AFL VICTORIA ROUND 2, APRIL 9-10, 2011

Transcription

1 AFL VICTORIA ROUND 2, APRIL 9-10, 2011

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3 editorial Start of a New Era A historic vote last week has seen a change of identity for AFL Victoria. A NEW ERA for football in Victoria is unfolding as governance reform emerges as a result of Victorian football bodies coming together to affiliate with the new AFL Victoria Ltd and to wind up Football Victoria. This change will result in stronger connections between the AFL, AFL Victoria, VFL clubs, suburban and country leagues providing improved environments for collaborative planning and relationship building across all levels of the game. One of the first priorities is to develop a strategic plan aimed at maximising opportunities to grow and sustain football for the enjoyment and benefi t of all Victorians. Integrated and collaborative planning will be a key guiding principle under pinning the way AFL Victoria will interact with its stakeholders. AFL Victoria s performance will be measured against seven core objectives: participation growth; community league and club development; community engagement; facility development; the talent pathway including the VFL and TAC Cup programs; developing fans of the game and the development of our people. Over the past fi ve months, I have been working closely with AFL Victoria Executive Chairman Peter Jackson, the Football Victoria Board, VFL clubs and leagues to develop a plan for the transition of a new AFL Victoria structure. The announcement of former AFL Development Strategy & Operations Manager Grant Williams as AFL Victoria General Manager refl ects the importance the AFL places on AFL Victoria through the strong endorsement of Grant s appointment, which is now effective. Grant comes to the new position with a wealth of experience and knowledge. He worked as General Manager of Football Operations at Carlton Football Club for four years and at AFL Victoria from where he was responsible for implementing the recommendations of the AFL s second tier review in Victoria. In his role at the AFL, he led the Development Investment Review in 2009, helped design the AFL Club Academy model, developed the new North East Australian Football League and the Foxtel Cup to give opportunities to state leagues and clubs across Australia. Since 2000, player participation has increased by 22 percent or just on 42, 377 players an average of 4,233 per year. Signs are emerging that the infrastructure to support on fi eld growth is being stretched. Finding enough volunteers, coaches, umpires and grounds are all challenges accompanying growing player numbers. It is critical at this time of unprecedented population growth in this State that AFL Victoria grasps this opportunity and is able to look back in time and recognise this was an opportunity gained, not an opportunity lost. - Mick Daniher Acting CEO, Manager Development and Planning, AFL Victoria HEADQUARTERS Visy Park Gate 3 Royal Parade Carlton Nth VIC 3054 GPO Box 4337 MELBOURNE VIC 3001 Phone: (03) Fax: (03) Website: vic.com.au APRIL 9 th -10 th, 2011 CONTENTS Note from the editor 4 The Foxtel Cup 5 Grant Williams 6 Trivia 8 Patrick Rose 9 Simon Goosey 11 Darren Harris 15 Media Coverage 16 Shane Valenti 19 Casey Scorpions 21 VFL club notes 25 Statistics 27 VFL seniors fixture 29 What s new - TAC Cup 30 TAC Cup coaches award 31 Adam Dowie 32 Aaron Greaves 33 TAC Cup club notes 34 Western Jets 36 Statistics 37 TAC Cup Fixture 38 vic.com.au 3

4 note from the editor My first taste of VFL for 2011 No matter where you are, or what you are doing in 2011, the VFL or TAC Cup competitions can be with you where ever you are. MY FIRST TASTE of VFL action in my new role was not as I expected, sitting at home watching the ABC s coverage of Sandringham and Coburg (decided on the last kick of the day!). This was while having an ear open to 3WBC streaming live over the internet the Box Hill Hawks versus Port Melbourne game, and at the same time looking up the offi cial VFL iphone app to keep up to date with all the tweets regarding matches around the grounds. What the above proves though, is no matter where you are, or what you are doing in 2011, the VFL or TAC Cup competitions can be with you where ever you are - whether it be watching a game, listening to a game or simply keeping up to date with the scores. Next week on this page we will take a walk through some of our social media areas, to see how you can utilise them to keep up to date with the latest information on the VFL and TAC Cup. For awhile now though, I have read with interest comments on various forums about the VFL media coverage. Having spent 10 years at the Eastern Football League - which has a very active forum on their website - I am quite aware of how media coverage can be heavily scrutinised. My main aim when I started in this role was to set down the foundations, so AFL Victoria had a unifi ed approach to our media coverage. My role was a newly produced one, not one where I could simply pick up where the last person left off.. yes there were a number of areas that were already established, but with anyone starting a new role, there is always a certain time you need to fi nd your feet. AFL Victoria is a huge organisation, and it is an exciting time to be involved (as you will read today with our interview with new general manager Grant Williams). While it may not have been refl ected in articles on the website, work was being done behind the scenes to have a more cohesive approach to our coverage in Initially time was spent developing the new look Record for this year, recruiting a number of budding media students to be part of the AFL Victoria Community Volunteer Media Team (which you will start to see the work of on our websites and Record in coming weeks), starting the process of revamping our Media Guide we produce prior to the start of the season (and getting it out prior to the start of the season), helping with the return of a VFL/TAC Cup season launch and slowly starting to draw numbers into our social media channels, and working on a strategy on how we would use our online content. But enough about my role. I mentioned last week, as I am new to the competition, I am looking for opinions and feedback. Thanks to the people that took the time out to me during the week (anthony.stanguts@afl vic. com.au), your feedback was appreciated. And well done to Tom and Shirley Bugden who did me, and for their feedback they have won a VFL season pass. - Anthony Stanguts Communications Officer 4 vic.com.au

5 the foxtel cup Roosters overrun North Ballarat literally saw any chance of them adding the Foxtel Cup to their impressive list of silverware slip through their fi ngers. THE ROOSTERS coughed up what seemed a match winning lead late in the last quarter to lose to East Perth 9.9 (63) to 9.7 (61) in the opening round of the Foxtel Cup and consequently drop out of the competition. North Ballarat held a 16-point lead with less than four minutes remaining in the last quarter, but the VFL reigning premiers energy was sapped by the heat which was telling as their leg speed was non existent in the concluding stages. Former Richmond forward Graham Polak, unseen for most of the game, breathed some life back into the Royals with his snap with three minutes and change left on the clock. One minute later Adam Prior, another rarely sighted for much of the match, marked unopposed within 40 metres and kicked truly to bridge North Ballarat s lead to four-points. East Perth capitalised on a ruck infringement against Orren Stephenson, one of the Rooster s better players, with Prior marking just outside the 50 metre arc. Quick thinking by Prior spotted Mathew Seal unattended about 30 metres from goal and although on a slight angle he kicked truly to give East Perth an unlikely lead with 51 seconds left on the clock. North Ballarat drove forward, but was unable to grab a telling disposal inside 50 metres and in the end time beat them. It was a disappointing result as North Ballarat looked clearly the better team for much of the game. The Roosters looked sharper, cleaner and had greater intensity, but was unable to apply enough scoreboard pressure. Also, the fact that East Perth had already played two games proved telling as they were able to run out the match much better. While East Perth were without former Richmond forward Kayne Pettifer and captain Michael Swan, a former Fothergill Round medallist, North Ballarat went into the game with just seven of its premiership players from last year. Liston Trophy winner Myles Sewell was dominant early as he repeatedly won the clearances. Forward Derick Micallef, who kicked three goals in the second quarter, was very dangerous all game while Ryan McKenzie showed he s in for a good season. Williamstown are the next VFL club to try and progress to the next round of the foxtel cup, when they take on Swan Districts in WA on Saturday. The game can be seen on delay on foxtel at 6pm - 8pm Saturday night. FOXTEL CUP East Perth (63) North Ballarat (61) Goals: East Perth: Moss 3, Seal, Polak 2, Clutterbuck, Prior North Ballarat: Micallef 3, George 2, Linke, McKenzie, Stephenson, Walker Best: East Perth: Travers, Clarke, Lee, Sweet, Seal, Moss North Ballarat: Sewell, Stephenson, Struth, Micallef footy online Keep up with the latest VFL news online via: website: Facebook: 5

6 grant williams The new man in charge Newly appointed AFL Victoria General Manager Grant Williams speaks candidly with Adrian Dunn about the establishment of the new AFL Victoria entity and what ramifi cations it will have for the VFL, TAC Cup and Victorian football fans. Why is the establishment of AFL Victoria Ltd a good thing? Grant Williams: The constitutional reforms to establish AFL Victoria Ltd that were overwhelmingly supported by the Football Victoria members last Monday night, will essentially windup the old entity and transfer assets and responsibilities to the new subsidiary AFL Victoria Ltd which has the AFL as the only member. This restructure effectively aligns AFL Victoria Ltd as a Department of the AFL along similar lines as in some other states (Queensland and NSW). The AFL believes this new structure will provide the opportunity for stronger collaboration between all levels of football in Victoria and develop a stronger capacity to manage the health of the game in Victoria, particularly in terms of VFL/TAC, community football and fan growth opportunities. What is going to change? GW: In practical terms, the operational aspects of AFL Victoria Ltd will not change. However, in my role as General Manager AFL Victoria I will report directly to the AFL s General Manager National and International Development, David Matthews and Peter Jackson, the AFL Victoria Ltd chairman. What is the future of the VFL competition? GW: The AFL collaborates with all State/Territory departments and affiliates in pursuit of seven core development objectives one of which states to develop the talent pathway and enhance State League (2nd Tier) competitions to identify and develop talented players as well as provide a career pathway for talented umpires and coaches. The VFL competition is an important part of the player pathway in the Victorian football landscape. To this end, AFL Victoria Ltd will support the competition and the clubs to provide a well managed, sustainable and stable environment to ensure there are opportunities in Victoria for players to play at the highest level they possibly can - whether it is late developers or second chance players trying to enter the AFL, or AFL listed players developing. We will endeavour to, in the best interests of the overall community football network, protect and support the traditions, heritage, facilities, volunteer support, dedicated staff and coaches, generous sponsors, players and supporters of VFL clubs as the competition evolves. Will it have any bearing on the TAC Cup competition? GW: In terms of the role it plays in the talented player pathway, the TAC Cup program consistently produces close to 50% of the new players drafted into the AFL competition every year. In 2010, 62 of the 131 new players drafted or rookie listed hailed from Victoria. In addition to the VFL, AFL Victoria Ltd will provide ongoing support the 12 TAC metro and regional programs and TAC Cup competition to ensure it can provide the best possible environment and qualifi ed resources to develop the young players involved in a rounded and holistic way. Maintaining and striving to increase the current level of players drafted to AFL clubs is also an important objective/outcome in the face of increasing competition from other sports and entertainment activities. What surety do the traditional VFA/VFL clubs have that they will remain viable? GW: We have committed to the VFL clubs that we will strive to create a stable competition and, to this end, will provide 3 year licenses for the clubs in the VFL which have the same terms as the current annual licenses. Of course, one of the conditions of these licenses is that the clubs themselves remain viable. 6 vic.com.au

