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| 24 Sep '03 GRAND FINAL GALLERY FROM MARK STEWART Mark Stewart drew our attention to his photography skills this morning and gave us permission to put his work up here. He apparently supports another club, but yelled for the Xavers on Sunday and in between, took some stunning shots of the boys in action, at rest and during celebration. The gallery features the first known photograph concentrating on Scott Mollard's ankle. A more extensive gallery can be found at http://www.pbase.com/vafa2003 . You will need to go there and get pic numbers to order from Mark, who can be e-mailed at halogen@netspace.net.au or contacted on the mobile on 0403 053 562. 5x7" prints are available at $10, 8x10" at $20.                                  | |
| 24 Sep '03 MY MAD MONDAY by ANONYMOUS Gee, it’s good to play in a Grand Final and have a win. It makes all that torture in the pre-season, up and down sand hills, circuits of the Tan worthwhile. Makes Mad Monday worthwhile too. It all began at breakfast after a lateish night at Toorak Park. Bowen is there with seven medals draped around his neck, Landrigan’s got six and Brushy five. As the win against the Pitters on Sunday was the first time I had graced the dais, they sent me down to the end of the table with Pasha, who couldn’t understand why we weren’t having breakfast in Lygon Street. After looking at all that jewellery on some of the blokes, I thought we were in Lygon Street. Breakfast, I thought, was going to be as good as it got. But I soon discarded that thought. I looked around at the guys, and saw that look in their eyes. I’d seen it in the locker room the day before, and it told me that we were ready to perform. The Hotel Max seemed a good place to start. A few convivial ales, nothing out of the ordinary, no more than you’d see at a waterside worker’s morning tea. The guys pointed out a very pretty girl who seemed to be looking right at me and dared me to kiss her. I’m not one to impose on anyone and I knew there’d have to be a bit of work put in before there was any romantic stuff. Feeling full of confidence as the sun glinted off my premiership medal, I made my move. Well, to cut a long story short, I managed to give her a peck on the forehead – she didn’t complain – but her lips were a little low on the billboard and I couldn’t quite reach from the roof above. Next thing I know, it’s Brownlow time. We all drew players for a few bucks in. Scotty Mollard drew Flemmo – a club favourite for sure, but perhaps a better shot next year than this. Riccuitto and two other blokes win the Medal. I’m stoked, being an Adelaide supporter. I tell the blokes we need to go to the Casino. We go. Bump into some of the Pitters there, decorated in last year’s medals. They wanted to congratulate us on our flag, but I had no time for magnanimity. Asked them how come they weren’t having one at the Snakepit tonight. One of them mumbled something and they headed for the 1 cent slots. Guys and dolls abound. Dressed to the nines, escapees from the count. Up to the tables, some recognizable faces, but it’s hard to get a spot. Some AFL player spies my medal – “get in here” he says. “Old Xavs, right?.” I’m nailing the numbers, I’m up, way up. I hear a voice. I think I know the face. Yes, it’s him. He puts the bite on me for a few bucks. What am I to do? Refuse? He says he’ll pay me back and takes my address. Got home late. Slept like a baby. Dreamt that I was comparing medals – the VAFA premiership medal, which will be my entrée card around town for 12 months and the Brownlow that I was holding as security. Oops, perhaps I wasn’t dreaming. Or perhaps it’s all been a dream and I’ll soon be on the sandhills and running around the Tan again. | |
| 23 Sep '03 GREAT ACTION SHOTS The shots below were taken at Xavs' games this year by cyansportingimages.com, which may be the second best place on the web to find Old Xavs related stuff (especially since the Old Haileybury chat forum came a cropper). These are the best action photographs of our players showing their stuff. Bigger images (and more of them) can be found here on the Cyan site, but you can also order A4 sized prints, suitable for framing and giving to Mum and Dad, next year's match committee to remind them of your performance this year, to one of the many opponents you've towelled up during this premiership year.
Pics from the GF will be available later in the week.
