state match nigel carmody marc greig Victorian football league good old carmody forever New Magpie celebrates 150-game milestone inc

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1 state match nigel carmody marc greig Victorian football league Record good old carmody forever New Magpie celebrates 150-game milestone inc EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Round 9 june 7-9, 2008 $3 gst

2 Congratulations to DAVID STRETTON (Williamstown) This week s winner of the Ford Best on Ground Ute Visit theoval.com.au for more information. theoval.com.au

3 VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE editorial Congratulations to South australia for its victory against the VFl last Saturday at the adelaide oval. Credit where credit is due, the host state outplayed us in all facets of the game after the opening 10 minutes. So, what do we take out of the match? Well, it would have been nice to have had Messrs Baird, Byrne, Poyas, Sautner, Summers and co. fit and available, but injuries are beyond anyone s control. It was also pleasing to see so many ex-vfl players, including Fos Williams medallist and former Box Hill captain Clint Alleway, former Werribee rover James Allan, and former North Ballarat and Port Melbourne star Jeremy Clayton, all play so well. There are, however, no excuses. South Australia thoroughly deserved its win and will have bragging rights until we next meet in Melbourne in While the South Australians may claim the victory gives them ownership of the best competition outside the AFL it is hard to justify such a claim on the outcome of one match. SA better on the day outside the afl VFl still leads the way The result is not an accurate reflection of the standard of the VFL, which is like no other state league in the country. It is largely a development competition made up of aspiring young footballers, mostly in their first three years out of the TAC Cup, and a sprinkling of seasoned players. Each and every week these players come up against AFLlisted players playing in aligned VFL clubs. On any given week there can be as many as 14 AFL-listed players in a VFL team. And, there are five times as many AFL clubs supplying players to the VFL as there are in the SANFL. Consequently, the standard of the competition in the VFL has to be greater than in any other state league. The SANFL caters for the more mature player. That s fine; it caters for the needs of SANFL clubs. But it is folly to suggest the result of one match proves anything more than which state played better on that given day. Certainly, the VFL team s performance was disappointing, but for many of its young players the lessons learned will prove invaluable in their football development. Our appreciation goes to coach Gerard FitzGerald and his assistants Bruce Davis, Anthony Eames and Troy West for their professionalism leading up to, and on, match day. Unfortunately, our team was not good enough on the day, but this did not tarnish the VFL competition. John Hook Football Operations Manager, AFL Victoria STATE MATCH NIGEL CARMODY MARC GREIG RECORD GOOD OLD CARMODY FOREVER New Magpie celebrates 150-game milestone EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE ROUND 9 JUNE 7-9, 2008 $3 round 9 JUNE 7-9, 2008 CoVer: Collingwood s Nigel Carmody celebrates his 150-game milestone against Sandringham this Sunday. afl Victoria Chief executive officer: Peter Schwab Football operations Manager: John Hook Statistics: Sam Coen Manager director, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Geoff Slattery editor: Nick Bowen designer: Karl Chandler Photo Manager: Natalie Boccassini Photography: Getty Images (02) advertising: Jennifer Pryor (03) Printed by: Condor Printing address correspondence: The Editor, GPO Box 4337, Melbourne, Phone: (03) ContentS State match 5-8 Round eight statistics Round nine preview 22 Nigel Carmody s 150th game 23 Young gun: James Charlesworth 25 Box Hill s VFL success story 26 Marc Greig 27 VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 3

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5 state game SA streamroll the Vics Former VFL players star for the sanfl Photo courtesy of Sports in Focus. Williamstown s David Stretton launches a rare Victorian attack in last Saturday s state match. south australia, led by a swag of ex-vfl players, earned bragging rights for the next three years when they belted Victoria by 65 points at the adelaide Oval last saturday. Former Box Hill captain Clint Alleway, who managed just a solitary goal when he represented Victoria in 2005, sparked South Australia s (161) to (96) victory with six goals. While Alleway provided a strong marking target all day for South Australia, he was ably supported in the midfield by ex-werribee rover James Allan, dual North Ballarat and Port Melbourne best and fairest winner Jeremy Clayton and Brett Backwell, who won the 2001 J.J. Liston Trophy when he was on Carlton s list. Interestingly, six SA players Alleway, Allan, Backwell, Clayton, James Gowans and Ben Kane all played in the VFL. South Australia s overall superiority was such it was hard to find an Victorian winner apart from Frank Johnson medallist Robin Nahas, forward Patrick Rose and defender Jarrod Silvester. But when Jason Cloke, Hayden Skipworth and Rose all goaled within the opening six minutes the VFL led by 3.1 to 0.0. Nahas was brilliant in the opening 10 minutes as he had an impact in the each of the first three goals and then missed a goal he probably should have kicked. After the South Australians settled down, they ran in numbers, and provided clean delivery to their multiple forward-line targets. Conversely, the VFL side was seemingly always under pressure after quarter time, couldn t hit targets and had few outright winners. From the six-minute mark of the first quarter to the three-minute mark of the third quarter, the hosts kicked 15.5 to 2.3. Victoria had trailed by only one point at quarter-time and, though South Australia was beginning to gain the ascendency from the centre and around the stoppages, no one could have envisaged what the second quarter held. But former Adelaide Crow Ian Perrie soon set the tone, and kicked the opening two goals within three minutes. Perrie marked with authority, repeatedly feeding his running midfielders and providing a constant target whenever the South Australians streamed forward. When Leigh Treeby and Daniel Havelberg each added goals, South Australia had kicked four goals in the first 10 minutes of the second quarter. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 5

