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OLDXAVS.com |
October 03 |
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| Pre-season 03 APRIL 03 MAY 03 JUNE 03 JULY 03 AUG 03 SEP 03 NOV03-FEB 04 | |
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30 Oct '03: XAVS BACK DAV! PREZ LAMENTS RESIGNATION AS O'SHONNERS A'GONNERS! ROCKET ROD AS DENIS THATCHER FOR ANOTHER 12 MONTHS! Davina Calhaem will serve a third term as President of the Old Xaverians Football Club after being re-elected at last night’s Annual General Meeting. The diminutive dynamo told the large gathering of members that she was again looking forward to meeting the challenges facing the club, with one of the most imminent and important being to replace Kevin O’Shaughnessy, who will not continue in his capacity as CEO. “Kev has spent three years in the job and taken the Xavs to a new level of professionalism in that time. We have gone from four teams to six and while our expenses have increased greatly over that period, we have maintained a positive cash flow and a sound bank balance. We will miss him as CEO but welcome his decision to again serve on the match committee and take up an assistant coach's role,” said the Prez. The departing CEO was wistful, Boz Scaggs-esque. “What can I say? I recall the thoughts of Victor Hugo when he said 'No army is as powerful as an idea whose time has come,' and of the Bard when he wrote 'Nothing became him in life so much as the leaving of it,' and of the Grateful Dead when they sang 'What a long strange trip it’s been.' Hey, I’ve enjoyed the triennium, but it’s time to go in another direction,” said O’Shaughnessy. Meanwhile, club sources have refuted claims that they have approached former AFL honcho Wayne Jackson to fill the vacant CEO role. "He fits the profile I suppose, plenty of football experience and a background in accounting, but how would he go writing the Lugar on Fridays?" mused an unidentified committeeman. |
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25 Oct '03: THE
LAST
BOAST! STRIDENTLY-SINGING STALWARTS SAYONARA SPECIAL SEASON AT LOVELY LONG LOUD LIQUID-LACED LUNCH The Old Xavs officially closed the book on season 2004 with the Last Boast Lunch held at an inner-suburban hostelry yesterday. The lunch began in 1999 and is traditionally held on Cox Plate Eve. Club legend Jack Bowen, who initiated the event, began proceedings by asking club captain Lachlan Ford to lead the assembled in a hearty rendition of the club song. Several encores followed throughout the afternoon, as did a number of speeches about the achievements of the Australia's finest football club. So 2003 is done, over, gone. From here on, you can read about the extraordinary year in the archives of this website, but you won't hear anyone at the club dwelling on the past. 2004 is nearly upon us and the club's eyes are firmly fixed on the next chapter.
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24 Oct '03: TWIF NOTES The news just keeps on coming. The revamp of the Club XVIII now involves promotion and relegation - the Crocs will not have to contend with Monash Blues and Collegians next winter, but will welcome Mazenod and Old Essendon on account of each's premiership in the now-abandoned geographic sections. The Menages will play in Club XVIII Division 2 - they'll get to see Mazenod and Old Essendon, as well as Fitzroy Reds, Uni Blacks, Old Brighton, Eley Park and Whitefriars. From the end of next season, it's 2 clubs up and two down. |
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20 Oct '03: BLOODY
TROTH! COLOSSUS CANVASSED CONNUBIALS: POPPED PROPOSAL PLEASED PRETTY PAL BEHEMOTH
BAGS BEAU BLUSHING-BRIDE-TO-BE BIDDY MIGHTY
MIKE MULLS MARCH MATRIMONIALS
The Sandringham Spy reports that on Saturday night, the big guy dropped slowly to his knee to ask Bridget Cunningham to be his lawful wedded wife, and that he got the nod from the only selector who counts. A source close to the groom has indicated that the sports-loving Bloodster is eyeing a ‘tween-seasons date for the occasion and will soon enter into negotiations for exclusive media coverage of the big day. Rest assured that OLDXAVS.com will be bidding hard for the pictorial rights. The aforementioned Bridget is the sister of Anna, who is the wife of 2000 Old Xavs premiership player Andy Gowers. Should make for fine conversation over the Xmas turkey. OLDXAVS.com wishes the couple all the best. Also on a happy note, our heartiest congratulations go to Chris and Desley Mortensen on the arrival of their first addition, a daughter, Emma. |
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21 Oct '03 MR CHIPS SERVES IT UP COLD
After highly successful years at Xavier
College, they have both certainly shown the Midas Touch when it comes to
Premierships. Tony started the ball rolling in just
Year 10 at Xavier College, when he was a member of the victorious Herald
Shield Grand Final side of 1986, before going on to be a member of the
