcome the North Ballarat Women s Football Team and the Braybrook Bombers for the curtain-raiser to the Roosters- Tasmania game. Mums, don t forget to head into the bistro today between 1-3pm to be pampered by the team from Thalgo at the Doherty Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre, where they will provide free hand and shoulder massages. For everyone else, you will be able to pick up something for your mum for her special day. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 11

12 statistics VFL statistics Round 5 seniors AFTER ROUND 5 P W L D F A % PTS north Ballarat Williamstown sandringham casey scorpions Port Melbourne Geelong northern Bullants tasmania Coburg Tigers Frankston Werribee Tigers Collingwood Bendigo Bombers Box Hill Hawks VFL GoaLkickeRs (PROGRESSIVE) nicholas sautner (Sandringham) 21 (4) James Podsiadly (Werribee Tigers) 20 (8) scott simpson (Geelong) 17 (3) dean Galea (Williamstown) 14 (3) adrian Bonaddio (Port Melbourne) 13 (4) Jack Riewoldt (Coburg Tigers) 11 (-) darcy daniher (Bendigo Bombers) 11 (4) Jarryd allen (Casey Scorpions) 11 (-) Robin nahas (Port Melbourne) 11 (-) alex Gilmour (Tasmania) 11 (1) Michael Wundke (North Ballarat) 11 (1) callum urch (Williamstown) 11 (-) Jarrad Grant (Williamstown) 11 (2) cleve Hughes (Coburg Tigers) 10 (1) Paul colbert (Northern Bullants) 10 (3) ROUND 7 Saturday, May 17 casey scorpions v collingwood ROUND 9 Saturday, June 7 north Ballarat v Frankston VFL action on abc-tv ROUND 8 Saturday, May 24 Williamstown v Box Hill Hawks ROUND 10 Saturday, June 14 casey scorpions v sandringham tasmania (111) Casey Scorpions (92) GoaLs: tasmania - Cornelius 4, Street 3, A. Bielski 2, Setchell 2, Charlesworth 2, Hardy 2, Thurley, Gilmour. casey scorpions - Ferguson 2, R. Clarke 2, Fraser 2, Dunne 2, Fiora, McQualter, Howard, Steven, Taylor. Best: tasmania - Charlesworth, Street, Thurley, Vearing, Long, Savage. casey scorpions - R. Clarke, Eddy, Silvagni, Creed, Gwilt, McEvoy. coburg tigers (79) Box Hill Hawks (67) GoaLs: coburg tigers - Pettifer 3, Bowden 2, Hughes, Carrick, Jackson, Casserly, Tivendale, Carnell. Box Hill Hawks - Shore 3, Kennedy 2, Pedersen 2, S. Daniher, Kenna, Morton. Best: coburg tigers - Carnell, Silvester, Shelton, Jackson, Tivendale, Bowden. Box Hill Hawks - Kenna, Kennedy, Markovic, Morton, Shore, Clarke. sandringham (159) Bendigo Bombers (89) GoaLs: sandringham - Holland 4, Sautner 4, Tregear 3, C. Liddell 2, Waller 2, Bate 2, C. Johnson 2, Yze 2, Poyas, Bode, Maric. Bendigo Bombers - Daniher 4, Williams 2, Crameri, Holmes, Hartigan, Johnson, Coghlan, Skipworth, Dick. Best: sandringham - Summers, Valenti, Crowe, C. Johnson, Bode, C. Liddell. Bendigo Bombers - Daniher, Chartres, Skipworth, Hislop, Atkinson, Holmes. Northern Bullants (87) Werribee tigers (103) GoaLs: northern Bullants - Colbert 3, Ackland 2, Bransgrove 2, Jackson, Lappin, S. O hailpin, Ellard, Teague. Werribee tigers - Podsiadly 8, Davies, Ross, Riggio, Obst, Gleeson, Barlow, Warren. Best: northern Bullants - Bransgrove, Ackland, Boundy, Iacobucci, Colbert, Hampson. Werribee tigers - Podsiadly, Ross, Castello, Eddy, Davies, Riggio. Williamstown (123) North Ballarat (106) GoaLs: Williamstown - Galea 3, O Keefe 3, Skipper 3, Ward 3, Grant 2, Street, Picken, Stretton. north Ballarat - Greig 2, Spolding 2, Jo. Smith 2, Sewell 2, Garlett 2, Stephenson 2, McConnell, Wundke, McHugh. Best: Williamstown - O Keefe, Ray, Skipper, Stretton, Tiller, Cloke. north Ballarat - Roach, Swallow, Goodes, Urquhart, Jo. Smith, Sharkey. Port Melbourne (109) Frankston (51) GoaLs: Port Melbourne - Bonaddio 4, Thomas 4, Cotchett 2, Smith 2, Pitt, Fanning, Cain. Frankston - P. Whelan 2, Murray 2, Limbach 2, Barry. Best: Port Melbourne - Pinwill, Pleming, Thomas, Bonaddio, Robbins, McGrath. Frankston - Morris, P. Whelan, Barry, Berry, Rebeschini, Murray. Collingwood (67) Geelong (123) GoaLs: collingwood - Reid 2, Jurrah 2, Colbert, Iles, Bryan, MacAffer, Nicholls, Stanley. Geelong - Hogan 3, S. Simpson 3, Davenport 2, McKenna 2, West 2, Firman, Djerrkura, Varcoe, Lonergan, Tenace, Stavenuiter, Prismall. Best: collingwood - Anthony, Wellingham, Crow, Nicholls, Reid, Lonie. Geelong - Prismall, Tenace, Hogan, Moles, Davenport, Firman. 12 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