6 state game And with ruckman Craig Parry and Brad Dabrowski controlling the centre bounces and stoppages, the South Australian midfield was soon well on top. Treeby, best and fairest last season for Woodville-West Torrens, kicked a further two goals for the quarter, while Charlie Sharples, Port Adelaide rookie Nick Salter and Backwell also added majors of their own. In all, South Australia kicked 9.2 to the Victorians two points, which left the Vics trailing by 55 points at half-time, the match effectively over. During its match-winning blitz, South Australia kicked 11 unanswered goals, which, not surprisingly, deflated the Victorians. When Alleway, winner of the Fos Williams Medal as the best South Australian player, converted from a mark two minutes into the third quarter it appeared South Australia could be headed for a winning margin in the 100s. But to the VFL side s credit, it fought out the remainder of the match, the SANFL side winning the second half by just 10 points, 11.6 to 9.8. Admittedly, the VFL kicked 6.5 in the final quarter its only winning term but by that stage the sting had gone out of the match. Earlier, Victorian coach Gerard FitzGerald had been powerless to stop Alleway. He tried James Wall (twice), Michael Searle, Jason Cloke and Scott Meyer but none of them could stem his influence. The big SA forward kicked three goals in the third quarter and a further two in the last quarter. Jason Cloke got the Vics off to a flying start with an early goal but faded after that. Photo courtesy of Sports in Focus. Significantly, South Australia s three-pronged attack Alleway, Perrie and Brant Chambers kicked 13 goals between them. While Chambers kicked four goals, Silvester did a good job to subdue the big Sturt full-forward, who topped 100 goals last year and leads the SANFL s goalkicking table again in Two of Chambers goals came during junk time in the final quarter. Conversely, the VFL side s key forwards Cloke and James Podsiadly managed just one goal between them and that (kicked by Cloke) was the first of the match. It was left to Nahas, Rose and Justin Berry, who kicked nine goals between them, to provide the bulk of the Victorians goals. South Australia went inside its forward 50m 60 times while Victoria managed just 40 entries, with 13 of those coming in the last quarter. The hosts also had 60 more possessions than the Vics, with their superior run, carry and link play reflected by the fact they had 36 more handballs. Remarkably, it was South Australia s highest score and biggest winning margin against Victoria since 1951, when the Croweaters kicked (187) to (92). 6 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

7 state match From Port to Port Nahas upholds tradition against sa as Frank Johnson presented the medal carrying his name for the best Victorian player in an interstate match, he told Robin Nahas how glad he was the medal had been won by a Port melbourne player. For Nahas, 20, it meant a lot. Nahas, now in his third season at Port Melbourne, knows better than most the special place Johnson holds among all the champions that have graced the Borough over its 125- year history. It s a great honour to win the medal that carries his moniker, Nahas said. Not only is he a Port Melbourne great, but he s also an AFL hall of famer. It s a real honour just to wear the medal that carries his name. I spoke to Frank, thanked him, but said I had one of those days were the ball bounced my way. Frank told me that good players make their own luck. Nahas said he was hell-bent on performing at his best on the weekend. I really set myself to play well, but also to do the hard things, he said. It wasn t so much about getting the ball, but more about tackling, chasing and spoiling. I tried to work hard defensively and I was hoping the rest would come and luckily for me it did. Nahas was a standout with four goals in a largely disappointing performance, but the Port Melbourne rover was superb all game. He ignited the VFL side as it rushed to a 3.1 to 0.0 start, playing a hand in the Vics first three goals and in seven of their first nine goals. Apart from showcasing his dazzling speed, Nahas applied intense defensive pressure on the Vics forward line, creating several goals by forcing SA turnovers. But Nahas conceded the experience and professionalism of the South Australians had been too hard to counter. Just 12 months ago, Nahas played in the under-23 south-east versus north-west match that served as a curtainraiser to the VFL-WAFL state match at Port Melbourne. He credits Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres for taking his game to the next level in Gary has really helped me understand this year that it s a team game, he said. I m not saying I wasn t team orientated before, but Gary has helped me realise that if the team is playing well it helps the individual. Port Melbourne rover Robin Nahas was superb in Victoria s disappointing loss to South Australia. Photo courtesy of Sports in Focus. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 7

8 state match The pride of South Australia FitzGerald hails older, stronger croweaters south australia, bigger and more experienced, thoroughly deserved its 65-point win against Victoria according to VFL coach Gerard FitzGerald. Photo courtesy of Sports in Focus. Tom Roach was a member of Gerard FitzGerald s losing Victorian team. The VFL, without captain James Byrne, full-forward Nicholas Sautner, Sandringham premiership players Ezra Poyas, Peter Summers and Rod Crowe and Norm Goss medallist John Baird, had no answers to the rampaging South Australians. FitzGerald noted the VFL side was terrific early, but then completely outplayed in the second quarter, when South Australia kicked 9.2 to 0.2. He said the VFL had no answer to the drive generated by SA ruckman Craig Parry and an industrious midfield led by James Allan, Brett Backwell and Jeremy Clayton. As their confidence grew, unfortunately we lost confidence in our system of play, FitzGerald said. We started to play some hesitant football in the way we used the ball and our turnovers proved very costly. The quality of their football movement and the quality of supply really gave our blokes a football lesson. Their targets up forward just complemented the quality of their ball use. FitzGerald dismissed criticism that the VFL s short lead up compared to the South Australian s five-week preparation was a factor in the outcome. I don t think we can make any firm conclusions, FitzGerald said. We certainly lacked that senior mature type of player and I think it s a reminder of the complexity of selecting a VFL team. We deliberately picked a fit, in-form, young team and we came up well short. What we saw is that the SANFL is a different competition. It s older and it s a competition with more mature bodies. They had a number of players like Ian Perrie that were immediately off an AFL list. FitzGerald said apart from Robin Nahas, Jarrod Silvester and Patrick Rose it was hard to find a Victorian who played well. He said Nahas responded to the challenge of playing state football. His reputation as a player has been enhanced and full credit to him, FitzGerald said. In other campaigns I have been involved with other players like him Andrew Carrazzo and Andrew Lovett have stepped up to the next level. Meanwhile, South Australian coach Darel Hart was humble in victory. Hart, who is 3-0 as SA coach, praised the Victorians for the way they charged out of the blocks, but noted he was always confident his team would respond. They are a very good team, Hart said. 8