APS winning sides of 1987 and 1988. David got into the act, joining Tony in
the 1988 side, and backing up again with a premiership in 1989. In fact, the only hiccups during this
time were Terry trying to explain the Victorian Schools version of the
Super Bowl to a stranger in a downtown San Francisco bar in July of
’86, whilst he also distinguished himself by sleeping in and getting
David late to a game in 1989. In Terry’s defence, it was an 11:30 am
start. Both boys have continued on in stunning
fashion. Tony has played in an extraordinary 10
premierships in a row, commencing with the Crocodiles in 1994, then the
Reserves in 1995, followed by the past eight premierships in a row for
the Crocs. He has played 217 games with the club, whilst also winning
the Club XVIII Competition Best & Fairest in 1996. David has been no less incredible,
playing in his sixth A-Grade Premiership in 2003, drawing level with
Michael Blood, Andrew Dillon, and Dan Richardson. He now trails John
Bowen by just the one flag, after being controversially left out of the
1996 Grand Final side. Both boys show no signs of slowing down,
with David already in training for the 2004 season and certain to built
most significantly on his 273 games with the club, being poised to go
past the modern day record games tally of 275 held by Andrew Dillon. And who knows, with Meg’s approval
No.4 might even be a show to challenge the legendary Ken “Skinny”
Petroff’s club rumoured record tally of somewhere between 306 and 634
games. Congratulations Tony and David, and best
wishes for more successes to come. Editors Note: Faye would like to point out that the Landrigan daughters have
also done extremely well in their chosen fields of endeavour. |
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18 Oct '03
Courtesy cyansportingimages.com Go to their website should you choose to order - sizes up to A4.
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17 Oct '03
TWIF NOTES
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10 Oct '03
XAVS STILL JOLLY! SHOLLY BACK ON TROLLEY!
A beaming
CEO Kevin O'Shaughnessy announced that the club had secured
Sholly's commitment to lead the Xavs for another season. "He
proved this year that he was the best man for the job and we're
excited to have him on board again for what will be a very
challenging season," said O'Shaughnessy. Sholly harbours
no illusions about the demanding task ahead. "This
year's group performed well, and peaked in the finals. You
can do no better than win a premiership. Next year's group
will more than likely contain quite a number of new players, so
we begin all over again. Our planning is based around
being the very best we can be - just how good that is, we don't
know," said Sholly. "Next
year, we will again be the hunted and we must all be highly
prepared," he said. The
Old Xavs also announced the reappointments of Chris Gawne as
Reserves Coach and Mark Stevens as Fitness "They
were an integral part of our success this season and we are
delighted they'll be with us again," said O'Shaughnessy. “It
was a pleasure to play a role in this year’s achievements and
I’m looking forward to working again with such a good group of
young men,” said Chris Gawne. “After a couple of weeks off, I’m tan, fit and rested – and ready to go again. I’m dreaming about sandhills already,” said Mark Stevens. |
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10 Oct '03 TWIF NOTES The behind the scenes manoeuvring continued this week, with newly promoted De La Salle appointing Mark Lowe as Senior Coach for 2004 . . . when is the last time that both sides promoted from B Section have gone to A Section with new coaches? At this stage, approximately 84 VAFA players' names have been linked to the AFL clubs and the upcoming National Draft. |
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7 Oct '03
FAREWELL TO THE HORSEMEN Now they are gone, all of them. Last year, Michael Blood and Dan Richardson, and now John Bowen and Andrew Dillon. The Four Horsemen of the Old Xavs are committed to history and indelibly to our memory. At the club's recent Annual Presentation Evening, the Old Xavs paid tribute to the recently retired Bowen and Dillon. Dan Richardson spoke about John Bowen:
The respect I have for him is difficult to express in words, but this individual has arguably just become the greatest player in the history of the Old Xaverians. That is a big statement when I look around the room and see some of our true legends in Mick Blood, Matthew Hannebery, Matthew Bourke, Andrew Dillon and co here tonight. If he is not the greatest, he is certainly the club’s best big game player. The individual I speak of is, of course, John Bowen. John first arrived at the club in 1992 after a couple of seasons with Richmond. Since that time he has been a club champion, a regular State representative, and club-vice captain. But perhaps his most significant achievement is that he has managed to do all this without once smiling or boring the %&*^ out of us in over 10 years.