13 statistics Round 4 ReseRVes AFTER ROUND 4 P W L D B F A % PTS coburg tigers sandringham Williamstown north Ballarat Frankston Casey Scorpions Werribee Tigers Northern Bullants Box Hill Hawks Bendigo Bombers Port Melbourne VFL ReseRVe GoaLkickeRs (PROGRESSIVE) nick Lynch (Coburg Tigers) 15 (5) trent Zomer (Sandringham) 14 (4) Matthew Little (Williamstown) 13 (7) Robbie Gregg (North Ballarat) 11 (-) Bill driscoll (North Ballarat) 11 (3) Joseph Gazzo (Coburg Tigers) 10 (4) Michael Lourey (Frankston) 9 (3) Guy Martyn (Sandringham) 9 (-) simon seddon (North Ballarat) 9 (2) Jonathan Mullins (Port Melbourne) 9 (4) clayton collard (Coburg Tigers) 9 (1) stuart Hill (Box Hill Hawks) 8 (-) Michael West (Werribee Tigers) 7 (2) shaydon Bloomfield (Werribee Tigers) 7 (4) Luke Potts (Frankston) 7 (5) VFL senior FieLd umpires 2008 BEARD, Dan...1 PANNELL, Troy...2 DONAT, Matthew...3 JENNINGS, Michael...4 MITCHELL, Andrew...5 FINDLAY, Robert...6 PAWLEY, Brent...7 OAKLEY, Matthew...8 SAUNDERS, Tim...9 MACKIE, Simon...10 BROWN, Matthew...11 McCARTHY, Troy...12 GRINDAL, Jamie...13 HOSKINS, Wayne...14 BANNISTER, Ben (Tas)...15 LEPPARD, Matthew...16 RITCHIE, Brett...17 DENISON, Greg...18 BROMLEY, Ashley MILLS, Richard...21 CAPELL, Clinton RALPH, Stuart (Tas) BURGESS, Tristan...24 GLEESON, Shaun (Tas) LEHNER, Ben (Tas) Note: AFL Umpires will wear 30, 31, 34, 38, 39, 40 sandringham (141) Bendigo Bombers (57) GoaLs: sandringham - Zomer 4, Eaton 4, Weetra 2, Monaghan 2, Lyall, Vickers, McNamara, Hardiman, Shakaib, Plymin, McConnell, Lockwood, Cleeve. Bendigo Bombers - Stroobants 2, Ford 2, Mathieson, Granger, Davies, Thomson. Best: sandringham - Dean, M. Johnston, Monaghan, McConnell, Plymin, Lockwood. Bendigo Bombers - Weekes, Wanganeen, Granger, Ayton, Ford, Stroobants. coburg tigers (150) Box Hill Hawks (46) GoaLs: coburg tigers - Lynch 5, Gazzo 4, Connors 3, F. Caruso 2, Clifton 2, Gourdis 2, Collins, Currie, Collard, Jones, Rance. Box Hill Hawks - Conyers 3, Angelopoulos, Dell Aquilla, Wright. Best: coburg tigers - Rance, Foster, Collard, F. Caruso, Lynch, Collins. Box Hill Hawks - Bull, Conyers, Ward, O Sullivan, Warby, Kelleher. northern Bullants (79) Werribee Tigers (63) GoaLs: northern Bullants - Mercuri 3, Connelly 2, Smith 2, Hill, Reinke, Dennis. Werribee tigers - Bloomfield 4, West 2, Prismall, L. Thompson, Howard. Best: northern Bullants - Meese, Williams, Hill, Totino, D. Davies, Connelly. Werribee tigers - Kenelley, Howard, Kennedy-Hunt, Bloomfield, Prismall, Mahoney. Williamstown (129) North Ballarat (101) GoaLs: Williamstown - Little 7, Lyons 3, Lynch 3, Wood 2, Langlands, Cartelli, Mu. Boyd, Cook. north Ballarat - Driscoll 3, Bell 3, Micallef 2, Horbury 2, Seddon 2, Luke, Limb, Waight. Best: Williamstown - Lockwood, Little, Lyons, McKenzie, Wood, Mu. Boyd. north Ballarat - Bell, Driscoll, Waight, George, Neurath, Hassell. Port Melbourne (80) Frankston (152) GoaLs: Port Melbourne - Mullins 4, Dillon 2, Siciliano 2, Dare 2, Francis, Livingstone. Frankston - Potts 5, Benbow 5, Lourey 3, Gabriel 2, Willis, Davis, Lloyd, White, Bosward, Barnes, Foggi, Harley. Best: Port Melbourne - O Keefe, N. Nixon, Mullins, Hassett, Dare, Siciliano. Frankston - Lombardozzi, Kirkwood, Potts, Comben, Stone, Keely. VFL action on radio Round 6 saturday, May 10 Werribee tigers v Port Melbourne sunday, May 11 casey scorpions v northern Bullants Round 6 saturday, May 10 coburg tigers v collingwood sunday, May 11 Williamstown v sandringham Round 6 saturday, May 10 Box Hill Hawks v Geelong VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 13