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| 23 Sep '03 MY BIG GRAND FINAL DAY by PATRICK GREEN (aged 3.5) The wind is going at 100kmh+ at 5:30am this morning when I decide enough's enough and wake up Mum and Dad, wondering if it will be windy at THOFF (The Home of Family Football)?? Dad's telling Mum THOFF is to wind what Waverly was to rain. He reckons the only good thing about the wind is that it might blow away "that stupid bloody jumping castle". Dad seems particularly fractious this morning, says he's going to see a fair few mullets at the ground today and have to chase my ass all over the place and not concentrate on the Xavs. Dad gets my 1.5 year old sister Annabelle into bed at 9:30am (a touch early for her lunchtime nap) - something about getting her to sleep early so he can get a carpark at THOFF. Dad and I go and have a kick of the footy in the back yard while Annabelle's dreaming of 'Wick Burgers. He's really firing them at me, seems pretty toey considering he hasn't played for over a decade and is seriously overweight. Mum's off to work at midday, Dad give's her a fearful sendoff "ship off", "Have a sh#t one" etc. - says he's warming up for the boys from the 'Pit. Mum tells him to grow up. We're in the car at midday as Dad regales us with tales of previous "Granny-bashers". He says the Amateurs have it against the Old Xavs and they'll all be praying for a Bernard's win. Dad says it's a joke they haven't renamed the Oval after Bloody and the far wing after Bowen. We park out beside a scummy creek and Dad reckons they're a 75% chance our new car will be "keyed" by 6pm, he says that's the only good thing about playing teams like Scotch, at least your car will be OK and they bring a few glamours along. Annabelle and I have no idea what he's rambling on about. As we walk to the ground Dad gives us the rundown for the day, "jumping castle and that stupid train during the 2nds, once the game begins try to stay within eyeshot and ignore all swearing by your old man, don't tell your mum anything". Got it! Through the gates, Dad reckons The Ammo's have jacked up the gate price by 50% per year three years running. He says it's a joke Landrigan isn't on the cover of the Record. He then goes right off his head and declares they should re-name The Record "The Landrigan" - says in the 14 years Dave has been at OXFC there's been 3 President's, 10 Senior Coaches, 29 Flags (and 1 more today he says), 5 Senior captains and a litany of bad kits from blokes like Tuddy, Peos, Louis, Bones, Bloody and "that kid who came from Carey and kicked 3 or 4 in the last Q of a GF". He says if it wasn't for Killer the place would be a fashion wasteland. I'm beginning to worry that Dad might have a complete meltdown - it's only 1pm and he's spoiling for a blue with random people wearing yellow and blue. There's about 45 Landrigan kids lining up for the train, so Dad tells them Mister Whippy is over near the Grandstand and Terry is shouting Soft Serves. Works a treat. Sucked in. The guy driving the train is a surly unit, reckons kids in blue and gold facepaint tried to take the wheels off his train. Ride the train non-stop for 25 mins, Dad tells us the wing near the golf course is like the Bermuda Triangle because Bowen's opponents disappear off the face of the earth if they venture there. He says Bowen hasn't had a man for a decade. Some old guy is barracking loudly for "The Bernies" near the end of the 2nd's – Dad tells him to "ship off", then realises he's on a toy train going 5kmh and points to the bloke beside us when the old guy has a go at him. The Xavs hit the ground during the presentation for 2nds medals, Dad reckons they should run right thru the presentation just to "set the tone for the day". He tells Annabelle the coin toss will be all important, and if Lachie Ford gets that right he's done his job for the day. Lachie calls Heads and Dad reckons he's in the votes already. Xavs pile into Bernies early and Dad is pretty pumped up, he doesn't even mind when Pasceri sells Landrigan a dummy, spins back into traffic and drills a sausage-roll with his left foot. Dad says team rules don't count for blokes like Pasceri. From what Annabelle and I can gather from the Xavs supporters on the far wing, Bowen has sold his soul to the Devil, and is playing a complete blinder. Some skinny bloke called "Louis" seems to be pretty agitated by St. Bernard's style of play and thinks they have "gassed it". Annabelle thinks this might refer to how they cook the 'Wick Burger's she loves. Who knows? Xavs are up big at Q time and there's a million kids kicking the footy with us on the ground. Dad keeps calling me "Dermott Dann" because I get the ball when it's kicked over the fence and I kick it back into play. Dad reckons Xavs need to kick at least 1 into the wind in the second quarter, and he needs to be restrained from running onto the ground about 56 seconds in when Orlando goes on a run that Dad says is "one of the greatest of all time". Annabelle and I spend most of the 2nd Q under the scoreboard, which is weird because Dad's down the other end. He doesn't seem to notice we're missing. At half time Dad says Xavs are basically home, they only need to kick 2-3 in the 3rd Q, but he's prefer it if Xav's kicked 10+ "to make it comfortable, and really stick it up those blokes for last year". Dad spends the third Q yelling at some guy called "Nick Mitchell" reminding him about the "Greg Norman-like performance in 2000". Dad's pretty fired up and has just organised for us to be dropped at my grandparents after the game so he can stay and "have a few with the boys". The last quarter is a blur of ice-cream and chocolate and Dad fills us up with junk food and tells us to "not tell your mother". We leave just before the siren and the last we see of Dad he's slapping players backs like he's got 28 touches himself. 7pm - no sign of Dad 8pm - no sign of Dad 9pm - Mum picks us up from Nana and Pa's 10pm - Dad gets home. 10:02pm - Mum's not happy with Dad. | |
| 23 Sep '03 MORE GRAND FINAL PIX You know the routine. Click on the pic for larger image and then hit the back button when done admiring.