7 grant williams Is there a danger of the competition resembling the old AFL Reserves if more AFL clubs follow the path of Geelong and Collingwood and field a standalone team? GW: AFL Victoria Ltd issues the licenses to the clubs that play in the VFL. We are looking to enhance the current model that is based on alignments but we also understand that the VFL competition needs to capture the requirements of AFL clubs, there needs to be balance. Having said that, the relationship between the AFL clubs and the VFL clubs is much bigger than just the VFL competition and therefore, much bigger than a question of simply an AFL reserves competition. Will there be a cap on how many AFL stand alone clubs will be permitted? GW: We are seeking far greater collaboration in the player pathway, talented player outcomes, community programs and fan development initiatives. Our vision is to work with the VFL clubs to profile the value of alignments and present the case to the AFL clubs. How do you assess the VFL competition as it currently stands? GW: The VFL competition continues to evolve. It provides on average over 150 opportunities for non-listed AFL players every week to play at State League level, a further 200 opportunities are provided to players in the VFL reserves competition. Last year, 11 players were either drafted or rookie listed direct from the VFL competition, six of these players were new to the AFL. The competition plays an important role in the player pathway in Victoria. There is a need to continue to review the model. Is there a possibility that more VFL games will be played as curtain raisers to the AFL from 2012? GW: Apart from Geelong s VFL team that play some curtain raiser games this is not something we are pursuing. What s your most pressing priority in your new position? GW: Much greater collaboration across all stakeholders in football so that we can collectively build on the 230,000 that participate in the game and the many that volunteer every week so that Victorian football can continue to grow and provide quality environments in the face of competition, the changing demographics of the state and expectations of society. What does the introduction of the Foxtel Cup bring to the VFL? GW: The Foxtel Cup provides a chance for traditional State League clubs around Australia that have built our game s strength, to pit themselves against other State League clubs. It is yet another sign of the AFL s commitment to promote and support State League competitions and community football in all states and territories while also providing further opportunities for emerging stars or State League greats. Is there a likelihood of State representative matches returning to the season calendar in 2012 and beyond? GW: State representative matches are important for all States/Territory s. While the Foxtel Cup provides additional opportunities for three clubs in Victoria, State representative matches will provide opportunities to play at a higher level for all club players. Providing the 2012 fixture can accommodate both in 2012, our expectation would be a Victorian VFL team would play in a State match in What must clubs do to improve their off and on field position? GW: Part of the motivation to provide some certainty and stability over the next 3 years, is to ensure that we can focus on supporting the VFL clubs while we collaboratively develop and implement a strategic plan to ensure the longevity of the competition. I think clubs are always striving to improve, become more professional, increase revenue, develop their capacity to manage and administer their environments, engage with their community, and support their volunteers and players with quality programs. What can be done to make the VFL competition more appealing from a fan perspective so that they regularly draw healthy crowds? GW: Strive to ensure that the VFL is considered the best standard of football outside of the AFL, played in venues of suitable standard involving clubs that provide safe, inclusive and accommodating environments with programs and initiatives that will attract the interest of our diverse and growing communities. - Adrian Dunn 7

8 trivia Spider s trivia Test your knowledge of the VFL in Matt Spider Lee s 10 question trivia quiz. 1 Which Western Bulldogs player kicked 6 goals for Williamstown last weekend against Werribee? 2 What is the nickname of defunct VFA/VFL club Camberwell? 3 In what year did Sandringham win its last Senior VFA/VFL Premiership? 4 Michael Barlow played VFL Football for which team in 2009? 5 Which AFL club were Williamstown aligned with in 2003 when they won the premiership? 6 Matt Little is playing for which VFL Team in 2011? 7 How many games did Port Melbourne win in the 2010 Home & Away Season? 8 What was the nickname of former Dandenong champion Jim Miller? 9 Who coached Frankston from ? 10 Who won the Gold Coast Suns VFL B&F in 2010? Answers 1. Mitch Hahn, 2. Cobras, , 4. Werribee, 5. Collingwood, 6. Bendigo Bombers, 7. 13, 8. Frosty, 9. David Rhys Jones, 10. Sam Iles Matt Spider Lee is a VFL commentator & producer of Evenings with Mark Fine on 1116 SEN 8 vic.com.au

9 patrick rose Rose changes colours - SNAPSHOT - Patrick Rose Age: 24 Games: 94 Goals: 215 Highlights: VFL Team Of The Year (2009); Rookie Listed by Western Bulldogs (2010); VFL representative (2010); Williamstown leading goal kicker (2008) BY HIS OWN admission, Patrick Rose made the hardest phone call of his life during the off-season. It was to Williamstown general manager Brendan Curry to inform him that after fi ve seasons he would no longer be calling Point Gellibrand his football home. After Western Bulldogs did not extend his place on their rookie list, Rose decided he needed a fresh start to his football. Several interstate clubs contacted him, but Rose decided his work was now his No 1 priority and for that reason he chose to stay in Victoria. It was the hardest decision I ve had to make in leaving Williamstown. My relationship with Brendan Curry was so strong, I ll be forever grateful for the opportunity Williamstown gave me to establish myself as a senior VFL player, Rose said. At the end of the day I needed a fresh start. Deep down I knew it was time to move, it was time to break clean and start enjoying my football again. Rose is hot property. He s been a bona fide star in the VFL ever since he broke into Williamstown s team after graduating from TAC Cup club Western Jets. Three times Rose has finished in the top four in the VFL goal kicking with a career best 55 goals in He s averaged 50 goals per season over the past three seasons. Last season he was selected in the VFL representative team that demolished Western Australia. He finished the season kicking 47 goals, which placed him fourth on the goal kicking list behind Seagulls teammate Matthew Little. When Rose decided to stay in Victoria he also chose to remain playing football in the VFL, but wanted to play for a stand alone VFL club and after meeting with Gary Ayres, he opted to play with Port Melbourne. As soon as I sat down with Gary my mind was pretty much made up, Rose said. It was a stand alone club with a strong history and a club that will suit my style and hopefully, I will suit their style. Rose s season on the Bulldogs list literally flew by. He remains disappointed that he did not gain the chance to play AFL, but gains solace in the fact that he gave it his best shot. He understands that football is a game of opinions and those who made the decisions at the Western Bulldogs held a different view on his game. I can go to sleep each night knowing I gave it my best shot to be an AFL footballer, Rose said. Adjusting to life back in the work force and squeezing in football training at the end of a long day took some time. What s impressed Rose is the understanding attitude of Ayres. While he s only been a Borough for a short time, he s already gained a feel for the history, tradition and culture of Port Melbourne. It s something that he hopes he ll be able to contribute to over the coming seasons. 9

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11 simon goosey Goosey guides young list The only way is up in season 2011 for Frankston and their coach Simon Goosey. ENGAGE Simon Goosey in conversation and it doesn t take long for his infectious enthusiasm to win you over. There s not a hint or a trace of the fact that Frankston entered the 2011 season riding a 16-game losing streak. Goosey is upbeat, positive, energetic and buoyant about what lies ahead for the Dolphins. There s not a busload of ex-afl recruits or even Fev who ve arrived during the preseason at the Peninsula to give outsiders an inkling why Goosey is optimistic about the coming season. But, Goosey, a local legend who took on the challenging task of coaching a depleted Frankston list in 2010, is banking on his young, local players to arrest the unwanted streak and earn respect from within the VFL community. While Frankston will fi eld the youngest list in the competition it s a fact that Goosey grasps with enthusiasm. There s some real talent, he notes. It s a matter of how we stand up, but we ll defi nitely be better than last year. It depends on their development how far we will go. So, what gives Goosey the belief that Frankston will be better than its 1-17 scoreline? Goosey noted that the club fi elded 13 fi rst year players in the opening round and in eight games last season, Frankston either held the lead or were within kicking distance at half time. He said the club lacked experience as evidence by the fact that apart from captain Paul Kennedy, Clinton Proctor and Toby Thoolen, no other player had more than 20 games VFL experience. It was a list starting from scratch. The only thing the boys lacked was experience, he said. While it would have been easier for players to walk away from a club that lost so many games, a sign of the player s character is that the list retention was strong. We ve added a bit more depth to the list, reported Goosey who added the club really only lost Michael Hibberd, who was drafted by Essendon in the Pre-Season Draft, from last year s list. There s been a heap of improvement in the boys over pre-season. If we can put it together on game day well... and we can get a few more games into the boys you will start to see us become really competitive. To build anything worthwhile you have to lay good foundations. I think the players we have now are laying those foundations. Goosey also understands that Frankston will need to remain relatively injury free to produce its best. He knows that the Dolphins can ill afford to butcher its ball use or the rebound will be bloody. It was an all too familiar trend last year and there has been a focus on improving disposal skills during the pre-season. Lapses of concentration are mental application, which Goosey said every player that pulls on the Frankston jumper must address. What rivals clubs can expect, declared Goosey, is that they ll come up a Frankston team that will display the Dolphin spirit. One thing that we are is hard at the contest, hard at the ball. At our best, teams are going to know that they have played the Frankston Dolphins, Goosey said. 11

12 gerard fi tzgerald FitzGerald reaches game SNAPSHOT - Gerard FitzGerald Age: 53 Coaching Record: North Ballarat ; Casey Scorpions 2003; Port Melbourne 2004; North Ballarat Rebels ; North Ballarat Highlights: North Ballarat premiership coach ; VFL State Coach ; Grand Final appearances ; 2004; ; First Coach to led Victoria to win against South Australia ( 02) and West Australia ( 04) ONE of the first things that strikes you about Gerard FitzGerald is his unbridled enthusiasm. And, it s not just confined to North Ballarat, it extends to the VFL competition and football in general. Fitzgerald, who this weekend coaches his 250th VFL match, devours football as would a Jack Russell thrown a juicy bone. He just can t get enough of it. And, that s not just because he s coming off a hat trick of premierships with the Roosters, a feat that places him in rarefied territory in the 134-year history of the VFA/ VFL. He s the same bloke he was when North Ballarat found itself closer to last than first. Or in 1997 when he first came into the VFL as a little known coach, outside his immediate circle or some small country towns. Fitzgerald, now in his 11th season at the Roosters, and 13th season as a VFL coach he spent a season with Casey Scorpions and another with Port Melbourne is more passionate about people than he is about wins and losses. He s a people s person, a great believer in processdriven results and that starts with ensuring the person has his home, family and work components in order. If they re all aligned FitzGerald is a firm believer that a player will be in a better frame of mind to tackle his football. And, there s no great secret to the way FitzGerald goes about his coaching. Again, it s simply following the processes put in place, meeting all the key performance indicators and getting the best from his players. Such is the respect that FitzGerald commands that everyone buys into his program, even those players from aligned AFL club North Melbourne. There is no greater evidence of that than former Roo Corey Jones who played out the 2010 season with the Roosters in the knowledge that his AFL career was over. Jones epitomised the never 12 vic.com.au

13 gerard fi tzgerald say never spirit of North Ballarat and was pivotal to the club clinching its third straight premiership. And, then there s Cameron Richardson and Isaac Smith, two players selected by North Melbourne and Hawthorn respectively at the NAB AFL National Draft, who gained their chance to play at the elite level thanks to the tutelage of FitzGerald. Both players didn t follow the path of others through the TAC Cup. Both detoured via country football leagues, but were able to maximise their talent and showcase their ability by playing for North Ballarat. FitzGerald engages with players. He wants them to better themselves not just as footballers, but also as people. His concern is genuine. It s not surprising, therefore, that just about everyone who pulls on a North Ballarat guernsey has bought into his program. It extends to the community. FitzGerald is a great believer in spreading the message about what Ballarat has to offer whether it s the university, colleges or apprenticeships. That ambassadorial role sits comfortably with him and the flow-on effects for the football club are tangible. And, there s the VFL. Like a wanna-be politician FitzGerald once stood for parliament, albeit unsuccessfully FitzGerald is only too willing to take to the hustings to spread the word, espouse the virtues about the competition. He wants it to flourish. Not surprisingly, FitzGerald embraced the concept of the inaugural Foxtel Cup while others viewed it as a distraction. For him it was all part of a bigger picture, a perfect vehicle to showcase his players, his club and the VFL. Apart from talking it up on every available opportunity, FitzGerald practiced what he preached. Over the journey FitzGerald has coached the VFL to some of its milestone moments. He led the VFL to its first ever win against South Australia and its first success in 50 years against Western Australia and last year he led the VFL to defeat WA, once again on opposition soil. Those wins remain upper most in Fitzgerald s achievements. He noted that the way the VFL went about its demolition of WA spoke volumes about the way the game in the VFL had evolved over the past decade. It was FitzGerald who led the competition out of the wilderness, so to speak, when the VFL posted a win against SA at the Adelaide Oval. Reputations count for little with FitzGerald, it s all about performance. Only Essendon in the 1890s owns a streak of four consecutive premierships and while North Ballarat has lost a swag of its premiership stars, both local and North Melbourne players, it would be a brave person to suggest that a fourth straight flag is out of the reach of Fitzgerald s Roosters. Later this season, Fitzgerald will move into No 2 on the all-time VFA/VFL games coached list. Only Bill Faull, who coached a staggering 313 games with a number of clubs in the 1930s/40s, will stand ahead of him. FitzGerald is likely to reel in Faull during the 2013 season. There s little to suggest his love of North Ballarat, the VFL and the game will diminish any time soon. VFA/VFL COACHING GREATS Bill Faull (Prahran, Northcote, Moorabbin) Jim Cleary (Brunswick, Port Melbourne, Dandenong) Gerard FitzGerald - 250* (North Ballarat, Casey Scorpions, Port Melbourne) Brad Gotch - 246* (Casey Scorpions, Collingwood, Williamstown) Gordon Ogdon (Williamstown, Yarraville) Harold Martin (Preston, Coburg, Sunshine, Box Hill) Gerry Callahan (Williamstown) Donald McDonald (Werribee, Box Hill Hawks) *Current VFL coaches Stats include this weekends games 13