14 afl victoria community news AFL Victoria community news volunteer of the week David mcwilliam essendon District football league this week s afl victoria volunteer of the week is David mcwilliam from the essendon District football league. David has served for more than 40 years as a community football volunteer. He first became involved as a club delegate with the Riverside Stars Football Club, a role he served in for seven years before he became an Essendon District Football League (EDFL) umpire. David was then elected to the EDFL s league executive in 1972, which he continues to sit on to this day. Since 1975, he has also been the league s clearance secretary/registrar for its senior and junior competitions. David has played a key role in some of the EDFL s major achievements, which have included the growth and development of its junior competition, and converting a card-based player registration system into an online system. Along the way, he has also helped train new club volunteers. Since retiring from the workforce in 2003, David has also devoted countless hours at the league offices volunteering to assist with the competition s administrative duties. AFL Victoria would like to congratulate David on his ongoing contribution to the Essendon District Football League. To nominate for Volunteer of the Week and Club of the Week awards, Darryl Collings at darryl.collings@aflvic.com.au. The Volunteer of the Year and Community Club of the Year will be will selected from the weekly winner and announced at AFL Victoria s members dinner in February David McWilliam has volunteered in the EDFL for more than 40 years. One person can make a difference. But working with a team of people who share your commitment and support you every step of the way when facing challenges is even better. It means everything to know that we re all supported and recognised for what we do everyday. I think I will be a good Prison Officer. Apply at careers in corrections The Community Club of the Year also receives $1500 from AFL Victoria, so get your nominations in now! 14 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

15 VFL fixture 2008 Round 1 SaTURday, MaRch 29 coburg Tigers (178) vs. Geelong 16.7 (103) Bendigo Bombers (119) vs. Tasmania (90) collingwood (87) vs. Port Melbourne 11.8 (74) North Ballarat (126) vs. Box Hill Hawks 8.8 (56) Werribee Tigers (73) vs. Williamstown (129) SUNday, MaRch 30 Frankston (97) vs. Northern Bullants (81) Sandringham (119) vs. Casey Scorpions (82) Round 2 - Rivalry Round SaTURday, april 5 North Ballarat (112) vs. Bendigo Bombers 9.6 (60) Williamstown (162) vs. Collingwood (94) port Melbourne 17.7 (109) vs. Sandringham (108) casey Scorpions (110) vs. Frankston 9.18 (72) SUNday, april 6 Geelong 22.8 (140) vs. Werribee Tigers (87) Box Hill Hawks (85) vs. Tasmania (88) Northern Bullants (107) vs. Coburg Tigers (104) Round 3 SaTURday, april 12 Tasmania (125) vs. Geelong (101) Williamstown 24.7 (151) vs. Port Melbourne (114) Northern Bullants 20.8 (128) vs. Collingwood 12.5 (77) Coburg Tigers (91) vs. North Ballarat (92) casey Scorpions (122) vs. Box Hill Hawks (89) SUNday, april 13 Sandringham (90) vs. Frankston (102) Werribee Tigers (115) vs. Bendigo Bombers (95) Round 4 SaTURday, april 19 Geelong (112) vs. Williamstown 12.8 (80) Northern Bullants (84) vs. Tasmania (74) port Melbourne (155) vs. Coburg Tigers (107) SUNday, april 20 Frankston (83) vs. collingwood (100) North Ballarat 19.9 (123) vs. Werribee Tigers (94) Box Hill Hawks (76) vs. Sandringham (164) Bendigo Bombers 14.8 (92) vs. casey Scorpions (133) Round 5 FRIday, april 25 (anzac day) coburg Tigers (79) vs. Box Hill Hawks 10.7 (67) Tasmania 17.9 (111) vs. Casey Scorpions (92) SaTURday, april 26 Sandringham (159) vs. Bendigo Bombers (89) SUNday, april 27 Williamstown (123) vs. North Ballarat (106) Northern Bullants (87) vs. Werribee Tigers (103) SaTURday, May 3 port Melbourne (109) vs. Frankston 7.9 (51) SUNday, May 4 Collingwood 10.7 (67) vs. Geelong 19.9 (123) Round 6 SaTURday, May 10 Coburg Tigers vs. Collingwood ABD Group Stadium (ABC TV) 1:10pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Geelong Box Hill City Oval 2pm North Ballarat vs. Tasmania AUSTAR Arena 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Port Melbourne Bartercard Oval 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Frankston QE Oval 7pm SUNday, May 11 Williamstown vs. Sandringham Burbank Oval 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Northern Bullants Casey Fields 2pm Round 7 SaTURday, May 17 Tasmania vs. Sandringham Aurora Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Geelong