9 tipsters VFL tipsters Paul Amy Leader Newspapers North Ballarat 12pts Williamstown 17pts port Melbourne 15pts Casey scorpions 11pts sandringham 44pts Coburg tigers 26pts Box Hill Hawks 22pts last round: 7 Ross Booth ABC-TV North Ballarat 25pts Williamstown 30pts port Melbourne 45pts Casey scorpions 10pts sandringham 60pts Coburg tigers 15pts Box Hill Hawks 5pts last round: 6 Phil Cleary ABC-TV North Ballarat 20pts Williamstown 26pts port Melbourne 18pts Casey scorpions 30pts sandringham 36pts Coburg tigers 19pts Bendigo Bombers 30pts last round: 7 Scott Cummings 3AW North Ballarat 31pts Williamstown 12pts port Melbourne 3pts Casey scorpions 12pts sandringham 18pts Werribee tigers 2pts Box Hill Hawks 8pts last round: 3 Carley Jellett The Age North Ballarat 30pts Northern Bullants 12pts tasmania 1pt Geelong 17pts sandringham 19pts Coburg tigers 26pts Bendigo Bombers 1pt last round: 5 Adrian Dunn Herald Sun North Ballarat 16pts Williamstown 18pts port Melbourne 6pts Casey scorpions 3pts sandringham 20pts Coburg tigers 9pts Box Hill Hawks 12pts last round: 7 Lady Luck North Ballarat 20pts Williamstown 14pts port Melbourne 15pts Casey scorpions 13pts sandringham 40pts Coburg tigers 1pt Bendigo Bombers 9pts last round: 5 John Hook Football Operations Manager, AFL Victoria North Ballarat 20pts Williamstown 10pts tasmania 6pts Casey scorpions 10pts sandringham 15pts Coburg tigers 2pts Bendigo Bombers 6pts last round: 5 Tony Leonard 3AW North Ballarat 12pts Williamstown 13pts port Melbourne 8pts Geelong 17pts sandringham 19pts Werribee tigers 2pts Box Hill Hawks 1pt last round: 7 Chris Mitchell Herald Sun North Ballarat 14pts Williamstown 7pts port Melbourne 28pts Casey scorpions 8pts sandringham 35pts Werribee tigers 12pts Box Hill Hawks 22pts last round: 6 Peter Schwab AFL Victoria CEO North Ballarat 20pts Williamstown 14pts port Melbourne 20pts Casey scorpions 18pts sandringham 30pts Werribee tigers 2pts Box Hill Hawks 20pts last round: 7 LeADeRBoARD John Hook 42 adrian dunn 36 lady luck 40 Carley Jellett 36 ross Booth 38 Chris Mitchell 36 paul amy 37 tony leonard 33 phil Cleary 37 scott Cummings 30 peter schwab 37 For all the latest VFl results and competition details, log on to VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 9

10 club notes VFL club notes box Hill Hawks Welcome to representatives from the Whitehorse Community Chest, which has been supporting the area s less fortunate citizens for nearly 50 years. The main annual fundraiser has been the Whitehorse Door Knock Appeal, which will be held in June. Box Hill Hawks Ball, Saturday, June 28 at Crown Entertainment Complex. $110 a person, includes three-course meal, beverages and entertainment. Bookings: Williamstown Congratulations to the five Williamstown players that took on the SANFL last Saturday at Adelaide Oval Victorian captain Brett Johnson, Jason Cloke, Patrick Rose, Scott Meyer and David Stretton. Our next home game is against Frankston on Sunday, June 15. Life members day president s luncheon: guest speaker Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade; life members $20, their guests $30 and normal guests $40. Williamstown Football Auction, Saturday, July 26, 7.30pm at The Yarraville Club. Tickets $35. Williamstown Mid-season Ball, Saturday, July 12, 7.30pm at Crown Casino. Tickets $120. Information and bookings: Brendan Curry/Trent Mosbey , bcurry@westernjets.asn.au. Werribee tigers Players gala ball, Saturday, July 12, Moonee Valley Racecourse. Tickets $90, which includes a three-course meal and drinks, live band and hypnotist Kevin Grise. Bookings: Stuart or Don Gleeson. Past players day, Sunday, July 6, with all senior best and fairest winners invited to lunch. The next home game lunch, sponsored by CS Consulting Group, will feature Des Tuddenham and Russell Mark as guest speakers. Cost $40, which includes a two-course meal and drinks. Bookings: Auction night, Werribee Racecourse, Saturday, August 2, cost $60, includes three-course meal and drinks. Bookings: north ballarat Health awareness, particularly of men s health, is under the spotlight at today s game thanks to the City of Ballarat, Ballarat Health Services and the Roosters. The three organisations have teamed together to raise funds to purchase a resectoscope to assist in prostate surgery and to raise awareness of the importance of men over 40 seeing their doctor at least once a year. A super boot competition, proudly sponsored by Oliver Footwear, to identify the longest kick in Ballarat, will be held at half-time, along with a raffle and auction to raise further funds for the hospital. The Selkirk Roosters will again proudly wear the Come to Life Ballarat jumper. northern bullants The Northern Bullants are holding a past players day on June 29 at Preston City Oval (versus Port Melbourne) and acknowledge the 40th anniversary of the club s 1968 premiership. Free admission for Northern Football League club members. Vote today for the Crazy John s Supporter s Choice Award by sending an SMS of the Ants best player along with your name and contact number to Further info: northernbullants.com.au. coburg tigers Next luncheon is round 11 versus Casey Scorpions. Roast meals with Watch out for V tv each week on Ford s theoval.com.au. the show features all the latest VFl news, with hosts Dwayne Russell and nigel carmody previewing the coming matches. 10 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

11 club notes salads and accompaniments for $25 (kids $15). Bookings: by 3pm Wednesday prior to match. Jake King is returning to Coburg for Coburg Footy Fit, a fantastic way for anyone to get fit in a fun and footy-style environment. Further info: Port Melbourne We encourage everyone to buy the VFL Football Record to keep up to date with what is happening at the Borough. Super Draw Day, Sunday, July 20 in the social rooms at TEAC Oval. Only 100 tickets at $100; each admits three people on the day. Great entertainment with John Garfield from 12-3pm. Buffet luncheon with door prizes ranging from $100-$2000. Latest info: pmfc.com.au casey scorpions The next couple of months at Casey Fields will be busy with six home games. Our president s luncheon this weekend celebrates our life members. The 25-year reunion of the 1983 premiership team, Sunday, June 29: if you were a team member come and join us. Scorpions gala ball and auction night, Friday, July 25, Castello s at Berwick Springs. Tickets: call Sally. Club info: or scorpions.com.au. Frankston The Dolphin Bistro is open every home game from 12-2pm offering a beautiful three-course luncheon for only $20 per person or $15 for Senior Card holders. Bookings advisable: Wednesday, June 25, Grandstand fire fundraiser. We are holding a major fundraiser to try and bring in some much needed finances to the club. Tickets are $150 and include a beautiful three-course dinner and drinks, megasports panel, entertainment and auction. Bookings: VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 11

