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OLDXAVS.com July '03 News |
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| Pre-season 03 APRIL 03 MAY 03 JUNE 03 AUG 03 SEP 03 OCT 03 NOV03-FEB 04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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31 July '03 The Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola (good tem leader, founding father and life member of the Jesuits, came back from a broken leg a more disciplined player, recruited Francis Xavier to the team and the rest is history . . .) AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME The wait is over. It's crunch time. For all A Section teams, it's time to strut their stuff, to book their their passage for September, or in the case of some, to secure their place in elite company for 2004. This week's clash at Toorak Park between the Old Xavs and St Kevin's has eerie similarities with last year's battle. The teams are in the same predicament they were 12 months ago, when the Red 'n' Blacks kicked 13 points in a row in the final quarter to drop the game, nearly cost itself the double chance, keep SKOB safe and send a rightly angry De La Salle to B Grade. The Xavs won't be keen to help OMs with their survival chances, but they won't want to take it easy against St Kevs, who are desperate to stay up. The week off, but for those players who were involved in the Battle for Barooga last Saturday, will do the Xavers good. They must must keep winning to maintain second position. The road ahead is bumpy, and four points in the bank from this Saturday's encounter will earn some serious interest before the home and home season is complete. Likewise, the Old Xavs 2s must rise to the occasion to claim back their spot in the four. It would be a strange GF day without the reigning premier, and Coach Gawne will be spurring on his charges to ensure they are giving it their best shot. The 3s and Crocs repeat against last week's opponents, this time in the finals' series. Both games are at JJ Higgins and it is hoped that both will book express tickets to the big one on 16 August. The U19s must regain some touch to threaten in September, while the Scoobys still have a chance to play for the prize. A memo assessing their chances that was leaked to OLDXAVS.com this week reveals the clear and strategic thinking behind their assault on the finals. The rain was indeed welcome this week, but fine weather will greet the Xavers on Saturday. It's time for all fans of the Red 'n' Blacks to awaken from their hibernation and get out to support their club as it drives towards a September showdown. Hey, they say it will be a terrific weekend at Buller, but it's got nothing on the lunch and football action that will take place on Orrong Road this weekend. |
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27 July '03 VAFA REPS |
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27 July '03 CROCS EAT 'EM IN THE SWAMP OLD
XAVERIANS 4.1 8.3
9.3 13.5 (83) Goals: L Hardwick 6, Fowler 2, Erskine, L McHarg, Davies, Jones Fitzgerald. Best: Conquest, Fowler, L Hardwick, Poulus, Curnow, Erskine
3S
GAINING
ON 'EM Xavs
had a great start to the game with centre clearances having the ball in
their forward half for most of the quarter. To be down by 1 point at
quarter time was disappointing. Lyttleton was great , marking and
particularly attacking the ball and handing off to players for shots on
goal. The courageous act of McKay of putting his body on the line showed
inspiration but unfortunately ended his game. Ainsworth was particularly
good early in the quarter with some quality possessions and a goal.
Jones was excellent on his wing getting into space by using his pace and
locking up the ball when outnumbered through tackling and
desperation. Ireland gave plenty and delivered all
day. Larkins continued his great form by blanketing a much larger
opponent and winning the ball when it hit the ground. His disposal
continues to improve. In
the second half, Hoare began to influence the game and got better the
longer the game went and Walsh continued to be great in close.
O’Loughlin was running hard and was particularly good in giving the
backs an option out of defense. Jones and Ireland continued to
work tirelessly on their wings and Larkins continued to hold down centre
half back. In
the final stanza, the Xavs kept the pace, but came up short.
However, they halved the margin
from their first meeting and with the level of improvement that they
have displayed over the past couple of weeks, should prove a very
difficult opponent next week. OLD
ESSENDON 4.1 8.4
11.5 15.7 (97) Best:
Hoare, Walsh, Ireland, Jones, Ainsworth, Larkins |
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27 July '03 NO REST FOR THE VERY WICKED OR THE VERY YOUNG
The Crocs accounted for De La Salle, the team they will face next Saturday in the second-semi, while the 3s went down to Old Essendon, whom they play again next week in their second semi. At Barooga, the Vic Amateurs went down to the VCFL after a slow start. Over
at Barkers Road, the ancestral home of football, the Xavier College
XVIII smashed Brighton Rush will break the school's goalkicking record next week with his first goal against Melbourne Grammar, whom the Xavs must beat to win the APS premiership. There was no shortage of talent on display at Roche yesterday, and there was no shortage of Old Xavs talent scouts there to watch their workout, including John Pasceri in a delightful two-blue Nike sweatsuit. We hope to see many of these Year 12 boys at our club lunch on 16 August and wearing Red 'n' Black at Toorak Park next year. |
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22 July '03 LEONCELLI TO SAY 'BYE?