vs. Coburg Tigers MCG (AFL C/R) 10:40am Casey Scorpions vs. Collingwood Casey Fields (ABC TV) 1:10pm SUNday, May 18 Frankston vs. Werribee Tigers Frankston Oval 2pm Northern Bullants vs. North Ballarat NAB Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Port Melbourne Box Hill City Oval 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Williamstown QE Oval 2pm Round 8 SaTURday, May 24 Williamstown vs. Box Hill Hawks Burbank Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm Port Melbourne vs. Casey Scorpions TEAC Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Collingwood Bartercard Oval 2pm SUNday, May 25 North Ballarat vs. Geelong AUSTAR Arena 2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Bendigo Bombers ABD Group Stadium 2pm Frankston vs. Tasmania Frankston Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. Northern Bullants Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm SANFL vs. VFL - State Representative Match SaTURday, May 31 - Adelaide Oval, SA Round 9 SaTURday, JUNE 7 North Ballarat vs. Frankston AUSTAR Arena (ABC TV) 1:10pm Northern Bullants vs. Williamstown Princes Park 2pm Tasmania vs. Port Melbourne Bellerive Oval 2pm SUNday, JUNE 8 Casey Scorpions vs. Geelong Casey Fields 2pm Sandringham vs. Collingwood Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Coburg Tigers Bartercard Oval 2pm MoNday, JUNE 9 Box Hill Hawks vs. Bendigo Bombers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Round 10 SaTURday, JUNE 14 Casey Scorpions vs. Sandringham Casey Fields (ABC TV) 1:10pm Collingwood vs. Northern Bullants Princes Park 2pm Tasmania vs. Coburg Tigers West Park Oval 1pm Port Melbourne vs. North Ballarat TEAC Oval 2pm SUNday, JUNE 15 Williamstown vs. Frankston Burbank Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Werribee Tigers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Geelong QE Oval 2pm Round 11 SaTURday, JUNE 21 Tasmania vs. Werribee Tigers Bellerive Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm Collingwood vs. Williamstown Princes Park 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. North Ballarat QE Oval 7pm SUNday, JUNE 22 Sandringham vs. Port Melbourne Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Frankston vs. Box Hill Hawks Frankston Oval 2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions ABD Group Stadium 2pm Geelong vs. Northern Bullants Skilled Stadium 2pm Round 12 SaTURday, JUNE 28 Geelong vs. Tasmania Skilled Stadium 1pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Collingwood Box Hill City Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm North Ballarat vs. Williamstown AUSTAR Arena 2pm SUNday, JUNE 29 Frankston vs. Coburg Tigers Frankston Oval 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Bendigo Bombers Casey Fields 2pm Northern Bullants vs. Port Melbourne NAB Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Sandringham Bartercard Oval 2pm Round 13 SaTURday, JULy 5 Port Melbourne vs. Bendigo Bombers TEAC Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm SUNday, JULy 6 North Ballarat vs. Sandringham AUSTAR Arena 2pm Collingwood vs. Frankston Princes Park 2pm Williamstown vs. Casey Scorpions Burbank Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Coburg Tigers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Tasmania vs. Northern Bullants Bellerive Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Geelong Bartercard Oval 2pm FIXTURE Round 14 SaTURday, JULy 12 Geelong vs. Box Hill Hawks Skilled Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Werribee Tigers vs. Frankston Bartercard Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm Casey Scorpions vs. Tasmania Casey Fields 2pm Sandringham vs. Williamstown Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Port Melbourne ABD Group Stadium 2pm SUNday, JULy 13 Bendigo Bombers vs. Northern Bullants QE Oval 2pm Collingwood vs. North Ballarat Princes Park 2pm Round 15 SaTURday, JULy 19 Geelong vs. North Ballarat Skilled Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Northern Bullants vs. Box Hill Hawks NAB Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm SUNday, JULy 20 