Since
Sunday, many people have spoken about how great it was to see so many
young blokes a part of such a great win. Indeed it was a great win
and the benefit of some younger legs was evident. However,
if you looked to centre half-forward, you would have seen an older
looking bloke looking as if he was running on the spot with a rod up his
back – but he not only held down the toughest position on the ground,
he dominated it. If
only he hadn’t got the yips with his set shots for goal, he would have
given Tim Ockleshaw a fair run for his money for the Jock Nelson, an
honour he has been unlucky not to win on a couple of occasions. As
a team-mate and friend, I have not come across a more competitive person
than JB. At the start of this year, he was undecided about playing
but went on to enjoy one of his most consistent seasons. Despite his conservative exterior, he is one of the toughest players I have seen on a footy field. Not toughness as in belting blokes, for that has rarely been JB's style. I am talking about the toughness you show by putting your body in positions when you know you are going to get hurt, the toughness in pushing yourself when your lungs are burning and your legs feel like lead and you don’t think you can run anymore. This is toughness in the true sense, and JB, you have more of this than anyone I played with.
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Andrew McLean paid tribute to Andrew Dillon:
He is a role model for all at our club, both on and off the field. At a club that has had for years a solid core of decent, hardworking people committed to making and maintaining the greatness of the Old Xaverians, at a club that has had more than its share of talented footballers, it is easy to become blasé about our success. But we are not a great club because we win premierships. We
win premierships because we are a great club, because we have people who
are willing to make the sacrifices necessary for that greatness. Andrew
Dillon is one of those decent, hardworking and committed people.
If this club ever builds a Hall of Fame, Andrew Dillon will be an
automatic choice and one of its first inductees. Dills, all of us salute you on a fine career. |
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6 Oct '03
THE 2003 DENTON The William Denton Snr Perpetual Trophy has been awarded each year since 1988 to a an individual who has been judged to have gone beyond the call of duty in working for the betterment of the Old Xaverians Football Club. At the recent Annual Presentation Evening, club legend Matthew "Killer" Bourke was accorded the duty of announcing this year's recipient. He did so thusly . . .
As
such, the Denton is much revered, but awarded to only the very special.
Our winner this year is both revered and special. I am proud to
number him among my friends and delighted to tell you that the latest
Old Xaverian who will have his name engraved on the Denton Trophy is
Andrew “Slicer” McLean. Andrew
first shot on to the scene in 1989 as a player in the Under 19s.
He was described from the earliest by peers as a players’ player.
Andy certainly let his tenacious and uncompromising will to succeed do
the talking on the football field. Not long after he debuted, however,
Andy developed serious groin related problems that threatened to cut
short his promising on field career. However,
his dedication and enthusiasm was rewarded in 1997 when he represented
the club at senior level in a premiership year. Andy’s
off-field talents shone through from a very early age. From 1989
to 2001, Andrew served on the OXFC committee in various capacities. From
1997 through 1999 he was the understudy and workman behind the then
President Robert Ralph. In
years 2000 and 2001, Andrew served as President of the OXFC, being
elected to that office at the young age of 29 – a marvellous
achievement. Andrew’s
long list of special efforts at the Old Xavs include successfully
negotiating and then re-negotiating a long term lease at Toorak Park. He
has recruited many outstanding footballers and men of marvellous
integrity to the OXFC, and managed to retain the services of many who
have entertained other offers. Andy
was responsible for the introduction of the BJ O’Shaughnessy Perpetual
Trophy, now presented to the senior Best & Fairest winner each year,
as well as establishing the tradition of acknowledging the contributions
of long-term players in a formal environment, on or after their
retirement. Andrew
has been, and will continue to be, an outstanding role model to all at
the Old Xavs. Never one to dwell on the past, he is always looking
to the next task. In his time at the OXFC Andrew’s word has been
his bond – that can never be disputed - he has been honest,
reliable and nothing has ever been too big a problem – he was, and
will always be a players’ man – by the players, for the players. Many
Old Xavs cannot understand how this award has eluded Slicer until now.