The 29 year old has played 146 games for the Demons and hasn’t missed a match for the side since 2001. Well
done on fine AFL career, Andrew. Rest assured you are most welcome at
Toorak Park at any time. OLDXAVS.com RINGS UP 10,000 VISITORS Since 26 March, less than 4 full months online, OLDXAVS.com has become the choice of both types of football fan - those who love the Old Xaverians, and those who are jealous of them. We thank you all for your support and hope to keep bringing you an informative, entertaining and educative site. We welcome your suggestions to make this site even better, and you can e-mail them here The numbers below are more interesting than hard-ball gets and more telling than inside 50s. They are probably the best numbers to appear on this page since we showed the scoreboard at the Snakepit. But hey, that's old news . . .
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19 July '03 R15 WRAP 3s: BACK ON TRACK OLD XAVERIANS 4.3 6.9 9.14 15.22 (112) OLD CAREY 3.2 3.2 5.5 6.5 (41) Goals:
Matthew O'Kane 4, Troy Gleeson 2, Simon Ainsworth 2, Joshua Silk 2, Carey Hoare 2.
U19: NOT ENOUGH DE
LA SALLE
1.6 4.9 9.11
15.14 (104) Best:Purss,Armstrong,Gidley,Scanlan,Rogan,Nadinic. Scoobys: A BELTER! OLD
XAVERIANS 2.7
5.9 10.12 13.15
(93) Old Xavs: Rees 9 Meehan, Kenfield, McInerney, Ford. Best:
Rees, Chester, Ford, Rubira, Ryan, Bowlby. CROCS: YET ANOTHER CLINIC MARCELLIN
2.0
2.0
3.3 4.5 (29) Best: Rathgeber, J Hardwick, Erskine, L. McHarg, Perry, Rourke, Jones |
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19 July '03 NO LETDOWN FOR XAVS: BASH, CRASH AND PASH AS HOERS HOO-ROOED! The Xavs took the points in a tough encounter at Ivanhoe today, withstanding a rugged outfit that approached this game with a desperation reserved only for those with relegation struggles on their mind. If the Titans of the Terraces are correct, the Hoers could well surprise a few teams before their season is done. The Old Xavs surprised no-one, with their run, team play and attack on the ball proving to much for the A Section cellar-dwellers. The visitors had many fine players - Andy Biddlecombe is enjoying salad days, while at the other end of the chronometer, John Bowen is having an Indian Summer. In between, the game featured sterling performances from Ford, Orlando, Bingham, and the omnipresent and effervescent James Drake whose votes in the Woodrow Medal will not be counted, but rather weighed. Scott Mollard was again a damaging forward, putting his nose over the ball on many occasions while under siege. The Xavs finish their northern roadtrip with three wins from four - a fine return from venues that have traditionally proven tough. Games against the cellar-dwellers can be interesting affairs and with the Hoers still a mathematical chance to survive in A Section, the Old Xavs hierarchy had no thoughts that the battle for the four points would be other than hard-fought. And so it went - a first half that featured some fine passages of football, some raucous spectating, some on field sledging - and that was just from the Hoers' side of the ledger. The Old Xavs stuck to their task at hand with grim face, like an experienced squad of UXBers, fully confident they would be successful, but only if they went through the processes in which they had been drilled. Happily, they did so and Coach Sholly was again smiling at the cocktail hour. While the season's highlight reel may not feature many minutes from this encounter, there were some very pleasing team moments and some great individual performances. Several players appear to be reaching their peak, and it is at the right end of the season to do so. As the team enjoys its final break before the 4 remaining home and home fixtures, Coach Sholly has them placed well for an assault on September. While the VAFA finals series has featured the Old Xavs every year since 1993, many supposed that this would be the year they tumbled out of contention. But the apprentices have learned from their vaunted masters - the flame is still lit and burns bright. Only a huge reversal in form will break the drought, but even a slight slip will see them on the sidelines watching the pundits' premiership favourites Bernards and Scotch in the second-semi. No-one is counting the chickens, as the determined skirmish with Ivanhoe showed. With several players returning in the next couple of weeks, positions in the team and opponents are not to be taken lightly. The Hoers fielded close to their best lineup, stuck with the Xavs for a quarter and a half, slipped behind by up to six goals and then matched it on the scoreboard for the rest of the afternoon. But the Xavs got what they came for and took the points. and Chris Vernuccio has his own view . . . It’s
unfortunate that in sport, for every team that wins the premiership,
earn finals spots, there will always be a team occupying the bottom rung
of the table, the ‘also-rans’ of the competition. Old
Ivanhoe find themselves in that position.
With only two wins for the season a win wasn’t likely to be on
the cards, even at home, against the second-placed Old Xaverians. That
Old Xaverians managed to win would probably surprise no-one, but Old
Ivanhoe went down fighting in a gallant effort, 16.14 (110) to 14.7
(91), belying their position as the Amateur A-Grade cellar-dwellers. A
fact not lost on Old Xaverians coach, Michael Sholly; “They’re (Old
Ivanhoe) better than the bottom side.