Werribee Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions Bartercard Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Coburg Tigers Burbank Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. Tasmania Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm SaTURday, JULy 26 Frankston vs. Port Melbourne Frankston Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm SUNday, JULy 27 Collingwood vs. Bendigo Bombers Princes Park 2pm Round 16 SaTURday, august 2 Geelong vs. Collingwood Skilled Stadium (ABC TV) 1:10pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Casey Scorpions Box Hill City Oval 2pm Port Melbourne vs. Werribee Tigers TEAC Oval 2pm Tasmania vs. Williamstown Bellerive Oval 2pm SUNday, august 3 North Ballarat vs. Coburg Tigers AUSTAR Arena 2pm Frankston vs. Bendigo Bombers Frankston Oval 2pm Northern Bullants vs. Sandringham Princes Park 2pm Round 17 SaTURday, august 9 Tasmania vs. Frankston Aurora Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Collingwood vs. Werribee Tigers Princes Park 1pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Box Hill Hawks QE Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm Port Melbourne vs. Williamstown TEAC Oval 2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Northern Bullants ABD Group Stadium 2pm SUNday, august 10 Casey Scorpions vs. North Ballarat Casey Fields 2pm Sandringham vs. Geelong Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Round 18 SaTURday, august 16 Collingwood vs. Tasmania Princes Park (ABC TV) 1:10pm Coburg Tigers vs. Sandringham ABD Group Stadium 2pm North Ballarat vs. Northern Bullants AUSTAR Arena 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Box Hill Hawks Bartercard Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Bendigo Bombers Burbank Oval 2pm SUNday, august 17 Geelong vs. Port Melbourne Skilled Stadium 1pm Frankston vs. Casey Scorpions Frankston Oval 2pm Round 19 SaTURday, august 23 Port Melbourne vs. Collingwood TEAC Oval 1pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Williamstown Box Hill City Oval 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Coburg Tigers Casey Fields 2pm Frankston vs. Sandringham Frankston Oval 2pm Northern Bullants vs. Geelong NAB Oval 2pm Tasmania vs. North Ballarat Bellerive Oval 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Werribee Tigers QE Oval 2pm Round 20 SaTURday, august 30 Geelong vs. Frankston Skilled Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Bendigo Bombers vs. Coburg Tigers Windy Hill 2pm Collingwood vs. Casey Scorpions Princes Park 2pm Port Melbourne vs. Northern Bullants TEAC Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. North Ballarat Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Werribee Tigers Burbank Oval 2pm SUNday, august 31 Tasmania vs. Box Hill Hawks Bellerive Oval 2pm VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 15

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17 round 5 action VFL Round 5 action James Byrne racks up another possession in Geelong s win against Collingwood. Magpie Nigel Carmody drives the Pies forward against Geelong last weekend. Rohan Frost tried hard for the Magpies in their loss against Geelong. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 21

18 VFL s AFL GrAduAtes Mumford steps up VFL breeding readymade AFL players shane Mumford s journey from obscurity into the reigning AFL premier s team is remarkable on many fronts. As reported in the VFL Record s round-four edition, Mumford spent much of last season driving trucks in between playing as a top-up member of Geelong s VFL side. At the time, he had all but given up on playing AFL. The 21-year-old ruckman had been on the verge of signing with Frankston in 2008, when he decided to make one more trip down the Princes Highway to strut his stuff before the Geelong coaching and recruiting staff in the lead up to last year s NAB AFL Rookie Draft. History now shows Mumford impressed enough to gain a spot on the Geelong rookie list, and late last month he was elevated to the Cats senior list, making his AFL debut against Fremantle in round six. It was a tough initiation. Mumford went head-to-head