12 statistics VFL statistics Round 8 seniors AFTER ROUND 8 P W L D F A % PTS Williamstown north Ballarat sandringham casey scorpions coburg tigers Port Melbourne Frankston Geelong Northern Bullants Werribee Tigers Tasmania Bendigo Bombers Collingwood Box Hill Hawks VFL GoaLkickeRs (PROGRESSIVE) nicholas sautner (Sandringham) 40 (7) James Podsiadly (Werribee Tigers) 28 (5) adrian Bonaddio (Port Melbourne) 21 (5) aaron Murray (Frankston) 19 (1) Justin Berry (Frankston) 18 (1) scott simpson (Geelong) 17 (-) Josh smith (North Ballarat) 17 (6) Robin nahas (Port Melbourne) 17 (1) Patrick Rose (Williamstown) 17 (5) dean Galea (Williamstown) 16 (-) Paul colbert (Northern Bullants) 15 (2) Jarrad Grant (Williamstown) 15 (2) Paul McMahon (North Ballarat) 15 (2) Williamstown (153) Box Hill Hawks (90) GoaLs: Williamstown - Rose 5, Little 4, Harbrow 2, Cloke 2, Street 2, Ward 2, Grant 2, Picken, Hill, Stack, Cook. Box Hill Hawks - Dowler 4, Markovic 2, Breese, Whitecross, Neil, Morrell, Grima, O Sullivan, Cross. Best: Williamstown - Stretton, Ward, Picken, Tiller, Rose, Cloke. Box Hill Hawks - Neil, Markovic, Gibson, Renouf, Neville, Hunter. Werribee tigers (126) Collingwood (71) GoaLs: Werribee tigers - Podsiadly 5, Brown 5, Davies 3, Chisholm 2, Ross, Rockefeller, Wormald. collingwood - Nicholls 3, Cox 2, Reid 2, Cook, Goldsack, Barham. Best: Werribee tigers - Davies, Chisholm, S. Thompson, Brown, Howard, Henderson. collingwood - McCarthy, Nicholls, Cox, Colbert, Frost, Dyas. Port Melbourne (106) Casey Scorpions (76) GoaLs: Port Melbourne - Bonaddio 5, Mullins 2, McMahon 2, Fanning 2, Schultz, Nahas, Cotchett, O Keefe, Spriggs. casey scorpions - C. Gardiner 2, Garrubba, Matthews, Silvagni, Armitage, Howard, Rix, Wall, Gwilt. Best: Port Melbourne - Bonaddio, S. Brewer, Pleming, Pinwill, McGrath, Spriggs. casey scorpions - Gwilt, Armitage, Matthews, Rix, Garrubba, Howard. Frankston (161) Tasmania (95) GoaLs: Frankston - Morris 4, Lourey 3, Marigliani 3, Gabriel 3, Limbach 3, Conroy 2, Murray, Berry, Proctor, Corp, Winterton. tasmania - Bongetti 5, Setchell 2, Hardy 2, Plummer, George, Creese, Charlesworth, Cox, Cornelius. Best: Frankston - Marigliani, Morris, Gabriel, Conroy, Barry, Oliver. tasmania - Bongetti, Setchell, Andrews, Savage, Charlesworth, George. north Ballarat (117) Geelong (86) GoaLs: north Ballarat - Jo. Smith 6, Driscoll 2, Roach 2, McMahon 2, McConnell, Spolding, Sansbury, Urquhart, Feery. Geelong - Byrnes 3, Davenport 3, Lonergan 3, Cheep, Hogan, Simpkin. Best: north Ballarat - Jo. Smith, Stephenson, Clifton, McConnell, Greig, Roach. Geelong - Byrnes, Rooke, Mumford, Prismall, Lonergan, Davenport. ROUND 10 Saturday, June 14 casey scorpions v sandringham ROUND 12 Saturday, June 28 Box Hill Hawks v collingwood VFL action on abc-tv ROUND 11 Saturday, June 21 tasmania v Werribee tigers ROUND 13 Saturday, July 5 Port Melbourne v Bendigo Bombers sandringham (105) Northern Bullants (60) GoaLs: sandringham - Sautner 7, Summers 2, Sylvia 2, Tregear, Bode, Meesen, Dunn. northern Bullants - Colbert 2, Benjamin 2, Boundy, Mercuri, Armfield, Teague. Best: sandringham - Yze, C. Johnson, Lamb, Waller, Tregear, Sautner. northern Bullants - Saddington, Anderson, J. Vansittart, Colbert, Iacobucci, Lappin. coburg tigers (145) Bendigo Bombers (94) GoaLs: coburg tigers - Tivendale 5, F. Caruso 4, Polak 4, Morton 2, N. Caruso 2, McGuane, Shelton, Carnell, Howat, Lynch. Bendigo Bombers - Bellchambers 3, Laycock 3, Geary, Bowe, Bristow, Davies, Hooker, Skipworth, Weeks. Best: coburg tigers - Polak, F. Caruso, Tivendale, Shelton, Carnell, Polo. Bendigo Bombers - Skipworth, Ramanauskas, Michael, Coghlan, Flaherty, Laycock. 12 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