It suffices to say that the major reason was that he himself worked
selflessly to ensure that the contributions of others were given their
due before he was. Well
Slicer, it’s your night, and it is fitting to finally see you
honoured, on such a special evening, in front of so many players, past
players, parents and sponsors, who have watched your progression from an
18-year-old kid, through the Presidency of the Old Xavs Football Club
and beyond. Asked
a couple of years ago why the Old Xaverians Football Club was so
successful, Andy simply said, “We work harder.” Indeed,
that is the case, and all here are aware that Andrew McLean is always
among the very first to roll up his sleeves and get to work. Congratulations Andrew – this award is a thoroughly deserved – you are a clubman non-pareil and a terrific person. We salute you and thank you for your tireless contribution to our club over the past 15 years.
Slicer McLean is congratulated by 2002 Denton recipient Michael Logan and Killer Bourke Previous
recipients of the Denton can be found here |
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3 Oct '03 THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL - TWIF NOTES Old friend Matt McCarthy has won the Geelong Football Club's Best First Year Player Award. The Old Xavs note with regret the passing of VAFA Patron and Life Member Alex Johnson OAM on Wednesday. afternoon, October 1. Alex gave the VAFA outstanding service as a player and as an official over many years and continued to take a keen interest in the affairs of the Association even during the period of his declining health over recent years . . . Pat Mannix will replace Greg Feutrill as Senior Coach at newly-promoted Whitefriars for 2004. Feutrill guided the Friars through C and B Sections in his three years at the helm. Mannix is a former De La Salle premiership player . . .
OLDXAVS.com continues to be the website choice of football's cognoscenti. September was another record month, as evidenced by the following chart. Just shy of 1500 different people visited the site during the month, smashing August's record by 60%. |
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29 Sep '03 A
Section 2003 - Season in Review THE
EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
For
nine teams every year, the pre-season optimism eventually sours with the
realization that the cards aren’t going to fall right. That
resignation may come in April or, as it does for one team, as late
as Grand Final Day, when hopes and dreams of taking that final step to
glory are laid waste by the better team on the day.
For
Ivanhoe, after promising much in late 2002, the trouble came early and
stayed late. They never clambered off the bottom, though they did
test some stronger clubs. They had to wait until Round 8 for their
first victory, a three goal win over St Kevin’s, perhaps a nasty
harbinger for the Skobbers.
As
it transpired, the Kevins only managed six wins for the season, and
disappeared through the trap door. Old Melburnians must have
been looking over their shoulders after St Bernard's minced them by 174
points in early June, but they survived in the elite section after
turning the tables in R17 and beating the Xavs in the last home and home
game.
Then
there was the Varsity, whose season was made more difficult by the late
retirement of their coach – and Trinity, who lunged toward the final
four while their Bulleen neighbour Marcellin passed them going in the
other direction. These three teams all had their moments, with
Trinity’s hopes dashed only in R18 when Haileybury won to keep them
out.
This
September greeted the top three clubs from last season, as Haileybury
drew their last breath on the ultimate day of August, a wild and woolly
Elsternwick afternoon that stunted the chances of their big men to
dominate. Nonetheless, it was a creditable performance from the
Bloods in their first season back in A Section, and if the confidence
and enthusiasm of their faithful is any indication, they’ll be back to
finals action next year.
Of
course, in amateur football, it is difficult to gauge what next week,
let alone next year, will bring, as ten hopefuls joust again - first for
survival and then the good and the lucky get to fight for the flag.
Old
Scotch promised much and delivered plenty until their preliminary final
showdown against the Xavs, whom they had beaten at HQ and Shark Park.
A talent-laden lineup that was touted as a genuine premiership hope, the
Cardinals again failed against their nemesis and former Yarra Park
co-tenant Old Xaverians. Andrew Crow won the Woodrow Medal and
Lachlan Thompson won the U19 decoration - both finished the season
rucking in the seniors.