with the biggest man in the competition, Aaron Sandilands, who dominated the ruck and around the ground in his best match for the season. Shane Mumford is the latest VFL player to graduate to the AFL. Not that this takes away from Mumford s performance, or his achievement to reach AFL ranks, and you can be sure he will learn from the experience. On a wider level, it once again highlights that the VFL where Mumford played six games last season for the Geelong s VFL team is an established breeding ground for aspiring AFL players. Mumford is the second VFL player his Geelong teammate from last year Scott Thompson was the first to break into the AFL this season. Significantly, he is the 55th VFL player in the past 10 years to graduate to the AFL. On top of that, 109 VFL players were drafted or rookie listed by AFL clubs during that decade. This is a significant jump from the previous 10 years when 73 VFL players were drafted or rookie listed an increase of nearly 50 per cent. And it s a good bet the number of graduates will swell even more. Among those VFL players drafted in the past 10 years, 11, who have not played an AFL game, remain on an AFL primary list or rookie list and, so, may yet make their debut. Fothergill Round Medallist Jason Davenport is one of those players and if he were at any club other than Geelong he would probably have already made his AFL debut. In 2007, four of the five VFL players rookie-listed were upgraded and made their AFL debut. The Coburg Tigers Jake King was one of them, and since then he has been one of Richmond s most consistent players. All of which is compelling evidence AFL recruiters are viewing the VFL as a legitimate hunting ground, from which they can pluck ready-made AFL players. The message is unmistakable. No longer do Victorian players, who miss out on being drafted as juniors, have to travel interstate in a bid to reach football s elite level. VFL graduates are not just making up the numbers on AFL lists either. Sure, some players struggle to make the step up to AFL, but there have been numerous examples of ex-vfl players who have left indelible marks on the AFL. 22 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

19 VFL s AFL GrAduAtes Take Troy Simmonds, the former Box Hill Hawk. Selected by Melbourne in the 1999 Preseason Draft, he has since racked up 160 AFL games at Melbourne, Fremantle and now Richmond. When fit, he has also been one of the most mobile and damaging big men in the competition. While Simmonds may be the longest-serving of the current batch of former VFL players, he is not the only one to make an impact. Sam Mitchell is probably the current batch s biggest star, having left his mark on both competitions. Playing in the VFL for the Box Hill Hawks, he won the 2002 J.J. Liston Trophy, a win that remains one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the VFA/ VFL s highest individual honour despite playing just 11 VFL games he won by a staggering 12 votes. The following year he won the NAB AFL Rising Star Award as he starred for Hawthorn in the AFL. Appointed Hawthorn captain this season, Mitchell also won the Hawks 2006 best and fairest. Sam Mitchell BAck Josh Gibson Michael Firrito Jake king HALF BAck dale Morris Matthew egan Nick Maxwell centre Nathan Lovett-Murray Andrew carrazzo Matthew Boyd HALF ForwArd Leigh Harding Jack riewoldt scott thompson ForwArd simon taylor Aaron edwards Ben McGlynn FoLLowers troy simmonds sam Mitchell Aaron davey INter darren Jolly damien Peverill Ben Hudson Josh Mahoney Then there is Josh Mahoney who, after one season at Williamstown, was thrown an AFL lifeline by Port Adelaide in Later that year, the small forward rewarded the Power s faith when he played an important role in their first AFL premiership. One of Mahoney s Power teammates that day was Matthew Bishop, who broke into the AFL after playing at Box Hill. And the Western Bulldogs Dale Morris, a former Werribee player, represented Australia in the the VFL s AFL GrAduAtes Jake King Justin sherman International Rules Series against Ireland in Given the considerable impact dream team football has these days, it is worth looking at how a team comprised of former VFL players would fare. Listed below is the VFL Record s dream team of current AFL players who learned their trade in the VFL. If you think you can come up with a better team, send it to the VFL Record or to AFL Victoria. Dale Morris 23