13 statistics Round 7 ReseRVes AFTER ROUND 7 P W L D B F A % PTS coburg tigers Williamstown sandringham Frankston north Ballarat Box Hill Hawks Northern Bullants Port Melbourne Casey Scorpions Werribee Tigers Bendigo Bombers VFL ReseRVe GoaLkickeRs (PROGRESSIVE) trent Zomer (Sandringham) 19 (2) clayton collard (Coburg Tigers) 19 (4) nick Lynch (Coburg Tigers) 15 (-) Paul o shea (Williamstown) 15 (1) adam cook (Williamstown) 14 (-) Matthew Little (Williamstown) 13 (-) Bill driscoll (North Ballarat) 13 (-) Jonathon Mercuri (Northern Bullants) 13 (-) simon seddon (North Ballarat) 13 (-) Paul currie (Coburg Tigers) 13 (2) Robbie Gregg (North Ballarat) 11 (-) Guy Martyn (Sandringham) 11 (2) Williamstown (170) Box Hill Hawks (70) GoaLs: Williamstown - Wood 4, Young 3, Mulligan 3, Lyons 2, Keddell 2, Langlands 2, Galea 2, McKenzie 2, Dickson, Chiu, O Shea, Reid, Beaumont. Box Hill Hawks - Walsh 2, Hoegel 2, Pedersen 2, Sandilands, Philp, Conyers, Smithwick. Best: Williamstown - Beaumont, McKenzie, Wood, Reid, Young, Galea. Box Hill Hawks - Pedersen, Kelleher, Carey, Angelopoulos, Sinclair, Conyers. Port Melbourne (130) Casey Scorpions (80) GoaLs: Port Melbourne - Dwyer 4, Pearce 4, Bonnici 2, Paule 2, Dare 2, Livingstone 2, Sheldon, Neville, Baxter. casey scorpions - Haretuku 3, MacLeod 2, Fridman, Terry, Wright, McGrath, Williams, Matheson, Salter. Best: Port Melbourne - Dwyer, Pearce, Sheldon, Neville, N. Brewer, Dillon. casey scorpions - Waite, Williams, Snow, Mercoulia, Mohr, Haretuku. sandringham (142) Northern Bullants (29) GoaLs: sandringham - Hardiman 4, Williams 4, Zomer 2, Weetra 2, Summons 2, Martyn 2, McConnell 2, Dean, Lyall, Eaton, Gribbin. northern Bullants - A. O hailpin, Lawless, Macula. Best: sandringham - Martyn, Williams, Monaghan, B. Liddell, Hardiman, Weetra. northern Bullants - D. Davies, Blackwell, Dennis, Taylor, Lawless, Williams. Frankston (116) Werribee Tigers (92) GoaLs: Frankston - Barker 4, Barnes 3, Keely 2, Dickson 2, Gill, Comben, Clark, Raso, Lloyd, Calteri. Werribee tigers - Bloomfield 3, Cunningham 2, Palmer 2, Sheringham 2, Hardy, Quigley, Patterson, Morrow. Best: Frankston - McCall, Keely, Barker, Comben, Dunne, Gill. Werribee tigers - Sheringham, Palmer, Collins, Bloomfield, Hardy, Morrow. coburg tigers (212) Bendigo Bombers (45) GoaLs: coburg tigers - De Sousa 5, Collard 4, Clifton 3, Rayson 3, Dulic 3, Jordan 3, Currie 2, Carrick 2, Cattapan, Corr, Meyer, Jones, Putt. Bendigo Bombers - Stroobants 3, Pilcher 2, Wilmott, Harrington. Best: coburg tigers - Huy, Corr, Rayson, Clifton, Meyer, Smith. Bendigo Bombers - Anderson, Stroobants, Roy, Kennedy, Pilcher, Arnott. VFL senior FieLd umpires 2008 BEARD, Dan...1 PANNELL, Troy...2 DONAT, Matthew...3 JENNINGS, Michael...4 MITCHELL, Andrew...5 FINDLAY, Robert...6 PAWLEY, Brent...7 OAKLEY, Matthew...8 SAUNDERS, Tim...9 MACKIE, Simon...10 BROWN, Matthew...11 McCARTHY, Troy...12 GRINDAL, Jamie...13 HOSKINS, Wayne...14 BANNISTER, Ben (Tas)...15 LEPPARD, Matthew...16 RITCHIE, Brett...17 DENISON, Greg...18 BROMLEY, Ashley MILLS, Richard...21 CAPELL, Clinton RALPH, Stuart (Tas) BURGESS, Tristan...24 GLEESON, Shaun (Tas) LEHNER, Ben (Tas) Note: AFL Umpires will wear 30, 31, 34, 38, 39, 40 VFL action on radio Round 9 saturday, June 7 northern Bullants v Williamstown sunday, June 8 casey scorpions v Geelong Round 9 saturday, June 7 northern Bullants v Williamstown sunday, June 8 sandringham v collingwood Round 9 Monday, June 9 Box Hill Hawks v Bendigo Bombers VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 13

14 afl victoria community news AFL Victoria community news Geoffrey Morgan has served the Sorrento Football Club for 50 years. volunteer of the week Geoffrey morgan sorrento football club this week s afl victoria volunteer of the week is Geoffrey morgan from the sorrento football club. A life member, Geoffrey has been involved with the club for 50 years, both on and off the field. He has been the treasurer since 1985 and is team manager for the seniors. He has also served as team manager for the reserves and under-18s, and has been the major organiser of fundraising events. Still as active as ever, Geoffrey attends training every Tuesday and Thursday night, and every home and away game. He is held in high esteem by past and present players as well as committee members and, in 2004, a plaque was placed at the Sorrento Sports Club s entrance in I m pretty good at managing people - even difficult ones.??????????????? I think it s because I have the ability to relate to their??????????????? everyday concerns. Most importantly,??????????????????????? I ll take the time to listen.???????? I like diversity in a job, and enjoy using my experience to negotiate??????????????????????????????? and solve problems. I always apply myself to the task at hand and now I m ready to succeed at something completely different. I d like to know more about becoming a Prison Officer. Apply at careers in corrections recognition of his service to the Sorrento Football Club and the Sorrento Cricket Club. Geoffrey is a great ambassador for both clubs and is highly respected by the presidents from all opposition clubs and the governing bodies of both competitions. AFL Victoria would like to congratulate Geoffrey on his ongoing contribution to the Sorrento Football Club. To nominate for Volunteer of the Week and Club of the Week awards, Darryl Collings at darryl.collings@aflvic.com.au. The Volunteer of the Year and Community Club of the Year will be selected from the weekly winner and announced at AFL Victoria s members dinner in February The Community Club of the Year also receives $1500 from AFL Victoria, so get your nominations in now! 14 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