They were hard at it, they had their full list in today.” “It
was a very physical game, they was a lot of clashes and I thought it was
a good strong win.” From
midway through the second quarter, when Scott Mollard was wrecking havoc
upon the Old Ivanhoe defenders, Old Xaverians never looked like being
headed. Mollard
finished the game with two goals, beat two opponents with his
athleticism, strong leading and bullocking work, as well as set up
numerous scoring opportunities for his team. 13
minutes into the second term, Mollard beat two Old Ivanhoe defenders for
the looseball, dished off a handball to John Pasceri then continued to
shepherd as Pasceri dobbed the Xavs eighth goal for the game. Goals
to James McDonnell and Johnston stretched the lead 32-points before Old
Ivanhoe fought back through J Weddle and Low to make the half-time
deficit to a manageable 21-points. When
James Drake put the game beyond doubt for the Xavs in the last term
kicking his side's 15th goal, establishing a 36-point lead, Old Ivanhoe
added four of the last five goals of the game to go down to a
respectable 19-points. OLD
XAVERIANS 6.0 11.8
13.11 16.14 (110) |
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17 July '03 LIFE MEMBERSHIP After the ovation given Michael Blood at the announcement of his Life Membership, several have asked "How do I get me one of them things?" While you might have to wait a while to be accorded that high honour, you can learn right now how the process works.
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19 July '03 7 DAYS, 28 GOALS The
Old Xavs 2s performed a 28 goal turn around from the previous week in
defeating 3rd placed Old Ivanhoe at Chelsworth Park on Saturday. In
a great display of football, they exorcised the demons of the past three
weeks to get their season back on track.
Led by David Sapuppo returning to the ruck after a stint up
forward and more than ably assisted by Dillon, McInerney, Andrew Bowen,
Santalucia, Rennex and Dixon. Xavs
just had too much class and polish across the ground for their
opponents. They
subjected the Hoers to intensity and pressure that restricted them to
only 3 goals for the day, all as a result of uncharacteristic errors by
the visitors. But
it was Sapuppo who had everyone’s tongue wagging with his display of
ruck work. He was
back to the form that had him performing against the competitions best
big men at the start of the season.
Bowen,
Dillon and Santalucia were the beneficiaries of excellent palming by the
big man which sent the Xavs forward time and time again where ‘Wow”
Jones reaped the rewards and Stoney was grabbing everything in the air.
Simon McCarthy was also providing an excellent avenue across half
forward. The
Xavs defence was its usual tight unit with Ryan, Brushfield, Healy and
Speekman providing great rebound and limiting their hapless opponents to
few touches of the Sherrin. First gamer Dan MacKay was solid across the centre when brought on and has provided further depth to a playing list replenished by a number returning from injury & unavailability, which is sure to keep the pressure on the 1s to keep performing. OLD
IVANHOE 0.3
1.3
3.6
3.8 (26) OLD
XAVERIANS 5.3 11.6 15.10
20.14 (134) Goals: Dillon 4, A T Jones 3, Rennex 2, Santalucia 2, Mc Carthy 2, A Bowen 2, Stoney 2, McInerney, Maher. Best: Sapuppo, Rennex, Hawkins, McInerney, A Bowen, Dillon |
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18 July '03 IVANHOE HERE WE COME This Saturday's round
of fixtures mark a pivotal stage in the club’s season.
The Seniors will be
striving to build, prior to the bye weekend, on the momentum created
since the Queens Birthday break which has delivered four wins and a five
point loss to the all-conquering Cardinals (or should that be
Harlequins?). But, as our President has
consistently harped on as her theme for 2003,
" you take off your hat to the past and your coat for the
future." There is much work still to be done. Again this week the Xavers hit the road
and head for parts north for the clash against the Hoers. The Red 'n' Blacks should be confident of
acquitting themselves well against a team that sits on the bottom of the
ladder, but as A Section has thrown up some strange results this winter,
no-one is taking anything for granted. From here on, every game is vital as the
race for the finals tightens, and the young Xavs team must learn to
reproduce winning form week after week if they are to have a serious
crack at September - or even get that far. Last year's clash saw some first quarter
fireworks from Andy Biddlecombe up forward, with Tim Ockleshaw providing
some magic to steal an entertaining game at the death. Ivanhoe have had a tough 2003 campaign,
but they know well that their season is not yet lost. They will be
ready and willing to give the Old Xavs a run for their money in front of
their enthusiastic and parochial fans. Should
the Seniors win this week? On form, the answer is yes. Will
they? Only if they are prepared to earn the four invaluable points on
offer. The Seconds are under
siege (as distinct from serge). Sitting in sixth spot, having lost their
last three matches, there is the prospect of missing the finals for the
first time since 1992 !! With Old Ivanhoe sitting up like Jackie in
third spot, this is a must-win. There are also concerns with the 3rd XVIII, also coming off three successive losses, putting the double-chance prospects in jeopardy. This week' s fixture against Old Carey gives them the chance to steady the ship, even if the rumoured appearance of Jack Elliott, for a cameo appearance, in the black, gold, and royal eventuates (one must doff one's cap to the marketing team out at Bulleen). The good news is that The
Crocodiles continue to go from strength to strength, and look poised to
enter the finals series undefeated, as they strive for their eleventh
flag in these past twelve years. Whilst the spectre of 1995 Coach Andrew "Thirsty " Rogers is omni-present, September is looking good. The U19 ' s continue to strive for a foothold, with the (1) ' s still having some work to do to clinch a semi final berth. De La Salle, this week, is spelt D.a.n.g.e.r. The efforts of the Scoobys under the quiet achiever, tactical schemer Freddy Chamberlain must be applauded. One of just two 2nd XVIII's in the five U19 sections, their spirit and tenacity has thus far resulted in six wins and 20 points, an outstanding achievement (particularly the mathematics of that). A footnote . . .