St
Bernard’s bolted out of the gate to reinforce their early favouritism
but fell to the Xavs in round 2. They then went on a tear and by
mid-season had re-established their dominance. Again they fell to
the Xavs, this time at the Snakepit, suffering their biggest loss of the
year. Injuries were costly, and the reigning premier limped home
in second place. They surprised by winning passage to the Grand
Final the easy way, by beating the Old Xavs in the second semi-final.
And
what of the Xavs? Just prior to the season, an anonymous fan of
Amateur football published a season preview that was subsequently
circulated by e-mail. It was a rather nasty piece that took some
below-the-belt shots at certain individuals, but took particular aim at
the Old Xavs as a club.
It
began thus: “The empire is crumbling in every respect.
Xavs have crashed out in the last two final series, as the veterans move
into retirement, club 18, or middle tier law firms. Blood, after
much debate in amateur circles, has finally lost his V Plates and found
better things to do on the weekend, Bowen is selling Makita drills
in his dads hardware business, Mollard still has red hair and always
will, and Jones was forced into retirement. In total then the well is
pretty much dry at Toorak Park. Players such as Ford, Brushfield,
Orlando, and Ockleshaw are all that remains between the former power and
a descent into B grade."
How
wrong it all was. In a year that the Magi of the Mound at Toorak
Park had spruiked as one of rebuilding, the Xavs performed brilliantly.
At season commencement, familiar faces Blood, Richardson, Clarke,
McDonald, Ruyg were missing, giving the younger brigade an opportunity
to show their wares. Michael Holmes came back and was joined in
the backfield by Stuart Ross, up from the U19s. The former
subsequently retired while the rookie headed overseas, freeing up a spot
for the find of the season, the dashing Andy Biddlecombe, who in the
space of a few weeks won the respect of the Titans of the Terraces and
the selectors, who began inking his name on the teamsheet.
John
Pasceri and Andy Bowen made the early leap to senior football and both
turned in fine seasons justifying their decision. Pasceri topped
the goalkicking list, while Bowen played some fine football with
glimpses of undeniable class. Their contemporary Chris Santalucia
debuted during the season, suggesting there is plenty still to come from
this skillster.
Early
victories at Trinity and over St Bernard’s set the scene. Then
came a letdown against Scotch and a hammering at the hands of Marcellin
that educed the first noise from Hypocrite Hill. They got back on
track with big wins against Ivanhoe, St Kevin’s and Uni Blues.
A
trip to the Badlands against Haileybury produced a narrow loss, but they
turned for home 6-3 with a narrow win at home against OMs in a woeful
game.
The
return match against Trinity saw the Xavs back in some semblance of
form, but the biggest shock came the following week when they
annihilated St Bernard’s at the Snakepit.
Form
can be fleeting as they discovered the following week when Scotch
knocked them over at Shark Park. Marcellin couldn’t find their
early-season form and the Xavs spanked them. A hard-fought win at
Ivanhoe, another trouncing of St Kevin’s and a points decision in the
slush at University set up a return bout with Haileybury. After a
tight first half, the Xavs got on top, securing both an 8-0 record at
home and the double chance.
In
the worst conditions of the year and with little to play for, the
undermanned Xavs lowered their colours to OMs at the Junction. St
Bernard’s went down again and the Xavs finished minor premier.
The
second-semi final result was a surprise to many, and reinforced the
notion that there was life in the Pitters yet. In eight minutes in
the third quarter, they turned the game around and reclaimed flag
favouritism.
The
reward for the Xavs was a bout with surging Scotch. They did not
disappoint, with a scorching second half that thrilled the faithful and
again sent the Cardinals home early.
There
was a deal of confidence as the Xavs approached their eighth Grand Final
in nine years and it showed from the first bounce. A 34 point lead
at quarter time was satisfactory, but the wind was strong and the
Bernies knew they were still in it.
That
feeling lasted all of twenty-eight seconds as Orlando intercepted,
showed some tricks and rammed home a startling goal that was greeted
with the sounds of cheering - and a loud bang that was the first nail
being hammered into the Pitters’ coffin.