20 Saturday, 10th May AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match Victoria v The Dream Team MCG Coverage from 5.00pm visit: aflvic.com.au

21 preview Benchmark status on line Seagulls and Zebras in match of the round williamstown s status as premiership favourite will be tested when it hosts Sandringham in this Sunday s round six blockbuster at point Gellibrand. The Seagulls ended North Ballarat s unbeaten start to Ben Jolley is one of the recruits who have strengthened Williamstown in the season last start and, apart from a surprise loss to reigning premier Geelong in round four, have looked to be the competition benchmark. While it s folly to suggest that Sandringham won t have a say in this year s premiership, Williamstown looks the league s most formidable team. Just as Sandringham s success during its premierships was based on its core group of VFL players, Williamstown s success this season can be traced to its VFL list. The addition of Jason Cloke, Callum Urch, Dean Galea and Ben Jolley has provided captain Brett Johnson, Liam Picken and Patrick Rose with the support they needed. Sandringham comes off a thumping round five win against the Bendigo Bombers, but they haven t been as convincing as in past seasons, so the Seagulls should be too strong. After suffering its first defeat of the season against Williamstown last round, North Ballarat can be expected to rebound against a muchimproved Tasmania. While the Devils have given themselves every chance to play finals for the first time since 2005, North Ballarat has been merciless at home this season and should continue that trend. Meanwhile, Geelong should inflict more misery on the Box Hill Hawks, whose season, even at this early juncture, looks all but finished. The Cats rebounded from their surprise loss against Tasmania in round three to become the first club to defeat both Williamstown and Collingwood. If the Werribee Tigers are to play finals, they must defeat Port Melbourne this Saturday. But Gary Ayres has the Borough playing a disciplined, structured style and they ll like their chances against Werribee, whose start to the season has been indifferent. For the Werribee Tigers, much will depend on captain James Podsiadly, who has dominated in the club s two wins. The Bendigo Bombers host Frankston under lights at the Queen Elizabeth Oval and, though smashed last round by Sandringham, they regain some much-needed Essendon experience this week that could prove telling against Frankston. The Casey Scorpions and Northern Bullants, two of the early season surprise packets, square off at Casey Fields, a home ground advantage that may tilt the balance the Scorpions way. The form of both the Coburg Tigers and Collingwood has fluctuated this season, but Coburg s greater VFL depth should see it prevail. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 25

22 james flaherty Flaherty in fast lane Debutant to captain in one year When james flaherty decided to have a shot at playing in the Vfl he could not have imagined how quickly things would happen for him. Moving from Bendigo Football League club South Bendigo to the Bendigo Bombers for the 2007 season, Flaherty s only goal was to play a few games. But he far exceeded that target, playing every game 19 games, including a final and standing up as one of Bendigo s most consistent players. And he did it all in the demanding position of full-back. When season 2008 rolled around, Bendigo found itself without Nick Carter and Simon Rosa, who boasted about 250 games of experience, a collective six years of captaincy, three best and fairests and state representative experience. With Jason Cloke also leaving, Bendigo was desperately short on VFL experience. Rosa s departure meant it was also without a captain. Despite having debuted just a season earlier, Flaherty had created such an impression on his teammates