Mick has been enduring a bit of a rough trot lately and his appearance at the game displayed again the role the club has played in his life these past 30 odd years. The reaction of players and supporters to Rushy left no doubt the esteem in which he is held by all Old Xavs. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this challenging time.
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13 July '03
Old Xavs legend and super-coach Chris Mortensen, his U19 VAFA Rep squad set and ready to go . . . Anthony "Junior" Bourke going to 34 matches every Saturday to make sure the right talent is chosen . . . Pash, Sapupps, Andy Bowen and Santa ready to rumble . . . Emma Poynton rubbing down the elite juniors to make their aches and pains vanish . . . just can't wait for the 27 July clash against the Diamond Valley Football League. Do they win? No, they don't even get to play. The DVFL has withdrawn after its coach resigned and they couldn't find a replacement. |
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13 July '03 R13 - 1s: XAVS MAUL MARCELLIN FOUR SOLID QUARTERS GROUNDS EAGLES Old Xaverians bounced back from their defeat at the hands of Scotch to outclass Marcellin at Toorak Park yesterday. The Titans of the Terraces were split on the quality of yesterday's encounter at Toorak Park, but one thing is for sure. The Xavs choked the Eagles for four quarters and only 3 uncustomary mistakes allowed Marcellin to score a major before lemon-time. In less than ideal conditions, it was perhaps one of the better home efforts this winter, albeit against a team that is struggling to return to its early season form. Still, football is a winter game and the Xavs kept their finals' chances warm. In a complete turnaround from their R4 performance at Bulleen, the Xavs dominated the pivot, ran the ball freely out of defence and converted enough opportunities to win the game.
Up front, China Drake, John Pasceri and first gamer Matthew Green (at left) provided excellent value. Green continued a family tradition by winning his first senior jumper and opened with 2 goals from his first two kicks in A Section company, the second a superb checkside from tight against the boundary line. He provided a good target for the Xavs midfielders and might have kicked six on the day but for the unpredictable breeze. Also ominous was the form of three of the team's skillsters, Lethlean, Howard and Beetham. So second spot is safe for another week, but up for grabs as the Red 'n Blacks travel north to Ivanhoe to meet another desperate opponent. Chris Vernuccio was paying attention The
last time these two teams met, at a wet and soggy Marcellin Oval, the
Eagles hammered Old Xaverians into submission by 59-points and were
riding high. Fast-forward
to round 13 and it’s the Old Xaverians who are proving to be one of
the sides to beat for this year’s premiership, avenging their early
season defeat with a no-nonsense, all-conquering 68-point thrashing of
Marcellin. The
Xavs dominated from the opening bounce with their first goal, within two
minutes, a sign of things to come and indicative of the Xavs domination
over their opposition. “I
thought we had better on-ballers, the backline were back to being tough
and good again (and) the forward line seemed to work alright. New
full-forward this week (Matthew Greeen), (he) got four goals. We
were aggressive (today). It was a good win,” Old Xaverians coach
Michael Sholly summed up. Back
in their round 4 encounter, Andrew Tregowan, Daryl Marson and Alex
Wadsworth ran the Xavs ragged slotting 11 goals between them.
How the tables have turned with all three Marcellin players being held
goalless by a disciplined Xavs defensive team, which restricted
Marcellin to only five behinds for first half. Game
over. Nathan
Bingham was the lynchpin down back, continually rebounding the football
to his side’s advantage.
Andrew Biddlecombe blanketed Wadsworth who was often forced to win his
possessions further up the field and his disposals weren’t damaging. “Biddlecombe
I thought was excellent across centre half-back. He’s had a good
little patch over the last month so hopefully he can sustain his
form,” praised Sholly. In
a complete form reversal, it was the Xavs who were first to the ball and
more accountable through the midfield, the Xavs passed the ball better
and tackled effectively.