And
thus the Xavs won another flag. Far from crumbling, the empire had
struck back. |
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29 Sep '03 TROPHY WINNERS 1s:
B+F:Tim Ockleshaw;
Runner-up: Andrew Biddlecombe; 3rd: Adam Chatfield; Best in
Finals: Andrew Biddlecombe; Coach's
Award: Sam Johnston Crocs: B+F:
Nick Rathgeber; Runner-up: Ben Perry; Best in Finals: Greg
Erskine; Coach's Award: Blain Beetham WILLIAM DENTON
PERPETUAL TROPHY: Andrew McLean |
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27 Sep '03 TIZ TAKES BJ. BEATS BIDDA BY TWO VOTES. Five days after winning a premiership medallion and the Jock Nelson medal, Tim Ockleshaw capped his illustrious season by winning the B J O'Shaughnessy Perpetual Trophy for the Best and Fairest. At a gala Presentation Evening at Albert on the Lake attended by 170 Old Xavs' players, supporters, sponsors and families, club coach Michael Sholly announced that Ockleshaw had won the award from Andy Biddlecombe by two votes. Senior voting: Tim Ockleshaw 166 - Andy Biddlecombe 164 - Adam Chatfield 126 - Damian Orlando 108 - James Drake 92 - Lachlan Ford 92 - John Bowen 87 - Nathan Bingham 70 - David Landrigan 64 - Caydn Beetham 57 Luke Howard, who divided his time between seniors and 2s won the Bro. Rod Reynolds Trophy for best and fairest in the Reserves. Reserves voting: Luke Howard 85 - David Walsh 67 - Andrew Dillon 63 - James Hawkins 60
More stories later this week, but for now, some photographs.
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26 Sep '03 CHAIMBO CHAMBERED? WILL FRED FRONT?
Club CEO Kevin O''Shaughnessy has attempted to reconstruct Fred's movements all week. "Forensic evidence is leading me to the conclusion that he has spontaneously combusted. Or he has lost his mobile phone. These are details best left to others, but I do want my keys back," said the concerned CEO. If you are Freddie, please turn up at tonight's gala presentation evening in black tie with Kev's keys. If you have seen him, call Kev today. HAPPY POSTSCRIPT: Freddie showed up on time to the Presentation Dinner. |
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26 Sep '03 BOGGERS' DOGGERS TOPS IN SYDNEY
From all accounts, the man wearing the number four shirt for the Doggies had a fine season up north. Boggers made it to a few Old Xavs games this winter but seems to be settling in to the premiership lifestyle in Sydney. That's him just to the left of this text. Congrats Ben. |
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25 Sep '03 FOOTBALL's MR UNLUCKY
Whereas Tony Landrigan has played in ten winning grand finals, Ruggy has now played in ten losing grannies. It's time for Trav to come back to the Xavs, settle down and turn his football life around. |
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24 Sep '03 GOODBYE MR CHIPS In
his farewell column for the season, Mr Chips looks at the contenders for
the B J O’Shaughnessy Perpetual Trophy. I missed my opportunity to predict that the Xavs would win the Grand Final because I don’t like making my predictions public. I am very much the “I told you so” type, and I’ll be talking about that with my sports psychologist friend over the summer break. So
don’t expect me to tip you off about the winner of the Old Xavs’
premier individual award, but at around 10:00 pm Friday, I’ll be
wearing that smug grin that will let you all know that I’ve done
another Mike Williamson and “tipped this.” But I can reveal this, rather controversially. I’ve narrowed the field down significantly and don’t believe that anyone outside the group I will outline below can win the BJ. So here goes my first annual form guide for my top ten, in alphabetical order. 44 Biddlecombe The bookies would have had him at 100s at the beginning of the year and the umpires followed the odds and totally ignored him. Caned some pretty tidy opponents and is a real show in his first full/last full season for a while. 4 Landrigan Whether driving it out of the backline or kicking goals himself, Chachi had a fine year. Played every game and now leads the all-time games played tally (unless his old man can sort out the Skinny Petroff controversy.) 17 Chatfield Perhaps the club’s leading possession getter who kicked some stunning goals and handled the kick-in duties. Missed a few with injury, but will poll well. 27 Drake Cult hero who set the crowds alight. Registers high on the Thrill-o-meter and if that translates to ink marks on a small piece of paper, he could be the man. Added the blond tips during the year to enhance appeal to voters. 2 Orlando The Bernies were stunned when he nailed that beauty early in the second quarter, but we’ve seen him do it all before. A consistent vote-winner, with missed games through injury the only concern here. 12 Bowen J Injury-free for the first time in yonks, did the job and played exceptionally well in the big games. Don’t overlook. 15 Ford Won the trophy last year and played at a similar high standard in his second year as skipper. Mr Consistency. 31 Pasceri Club’s top goalkicker, who scored in every game except the big win at the Snakepit. Interesting! A flashy dresser and player in his first season. 20 Scanlan: Another excitement machine with his red hair and relentless running down the flanks and across the ground. Will poll well in his first full senior year. 22
Ockleshaw Tim
had a great year and showed his class in the Grand Final.