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15 darren harris Bullants welcome Harris Darren Harris has got off to the best start possible in his new role as senior coach at the Northern Bullants. WHEN David Teague accepted an offer from West Coast Eagles to join the club as an assistant coach, Darren Harris didn t need any coaxing to put up his hand for the Northern Bullants coaching job. Harris takes over a club that Teague took to the past two VFL Grand Finals, but he views it more as an exciting than daunting assignment. While it is his fi rst season in charge at Cramer Street, Harris knows the Carlton players from his role as the Blues Development and Academy Manager and has a strong handle on the Bullants list. He also boasts a strong background not only in coaching for the past 15 years, but knowing what it takes to be successful. Harris football journey began playing for Wodonga Raiders and then following its coach Jeff Gieschen to West Australia where he played at West Perth for fi ve years. In his years out west, he not only won a premiership, but also took out the Simpson Medal in He returned home to coach Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens & Murray Football League for three years. Again, Harris was involved in a premiership, the club s fi rst ever. Deciding that he wanted to pursue football as a full time career, Harris landed a job with AFL NSW/ACT as its player talent co-ordinator. Harris ventured back to West Australia after being offered the job as coach of West Perth. Once again, he was involved in a premiership. That success saw him gain a job as the forward line coach for West Coast Eagles. In his fi rst year, the Eagles won the AFL fl ag. When the Eagles appointed Michael Voss as an assistant, Harris was out of a job and found himself back in his home State where Carlton was quick to appoint him as Development and Academy Manager. I put my hand up for the job as Bullants coach as well as doing the development role. There will be a fair few Carlton boys playing with the Bullants, Harris said. With the list both clubs have got you would hope we would be really competitive every week. Harris likes the depth of young talent the Bullants have attracted, headlined by Ahmed Saad, who burst on to the VFL last season and made an immediate impact. Saad kicked 23 goals as a small, live wire forward, including seven multiple goal games. With the benefi t of that experience behind him there is reason to believe the 21-yearold will be even better this season, and he proved that with eight goals in round one. Add Bryce Carroll and Tom German, who ve both been on AFL Rookie lists, as well as Andre Gianfagna, who spent time on Melbourne s rookie list, after missing a season. We ve got a heap of (Northern) Knights kids and kids from local clubs and there s some exciting young players Adam Marcon, Kane Lambert, Peter DiRago, Tim Lincoln and Josh Marchbank who have been impressive during pre-season, Harris said. Complimenting all that young talent is captain Adam Iacobucci and best and fairest winner Jarrod McCorkell plus a deep Carlton list. It provides Harris with the nucleus of talent that should propel Northern Bullants to the forefront of the VFL. 15

16 media coverage VFL media coverage There are plenty of places you are able to listen to or see the VFL in Today we will look at some of the groups that will be bringing you all the VFL action in season WBC Season 2011 sees radio 3WBC 94.1 fm in their fourth year broadcasting VFL Football. This radio station is based in Box Hill and calls all Box Hill Hawks games, both home and away. The broadcast goes to air at 1pm each week for a 1-hour pre-match broadcast and then a full, live coverage of the game. 3WBC broadcast on 94.1 FM and also stream live on their website The broadcast can also be heard via the Hawthorn website: Hosted by Ben Brady, the VFL broadcast is an unbiased and thorough call of the games with a light-hearted emphasis. Ben calls the action with Peter Holden and Paul Hooper in special comments / stats. Prowling the boundary is Beth Ramshaw and Brendan Rashy Hooper. Hawthorn premiership defender, Steve Gilham joins the team in special comments when Hawthorn games don t clash with the 3WBC VFL broadcast. The broadcast is co-produced by Phil Edwards under the watchful eye of Station Manager, John Farmer. 3WBC is committed to providing a quality call of VFL football for the competition and the Box Hill Hawks. VFL Radio This year the team is back bigger and better than ever bringing you one game a week during the regular season plus all fi nals. Brought to you by BPM Media ( com.au), the regular team consists of Peter Marcato, Nigel Carmody, Tim Hazell and Mark Stone. From time to time current AFL stars will also join the coverage. Our coverage starts 30 minutes before the bounce of the ball with a quick-fi re preview, interviews with both teams and the hottest news in VFL circles. After the game we speak to the winners and losers and look ahead to the next week of VFL. During the match there are plenty of updates from the other VFL matches as well as the AFL. media coverage Round 2, 9 th - 10 th April: Saturday, 9 th April ABC TV: North Ballarat vs. Bendigo from 1pm Sunday, 10 th April VFL Radio: Frankston vs. Sandringham from 1:30pm or 3WBC: No Broadcast, Box Hill Hawks Bye 16 vic.com.au

17 media coverage VFL Radio is proudly brought to you by our broadcast partner Essendon Hyundai and Essendon Chrysler Jeep Dodge. essendonhyundai.com.au and essendonchryslerjeep.com.au Paul, Tony and the team are happy to service all VFL fans. 300 Wirraway Rd, Essendon Fields. Phone There are plenty of ways you can listen to VFL Radio around the world: On your I-Phone: Via the Red Time Sport I-Phone app which you can download for free from the I-Tunes store. On your digital Radio: Tune in each week on Aussie digital radio (SEN 2) On the web: Via or ABC The VFL returns to ABC TV Grandstand this season, and you can catch all the action from 1pm each Saturday on ABC1 in Victoria. This year s commentary team will again be led by Peter Donegan. Joining him throughout the year will be the ABC s Darren Boyd and Ross Booth, VFA legend Phil Cleary, and a rotating group of specialist commentators to help guide viewers through the intricacies of the game. Half-time will also see Phil Cleary back to interview a range of football identities. Tune in every Saturday from 1pm to ABC1 in SEN Each Thursday night on 1116 SEN between 8.30pm and 9pm, join Mark Fine, Nathan Thompson and Mark Stone as they present State of Play - a dedicated half hour to the Victorian Football League. Each week they will feature special guests, and will preview the upcoming round of action. Tune in at 1116am or online VFL fans should take part in the show by calling (03) , ing evenings@sen.com.au or SMS at Customer Service: toll free = Reg. tm. Beiersdorf AG Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare practitioner. Supporting your Passion 17

18 AUSTRALIA S LARGEST RANGE OF SPORTING GOODS MORE THAN 10,000 PRODUCTS ONLINE vic.com.au

19 shane valenti Valenti set to shine YOU COULD BE excused for thinking that Shane Valenti was a veteran of the VFL as it feels like he has been around for a long time. But although the 2010 Liston Trophy co-winner is only 24-years old, he plays with the maturity and experience of a veteran. Valenti was recruited as a Melbourne rookie as the 51st selection in the 2007 NAB AFL Rookie Draft. He played the season with Melbourne s VFL aligned club, Sandringham and was the winner of the Fothergill-Round Medal as the league s most outstanding young player in that year. The tough mid-fielder is the only player to ever win a Fothergill- Round medal and a Liston Trophy saw Valenti make his AFL debut with Melbourne in round 8 against Adelaide and he played a further 8 games that season. In 2009, he played only 6 senior games for Melbourne, but played extremely well for the Demons new aligned club, the Casey Scorpions, coming fifth in the Scorpions best and fairest for that year. In round 20 and against Fremantle, Valenti notched up 30 possessions and earnt a Brownlow Medal vote. Melbourne delisted Shane at the end of 2009 which was a surprise to Melbourne fans who wanted to see more of this tough, uncompromising midfi elder. Valenti joined Port Melbourne at the start of 2010 looking to continue his VFL career with the proud stand-alone club. He had an outstanding second half of the season, and was joint winner of the J.J Liston Trophy, tying on 20 votes with North Ballarat s Steve Clifton. Valenti was also named in the VFL Team of the Year in Co-winner of the Liston Trophy, Steve Clifton has since been recruited to the GWS Giants. GWS will spend this season playing in the newly formed North East Australian Football League and hopefully Clifton will make his AFL debut in round 1 of So is the AFL dream over for Shane Valenti? He has just turned 24 years old and as we all know, there are opportunities for the hardened VFL bodies in the AFL. We have seen players like Michael Barlow (Werribee) and Alex Silvagni (Casey) make an instant impact for Fremantle in the AFL. Peter Faulks (Williamstown) is also at the Dockers and hopes to make his debut in the coming weeks. James Podsiadly made an incredible difference for Geelong after years playing in the VFL. Ed Curnow (Box Hill) made his debut for Carlton this year in round 1 and kicked a goal and was named in the best players. He also played a great 25-possesion game against the Gold Coast Suns last Saturday night. Cam Pederson, Lukas Markovic, Sam Isles, Isaac Smith are also amongst a group of VFL players to make their debut or have already made their debut in season For Valenti, another great season in the VFL could spell a second chance at AFL level. He is undoubtedly one of the premier mid-fi elders in the VFL with a hardened body and AFL experience. He is the type of player that AFL Clubs will recruit should he have another dominant year in the VFL. AFL recruiter, Mark Stone describes Valenti as another VFL player to possibly get a second chance at AFL level. Shane is the type of player AFL clubs will look at for season 2012 if he can show consistency and the ability to still improve, Stone said. But, for this year at least, Valenti will be committed to the Borough winning their first premiership since Port Melbourne looked very good in round 1 against the Box Hill Hawks and Shane Valenti was in the best couple of players on the ground. - Paul Hooper 19

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21 casey scorpions Casey overcomes slow start CASEY SCORPIONS overcame a sluggish start in the fi rst quarter against Geelong in round one to record their fi rst victory of the year by 27 points under lights at Casey Fields. Speaking after the game, Casey coach Brad Gotch was pleased with the result despite the slow start - the poor start leaving many Casey fans stunned, as they went to the fi rst huddle having kicked only one goal. When asked about the poor performance Gotch described it as nothing more than slow, combined with a lack of effort. The boys got it that it wasn t acceptable to play the way they were. All the things they d been working on weren t happening. The effort and the intensity wasn t there, letting them (Geelong) dictate the whole game to us. All we were doing was chasing their backsides, he said. That could have been, in part, due to Geelong s excellent use of their running game in the fi rst quarter. They managed to glide the ball straight past Casey s lacklustre defence. Again, Gotch chalked it up to effort. The effort just wasn t there. All summer we d been working on our tackling and our hardness and it just wasn t happening. And once we started to do that the whole group just lifted which was really important, which just goes to show you rely on everyone not just certain individuals. Whatever Gotch said in the rooms at half time defi nitely inspired. The Casey team that ran onto the fi eld after half time seemed to be a completely different Scorpion side. They were strong, aggressive and committed to gaining the ball at any costs. I think we learnt a lot out of the fi rst half and the game became very much about how to transfer the ball from defence. Also you had to show a lot of courage because it s like playing in wet weather, of a night, Gotch said. And I thought we pressured them into more mistakes as the game wore on. Those mistakes were refl ected in a goalless third quarter from Geelong and a huge comeback from Casey. In the end, Geelong s inaccuracy from set shots and defensive pressure from a hard-hitting Scorpion back line led to a tough but courageous win for the home side. The other interesting factor in the contest was that it was one of two fi rst round games for the VFL to be played under lights. It gave a different perspective for fans and coaches alike. It was interesting; it was hard to pick up over the far side of the ground. Actually I brought some binoculars in this time. The glass was fuzzy and blurry at the start so I pushed the window back so I could see the game. But I didn t mind too much, we got the win Gotch had to say about this new initiative. This week Casey takes on Port Melbourne at TEAC Oval, a rematch from last practice game of the preseason at Casey Fields, where the Boroughs defeated the Scorpions. That will be interesting. We played them here (in the preseason) and that was a hard game. I thought they were a very good side. They ll be a tough team whether they have a few more back in. But we ll get a lot of confi dence out of today, on the way we played and we might get one or two further guys back next week too which will help he said of this week s clash. And his expectations for the rest of the season? Well if you keep winning at home it always gives you enough wins to make the fi nals so I suppose the key thing is we re looking at trying to do that, Gotch said. - Katelyn Pinal 21