The Marcellin players allowed the Xavs too much time and space. In
one case in the second term, Tim Ockleshaw, with possession forward of
the wing, dropped the ball as he was about to unload, but had enough
time to recover and drill a kick to an unaccounted for James Drake right
on the 45-metre arc. Drake’s
pass found Dave Landrigan who slotted Old Xaverians’ sixth goal. In
attack, Pasceri bobbed up with another three goals and Green, playing
his debut game, stood up in the absence of Scott Mollard to kick four
goals. Things
are only getting batter for the Xavs as next week they take on celler-dwellers
Old Ivanhoe and anticipate the return of leading goal kicker Mollard and
Nick McInerney.
OLD
XAVERIANS 3.2 8.5
11.8 15.13 (103) |
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13 July '03 R13: 2s CRUMBLE
Old Xavs Reserves slipped to their third loss in as many weeks. In an at times disappointing display we over used the ball through the middle of the ground and across half forward. Whilst our stats showed we were equal or better than Marcellin in most areas our efficiency rate was when using the ball was poor, particularly into the forward 45 which for the third week in a row again proved to be costly. The lack of a goal kicking forward was evident with the scoreboard not being troubled by a Xav's 6 pointer until the last quarters . The backs and on-ballers again worked hard with Coughlan, Dillon, Hawkins Ryan & Santalucia providing good run out of defence. Rennex & Healy worked hard in the packs whilst Andrew Jones was busy and McCarthy playing his 1st game battled hard in the ruck along with Stoney. The return of a number of players who have been out through injury or un-availability should assist a much needed win is the tonic we will be looking for when we travel to Old Ivanhoe this week. OLD
XAVERIANS 0.1 0.3
0.6 2.10 (22) Best:
Ryan, Dillon, Rennex, Coughlan, Santalucia, A E Jones. |
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13 July '03 R13: 3s STUMBLE 1st Quarter: Started well, moving the ball to our forward line and kicking long with the breeze. Therry-Penola chipped the ball very well in their defensive half and directed the ball to the dead pocket. Partially due to this and the fact that we didn’t centre the ball enough most of our shots at goal we from the tough pocket and a return of 1 goal 4 points put us in a difficult position. The
fact Therry were able to goal through their hard running to generate
space, dominance around the packs and stoppages really put us in a
vulnerable position. McKay and Silk were particularly good, while A
Curtain really gave us something at centre half forward in this quarter.
2nd
Quarter: Therry
kicked three goals to none in this quarter. We are better than that. We
have been and we will be a good side as long as we work together. Team
players focus on team solutions, on what can be done to help the
team improve, and achieve its goals. 3rd
Quarter: After
a bit of soul searching at half time, we came out and showed a bit, with
Erfurth being great at Full Forward. He was rewarded with a goal and
Silk and Ogilvy also collected goals. Unfortunately with an unlikely win
in their sites, Therry were now full of confidence and their skills
showed it. The ability to run hard into space enabled them to kick 3
goals into the breeze. The ability of their midfield to run and create
an option really exposed us. We ended the quarter with a 16 point
deficit. 4th
Quarter: The
final term was a bit of a slog, but we did fight it out to the end. This
side never tosses it in. Therry managed 2 goals for the term but with
mounting injuries, we toughed it out. We
can sure up a finals spot next week if we can get over Carey. We need to
turn up ready to get a season back on track. THERRY
PENOLA 1.1 4.4
7.4 9.8 (62) Best: Silk, Erfuth, O' Loughlin, McLean, McKey, Dynon |
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13 July '03 R13: 19s TUMBLE OLD
XAVERIANS 3.3 6.3
6.9 8.11 (59) Best: Gidley, Gorman, O'Hanlon, Nadinic, Purss, Hulett. |
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13 July '03 R13: CROCS THROW ROCKS OLD XAVERIANS
4.10 11.12 18.16
23.19 (157) Goals:
Holmes 7, L Hardwick 4, Erskine 4, Jones 3, Filtz 2, Belli, Rourke, L
McHarg. Best: L McHarg, Perry, Holmes, Jones, Fay, Erskine, Landrigan. |
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13 July '03 R13: SCOOBYS' DOOBIE BULLEEN
TEMPLESTOWE 0.0
1.0
2.1
2.1 (13) Best: Ford, Rees, Silk, Chester, Bowlby, Trovato |
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11 July '03 MARCELLIN THE NEXT HURDLE Three hundred Old Xavs packed 12 Elizabeth Street last night for the 2003 Banquet Auction and Gala Ball, dining, drinking and dancing to Last week's loss has put the pressure right back on the Xavs. And don't think Marcellin will arrive under-prepared for the big clash at Toorak Park. The Xavs were fortuitous in retaining second spot because of other results, but the winner of this week's Old Haileybury/Old Scotch match will be climbing over the top of them if the Red 'n' Blacks slip up again. Talk of a double chance is premature and dangerous, according to club CEO and resident curmudgeon Kev O'Shaughnessy. "We have not yet done nearly enough to even clinch a spot in the final four, and the final six rounds are filled with one obstacle after another in our bid to accumulate enough wins to make the finals," says the wise man of football. Saturday's match must come under the heading of a game that the Xavs cannot afford to drop, given the recent form and injury problems that have engulfed Marcellin. Whilst the loss of Dineen has had enormous ramifications for the Eagles, their best players last Saturday did include some of their top guns in their midfielders of Cox, Johnston, McMillan, along with Browne in the ruck and Waters running out of the back pocket. Whilst Treganowan remains in front of goal, they will always have a presence and a potentially high scoring forward line, especially as tall forward Purcell was back on deck last week. Marcellin had four key players returning from injury last Saturday in Johnston, Wadsworth, O'Flynn and Duncan, and all pulled up well and will be better for the run. Another tough clash and no rest for the wicked or even the Xavs. |