15 VFL fixture 2008 Round 1 SaTURday, MaRch 29 coburg Tigers (178) vs. Geelong 16.7 (103) Bendigo Bombers (119) vs. Tasmania (90) collingwood (87) vs. Port Melbourne 11.8 (74) North Ballarat (126) vs. Box Hill Hawks 8.8 (56) Werribee Tigers (73) vs. Williamstown (129) SUNday, MaRch 30 Frankston (97) vs. Northern Bullants (81) Sandringham (119) vs. Casey Scorpions (82) Round 2 - Rivalry Round SaTURday, april 5 North Ballarat (112) vs. Bendigo Bombers 9.6 (60) Williamstown (162) vs. Collingwood (94) port Melbourne 17.7 (109) vs. Sandringham (108) casey Scorpions (110) vs. Frankston 9.18 (72) SUNday, april 6 Geelong 22.8 (140) vs. Werribee Tigers (87) Box Hill Hawks (85) vs. Tasmania (88) Northern Bullants (107) vs. Coburg Tigers (104) Round 3 SaTURday, april 12 Tasmania (125) vs. Geelong (101) Williamstown 24.7 (151) vs. Port Melbourne (114) Northern Bullants 20.8 (128) vs. Collingwood 12.5 (77) Coburg Tigers (91) vs. North Ballarat (92) casey Scorpions (122) vs. Box Hill Hawks (89) SUNday, april 13 Sandringham (90) vs. Frankston (102) Werribee Tigers (115) vs. Bendigo Bombers (95) Round 4 SaTURday, april 19 Geelong (112) vs. Williamstown 12.8 (80) Northern Bullants (84) vs. Tasmania (74) port Melbourne (155) vs. Coburg Tigers (107) SUNday, april 20 Frankston (83) vs. collingwood (100) North Ballarat 19.9 (123) vs. Werribee Tigers (94) Box Hill Hawks (76) vs. Sandringham (164) Bendigo Bombers 14.8 (92) vs. casey Scorpions (133) Round 5 FRIday, april 25 (anzac day) coburg Tigers (79) vs. Box Hill Hawks 10.7 (67) Tasmania 17.9 (111) vs. Casey Scorpions (92) SaTURday, april 26 Sandringham (159) vs. Bendigo Bombers (89) SUNday, april 27 Williamstown (123) vs. North Ballarat (106) Northern Bullants (87) vs. Werribee Tigers (103) SaTURday, May 3 port Melbourne (109) vs. Frankston 7.9 (51) SUNday, May 4 Collingwood 10.7 (67) vs. Geelong 19.9 (123) Round 6 SaTURday, May 10 coburg Tigers (121) vs. Collingwood 10.8 (68) Box Hill Hawks (90) vs. Geelong 16.8 (104) North Ballarat 18.7 (115) vs. Tasmania 9.12 (66) Werribee Tigers (115) vs. Port Melbourne (100) Bendigo Bombers (83) vs. Frankston (80) SUNday, May 11 Williamstown (130) vs. Sandringham 9.12 (66) casey Scorpions (164) vs. Northern Bullants 6.10 (46) Round 7 SaTURday, May 17 Tasmania 7.9 (51) vs. Sandringham (203) Geelong 6.15 (51) vs. coburg Tigers (85) casey Scorpions (71) vs. Collingwood 3.10 (28) SUNday, May 18 Frankston (148) vs. Werribee Tigers 6.16 (52) Northern Bullants 16.9 (105) vs. North Ballarat 9.9 (63) Box Hill Hawks (92) vs. port Melbourne (140) Bendigo Bombers (90) vs. Williamstown (127) Round 8 SaTURday, May 24 Williamstown (153) vs. Box Hill Hawks (90) port Melbourne (106) vs. Casey Scorpions (76) Werribee Tigers (126) vs. Collingwood (71) SUNday, May 25 North Ballarat (117) vs. Geelong (86) coburg Tigers (145) vs. Bendigo Bombers (94) Frankston (161) vs. Tasmania 15.5 (95) Sandringham (105) vs. Northern Bullants 8.12 (60) SANFL vs. VFL - State Representative Match SaNFL (161) vs. VFL (96) Round 9 SaTURday, JUNE 7 North Ballarat vs. Frankston AUSTAR Arena (ABC TV) 1:10pm Northern Bullants vs. Williamstown Princes Park 2pm Tasmania vs. Port Melbourne Bellerive Oval 2pm SUNday, JUNE 8 Casey Scorpions vs. Geelong Casey Fields 2pm Sandringham vs. Collingwood Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Coburg Tigers Bartercard Oval 2pm MoNday, JUNE 9 Box Hill Hawks vs. Bendigo Bombers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Round 10 SaTURday, JUNE 14 Casey Scorpions vs. Sandringham Casey Fields (ABC TV) 1:10pm Collingwood vs. Northern Bullants Princes Park 2pm Tasmania vs. Coburg Tigers West Park Oval 1pm Port Melbourne vs. North Ballarat TEAC Oval 2pm SUNday, JUNE 15 Williamstown vs. Frankston Burbank Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Werribee Tigers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Geelong QE Oval 2pm Round 11 SaTURday, JUNE 21 Tasmania vs. Werribee Tigers Bellerive Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm Collingwood vs. Williamstown Princes Park 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. North Ballarat QE Oval 7pm SUNday, JUNE 22 Sandringham vs. Port Melbourne Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Frankston vs. Box Hill Hawks Frankston Oval 2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions ABD Group Stadium 2pm Geelong vs. Northern Bullants Skilled Stadium 2pm Round 12 SaTURday, JUNE 28 Geelong vs. Tasmania Skilled Stadium 1pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Collingwood Box Hill City Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm North Ballarat vs. Williamstown AUSTAR Arena 2pm SUNday, JUNE 29 Frankston vs. Coburg Tigers Frankston Oval 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Bendigo Bombers Casey Fields 2pm Northern Bullants vs. Port Melbourne NAB Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Sandringham Bartercard Oval 2pm Round 13 SaTURday, JULy 5 Port Melbourne vs. Bendigo Bombers TEAC Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm SUNday, JULy 6 North Ballarat vs. Sandringham AUSTAR Arena 2pm Collingwood vs. Frankston Princes Park 2pm Williamstown vs. Casey Scorpions Burbank Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Coburg Tigers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Tasmania vs. Northern Bullants Bellerive Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Geelong Bartercard Oval 2pm FIXTURE Round 14 SaTURday, JULy 12 Geelong vs. Box Hill Hawks Skilled Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Werribee Tigers vs. Frankston Bartercard Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm Casey Scorpions vs. Tasmania Casey Fields 2pm Sandringham vs. Williamstown Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Port Melbourne ABD Group Stadium 2pm SUNday, JULy 13 Bendigo Bombers vs. Northern Bullants QE Oval 2pm Collingwood vs. North Ballarat Princes Park 2pm Round 15 SaTURday, JULy 19 Geelong vs. North Ballarat Skilled Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Northern Bullants vs. Box Hill Hawks NAB Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm SUNday, JULy 20 Werribee Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions Bartercard Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Coburg Tigers Burbank Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. Tasmania Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm SaTURday, JULy 26 Frankston vs. Port Melbourne Frankston Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm SUNday, JULy 27 Collingwood vs. Bendigo Bombers Princes Park 2pm Round 16 SaTURday, august 2 Geelong vs. Collingwood Skilled Stadium (ABC TV) 1:10pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Casey Scorpions Box Hill City Oval 2pm Port Melbourne vs. Werribee Tigers TEAC Oval 2pm Tasmania vs. Williamstown Bellerive Oval 2pm SUNday, august 3 North Ballarat vs. Coburg Tigers AUSTAR Arena 2pm Frankston vs. Bendigo Bombers Frankston Oval 2pm Northern Bullants vs. Sandringham Princes Park 2pm Round 17 SaTURday, august 9 Tasmania vs. Frankston Aurora Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Collingwood vs. Werribee Tigers Princes Park 1pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Box Hill Hawks QE Oval (ABC TV) 1:10pm Port Melbourne vs. Williamstown TEAC Oval 2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Northern Bullants ABD Group Stadium 2pm SUNday, august 10 Casey Scorpions vs. North Ballarat Casey Fields 2pm Sandringham vs. Geelong Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Round 18 SaTURday, august 16 Collingwood vs. Tasmania Princes Park (ABC TV) 1:10pm Coburg Tigers vs. Sandringham ABD Group Stadium 2pm North Ballarat vs. Northern Bullants AUSTAR Arena 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Box Hill Hawks Bartercard Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Bendigo Bombers Burbank Oval 2pm SUNday, august 17 Geelong vs. Port Melbourne Skilled Stadium 1pm Frankston vs. Casey Scorpions Frankston Oval 2pm Round 19 SaTURday, august 23 Port Melbourne vs. Collingwood TEAC Oval 1pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Williamstown Box Hill City Oval 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Coburg Tigers Casey Fields 2pm Frankston vs. Sandringham Frankston Oval 2pm Northern Bullants vs. Geelong NAB Oval 2pm Tasmania vs. North Ballarat Bellerive Oval 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Werribee Tigers QE Oval 2pm Round 20 SaTURday, august 30 Geelong vs. Frankston Skilled Stadium (AFL C/R) 10:40am Bendigo Bombers vs. Coburg Tigers Windy Hill 2pm Collingwood vs. Casey Scorpions Princes Park 2pm Port Melbourne vs. Northern Bullants TEAC Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. North Ballarat Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Werribee Tigers Burbank Oval 2pm SUNday, august 31 Tasmania vs. Box Hill Hawks Bellerive Oval 2pm VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 15