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23 vfl tipsters - round 2 VFL tipsters Paul Amy Leader Newspapers North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Werribee Tigers Sandringham Ross Booth Phil Cleary Brad McGrath ABC-TV ABC-TV The Weekly North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Geelong North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Geelong North Ballarat Port Melbourne Collingwood Werribee Sandringham Sandringham Sandringham The Age North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Werribee Tigers Sandringham Brent Diamond John Hook Adrian Dunn Football Operations The Gospel Herald Sun Manager AFL VIctoria North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Werribee Tigers North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Geelong North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Werribee Tigers Sandringham Sandringham Sandringham Paul Hooper 3WBC North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Werribee Tigers Sandringham Sam Landsberger Leader North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Werribee Sandringham Nigel Carmody VFL Radio North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Werribee Tigers Sandringham Peter Jackson Menswear Sponsor North Ballarat Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Geelong Sandringham TIPSTERS LEADERBOARD Mark Stone SEN Bendigo Bombers Collingwood Port Melbourne Werribee Tigers Sandringham 4 Paul Amy 6 Brad McGrath 6 Adrian Dunn 6 The Gospel 6 Ross Booth 5 Phil Cleary 5 Sam Landsberger 5 Nigel Carmody 5 Peter Jackson Menswear 5 Brent Diamond 4 Paul Hooper 4 Mark Stone 4 John Hook

24 section heading Article Heading Article Heading Article Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Sub Heading Proud Sponsor of VFL Season vic.com.au

25 vfl club notes VFL club notes All the latest news, events and match information from inside each VFL club. BOX HILL: President s Luncheons: The Box Hill Hawks have secured some big names for our famous President s Luncheons held at each home game throughout the year. $60 per person for a delicious two-course meal and drinks before the game. Enjoy the match from the stylish Pavilion and the magnifi cent views from our balconies. Contact the club now on or admin@ boxhillhawks.com.au to secure your tickets. Eastern Business Networking Series: The Box Hill Hawks and Leader Newspapers are proud to present a new series of Luncheons designed to provide invaluable networking for businesses both large and small. Grab your tickets for the fi rst event to be held on Wednesday 22 June with the Hon Jeff Kennett as guest speaker. Tickets are only $55 per person and can be purchased through the club on or admin@boxhillhawks.com.au CASEY: Keep up to date with everything that is happening at the Casey Scorpions by visiting our website. com.au. On Tuesday April 12th our Season Launch and Player Auction event will be held starting at 7:30 and concluding at 10:30pm. There is free entry and complimentary fi nger food with drinks at bar prices. Bid on a duo/team of Scorpion listed players, and each time a Player in your duo/team is awarded best on ground in a 2011 Home and Away Match you will win a cash prize! For further details and/ or bookings for any Scorpions events contact the club on or admin@scorpions.com.au COBURG: Coburg Football Club is delighted to announce that Mantello Holden have become naming rights partners of Coburg City Oval (CCO). The three year sponsorship will see CCO be offi cially named Mantello Holden Oval. Coburg FC welcomes Mantello Holden as a major corporate partner. If you re looking for a new or used car, make to check out Mantello Holden Fawkner and Mantello Holden Roxburgh Park. Coburg will host its fi rst home match of the year on Sunday April 17th when they tackle Northern Bullants at Mantello Holden Oval. Tickets are available for the Club President s Luncheon, for bookings please for the President s Luncheon and all upcoming Club events, please contact the Club on Coburg Season Memberships are now available for purchase through the Coburg FC Offi ce. Please call for further information. FRANKSTON: Remember to book a table in our Bistro for our home games! At only $25 a head for a three course luncheon it s great value. We are running a Major Raffl e this year with a $15,000 Travel Voucher as fi rst prize. Tickets are only $100 each. Are you a member yet? We have our Members Night each Friday with a members draw at 6.15pm. Prize jackpots each week if not claimed! Junior Footy Clinic will be running on Wednesday 20th April check the website for details. For any further info contact the Club on NORTH BALLARAT: The Year That Was and Season Ahead. Who would have thought? Our third successive VFL fl ag, our third Liston Medallist and Coach of the Year. As many at the Club have refl ected, it is hard to believe! These team and individual successes underline that our Club has, over generations, put down solid foundations on which success both on and off fi eld can be achieved. It is trite to say that success doesn t just happen. Occasionally one can get lucky, but sustained success is built upon the development and adherence to our core 25

26 vfl club notes philosophies and values. Striving for excellence in all that we do. Importantly, we now have the opportunity to achieve history, no VFA/VFL club has won 4 successive premierships. In order to be successful we must all remind ourselves of the importance of knowing your role, playing your role and taking responsibility for your role, to be the best of your ability. We look forward to your continued support in Season 2011! NORTHERN BULLANTS: The Northern Bullants will be running a FREE School Holiday Football Clinic on Thursday 21st April from 10am-12pm. This gives kids aged 5 12yrs the opportunity to learn skills from the Bullants Senior Coaches & Players. The Clinic will be held at Preston City Oval, across the road from the Preston Market which provides parents with the time and convenience to run some errands and/or get some grocery shopping done whilst the kids are having a bit of fun. Free Sportsmart show bags will be given to all participants. The Clinic is limited to 100 people, so please contact the Bullants Offi ce to register; (03) or northernbullantsmarketing@ bigpond.com PORT MELBOURNE: Welcome to the 2011 season to all sponsors, members & supporters as we look forward to a very challenging season. With a vigorous recruiting drive we believe we have a list of players that will again provide a top four fi nish. PMPPA Reunion Saturday June 4, Round 10 v Werribee (TV TEAC Oval for all bookings contact Gary Brice ( ) Super Draw to be held on Sunday June 26, only 100 $ ticket admits 3 persons, buffet lunch, beer, wine & soft drink from am 3.00 pm. Guest Entertainer, comedian, Brad Oakes. Outstanding Value. PMPPA Sports Night on Friday July 29 all details TBA. October 7th Presentation International Receptions tickets are limited to $100.00pp all inclusive. Book early by ringing the club offi ce or pmfc@bigpond.net.au Throughout the season we encourage everyone to buy the VFL Football Record to keep up to date with what is happening at the Borough. Visit our website for the latest information Go Boroughs SANDRINGHAM: Sandringham s social club Sandy by the Bay is open for business, with views of the bay and city skyline it is the perfect place to hold your next function visit au Next Coterie Lunch Friday April 15, $60 for a 3 course meal with special guest speaker to be announced past names have included Wayne Carey, Sam Newman and Kevin Sheedy Bookings essential contact the club on or sandyfc@bigpond.net.au Presidents Lunch for all home games - $30 for a 2 course meal, bookings are essential. WERRIBEE: The Werribee Football Club was thrilled to have a number of players make their debut for the club in Round 1, we would like to congratulate Leigh Harding, Matt O dwyer, Michael Still, Will Sullivan and Tom Ruggles playing their fi rst games in the yellow and black along with North Melbourne aligned players Kieren Harper, Ben McKinley, Cameron Pederson and Gavin Urquhart. It was mixed results in our opening games however we should congratulate Chris Gilham and his staff in coaching the reserves to the round 1 win for the club. a highlight of the night was the unveiling of the clubs new fully electronic scoreboard, once again thanks goes out to all involved in the project. The clubs next home game is against fellow North Melbourne aligned club the Nth Ballarat roosters on the 23rd of April underlights, with a North Melbourne theme to the presidents Luncheon Brad Scott will be speaking and the club is inviting all VFL aligned NMFC player parents to the dinner. In 2011 we are urging all supporters to become paid up members and with 10 home games, the most of all VFL clubs, there is incredible value in our membership, so let s cheer on the Tigers in For the latest news, photos and events log onto vic.com.au

27 statistics - seniors 2011 VFL statistics 2011 VFL SENIORS Club P W L D B F A % PTS Northern Bullants Collingwood Williamstown Casey Scorpions Port Melbourne Sandringham North Ballarat Coburg Tigers Box Hill Hawks Geelong Werribee Tigers Frankston Bendigo Bombers ROUND 1: VFL SENIORS SANDRINGHAM COBURG Sandringham Goal Kickers: W. Johnson 4, A. Siposs 3, N. Heyne 2, M. Lourey, M. Wade, R. Ferraro, J. Magner, J. Steven, A. McQualter, C. Irving Best Players: T. Lynch, J. Steven, T. Simpkin, W. Johnson, R. Stanley, R. Ferraro Coburg Goal Kickers: N. Carnell 4, B. Miller 3, B. Nason 3, P. Contin 2, S. Tuck 2, J. Post, J. Lawton Best Players: J. Webberley, D. Grimes, M. Tanner, S. Tuck, B. Nason, N. Carnell NORTHERN BULLANTS BENDIGO BOMBERS Northern Bullants Goal Kickers: A. Saad 8, L. Casboult 4, L. Henderson 2, R. Kerr 2, W. Twomey, J. McCorkell Best Players: A. Saad, Z. Tuohy, A. Iacobucci, A. Collins, J. McCorkell Bendigo Bombers Goal Kickers: S. Gumbleton 2, T. Colyer, M. Little, T. Dickson, A. Steinberg Best Players: R. Dyson, S. Gumbleton, T. Colyer CASEY SCORPIONS GEELONG Casey Scorpions Goal Kickers: M. Newton 5, M. Evans 2, D. Nicholson, J. Wall, R. McGough, A. Lindsay, K. Lawrence, M. Riseley Best Players: A. Wonaemirri, J. Wall, M. Newton, J. Gysberts, R. McGough, M. Warnock Geelong Goal Kickers: M. Corrigan 2, J. Walker 2, J. Cowan, D. Simpson, T. Selwood, J. Barham, J. Sheringham Best Players: T. West, J. Cowan, A. McLean, M. Corrigan, J. Barham, C. Tutungi BOX HILL HAWKS PORT MELBOURNE Box Hill Hawks Goal Kickers: J. Lisle 3, J. Hoegel 2, S. Gibson, T. Duryea, W. Sierakowski, I. Smith, P. Puopolo Best Players: S. Gibson, P. Puopolo, A. Pattison, W. Sierakowski, T. Murphy, X. Ellis Port Melbourne Goal Kickers: P. Rose 5, D. Galea 4, C. Cain, M. Lynch, S. Dwyer, T. Langford, N. Batsanis, S. Valenti Best Players: P. Rose, S. Valenti, J. Edwards, S. Pleming, M. Lynch, T. Johnston WERRIBEE TIGERS WILLIAMSTOWN Werribee Tigers Goal Kickers: W. Sullivan 2, B. Speight 2, M. Still 2, R. Castello 2, B. Ross 2, D. Gleeson, K. Harper, C. Pedersen, W. Martiniello, L. Harding Best Players: B. Sharp, B. Warren, M. Rockefeller, M. O Dwyer, B. Ross, B. Speight Williamstown Goal Kickers: M. Hahn 6, A. Hooper 3, W. Minson 2, A. Cordy 2, D. Rampe 2, Z. Skinner 2, B. Goodes 2, P. Veszpremi, B. Moles, C. Howard, B. Davies Best Players: M. Hahn, C. Howard, W. Minson, D. Rampe, D. Stretton, M. Wallis FRANKSTON COLLINGWOOD Frankston Goal Kickers: B. McCallum 2, L. Potts, R. Clements, M. Baguley, A. Simpson, N. Boland Best Players: M. Baguley, L. Potts, T. Thoolen, M. Clark, A. Douglas, M. Bosward Collingwood Goal Kickers: B. Dick 3, J. Perham 3, S. Reed 2, D. Reilly 2, S. McNamara 2, L. Rounds 2, B. Sinclair, J. Bull, T. Goldsack, T. Sundberg Best Players: L. Davis, A. Fasolo, C. Wood, B. Dick, P. Cribbin, J. Bull NORTH BALLARAT - BYE 2011 VFL SENIOR FIELD UMPIRES Robert Young 2 Michael Curtis 3 Andrew Mitchell 5 David Harris 6 Damian Anderson 8 Brendan Hosking 9 Matthew Oakley 10 Matthew Brown 11 Jamie Grindal 13 Andrew Talbot 15 Shaun Gleeson 16 Troy McCarthy 17 Jordan Bannister 18 Jarrod Waight 20 Richard Mills 21 Andrew McCoy 22 Note: AFL Umpires will wear 27, 28, 31, 33, 39, 40 Tristan Burgess 24 Steven Trotter 25 Jason Schilling 30 Adam Pottenger 32 Gareth Verberne 34 Peter Liakos 36 Daniel Craig 37 Robert O Gorman