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10 July '03 MOTEL MOVERS AND SHAKERS MOVIN' ON The ownership of the OXFC's long serving, most generous VIP Sponsor The Motel changes hands after this weekend. Roger Okayli and co, who have been outstanding supporters of the Club, financially and otherwise, will be opening up THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL in Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, in the near future. Thanks for the memories Roger, and we'll see you in your new digs. |
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9 July '03 FIVE GET BIG V CALLUP Five Old Xavs have been named in Nick Bourke's preliminary Senior Representative VAFA squad to tackle the VCFL on Sunday 27 July. Congratulations to China Drake, who achieves a lifelong ambition by getting a run at Punt Road in front of a salivating Danny Frawley. Well done also to Adam Chatfield, Lachlan Ford, Tim Ockleshaw and Damien Orlando, who have again received the selectors' nod. |
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6 July '03 BALL PIX Three hundred Old Xavs packed 12 Elizabeth Street last night for the 2003 Banquet Auction and Gala Ball, dining, drinking and dancing to the wee small hours. Hard man Luke Hannebery took the microphone around 8pm and ensured that proceedings ran smoothly. As one veteran observer mused, it was "like Croc Rock with class". Click on the thumbnails below for the full sized pics, then hit the back arrow button to return here.
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6 July '03 BLOOD GETS LIFE
Blood is the youngest ever to receive this honour and was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Old Xavs' success over the past decade. Michael Blood is perhaps the best known footballer in Amateur history. Certainly, he is among the most decorated. In 212 games with Old Xavs, four times was his name called out as winner of the B J O'Shaughnessy; twice was he the winner of the Jock Nelson for BOG in a Grand Final and in 1997, recipient of the J N Woodrow Medal for Best and Fairest in A Section. Blood is still contributing to the club with his work in developing the young ruckman at the club.
Club President Davina Connors-Calhaem spoke thusly: "The Life Membership committee has met- and decided that a member is to be inducted this year as the 22nd Life member of the OXFC. The bar for life members, as we all know, is set at a very high level, and only 21 have been inducted in the last 80 years and tonight we welcome a most worthy member to that institution. This inductee this will be our youngest ever, yet is as deserving as any other. As a clubman, a member, a player and leader, few persons have done more to raise the profile of the OXFC in a dignified and honourable way than the man we seek to honour tonight. Wanted by everybody, he is a person that we almost did not have, and in some ways was a General of not just the “Foreign Legion” is it is known, but the entire club. |
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A traditional ruckman and a great believer in routine and he was meticulous in all elements of his pre-match preparation, right down to where he parked his car on matchdays. This contributed to an incredible durability and made him almost warhorse like over his decade of A grade Ruck domination. I doubt that he missed more than 10 games in 10 years! Never one to be an overt or aggressive leader, which is good leadership style for some, he was rather a wonderful leader by example. He would tend to leave the “revving up” to the coach, none the less, was still one of the most competitive and fearsome figures of the game because of the way that he played and the confidence that he invoked in players around him. He is a person about whom much can be said and his list of achievements for this club is almost endless and has been described by most senior members of the VAFA variously and including as “an ornament to the game” and as a “VAFA living treasure”. He is one of the most decorated players in the history of the Association: 211 senior games from 1993 to 2002; 6 time A grade senior premiership player; participant in 10 Finals campaigns; 11 time state representative;State VAFA Captain 1999;3 time OXFC best and fairest; club captain from 1997 to 2001; Jock Nelson Medalist 1995 and 1997; Amateur Best and Fairest Winner 1997. He is a giant, yet modest and delightful man and makes friends with all at the club from the best and least best players, to the committee, to the coaches, trainers, supporters and all of the OXFC family. Many players at the conclusion of stellar careers, are often unsighted for many years, often for very understandable, family, work or other reasons, however it has been a joy to see the 22nd life member of the OXFC continue to contribute in many ways as a supporter, counsel, friend of all, and ruck coach during this, an important transitional period where many of our stars are retiring and ageing. Standing in the crowd, as I have been privileged to do, for many of his wonderful games, there was no person that other teams wished more was on their side, not ours, and no player who dominated the stop plays like this man. This is quite an achievement when one considers the many stars and tremendous men whom he played alongside during our recent (and continuing) era of on field success. There have been many great players and great people at our club, but I say with no chance of correction, that there will never and can never be another one quite like Michael Blood." |