Sure to have attracted votes with the long sleeves, which he
ditched in the Granny for the first time in living memory. It
will be a close vote and we might even see a repeat of the Brownlow
situation, but Ray McLean has insisted there will be a countback because
after buying six red and six yellow footballs this season, the club
cannot afford the largesse of more than one winner. Mucks up the honour boards too, he claims. Still,
in a premiership year, as Errol Brown and Hot Chocolate once sang:
“Everyone’s a winner, baby, that’s the truth,” and so
congratulations to all players, coaches, officials, supporters and
sponsors who have made 2003 a year to remember. The Webmaster says he will continue to work on the site over summer to bring you the latest breaking news as well as some old stuff, but I’m on holidays. And don’t say I didn’t tell you so. Previous winners of the B J O'Shaughnessy Perpetual Trophy can be found here. |
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In the spring, a
man’s favour turns from football to femmes and Old Xavs’
legend Michael Blood is the latest to be hit right in the heart
by Cupid’s arrow.
The
week began with the Pitters sitting pat and reappointing Peter Nicholson
as their club coach and ended with SKOB appointing former Nodder Dave
Murray to take over from Emmett Dunne . . . The VAFA made several
announcements, including that they will give up football during Lent,
with the season set to begin on Saturday 17 April - the week AFTER
Easter . . . The state game against WA will feature only
player under the age of 23 (an then one from each club), there will be
byes on the monarch's birthday weekend and then again on 3 July as a
fully-blown state team takes on the Croweaters . . . this week's winners
of the fabulous summer competition are the lucky folk at left.
They win a dinner for two at the Orrong Hotel, beverages included . . .
no white smoke has emerged yet to inform us that decision on pre-season
training has been made, but we hear it's not too far off . . . so, it's
to Caulfield. Race 3, #10 is all the rage. The VAFA has
announced that there will be an extra interchange player in all grades
next year and that umpires will have a choice whether to bounce or not.
A
Section Premiership Coach Michael Sholly will coach the Old
Xaverians Football Club again in 2004.
Coach.
I
consider the opportunity to speak about this person a real honour.
In
all seriousness, last Sunday he achieved two incredible feats – first,
he became the club’s only 7 time premiership player and secondly, he
has been in the best 6 players in every one of them, aside from1995 when
the twang from his torn hamstring could be heard from the bar of the
Elsternwick Hotel.
If
we had at our table tonight an U19 Best and Fairest, a Reserves Best and
Fairest, a six-time A Section premiership player, a VAFA state
representative, and the club games record holder at 273, we would be
dining in a rather select group. This lot would be quite a
collection of club notables except for one trifling fact. They are all
one person, they are all Andrew Dillon. 
recently
as our coordinator of Auskick, passing on his know-how to a future
generation of footballers. 
I
am honoured to speak tonight and to announce the recipient of the
William Denton Snr Perpetual Trophy for 2003, an award that is given to
recognise outstanding and unstinting service to our great club. 
This
year's Under 19 2s coach Freddie Chamberlain has dropped out of
sight. Last seen at Elsternwick Park on Sunday, recovering after
the Scooby's medal count the night before, his whereabouts are
unknown. One of his players suggested that perhaps he may be at
Toorak Park cleaning up the mess created by his charges in the Red Brick
House. Another denied vehemently that he had been kidnapped -
"He made some dumb moves through the year, and that bloody whistle
. . . but no, I can't think of a player who would resort to such Mad
Monday mayhem." 
Xavs'
stalwart Ben Coughlan played in the University of NSW/Eastern Suburbs
premiership team last Sunday. 
He
looks as if he's going all right, doesn't he? Yep, that's our own
Travis Ruyg, pictured at a recent West London Wildcats Australian
Football Club function. The Cats had a tremendous season, recently
storming unbeaten into the Granny. Then they lost the big one.