28 statistics - reserves 2011 VFL statistics 2011 VFL RESERVES Club P W L D B F A % PTS Box Hill Hawks Coburg Tigers Northern Bullants Werribee Tigers Frankston Williamstown Casey Scorpions Sandringham Port Melbourne North Ballarat ROUND 1: VFL RESERVES SANDRINGHAM COBURG Sandringham Goal Kickers: M. Meehan 2, B. Rist 2, M. Boland 2, M. Stapleton, D. Jones, R. Jetta, K. Barnes, W. Andreoli, P. Shakallis Best Players: A. Fleming, D. Jones, M. Andrews, K. Smith-Cameron, W. Andreoli, J. Hallahan BOX HILL HAWKS PORT MELBOURNE Box Hill Hawks Goal Kickers: B. Monkhorst 4, L. Breust 4, T. Schneider 3, B. Kennedy 2, A. Johns 2, L. Andrews, J. Sketcher Best Players: T. Schneider, D. Van Unen, K. Nye, L. Breust, B. Monkhorst, L. Andrews Coburg Goal Kickers: R. Hore 4, J. Warren 2, D. Murphy 2, M. Ambrose, T. Lucin, D. MacDonald, N. Westhoff, G. Grgic, T. Groves, A. McLeod Best Players: R. Hore, N. Thomas, D. Fahey, H. Dahl, A. Duhau, D. Murphy NORTHERN BULLANTS CASEY SCORPIONS Northern Bullants Goal Kickers: M. Church 4, D. Toman 3, P. Labi 2, T. Lincoln 2, A. Arrowsmith 2, J. Caspersz, B. Bray, M. Dorman, B. Way Best Players: D. Toman, T. German, A. Arrowsmith, T. Overman, T. Lincoln, M. Church Port Melbourne Goal Kickers: W. Burstin 4, M. Pitt 3, H. O Farrell 2, J. Muling, Z. Sengstock, J. Scipione Best Players: J. Baird, W. Burstin, M. Woods, M. Pitt, T. Martin, J. Mullins WERRIBEE TIGERS WILLIAMSTOWN Werribee Tigers Goal Kickers: B. Mangan 2, T. Lunardi 2, J. Treloar 2, J. Risol 2, J. Perkins 2, T. Allwright, B. Dickson, R. Prismall, F. Priest Best Players: T. Lunardi, J. Magnabosco, N. Laracy, B. Mangan, J. Risol, J. McCormack Casey Scorpions Goal Kickers: M. Dowse 4, M. Gent 2, N. Allen, J. Fitzpatrick, C. Purdy, D. Harrison, B. Carew, D. Cleven Best Players: M. Weekes, D. Bell, L. Tynan, B. Salton, D. Harrison, M. Dowse Williamstown Goal Kickers: T. Hill 3, R. Knight 3, M. Panos 3, J. Purton-Smith, L. Dahlhaus, M. Cravino, E. Prato Best Players: E. Carr, J. Johannisen, L. Dahlhaus, S. Witkowski, M. Panos, E. Prato NORTH BALLARAT, FRANKSTON - BYE ROUND 2: VFL RESERVES Saturday 9th April North Ballarat vs. Box Hill Hawks Eureka Stadium10:10 AM Port Melbourne vs. Casey Scorpions TEAC Oval 11:00 AM Northen Bullants vs. Werribee Tigers Visy Park 11:00 AM Sunday 10th April Frankston vs. Sandringham Frankston Oval 11:00 AM Coburg Tigers, Williamstown - BYE ROUND 3: VFL RESERVES Saturday 16th April Werribee Tigers vs. Franskton Victoria Park 10:10 AM North Ballarat vs. Casey Scorpions Eureka Stadium 11:00 AM Williamstown vs. Box Hill Hawks Avalon Airport Oval 11:00 AM Sunday 17th April Coburg Tigers vs. Northern Bullants Mantello Holden Oval 11:00 AM Sandringham vs. Port Melbourne Trevor Barker Beach Oval 11:00 AM 28 vic.com.au

29 vfl season 2011 fi xture VFL seniors season 2011 fixture ROUND 1 Saturday 2nd April Sandringham def. Coburg Tigers Box Hill Hawks def. by Port Melbourne Northern Bullants def. Bendigo Bombers Casey Scorpions def. Geelong Werribee Tigers def. by Williamstown Sunday 3rd April Frankston def. by Collingwood BYE - North Ballarat ROUND 2 Saturday 9th April North Ballarat vs. Bendigo Bombers Eureka Stadium 1:10 PM Northern Bullants vs. Collingwood Visy Park 2:00 PM Port Melbourne vs. Casey Scorpions TEAC Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 10th April Geelong vs. Werribee Tigers* Skilled Stadium 10:40 AM Frankston vs. Sandringham Frankston Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Box Hill Hawks, Coburg Tigers, Williamstown ROUND 3 Saturday 16th April Collingwood vs. Werribee Tigers Victoria Park 1:10 PM North Ballarat vs. Casey Scorpions Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM Sunday 17th April Williamstown vs. Box Hill Hawks Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. Frankston Windy Hill 2:00 PM Coburg Tigers vs. Northern Bullants Mantello Holden Oval 2:00 PM Sandringham vs. Port Melbourne Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Geelong ROUND 4 Saturday 23rd April Northern Bullants vs. Port Melbourne Preston City Oval 1:10 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. Collingwood Windy Hill 2:00 PM Werribee Tigers vs. North Ballarat Avalon Airport Oval 7:00 PM Sunday 24th April Box Hill Hawks vs. Coburg Tigers Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Williamstown vs. Geelong Torquay Football Ground 2:00 PM BYE - Casey Scorpions, Frankston, Sandringham ROUND 5 Saturday 30th April Casey Scorpions vs. Frankston Casey Fields 1:10 PM Collingwood vs. North Ballarat Victoria Park 2:00 PM Sunday 1st May Coburg Tigers vs. Williamstown Mantello Holden Oval 1:00 PM Werribee Tigers vs. Box Hill Hawks Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Sandringham vs. Geelong Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Bendigo Bombers, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne ROUND 9 Saturday 28th May Geelong vs. Bendigo Bombers Skilled Stadium 11:15 AM Coburg Tigers vs. Collingwood Mantello Holden Oval 1:10 PM Williamstown vws. Casey Scorpions Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 29th May Northern Bullants vs. Box Hill Hawks Visy Park 2:00 PM Werribee Tigers vs. Sandringham Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Frankston, North Ballarat, Port Melbourne ROUND 10 Saturday 4th June Port Melbourne vs. Werribee Tigers TEAC Oval 1:10 PM Collingwood vs. Northern Bullants Victoria Park 2:00 PM Box Hill Hawks vs. Geelong Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. Coburg Tigers Queen Elizabeth Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 5th June Frankston vs. North Ballarat Frankston Oval 2:00 PM Sandringham vs. Casey Scorpions Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Williamstown ROUND 11 Saturday 11th June Casey Scorpions vs. Collingwood Casey Fields 1:10 PM Coburg Tigers vs. Port Melbourne Mantello Holden Oval 2:00 PM Williamstown vs. North Ballarat Keilor Football Ground 2:00 PM Sunday 12th June Box Hill Hawks vs. Frankston Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Werribee Tigers vs. Geelong Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Sandringham vs. Bendigo Bombers Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Northern Bullants ROUND 12 Saturday 18th June Geelong vs. Northern Bullants Skilled Stadium 1:10 PM North Ballarat vs. Port Melbourne Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM Williamstown vs. Frankston Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 19th June Casey Scorpions vs. Coburg Tigers Casey Fields 2:00 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. Box Hill Hawks Queen Elizabeth Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Collingwood, Sandringham, Werribee Tigers ROUND 13 Saturday 25th June Port Melbourne vs. Geelong TEAC Oval 1:10 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. Williamstown Queen Elizabeth Oval 2:00 PM Northern Bullants vs. North Ballarat Visy Park 2:00 PM Sunday 26th June Werribee Tigers vs. Coburg Tigers Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Sandringham vs. Collingwood Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Box Hill Hawks, Casey Scorpions, Frankston ROUND 17 Saturday 23rd July Port Melbourne vs. Sandringham TEAC Oval 1:10 PM Box Hill Hawks vs. Northern Bullants Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Coburg Tigers vs. North Ballarat Highgate Rec Reserve 2:00 PM Sunday 24th July Williamstown vs. Werribee Tigers Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. Geelong Queen Elizabeth Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Casey Scorpions, Collingwood, Frankston ROUND 18 Saturday 30th July Geelong vs. Casey Scorpions* Skilled Stadium 10:40 AM Northern Bullants vs. Coburg Tigers Preston City Oval 1:10 PM Collingwood vs. Frankston Victoria Park 2:00 PM North Ballarat vs. Williamstown Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM Sunday 31st July Sandringham vs. Werribee Tigers Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Bendigo Bombers, Box Hill Hawks, Port Melbourne ROUND 19 Saturday 6th August Geelong vs. Collingwood* Skilled Stadium 10:40 AM Werribee Tigers vs. Bendigo Bombers Avalon Airport Oval 1:10 PM Coburg Tigers vs. Box Hill Hawks Mantello Holden Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 7th August Frankston vs. Port Melbourne Frankston Oval 2:00 PM Casey Scorpions vs. Sandringham Casey Fields 2:00 PM BYE - North Ballarat, Northern Bullants, Williamstown ROUND 20 Saturday 13th August Collingwood vs. Bendigo Bombers Victoria Park 1:00 PM Williamstown vs. Port Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval 1:10 PM North Ballarat vs. Frankston Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM Northern Bullants vs. Geelong Visy Park 2:00 PM Coburg Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions Highgate Rec Reserve 7:00 PM Sunday 14th August Sandringham vs. Box Hill Hawks Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Werribee Tigers ROUND 21 Saturday 20th August Collingwood vs. Sandringham Victoria Park 1:00 PM Box Hill Hawks vs. Williamstown Box Hill City Oval 1:10 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. North Ballarat Queen Elizabeth Oval 2:00 PM Casey Scorpions vs. Werribee Tigers Casey Fields 2:00 PM Port Melbourne vs. Northern Bullants TEAC Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 21st August Frankston vs. Coburg Tigers Frankston Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Geelong ROUND 6 Saturday 7th May Geelong vs. North Ballarat* Skilled Stadium 10:40 AM Williamstown vs. Sandringham Avalon Airport Oval 1:10 PM Port Melbourne vs. Frankston TEAC Oval 2:00 PM Bendigo Bombers vs. Werribee Tigers Windy Hill 2:00 PM Sunday 8th May Northern Bullants vs. Casey Scorpions Preston City Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Box Hill Hawks, Coburg Tigers, Collingwood ROUND 14 Saturday 2nd July Geelong vs. Frankston Skilled Stadium 1:00 PM Box Hill Hawks vs. Collingwood Box Hill City Oval 1:10 PM North Ballarat vs. Sandringham Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM Werribee Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions Avalon Airport Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 3rd July Northern Bullants vs. Williamstown Preston City Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Bendigo Bombers, Coburg Tigers, Port Melbourne ROUND 22 Saturday 27th August Geelong vs. Sandringham* Skilled Stadium 10:40 AM Port Melbourne vs. Box Hill Hawks TEAC Oval 1:10 PM Casey Scorpions vs. Northern Bullants Casey Fields 2:00 PM Sunday 28th August Frankston vs. Williamstown Frankston Oval 2:00 PM North Ballarat vs. Werribee Tigers Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM BYE - Collingwood, Bendigo Bombers, Coburg Tigers ROUND 7 Saturday 14th May Collingwood vs. Geelong Victoria Park 1:00 PM Frankston vs. Northern Bullants Frankston Oval 1:10 PM Box Hill Hawks vs. Sandringham Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Port Melbourne vs. Williamstown TEAC Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 15th May North Ballarat vs. Coburg Tigers Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM Casey Scorpions vs. Bendigo Bombers Casey Fields 2:00 PM BYE - Werribee Tigers ROUND 8 Saturday 21st May Werribee Tigers vs. Northern Bullants Avalon Airport Oval 1:10 PM Collingwood vs. Williamstown Victoria Park 2:00 PM North Ballarat vs. Box Hill Hawks Eureka Stadium 2:00 PM Sunday 22nd May Bendigo Bombers vs. Port Melbourne Windy Hill 2:00 PM Coburg Tigers vs. Frankston Highgate Recreation Res 2:00 PM BYE - Casey Scorpions, Geelong, Sandringham ROUND 15 Saturday 9th July Sandringham vs. Northern Bullants Trevor Barker Beach Oval 1:10 PM Collingwood vs. Port Melbourne Victoria Park 2:00 PM Sunday 10th July Frankston vs. Werribee Tigers Frankston Oval 2:00 PM Casey Scorpions vs. Box Hill Hawks Casey Fields 2:00 PM Coburg Tigers vs. Bendigo Bombers Highgate Rec Reserve 2:00 PM BYE - Geelong, North Ballarat, Williamstown ROUND 16 Saturday 16th July Geelong vs. Coburg Tigers Skilled Stadium 1:10 PM Port Melbourne vs. Bendigo Bombers TEAC Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 17th July Williamstown vs. Collingwood Norm Minns Oval 1:30 PM Frankston vs. Casey Scorpions Frankston Oval 2:00 PM Box Hill Hawks vs. North Ballarat Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM BYE - Northern Bullants, Sandringham, Werribee Tigers 2011 VFL Finals Series Qualifying and Elimination Finals Saturday 3rd September / Sunday 4th September Semi Finals Saturday 10th September / Sunday 11th September Preliminary Finals Venue Time Saturday 17th September / Sunday 18th September Grand Final Venue Time Sunday 25th September Etihad Stadium 29