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 6
July '03
CHAMPS HONOURED Old Xavs stalwarts and legends Dan Richardson, Adam Sassi and Damian Stoney were presented with awards recognising their great service to the club in its most successful decade. Congratulations to all three, who played a combined tally of 535 games for the Red 'n' Blacks. The trio retired at the end of last season, though Shooter decided to pull on the boots for the 3s yesterday. We hope to see plenty of all three at Toorak Park in the years ahead. |
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5 July '03 R12: U19 - YOUNG LEADERS SPUR UNDERS An injury depleted Xavs U19's travelled to picturesque East Keilor to play Old Essendon on Saturday. This was the return match of a very fiery and ugly Round 3 encounter and a tough encounter was expected. Surprisingly Old Essendon attacked the footy for a change and gave a much better showing than a side languishing on the bottom of the ladder. They were first to the ball and showed surprising skill in the blustery conditions and stayed with the Xavs for the first 3 quarters. In the first half, the visitors found it tough to score but the highlight was the performance of Andy Ryan, who played a stellar first half, playing well above his height and providing the main avenue to goals. He had a string of opponents and beat them all and was clearly best on ground. With the Xavs' captain and DVC out injured, Andy Ryan and Pat Purcell became vice captains for the day to help out Andrew Barrett with the on field leadership. They both have had terrific years and it was a just reward for their efforts and as first year players they should take great encouragement from this appointment. Purcell was his usual tenacious self and his classic 1%'s were sensational, somewhat reminiscent of Andrew Dillon with a bit of a mean streak! The Xavs also welcomed back Cam Purss from injury and he didn't disappoint playing a great game in the ruck and he continually fed the likes of Andrew Nadinic and Josh Agius who also were good. Playing his first game since Round 2, John White was terrific in defence along with Matt O'Hanlon. Unfortunately after playing a great first half at CHB James Ryan re-injured his ankle and couldn't see out the match. While the Xavs struggled across CHF, their forwards battled hard, with half forward flank Nick Corcoran showing plenty of class to snag 5 majors. Matt
Roache battled all day at FF and was rewarded with 2 goals in the last
quarter. Jedda McDonnell was also terrific on the ball and in his first
week as captain, Andrew Barrett tried valiantly all day. This week
the Xavs should welcome back the skipper Michael Scanlan and
school boy sensation Dan Rush, while winger Tim "Rat" O'Meara
is hopefully only a week or two away. OLD XAVERIANS 14.16.100 Goals:
Corcoran 5, Purss 2, Agius 2, Roache 2, A.Ryan, Gidley, Nadinic 1. |
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5
July '03
R12: THE WRAP 1s: Third quarter costs Xavs a close one Chris Vernuccio was our man at Shark Park It
was simply a case of too much to do in too little time. 40-points
down at the final break, Old Xaverians fought bravely in the fourth term
but fell at the last hurdle, Old Scotch hanging on to win an
exhilarating contest by five points, 15.14 (104) to 14.15 (99). Kicking
with the aid of a strong breeze, Old Xaverians scored the all-important
first goal within two minutes through John Pasceri. Four
more goals were scored by the Xavs prior to the time-on period through
McDonnell (two goals), Baker and Orlando, reducing the margin to
11-points. McDonnell
found some much needed form with five goals for the game and was a
dominant figure across centre half-forward and often roamed to the wings
to help create forward attacks. The
game appeared dead and buried five minutes from full-time when Phillips
notched Old Scotch’s 15th goal of the game, extending the lead to
17-points. But Old Xaverians weren’t willing to raise the white flag. Two goals in two minutes to John Pasceri, goalless and well held by Beranger for three quarters, brought the deficit to a single kick with two minutes left to play. But
there it ended. Old
Xaverians coach Michael Sholly was despondent after the loss, because a
win would’ve entrenched the Xavs within the top two after Old
Haileybury’s loss to Uni Blues. After
leading at half-time by one goal, the Xavs went goalless in the third
quarter, often lacking accountability, being second to the ball and
being smashed at the stoppages as Old Scotch rammed home seven
unanswered goals for the term, with Tallent and Thompson (five goals)
being the chief destroyers. “We
had a very poor first 15 minutes of the game (where Old Scotch kicked
the opening five goals) and a very poor first 15 minutes of the third
quarter. In that half-hour, we hardly touched it (the footy) and
in that time they probably kicked 10 goals.” Old
Xaverians have a chance to make amends when they take on Marcellin, who
have been in freefall since their 59-point thumping of the Xavs back in
round four.