that they voted him in as the Bombers skipper for I didn t really think it was something that was going to happen, Flaherty said. Maybe some years down the track, but not now. I m only 21. I didn t really go into the pre-season expecting something like this to happen. Initially, Flaherty was concerned about captaining a team that would, at times, feature experienced Essendon players like Jason Johnson and Damien Peverill. But Hickmott was certain the playing group had made the right decision. Hickmott watched many of Bendigo s matches from 2007 and departing coach Matthew Knights left a glowing appraisal. It was a big call, but we have a very young list, Hickmott said. There s two players who are 24 (Hayden Skipworth and Ali Fahour), another (Brent Hartigan) who is 22 and the rest are 21 or younger, Hickmott said. We just like the way he goes about things. Some (players) stand out and James is one of them. And, for the new captain, it s been a case of so far, so good. After seeking feedback from Hickmott, the coach reassured Flaherty his teammates had been positive about his captaincy. After I mentioned the positives he kept on coming back and saying what about the negatives, Hickmott said. Honestly, I didn t have any. The time will come where he will need some positive direction, but at the moment he s doing everything really well. Not bad for someone who had never captained a team before. New Bendigo Bombers skipper James Flaherty has taken on the role at just

23 150 years celebrations Some members of the North Ballarat VWFL team prepare for this Saturday s match. Photo courtesy of The Courier, Ballarat. Women s footy celebrated VWFl part of 150 years festivities the prospect of running out with the north ballarat women s team before this saturday s roosters home crowd sends a shiver down emma Kent s spine. North Ballarat s Victorian Women s Football League (VWFL) side will play the Braybrook Bombers in a curtain-raiser to the Roosters-Tasmania round six VFL game. The curtain-raiser is part of Community Football Weekend, a key platform of Australian Football s 150 Years celebration. And no football sector in recent years has had as much to celebrate as women s football. All the girls are very excited, we can t wait, Kent said. It s the first time we have played on AUSTAR Arena before the Roosters. It s a great opportunity to lift the profile of women s football, particularly in the country. North Ballarat was established four years ago and plays in the North West Metro Melbourne section of the VWFL. Last season, Kent said the side struggled for numbers but this year s outlook had been much brighter. We have a really good mix of keen, young girls and a few seasoned players, she said. All the girls love it. We are there to have a bit of fun. North Ballarat Roosters CEO Mark Patterson said this game allowed the club to bring another aspect of football to the forefront. Women s football in Ballarat hasn t been given a very high profile in the past but given that women represent 50 per cent of our population it is important that our club provides opportunities for them to gain the exposure they deserve and need to continue to be successful, Patterson said. The Roosters are also supporting local breast cancer support group Breastcancer in City/Country at this Saturday s game, with free hand and shoulder massages on offer to all women from 1-3pm. VWFL president Debbie Lee was pleased that the North Ballarat Football Club and the VFL had backed women s football. The VWFL is keen to provide further opportunities to showcase and promote women s football, Lee said. This is a great initiative, which we hope will continue. For more information on the VWFL go to: VFl commemorative coins As part of the 150 Years of Australian Football celebrations, the VFL has struck a commemorative coin that will be tossed at the start of each reserve grade and senior VFL match this weekend. Every umpire officiating in a VFL match and the best player from each team will be presented with one of these coins. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 27

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