30 what s new What s new in season 2011 Season 2011 is now underway, and so too are new technologies and ground changes for some triple headers. ACADEMY CHANNEL THESE days kids seem to live on the information motorway that is the Internet. AFL Victoria is up to speed with how Gen Y operates and that s why it has unveiled the Academy Channel for the use of TAC Cup players. It s a web-based education portal where clubs can communicate to their players more easily without the pressing time deadlines. While face-to-face feedback remains crucial, the Academy channel makes communication much easier, especially for the country clubs. It s basically modelled around what the Victorian Academy did last year where it put vision, educational information and other feedback on a website, AFL Victoria High Performance Manager Anton Grbac said. It s a way to continually communicate and track player s progress and keep them educated. A pilot program was run last year with the Murray Bushrangers. Feedback was positive so it was expanded with all clubs, except Geelong Falcons, using the portal, a collaborative effort between Champion Data and Dartfish, a video software solutions company. Vision will be used from TAC Cup games that Champion Data tag and then each individual player s vision is uploaded onto the website and available for player perusal at any time. TAC Cup coaches have the ability as well to put their reports onto the channel. Regional Managers are also able to attach whatever information they may wish to distribute to players. And, all regions will be able to access generic Academy material from the channel a library of video clips that falls under the heading of desirable team actions. It s basically vision from previous National s campaigns tagged and written information on the screen about why a certain passage of play was considered good, Grbac said. TAC Cup players will also be able to access another section called the Academy Education, which has short clips and downloadable attachments. These vary from player monitoring diary, GPS, diet, conditioning and core stability. We are continually populating that site to keep player s informed in the Academy and now it can be accessed by every TAC Cup player in the under 18 program, Grbac said. We are not going to make a massive difference with these players unless we have access with them. One access is physical, but that is limited, particularly in the country areas. One of the beauties of the Channel is that it can be accessed at times that suit the individual and his pace of learning. There is also the ability for players and coaches to interact on the site, something similar to a blog. Players and coaches can co-ordinate to get online at the same time and talk to one another about different aspects, Grbac said. Really, we are just touching the surface capacity of it at the moment. Over time we see it evolving even further. TRIPLE HEADERS Metro clubs will again play its triple headers at Visy Park, but country clubs will have a new venue Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn. The switch from Bendigo s QEO makes it logistically easier for clubs vic.com.au

31 tac cup coaches award Sebastian Gotch - TAC Cup coaches award Sebastian Gotch is a young man going places... literally. THIS WEEK Gotch leaves for Dubai with the Australian under 19 cricket team for a two week series against the West Indies. As Oakleigh Charges coach Greg Doyle tells it, Gotch is the No 1 teenage prospect in the country when it comes to opening the batting. Those who have followed his career through the Dowling Shield, APS cricket and even District cricket will know that Gotch is an extremely gifted cricketer. He once scored 214 not out for Caulfi eld Grammar against Carey, and more recently played District cricket for Melbourne firsts. It s not just amassing runs by the hundreds that keeps Gotch busy. He s also a talented footballer as evidenced by the 2011 season opener against Eastern Ranges. Gotch, the youngest of three brothers to come through the TAC Cup system, was the standout for Oakleigh as they handed Eastern a 103-point belting. Playing as a small forward then later in the midfi eld, Gotch was seemingly everywhere. As Oakleigh piled on 16 to three goals in the second half, Gotch was pivotal in igniting his team as he repeatedly won the loose ball and, most importantly, more often than not his disposals found teammates. He collected 22 possessions, kicked four goals and laid as many tackles to earn the maximum votes in the TAC Cup Coaches award. Doyle noted that as well as being an elite cricketer, Gotch is also a gifted footballer who has plenty to offer. Come the end of the year he may have some decisions to make, Doyle said. Look, he s small, but he s got pace, he has an ability to read the play and be very clean and clever around the ball and makes excellent decisions. He was very, very good in that centre bounce traffic against Eastern. He s certainly not out of place in there with those bigger body guys and when Seb gets the ball he doesn t make too many mistakes. Gotch viewed it as a terrific way for the team to start the season with everyone contributing to the victory. He noted that all the Charger players bonded well together and played for each other not for themselves. That always goes a long way. Last year we saw it with Calder, Gotch said. With the tour to Dubai coupled with his commitments at Caulfi eld Grammar, Gotch will play only a cameo role for the Chargers until later in the season. It s exciting to go to Dubai, but it s probably not the best timing for my football, Gotch said. There s a good chemistry down at Oakleigh. The coaches are really good and understanding if you can t get there to training because of school commitments. What made Gotch s performance even more impressive is that he didn t have much of a pre-season because of his cricket commitments. Despite his lack of ball touch, Gotch showcased his talent when moved to the midfi eld after half time. It s not really surprising. Sebastian Gotch seems to thrive under his busy timetable. 31

32 adam dowie Dowie enjoys new challenge New Gippsland Power coach Adam Dowie may have missed out on the Box Hill Hawks coaching job, but ironically he takes over at Gippsland from the man that eventually got the role. ONE thing new Gippsland Power coach Adam Dowie loves more than anything is a challenge. It s been evident through a football journey that began in his playing days and continued through a coaching career that s taken many twists and turns. After playing his junior football with Allansford in the Warrnambool & District Football League, Dowie progressed to Warrnambool where he racked up 153 games and played in two premierships under former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas. Following a year teaching in Queensland, Dowie returned to the western district where he coached Nirranda in the Warrnambool & District Football League. It was there he decided the recipe for success was not to go out and recruit players, but to put faith in the local young kids. It netted him a premiership in 1998, but he returned to Warrnambool to play in another premiership in When his teaching career saw him move to Terang, Dowie took over coaching Terang/Mortlake s under 18s and the following year when the club couldn t fi nd a coach and about 20 players sought a clearance, Dowie delved back into coaching. From out of nowhere the club won the fl ag, again on the back of local, young players. The club repeated as premiers the following year. Ironically, Dowie found himself up against his old club Warrnambool that featured Scott Turner, Jason Heatley and Jordan Lewis, in the 2004 Grand Final. Terang Mortlake seemingly had a bunch of no name kids. It was your quintessential David v Goliath stoush and proved fairy tales do come true Terang Mortlake won. Dowie returned to teaching in Warrnambool and ventured back to his old club as coach in 2009 and again he stuck to his coaching principles. I was never of the belief that you would get long term sustained success by going out and buying players, Dowie said. And, that was one of the challenges at Warrnambool, who had been very, very successful and a lot of it had been due to recruiting. I went to Warrnambool and said I m not going to do that. I told them I was going to build a side with young, local players. To do that and win a fl ag at Warrnambool last year was fantastic. After last season, Dowie decided to test the waters outside his football home land. No one was more surprised than Dowie when he landed an interview for the coaching position at Box Hill Hawks. I went down there with the mindset that I had nothing to lose. I was a bit naive, but it went quite well. I missed out on the Box Hill job, but I was asked if I was interested in the Gippsland Power job, Dowie said. While initially hesitant, Dowie decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up. He applied and landed the position. Dowie admits his head was spinning in the fi rst few weeks, but he s revelling in his latest challenge. I pinch myself each day going to work, I m absolutely loving it, he said vic.com.au

33 aaron greaves Greaves serves coaching apprenticeship A playing and coaching career under some experienced men has helped mould new Geelong Falcons coach Aaron Greaves. COACHES can shape not only a player s game, but also life outside the lines. New Geelong Falcons coach Aaron Greaves certainly subscribes to that belief. Greaves spent time under three coaches, stretching over a decade, who not only influenced how he played, but also fine tuned his coaching philosophy and style. For the bulk of his playing career, Greaves played under triple North Ballarat coach Gerald FitzGerald, Geelong VFL premiership coach cum club player development manager Ron Watt and St Joseph coach cum Collingwood assistant coach Mark Neeld. He started out at North Ballarat in the late 1990s when the Roosters first began to emerge as a power then moved to Geelong s VFL list as a top-up player in before playing under Neeld at St Josephs. During that period Greaves noted it was an information overload as all three coaches had so much to offer, particularly given their teaching background. Those three guys have been really influential on me, Greaves said. I ve got my coaching and coaching style from much of how they went about it. While he played VFL for North Ballarat and Geelong, Greaves also represented the VCFL for three years before branching out as a coach. It was a logical progression of his football. Greaves coached Leopold and St Josephs each for three years. He took St Joseph s to a Grand Final and Leopold to a Preliminary Final. He also helped out Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley when he coached Vic Country under 16s in the AFL National Championships. It was from there that Greaves aspirations grew to become involved in the TAC Cup and develop a career in football. When former Morrish Medal winner Paul Hood left the Falcons to accept a position as Geelong s Academy co-ordinator, Falcons Regional Manager Mick Turner contacted Greaves. What appealed to Turner apart from Greaves coaching history was his academic background working first as a teacher then at the Barwon Sports Academy with all the elite junior talent in the Geelong region, and from there at the Victorian Institute Of Sport. Aaron had the coaching and academic background that I think you need for this position, Turner said. He ticked all the boxes and has been outstanding since coming on board. Greaves said he s keen for the Falcons to be continually viewed as a professional, united, physical, hard working and well structured team. He said the focus is on player development, success and ensuring players are drafted or return to whatever level as better players. With so many different young, emerging personalities, Greaves is mindful on the players bonding together so there is respect across the entire list. And from that respect will grow success. In many ways that s how FitzGerald has moulded North Ballarat into the best club in the VFL. Funny about that. 33