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17 Spotlight on men s health men s health Roosters out to raise public awareness. By travis Parnaby. men s health Week 08 is placing the spotlight on australia s rural men. AFL Victoria and the North Ballarat Football Club have backed the international campaign that encourages all men to have a check up and seek the counsel of a health professional. Presented by the Australasian Men s Health Forum, Men s Health Week 08 runs from June It aims to raise awareness of health issues that affect males such as mental health, prostate health, cancer and testosterone deficiency. The week celebrates the contribution men make to family, work and the community but reminds the community that men do not need to tough it out or go it alone. It s about a positive prescription for good health: catch up with your mates, share your stories about the week s ups and downs, talk with your family, and get involved in your local community and sporting clubs, Australasian Men s Health Forum president Professor John MacDonald said. See your local GP not just when you re sick, but get a check up and maintain a good quality of life. aussie country music star lee Kernaghan is lending his voice to men s health Week 08. Men s Health Week 08 is fronted by Australian of the Year and award-winning country music singer Lee Kernaghan. Men aren t always good at looking after themselves, Kernaghan said. But just talking to your mates and family can improve your health. Today, Men s Health Week 08 gets a special kick off with the VFL launching the week-long promotion of men s health issues. Today s match between North Ballarat and Frankston is also in support of Ballarat Health Services. Funds raised from the gate will help the hospital in purchasing a resectoscope to assist in prostate surgery. Ballarat Health Services medical director Dr John Gallichio said men generally did not make an effort to see their doctors for regular check ups. The fact is many of the conditions affecting men can be avoided through early detection and this can only occur if men are proactively checking themselves for changes and making regular visits to their GPs, Dr Gallichio said. At the moment this isn t happening and a number of men are still reluctant to see their doctors for a regular check up or even to have something unusual looked at. North Ballarat CEO Mark Patterson added: We encourage men and the community to focus on their health and wellbeing. As a club we are very pleased to be able to support this public awareness campaign. For more information about Men s Health Week 08, visit menshealthweek.com.au. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 21

18 preview Tasmania coach Daryn Cresswell will be hoping the Devils can reverse their form slump in round nine. Tassie hoping for turnaround Crunch time for teams hoping to climb into eight As the season nears the midway mark everyone is still trying to sort out the finals contenders from the pretenders. Round nine will provide a telling insight into which category clubs belong, when a bunch of clubs sitting between sixth and 11th play clubs above them. With 10 wins enough for a finals berth when there was last a 20-match home and away season in 2002, wins for those clubs sitting sixth or below are becoming more and more important. Especially so for 11th-placed Tasmania, which hosts fifth-placed Port Melbourne. After defeating Casey in round five, the Devils have dropped their past three matches by an average 89 points. While Tasmania is a better team at home, the Borough has won four of its past five games and should win again. Ladder-leader Williamstown travels to Princes Park where the question for rookie coach David Teague will be which Northern Bullants team will show up. After crashing by nearly 20 goals to Casey in round six, the Bullants rebounded the following week to defeat North Ballarat by seven goals. But they crashed again last round, losing to Sandringham by 45 points. The Bullants will need to produce their best if they are to test premiership favourite Williamstown, which has just once failed to kick a 100-point score this season. North Ballarat, undefeated in its five home matches in 2008, welcomes the in-form Frankston, which is coming off 16 and 11-goal wins in its past two rounds. While the Dolphins will, as usual, be competitive, it s hard to see them inflicting the Roosters first loss at home. Apart from its 16-goal hammering by Frankston in round seven, Werribee has been in good form with three wins from its past four matches. But Werribee faces the red-hot Coburg Tigers who have won their past four matches by an average 37 points. Reigning premiers Geelong, clinging by percentage to eighth place, head to Casey Fields to meet a Scorpions side that is undefeated there in four home matches this season. The Cats, without captain James Byrne, will again be vulnerable. Meanwhile, Sandringham, coming off two percentageboosting wins, looks to have the measure of Collingwood, while the Box Hill Hawks have a great opportunity to register their first win of the season at the expense of the Bendigo Bombers. 22 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

19 nigel carmody Carmody spreads wings in new nest Former Scorpion racks up 150th game with the Pies For nigel carmody the months leading into the 2008 season were the most interesting in his 11 VFl seasons. Carmody, who racks up his 150th VFL game this round, created one of the biggest stirs pre-season when he left the Casey Scorpions the club he d played for since he was a teenager to join Collingwood s VFL side. Making the move even more intriguing, Carmody had taken over as Scorpions skipper last season. To make the move from the club that you played with since you were 18 and established your career is a real challenge, Carmody said. But it s one I have enjoyed so far. It has been a challenge, we didn t know what to expect. Even with the resources of the Collingwood Football Club it has exceeded our expectations as to how tough it has been. The great thing is we are really confident we can make a success of this set up. Every training session and every interaction of the VFL Collingwood team brings something new and, when you are in your 11th season in the competition, it s pretty exciting. nigel carmody age: 28 clubs: Springvale/Casey Scorpions/Collingwood games: 149 goals: 92 Honours: Casey Scorpions captain 2007 Carmody said a combination of factors contributed to his decision to leave the Scorpions, with coach Peter Banfield s departure after four seasons prompting him to evaluate his football future. And with Collingwood deciding to end its alignment with Williamstown and enter a stand-alone team in the VFL, the opportunity to witness firsthand the inner-workings of a mighty club like Collingwood appealed to Carmody. I have a really long and proud history at the Scorpions. I m really happy with what I have been able to give the club and what they have given me and that s never going to be erased regardless of what happens in the next few years, he said. Carmody said the chance to take his game to another level with the Magpies was enticing but the clincher was the very rare opportunity to play for a club with such a rich history and mammoth supporter base. Carmody also has family ties with Collingwood. His grandfather Jack Carmody played in Collingwood s 1935 and 36 premiership teams before later captaining Hawthorn. Fittingly, Carmody has inherited the same guernsey his grandfather wore No. 4. While not looking further ahead than the current season, Nigel Carmody has no qualms he made the right decision to join the Magpies. Nigel Carmody is happy in his new VFL home at Collingwood.