OLD
SCOTCH
5.3 7.6 14.11
15.14 (104) Best:
Biddlecombe Chatfield Scanlan Orlando McDonnell J Bowen. 2s: Just a little bit short OLD
SERGE
3.2 5.4 7.10 10.12
(72) Best
: Hawkins, Dillon, Howard, Rennex, Ryan , Hoare.
3s: Double chance disappearing? OLD
XAVERIANS (2) 2.3 3.6 5.6 6.10 (46) Best: Fox, Stoney, Ford, MacKay, McCarthy, Silk.
Crocs: Win big OLD
XAVERIANS 3.1 9.4 14.7 20.10 (130) Best: Rathgeber, Perry, Dalton, James Hardwick, Fowler, Hall, Erskine
Scoobys: Taught lesson by Studes OLD
XAVERIANS 0.0 1.4
1.7 1.8 (14) Goals: French. Best: Chester, Kaine, Ford, Silk, Ryan, Conkie. |
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5 July '03 BALL DAY BLUES The Old Xavs today garnered their worst return for the season with only two of the club's six teams pulling off victories. The 1s went down in a squeaker to Old Scotch, after coming back from 40 points down at three quarter time. The 2s were beaten by a surging Scotch in another close one. The cordial and cooperative relations that have always existed between the two clubs will not be affected by any incident that might have occurred post-match. The 3s and Scoobys both went down to University outfits, despite student holidays. On the other side of the ledger, the U19s put away Old Essendon and the Crocs smashed Prahran by 15 goals in the local derby. |
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3 July '03 WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY? It's back to square one in this A Section game of snakes and ladders that begins anew each Saturday of the winter. And as we turn our backs on the meritorious win last week, we must now look forward to the return bout with Scotch. Shark Park has been a happy venue for the Xavs for a couple of seasons, but the Cardinal will be waiting for the Red 'n' Blacks, keen to prove that their win in R3 was no fluke. Spots for the final four are really starting to tighten up, with just the seven rounds to go, and at this stage one would suggest that there are still six sides realistically in contention. The stats boffins would have noted that OS are the second highest scoring side in the competition-another huge test for our under-rated (?) defence-and all would well remember OS queuing up to kick 19 goals against the Xavs in Round Three - Hawkins 5, Finocchiaro 2, B.Phillips 2, Ross 2, with on-ballers/midfielders Hume, Kitchen, ruckman Crow, the human blanket Saunders, Quail leading the charge. Toss into the mix ex-Hawthorn player Dennis, wingman Collins, C.Phillips, half-forward Mullins, on-baller Tallent, (where is Holt?), and it is no surprise that coach Tapping has declared that nothing less than a Premiership will be acceptable to the faithful down at the Kooyong LTA. Whilst their attacking artillery is indeed daunting.. They have the third highest scored against in A Grade, which is interesting and not ok. Even our Round Three shellacking saw us kick 17 goals for the day. It'll be rough, it'll be tough, and it will be great stuff and better for all mankind if the Xavs get up. |
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Congratulations
to James Drake, Adam Chatfield and Lachlan Ford who represented the VAFA
against the Victorian Country Football League today. Also, a
special mention to Andy Biddlecombe, whose
form was acknowledged by the selectors when he was added to the training
squad last week. Could have played, should have played . . .
Senior
and U19 teams had their final rest before the stretch run to the
playoffs, but the 3s and the Crocs played out their last home and home
games. 
Grammar, with our Dan Rush kicking 9.
Former
Old Xavs premiership star and Melbourne midfielder Andrew Leoncelli will
apparently announce his retirement from football at a media conference
at the MCG on Wednesday. 
It
was great to see our eminent life member and club stalwart Michael Rush
at the Marcellin game last Saturday.
MORTO
- LOOKING FOR A GAME
The
Killer Bees, Biddlecombe
and Bingham again dominated in the backfield, aided by Ellis, who shut
out Treganowan completely. The Xavs won plenty of ball in the middle
despite the height advantage of the Marcellin ruckster - another fine
game from Andrew Oswald, who continues to improve week by week. John Bowen, Adam
Chatfield, Dave Landrigan, and Lachlan
Ford provided dash all over the field.
Six
time Old Xaverians' premiership player Michael Blood last night became
just the club's twenty-second Life Member.
No
one at the OXFC could ever this man as a “foreigner”. Not only
is he loved, admired and respected by the OXFC family, he is perhaps
better known than anyone else in the last two decades of the VAFA and
despite his fame in Amateur football circles is as approachable and
gracious as any one can be.