34 tac cup club notes TAC Cup club notes All the latest news, events and match information from inside each TAC Cup club. BENDIGO: The Pioneers would like to thank its number one sponsor the Bendigo Bank for its continued support this season. We would also like to thank major sponsors Stramit, Subway, The Bendigo Club and Parmalat for their contribution to our program in CALDER: The Calder Cannons FC would like to welcome back and thank for their long time support of the club Liquex Logistics, Hydralyte, Blue Gum Clothing, Airport Toyota, Embroidery World, Subway Moonee Ponds, Windy Hill Fitness Centre, Essendon Keilor College and Universal Finance, as well as the TAC for their continued support of the competition. In season 2011 we welcome on board new sponsors Bendigo Bank and Bunnings Broadmeadows and look forward to building strong partnerships with them. DANDENONG: The Stingrays would like to thank the 31 Stingrays players and their families who took part in the TAC Cup Education Learners driver s 120 hours program, which saw Stingrays players drive to the games at Morwell last weekend. Each game for the remainder of the 2011 season all Stingrays players are encouraged to drive to all home and away games so they gain as much experience on the road and complete their 120 hours behind the wheel. The TAC 120 Hours learners program is part of the Stingrays obligations towards the TAC sponsorship of our grand competition. The Stingrays would also like to welcome and thank the following companies who have become player sponsors for season 2011: Lachie Whitfi eld Parchem Construction Supplies Factory 3 21/23 Enterprise Ave, Berwick 3806, Contact: Richard Whitfi eld on Todd Elton - Waters Timms PL Lawyers Codrington St, Cranbourne 3977, Contact: Wayne Parker on Lachlan Wallace Comfoot Podiatry Pty Ltd Lakes Blvd. Pearcedale Contact: Robert Wallace on Josh Westerman - Conway Cranes 50 Dingley Ave Dandenong, 3175, Contact: Paul Conway on Your sponsorship and support is helpful for your player, but as a club we hope you fi nd it enjoyable and we thank you once again for your support and look forward to seeing you at many games this year. EASTERN: Congratulations to Jonathon Patton on being appointed as 2011 Captain, Alex Greenwood is the Vice Captain. The club would like to wish the players currently training for Vic Metro all the best with making the fi nal list. The club would like to welcome all the staff & volunteers for the season. Former Richmond & St Kilda player Adam Pattison has joined the club as ruck coach this season. The club thanks the support of club & player sponsors for If you wish to become a partner of the club please contact the office. The club will be holding a Business Lunch on Friday 27th May, details will be on the website. The club will be holding its Annual Auction this season on Friday 29th July, the club is appealing for kind donations to help with this Major Fundraiser. Items can be kindly delivered to the club. For all updates please log onto easternranges.aflvic.com.au GEELONG: Geelong Falcons would like to congratulate the 49 players who have made our list in 2011.After an extensive preseason the staff, players, parents and coaches need to be congratulated on their dedicated work to finalize our 2011 list vic.com.au

35 tac cup club notes GIPPSLAND: Gippsland Power would like to congratulate the players selected in its 2011 squad, and welcomes new and returning parents. We would like to acknowledge the continued support of our existing sponsors and welcome our new sponsors to Gippsland Power. MURRAY: The Bushrangers would also like to thank Hume Building Society for their ongoing support as the Club s Premier Sponsor; AFL SportsReady as the Clubs Apparel Sponsor NORTH BALLARAT: Congratulations to the team and the 15 Debutants players last week against the Pioneers. A solid contribution from all players was evident and the team played an exciting brand of football. Welcome this week to our Player Sponsors and Parents. Our function today is a popular one which gives all an opportunity to meet and put names to faces at this early stage of the season. Leon Harris (AFL Vic s Country High Performance Manager) will be our guest speaker along with hearing from both coaches about todays important game. We hope everyone enjoys their day and GO REBELS. NORTHERN: Welcome to all club sponsors and parents before our match today against Oakleigh to our fi rst Sponsors and Parents Luncheon for We greatly appreciate the fantastic support provided by our sponsors in allowing us to conduct quality programs and all parents for being so supportive of their sons involvement with the Knights. The Knights also welcome all our new staff for 2011 Ross Fisher and Brian Cartwright (assistant coaches), David Spithill (Rehab. Coordinator), Scott Bumpstead (Assistant Conditioner), Austin Chow (Doctor), Ben Herde and David Taylor (Physiotherapists), and Rebecca Noviello, Adrian Devincenzi, Josh Darmenia and Lucy Adam (all RMIT Field students). Your involvement with the Knights is also much appreciated by fellow staff and all the players and we trust you enjoy and benefi t from your time at the Knights. OAKLEIGH: A big thank you to Andrew Cannell and Ultimate BBQ s for providing a cooking demonstration on the U Bute BBQ and serving up a great BBQ dinner for the players and staff at Training last week. Congratulations to Andrew Gaff and Ryan Lester on their AFL debuts in Round 1. Great effort! Thanks to all staff, players and parents for a great start to the season both on and off the fi eld. Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support: IS MY CY, Universal Finance, Mulgrave Country Club, Acacia, Active Lifestyle, Telstra, Diadora, and Holmesglen TAFE. SANDRINGHAM: The Sandringham Dragons would like to thank all the parents who attended the information evening on Monday night. If you have any questions please contact the offi ce. A big thanks you to the Beech Family and Smokin Doughs for the rolls after the match, the boys and coaching staff loved them. A reminder that all parents and supporters are invited into the rooms after today s game for the Coaches address and also some light refreshments. Go Dragons! WESTERN: We would like to thank our ongoing sponsors: Victoria University, Burbank homes, Divella, Buffalo Sports, KFC, Subway Altona, Red Onion, Empire Trade Exchange, Logical Copying Systems, Westpac and Ace s Place. We welcome our new sponsors AFL SportsReady and Acacia aboard for this season. We thank all our sponsors for their support of talented AFL players in the Western Region. We wish all our players a successful season and wish our competitors the best of luck. 35

36 western jets vs. eastern ranges Western Jets record first win It took until halfway through the fi nal quarter, but the Western Jets were able to shrug off a persistent Eastern Ranges team to notch their fi rst win for the 2011 season as Toby Prime reports. WITH SCORES all tied up at three-quarter time, the game was up for grabs and it was the Jets who were able to run away winners 16.5 (101) to 11.6 (72). The Jets started the game in a strong fashion, taking their chances early in front of goals to establish a 13-point margin at the fi rst break. The Ranges were their own worst enemy in the opening term, gifting the Jets four goals from free kicks, including one right on the quarter-time siren. In the second quarter, the Ranges tall forwards Jonathon Patton and Michael Bussey started to create a presence in their forward 50 making the Jets defence become accountable. The Jets had no answers in their defensive 50 as the pair combined to take strong marks and apply extra pressure to bring the margin back to seven points at the main interval. The Ranges came out strongly after half-time to kick the fi rst three goals inside fi ve minutes and establish the momentum. With the challenge being thrown down to the Jets, tall forward Spencer White stood up and matched his rival Patton at the other end of the ground as the two forwards went goal-for-goal. With both teams having their chances in the opening minutes to establish a lead, it appeared the Ranges would be able to hold sway with the ball entering their forward 50 a number of times. With the Jets challenged again, the midfi eld group responded to dominate the centre clearances in the fi nal 10 minutes of the game. The Jets piled on fi ve unanswered goals to seal the game. The Jets were fearless in taking the game on at all costs as the Ranges defensive structure seemed to fall away at crucial moments. Coming off a 103-point belting at the hands of Oakleigh last weekend, Ranges coach Darren Bewick will be pleased with his side s response. Ranges captain Jonathon Patton was best afi eld for his side kicking six goals to take his tally for the season to 11 from two games. While for the winners, Jack Charleston and Courtney Hylton put up strong performances, while Ashlin Brown was a star up forward with fi ve goals. The Jets will aim for back-to-back wins this weekend against powerhouse Geelong Falcons, while the Ranges take on the Murray Bushrangers. footy online Keep up with the latest TAC Cup news online via: website: Facebook: vic.com.au

37 statistics - tac cup 2011 TAC Cup statistics 2011 TAC CUP - ROUND 1 Club P W L D F A % PTS Oakleigh Chargers Sandringham Dragons North Ballarat Rebels Geelong Falcons Calder Cannons Gippsland Power Western Jets Dandenong Stingrays Murray Bushrangers Northern Knights Bendigo Pioneers Eastern Ranges Queensland NSW/ACT Rams Tasmania ROUND 1 MURRAY BUSHRANGERS GEELONG FALCONS Murray Bushrangers Goal Kickers: J. Reeves 2, S. Johns, J. Taylor, X. Stevenson, J. Elliott, L. Smith Best Players: J. Elliott, J. Reeves, T. Yensch, S. Johns, T. Clurey, J. Taylor Geelong Falcons Goal Kickers: S. Gordon 3, M. Buchanan 2, J. Merrett 2, J. Saunders 2, J. Lever, J. Keras Best Players: T. Adams, M. Buchanan, C. Tudor, A. Boseley, S. Gordon, R. Monaghan GIPPSLAND POWER DANDENONG STINGRAYS Gippsland Power Goal Kickers: C. Smith 3, T. Membrey 2, S. Marusic 2, N. Graham, M. Northe Best Players: H. Hector, J. Tynan, S. Deery, M. Willcocks, R. Hall, C. Smith Dandenong Stingrays Goal Kickers: L. Whitfield, C. Buchan, J. Pongracic, A. Benbow, J. Salopek, T. Elton, A. Giobbi Best Players: T. Elton, L. Wallace, J. Salopek, A. Benbow, J. Pongracic, N. Haynes NORTH BALLARAT REBELS BENDIGO PIONEERS North Ballarat Rebels Goal Kickers: L. Dalgleish 2, B. Ison 2, D. Watchorn 2, J. Neade 2, S. Dobson, S. Spriggs, R. Taggert, S. Ross Best Players: B. Crouch, C. Schache, S. Ross, B. Ison, L. Dalgleish, N. Rippon Bendigo Pioneers Goal Kickers: B. Knox 4, L. Gilbert, R. Hird Best Players: S. Heavyside, T. Stevens, B. Knox, R. Hird, S. Kerridge, N. McCarty EASTERN RANGES WESTERN JETS Eastern Ranges Goal Kickers: J. Patton 6, M. Bussey 2, N. Sargent, L. O Brien, D. Graham Best Players: J. Patton, L. Cope, A. Greenwood, B. Slattery, P. Lawlor, M. Warren Western Jets Goal Kickers: A. Brown 5, S. White 4, D. Castellano 3, L. Hunter, A. Piva, J. Walker, A. Jawad Best Players: J. Charleston, C. Hylton, A. Brown, D. Jones, J. Mead, A. Piva OAKLEIGH CHARGERS CALDER CANNONS Oakleigh Chargers Goal Kickers: N. Murphy 3, S. Gotch 3, J. Hammond 3, D. Tyson 2, M. Arnot, D. Harris, S. Harris, M. Wooffi ndin, S. Hudson Best Players: S. Harris, T. Curran, M. Wooffi ndin, D. Heath, J. Hammond, D. Harris Calder Cannons Goal Kickers: D. Markworth 3, B. Ellis 3, D. Bugeja, J. Angus, J. Sheahan, J. Baurgess, J. Fenner, J. Williams, T. Sheridan, F. Dale Best Players: B. Ellis, T. Sheridan, T. Coran, D. Markworth, O. Uysal, L. Plowman SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS NORTHERN KNIGHTS Sandringham Dragons Goal Kickers: A. Woodward 2, B. Darrou 2, F. Roberts 2, M. Barnes 2, L. Boyd 2, N. Fallon, M. Howes, A. Anastasio, L. Sumner, J. Williams, X. Richards, J. Beech Best Players: M. Barnes, C. Sharp, A. Woodward, X. Richards, B. Darrou, J. Beech TAC CUP: ROUND 1 GOAL KICKERS Jonathon Patton Eastern Ranges 11 (6) Daniel Castellano Western Jets 8 (3) Sebastian Gotch Oakleigh Chargers 7 (3) Josh Burgess Calder Cannons 6 (1) Daniel Markworth Calder Cannons 6 (3) Jake Hammond Oakleigh Chargers 6 (3) Ashlin Brown Western Jets 6 (5) Brandon Ellis Calder Cannons 5 (3) Nick Murphy Oakleigh Chargers 5 (3) Braeden Knox Bendigo Pioneers 4 (4) Andrew Galucci Calder Cannons 4 (-) Nathan Hrovat Northern Knights 4 (1) Nick Maric Northern Knights 4 (2) Sam Hudson Oakleigh Chargers 4 (1) KICKS Fraser Lucas Geelong Falcons 22 Courtney Hylton Western Jets 22 Tom Sheridan Calder Cannons 19 Jackson Merrett Geelong Falcons 19 Clay Smith Gippsland Power 19 Josh Tynan Gippsland Power 18 Sean Johns Murray Bushrangers 18 Brad Crouch North Ballarat Rebels 18 Coleman Schache North Ballarat Rebels 18 Liam Sumner Sandringham 17 Jack Charleston Western Jets 17 Jamie Elliot Murray Bushrangers 16 Lauchlan Dalgleish North Ballarat Rebels 16 Cameron Sharp Sandringham 16 Alex Benbow Dandenong Stingrays 15 MARKS Jonathon Patton Eastern Ranges 11 Lachlan Fairley Western Jets 11 Todd Elton Dandenong Stingrays 10 Jason Salopek Dandenong Stingrays 10 Alex Woodward Sandringham 10 Courtney Hylton Western Jets 10 Clay Smith Gippsland Power 9 Jamie Elliot Murray Bushrangers 9 Ashlin Brown Western Jets 9 Jaxon Cooke Western Jets 9 Tom Sheridan Calder Cannons 8 Meyrick Buchanan Geelong Falcons 8 Josh Tynan Gippsland Power 8 Liam Sumner Sandringham 8 Jack Charleston Western Jets 8 HANDBALLS Douglas Morris Northern Knights 22 Tyrone Ross North Ballarat Rebels 17 Nathan Hrovat Northern Knights 17 Alex Greenwood Eastern Ranges 16 Ryan Monaghan Geelong Falcons 16 Sam Kerridge Bendigo Pioneers 15 Taylor Adams Geelong Falcons 15 Jordan Keras Geelong Falcons 15 Sam Heavyside Bendigo Pioneers 14 Haydn Hector Gippsland Power 14 Ben McPhee Bendigo Pioneers 13 Sebastian Ross North Ballarat Rebels 13 Tom Smith North Ballarat Rebels 13 Jack Williams Sandringham 13 Brad Crouch North Ballarat Rebels 12 COACHES VOTES T. Adams (Geelong) J. Charleston (Western) B. Crouch (North Ballarat) L. Sumner (Sandringham) H. Hector (Gippsland) S. Harris (Oakleigh) Northern Knights Goal Kickers: J. Kroussoratis 2, N. Maric 2, N. Hrovat, M. Haynes, A. Corr, B. Longer Best Players: D. Morris, N. Maric, J. Kroussoratis, B. Longer, R. Mullins, T. Totevski 37