20 visit: aflvic.com.au 6 SENsational GAMES Friday, 6th June North Melbourne v Geelong Cats Telstra Dome (6.00pm) Saturday, 7th June Richmond v Adelaide Crows MCG (1.00pm) West Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans Subiaco (6.00pm) Sunday, 8thJune Brisbane Lions v Fremantle Gabba (11.00am) Port Adelaide v Carlton AAMI (4.00pm) Monday 9th June (Queens Birthday) Melbourne v Collingwood MCG (12.00 noon)

21 james charlesworth Devil of a time charlesworth puts injury curse behind him If you are not the most ardent tasmanian fan then chances are you hadn t heard of james charlesworth before this season. Which is understandable because Charlesworth has been cursed by injury for most of the past two seasons. Charlesworth s wretched run of luck began in 2006, his final year with the Tassie Mariners. That year began ominously when he dislocated his right shoulder at the start of the season and missed 10 weeks of football. Even when he was selected in Tasmania s squad for the under-18 carnival his bad luck continued. In the warm up, just as we were running to our positions, I took a bit of a long shot (at goal), Charlesworth recalls. I did that because I had a bit of a sore groin and as I did my leg collapsed. My growth plate pulled off my pelvis. Charlesworth returned to play a couple of games for his local club at the end of that season and the final home and away match for Tasmania. Then in 2007, Charlesworth began the season with the Devils, but soon injured his shoulder again. This time, though, it required a reconstruction, which ended his season. While he admitted some concern that the football gods might have put a curse on him, Charlesworth dove into the 08 season determined to have a real crack at it. And, with his body holding up so far, Charlesworth has displayed the talent that had been sidelined for virtually two years. Not only has Charlesworth played every match with Tasmania, but his form was good enough to warrant selection in the VFL state squad for last week s match against South Australia. With his crumbing skills, Charlesworth has kicked multiple goals four times for the Devils this season and been one of their most consistent players. That he didn t make the final VFL squad doesn t diminish his comeback in It (state squad selection) was a big surprise. I was ecstatic to be in there, it s an honour to be named in a team that involves the best players in the VFL, Charlesworth said. But, for Charlesworth, the beauty of this season is the simple fact that he s back playing football. Just playing football again is enjoyable and that helps any player play at his best, Charlesworth said. I m just rapt to be on the field and whatever comes with that is a bit of a bonus. Injury-free Devil James Charlesworth has enjoyed a good start to season 2008.

22 150 years When a young John Ure first ventured to City Oval in the mid-1970s, Box Hill was one of the bunnies of the then VFa. In fact, during the 1970s Box Hill managed just 18 wins in nine years. Ouch! Such was the club s sorry state that in 1980 the committee decided to disband it. But, John Zigouras, a previous president, had a different vision. He took command, enlisted a new administration and four years later Box Hill won the second division Box Hill flying high after troubled past, Hawks enjoy VFL success Grand Final by a record margin (135 points), kicking what remains a record score, (215). It was the second time Box Hill, which first participated in a junior competition in 1921 before joining the VFA in 1951, nearly went under. The first was in 1968, but the circumstances then were entirely different from those in Back then the club s troubles could be traced largely to its initial reluctance to play games on a Sunday and then, when it did, its failure to get council approval. Despite such troubled times, Ure, now in his sixth season as club president after having served for 11 years as treasurer, has seen the Box Hill Hawks become one of the most successful clubs in recent times. Ure says his involvement with the club s board came about in unusual circumstances. Box Hill Hawks president John Ure has overseen the club s successful VFL era.?????? After helping out at a working bee at City Oval in late 1988, Ure was contacted by the then general manager who said the club needed the expertise he displayed. I thought, That s funny because the only expertise I had shown was the ability to use a pair or pliers to move a few advertising boards around, Ure said. Regardless, Ure is now in his 20th year on the Box Hill board. In that time, he has overseen the Box Hill Hawks alliance with Hawthorn, which, in its ninth season, remains one of the most successful in the VFL. The club has played in two Grand Finals, won the flag in 2001 and has seen 15 players drafted or rookie listed since the competition was revamped in And, the club boasts five players Jarrod Molloy, Ron De lulio, Matthew Bishop, Troy Simmonds and Sam Mitchell who have gone to play 100-plus AFL games. Michael Firrito, another Box Hill product, had played 92 matches after round 10. The one thing we are very proud of is the number of players we have brought through the system, Ure said. 26 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au

23 marc greig Making his Marc greig enjoying return to the roosters When he left North Ballarat at the end of the 2005 season, marc greig thought he would never again play for the club that had been his life for nine years. Disillusioned the Roosters would enter into an alliance with North Melbourne from 2006, Greig, and captain Julian Field were among the many players that left the club. Greig returned home to the Wimmera, where he was captain-coach of the Warrack Eagles for two seasons. A chance conversation with Gerard FitzGerald, who had coached Greig from the time he graduated from TAC Cup club North Ballarat Rebels, eventually led to the 100-game player s return to AUSTAR Arena. FitzGerald asked if Greig would be interested in a coaching role at the club but the three-time VFL representative thought he was too young to retire. Mindful he had been away from the VFL for two years and the game s tempo had increased considerably, Greig knew he had to work hard to make it back. He embarked on a fitness drive that Born again Rooster Marc Greig has made a solid return to VFL ranks. helped him shed seven kilos and prepared himself mentally for the challenges that lay ahead in There was definitely a bit of doubt about whether I could match it with the younger guys, Greig admitted. I tried not to show any doubt. I tried to be as positive as I could be throughout pre-season. If people said, How are you going?, I never said It s bloody hard. At the end of the pre-season, Greig had not only convinced FitzGerald he could still play a meaningful role for the Roosters, the players also voted him into the leadership group. As Fitzgerald noted, it was a resounding endorsement of Greig s attitude and application. While he has been a highly decorated player for North Ballarat over the years, there would have been players at our club who had never heard of Marc Greig, FitzGerald said. His work ethic is very strong, but he knows it s an ongoing challenge. Greig has played every game with the Roosters in 2008 to date and, while he admits his form has been patchy, he feels his game is getting to where it needs to be. He returned to North Ballarat believing season 2008 could be the year the Roosters won their first VFL and has nothing has happened since to change his mind. I came back to win a premiership, Greig said. Our best football can beat anyone. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 27

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