38 tac cup season 2011 fi xture TAC Cup season 2011 fixture METRO ROUND Sunday 27th March Northern Knights def. by Calder Cannons Eastern Ranges def. by Oakleigh Chargers Western Jets def. by Sandringham Dragons ROUND 1 Saturday 2nd April Murray Bushrangers def. by Geelong Falcons North Ballarat Rebels def. Bendigo Pioneers Gippsland Power def. Dandenong Stingrays Sunday 3rd April Eastern Ranges def. by Western Jets Oakleigh Chargers def. Calder Cannons Sandringham Dragons def. Northern Knights ROUND 2 Saturday 9th April Calder Cannons vs. Bendigo Pioneers Highgate Rec. Reserve 11:00 AM Eastern Ranges vs. Murray Bushrangers Highgate Rec. Reserve 1:30 PM Western Jets vs. Geelong Falcons Highgate Rec. Reserve 4:00 PM Sandringham Dragons vs. Gippsland Power Warrawee Parl 1:0 0 PM Sunday 10th April North Ballarat Rebels vs. Dandenong Stingrays Eureka Stadium 1:00 PM Northern Knights vs. Oakleigh Chargers Preston City Oval 11:00 AM ROUND 3 Saturday 16th April Bendigo Pioneers vs. Gippsland Power Highgate Rec. Reserve 11:00 AM North Ballarat Rebels vs. Murray Bushrangers Highgate Rec. Reserve 1:30 PM Geelong Falcons vs. Dandenong Stingrays Highgate Rec. Reserve 4:00 PM Sunday 17th April Oakleigh Chargers vs. Sandringham Dragons Visy Park 10:00 AM Western Jets vs. Northern Knights Visy Park 12:30 PM Calder Cannons vs. Eastern Ranges Visy Park 3:00 PM Development Weekend (Easter) 23rd & 24th April ROUND 4 Saturday 30th April Dandenong Stingrays vs. Oakleigh Chargers Shepley Oval 11:00 AM Northern Knights vs. NSW/ACT Rams Visy Park 11:30 AM Bendigo Pioneers vs. Eastern Ranges Epsom Huntly Reserve 1:00 PM Murray Bushrangers vs. Calder Cannons Norm Minns Oval 1:00 PM Sandringham Dragons vs. Queensland Visy Park 2:00 PM Sunday 1st May Gippsland Power vs. Western Jets Morwell Football Ground 12 NOON North Ballarat Rebels vs. Geelong Falcons Reid Oval, Warrnambool 1:00 PM ROUND 5 Saturday 7th May Oakleigh Chargers vs. Western Jets Warrawee Park 11:00 AM Eastern Ranges vs. Geelong Falcons Box Hill City Oval 11:30 AM Murray Bushrangers vs. NSW/ACT Rams Lavington 12 NOON Dandenong Stingrays vs. Queensland Shepley Oval 2:00 PM Sandringham Dragons vs. Bendigo Pioneers Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 8th May Calder Cannons vs. North Ballarat Rebels Mantello Holden Oval 11:30 AM Northern Knights vs. Gippsland Power Mantello Holden Oval 2:00 PM Development Weekend 21st & 22nd May ROUND 7 Saturday 28th May Bendigo Pioneers vs. North Ballarat Rebels Sara Oval, Mildura 10:00 AM Oakleigh Chargers vs. Tasmania Warrawee Park 11:00 AM Calder Cannons vs. Sandringham Dragons Highgate Rec. Reserve 11:30 AM Western Jets vs. NSW/ACT RAMS Box Hill City Oval 11:30 AM Eastern Ranges vs. Northern Knights Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Geelong Falcons vs. Murray Bushrangers Highgate Rec. Reserve 2:00 PM Dandenong Stingrays vs. Gippsland Power Shepley Oval 2:00 PM ROUND 8 Saturday 4th June Calder Cannons vs. Western Jets Highgate Rec. Reserve 11:00 AM Dandenong Stingrays vs. Eastern Ranges Shepley Oval 11:00 AM Bendigo Pioneers vs. Oakleigh Chargers Queen Elizabeth Oval 11:00 AM Gippsland Power vs. North Ballarat Rebels Morwell Football Ground 1:00 PM Sandringham Dragons vs. Geelong Falcons Highgate Rec.Reserve 2:00 PM Sunday 5th June Murray Bushrangers vs. Northern Knights Norm Minns Oval 1:00 PM Development Weekend 11th & 12th June ROUND 9 - Country Round Saturday 18th June Bendigo Pioneers vs. Murray Bushrangers Epsom Huntly Reserve 1:00 PM Sunday 19th June Geelong Falcons vs. Gippsland Power Visy Park 11:30 AM Dandenong Stingrays vs. North Ballarat Rebels Visy Park 2:00 PM ROUND 10 Saturday 25th June Bendigo Pioneers vs. Calder Cannons Queen Elizabeth Oval 11:00 AM Dandenong Stingrays vs. Western Jets Shepley Oval 10:30 AM Oakleigh Chargers vs. Geelong Falcons Warrawee Park 1:00 PM Murray Bushrangers vs. Sandringham Dragons Norm Minns Oval 1:00 PM North Ballarat Rebels vs. Northern Knights Eureka Stadium 1:00 PM Sunday 26th June Gippsland Power vs. Eastern Ranges Morwell Football Ground 12 NOON ROUND 11 Saturday 2nd July Eastern Ranges vs. Bendigo Pioneers Box Hill City Oval 10:10 AM Calder Cannons vs. Dandenong Stingrays Highgate Rec. Reserve 11:00 AM Northern Knights vs. Geelong Falcons Preston City Oval 1:00 PM Oakleigh Chargers vs. Murray Bushrangers Warrawee Park 2:00 PM Western Jets vs. Gippsland Power Shepley Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 3rd July Sandringham Dragons vs. North Ballarat Rebels Trevor Barker Beach 11:00 AM ROUND 12 Saturday 9th July Western Jets vs. Eastern Ranges Box Hill City Oval 11:00 AM Bendigo Pioneers vs. Sandringham Dragons Epsom Huntly Reserve 1:00 PM Geelong Falcons vs. Calder Cannons Skilled Stadium 1:00 PM Gippsland Power vs. Northern Knights Morwell Football Ground 1:00 PM North Ballarat Rebels vs. Oakleigh Chargers Eureka Stadium 1:00 PM Dandenong Stingrays vs. Murray Bushrangers Shepley Oval 2:30 PM Development Weekend 23rd & 24th July ROUND 14 Saturday 30th July Calder Cannons vs. Oakleigh Chargers Highgate Rec. Reserve 11:00 AM Bendigo Pioneers vs. Northern Knights Epsom Huntly Reserve 1:00 PM Murray Bushrangers vs. Gippsland Power Highgate Rec. Reserve 1:30 PM Sunday 31st July Sandringham Dragons vs. Eastern Ranges Box Hill City Oval 11:00 AM North Ballarat Rebels vs. Western Jets Eureka Stadium 1:00 PM Dandenong Stingrays vs. Geelong Falcons Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Development Weekend 6th & 7th August ROUND 15 Saturday 13th August Dandenong Stingrays vs. Sandringham Dragons Shepley Oval 11:00 AM Northern Knights vs. Murray Bushrangers Highgate Rec. Reserve 1:00 PM Geelong Falcons vs. Eastern Ranges Skilled Stadium 1:00 PM Western Jets vs. Bendigo Pioneers Queen Elizabeth Oval 1:00 PM Oakleigh Chargers vs. Gippsland Power Warrawee Park 2:00 PM Sunday 14th August North Ballarat Rebels vs. Calder Cannons Horsham City Oval 1:00 PM ROUND 16 Saturday 20th August Calder Cannons vs. Northern Knights Highgate Rec. Reserve 11:00 AM Gippsland Power vs. Sandringham Dragons Morwell Football Ground 12 NOON Geelong Falcons vs. Western Jets Skilled Stadium 1:00 PM Murray Bushrangers vs. North Ballarat Rebels Norm Minns Oval 1:00 PM Oakleigh Chargers vs. Bendigo Pioneers Warrawee Park 2:00 PM Sunday 21st August Eastern Ranges vs. Dandenong Stingrays Box Hill City Oval 11:00 AM ROUND 17 Saturday 27th August Sandringham Dragons vs. Western Jets Highgate Rec. Reserve 9:45 AM Bendigo Pioneers vs. Dandenong Stingrays Highgate Rec. Reserve 12:15 PM Gippsland Power vs. Calder Cannons Highgate Rec. Reserve 2:45 PM Sunday 28th August Geelong Falcons vs. Oakleigh Chargers Visy Park 9:45 AM Murray Bushrangers vs. Eastern Ranges Visy Park 12:15 PM Northern Knights vs. North Ballarat Rebels Visy Park 2:45 PM 2011 TAC Cup Finals Series Qualifying and Elimination Finals Saturday 3rd September / Sunday 4th September Semi Finals Saturday 10th September / Sunday 11th September Preliminary Finals Saturday 17th September / Sunday 18th September Grand Final Sunday 25th September Etihad Stadium ROUND 6 Saturday 14th May Northern Knights vs. Dandenong Stingrays Preston City Oval 11:00 AM Tasmania vs. Sandringham Dragons Bellerive Oval 12 NOON North Ballarat Rebels vs. Eastern Ranges Eureka Stadium 1:00 PM Queensland vs. Calder Cannons Yeronga Football Ground 1:00 PM Sunday 15th May Gippsland Power vs. Oakleigh Chargers Morwell Football Ground 12 NOON Geelong Falcons vs. Bendigo Pioneers Skilled Stadium 1:00 PM Western Jets vs. Murray Bushrangers Deakin Reserve 1:00 PM ROUND 13 Saturday 16th July Oakleigh Chargers vs. Dandenong Stingrays Warrawee Park 11:00 AM Eastern Ranges vs. Calder Cannons Box Hill City Oval 11:30 AM Gippsland Power vs. Bendigo Pioneers Box Hill City Oval 2:00 PM Northern Knights vs. Sandringham Dragons Preston City Oval 2:00 PM Sunday 17th July Murray Bushrangers vs. Western Jets Norm Minns Oval 11:00 AM Geelong Falcons vs. North Ballarat Rebels Skilled Stadium 1:00 PM 38 vic.com.au

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