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| 23 Sep '03 MY BIG GRAND FINAL DAY by JUNIOR BOURKE Early start. Actually, we're running a bit late, but Louis picks me up in the hoon ute and it could win Bathurst. hope we aren't taking this to the footy - it's all blue and gold and they might think we're from the Pitters. Off to the Ink for a few supplies. We cruise into the 'Rak at around 10. Time enough. Put some cans on ice. Remember the soft drinks. Pump up a few balloons, empty a few tonnes of helium in my throat so I can talk funny. All of a sudden, it's 12 noon. We wonder how the Pitters are doing in the 2s, but not for long, as we don't care. Louis calls us to order, asks for our predictions. I say we'll win by 10 goals, really beat them up. How good was that prediction, huh? Louis and Fitzy are more conservative. They say six and eight goals respectively. Ali says 10 points. We all worry about the cans. Time to test the temperature. The soup is ready!! Off to the Wick via change of trousers. Warn Peos that he has a challenge for Best in Finals. He heads straight to the barbie and gets burgered up. He's looking like a winner. It's nearly time. The Pitters won the 2s. They are in for a shocking night after we belt their 1s. Hah, there's the Surgeon. Memories. The boys make their final vow in the sheds that pass for locker rooms. They run out. Louis is loud today. Very loud. The Xavs kick butt. We celebrate. We have a couple at the ground. We have a couple back the rooms. The soup is still cold, delightfully so, and tastes good. Bowen calls it quits and we welcome him to the afterlife. Another day, another flag. some things don't change.
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| 22 Sep '03
TIZ DOES THE BIZ AS ZESTFUL ZIPPY XAVS POUND PALE 'PITTERS IN PRICELESS PREMIERSHIP PERFORMANCE. DASH TO GLORY: RUNNING, GUNNING, STUNNING RED 'N' BLACKS RUTHLESS IN GRAND FINAL VICTORY
So, after twenty-one weeks of competition, a month of scrimmage and scores of searing summer sunsets spent in sneakers it came down to this: for the second year running, and for the third GF day in four, it was Old Xaverians and St. Bernard’s Old Collegians who earned the invitation to play on Sunday. Toss, intros and anthems done for, the siren sounded and VAFA Umpire of the Year Sutcliffe bounced the ball. The big men flew. No result. Restart. Again, no outcome. Third try, and suddenly the Xavs were away. Three minutes went by before the Pitters had an effective disposal. Kicking with a wind that favoured the northern end, the Red ‘n ‘ Blacks began confidently. Beetham nailed a long one and Pasceri added a second quickly thereafter. St Bernard’s hadn’t raised a yelp. And they didn’t as the Xavs turned up the blowtorch a notch, booting 5.5 for the quarter to a solitary point. Surprisingly, there was little alarm in the Pitters’ camp at the first break. They’d been in the same spot at the half a fortnight ago, and won from there with a devastating 10 minute cameo. The devastating cameo on this day, however, came not from the reigning premier, but from a solo effort by Damian Orlando, who ran like a hare through the centre square, bouncing, weaving, and slotting home a perfect drop punt for the first score of the second quarter. Thus, the question was answered – how strong was the breeze – and the Pitters suddenly knew the awful truth – not strong enough. Bernards managed three majors, but the Xavs answered each very quickly. So at the half, the Xavs had gone further ahead – a 37 point surplus had the Titans of the Terraces nervous with excitement. In the Xavs locker-room, the lid remained on and the blowtorch kept burning. The third quarter produced another six majors for the Red ‘n’ Blacks and they went to lemon-time leading by 60 points. The last quarter was merely garbage time, though the Xavs refused to stop until the siren sounded and again outscored their rival despite kicking into the wind. In all, Xavs kicked 7.8 into the wind, while the Bernies managed only 8.17 all day. It was a drubbing without disguise, a good old-fashioned rout. The Xavs simply smashed their opponents with their relentless running and desire for the ball.
“Tiz” was awarded the Jock Nelson medal for BOG and there were no disagreements over the choice. Not that there wasn’t competition from quite a number of his teammates, who combined to celebrate another Old Xaverians’ holiday. James Scanlan played a blinder. All season, his run has excited the faithful and lifted his team, but he saved his best four-quarter effort for the big one. He led Clarke a merry dance on the wing, swooping in and taking the ball from contests with clean hands. John Pasceri capped his rookie season with another lively game. He booted two but uncharacteristically missed a few easier. He has been a revelation – and the club’s leading goalscorer – 21 games for 46 goals was a great return, his only empty sheet being surprisingly the slaughter at the Snakepit. John Bowen was again high among the best as were Adam Chatfield and Cadyn Beetham with their drive all around the ground. China Drake and James McDonnell were extremely productive forwards, their strong marking a feature. Andy Biddlecombe again took the prized scalp of Tim “Altona” Harvey while Chris Ellis did his usual job on Danny Jordan, this time keeping him goalless. Nor were these performances merely nullifying efforts, as both Biddlecombe and Ellis provided unimpeded run when they got the ball – which was regularly. The skipper Lachlan Ford again fired the team, showing courage, skill and leadership. Rich Carey led the ruck with great effect, bowing his head only to accept his premiership medallion. The Xavs didn’t have a passenger all day, while the Pitters had plenty who just couldn’t stand up to the enormous pressure exerted by the Red ‘n’ Blacks. Quite some years ago, Xavs’ club stalwart Anthony Ongarello is reported to have remarked that the Red ‘n’ Blacks weren’t a “great” club because it didn’t have enough photographs. Now they have another to add to a very crowded wall.
Chris Vernuccio was at the game and submitted his final report for the year: Old Xaverians have been crowned the VAFA Amateur A-Grade Premiers for 2003, after a commanding 63-point demolition of St. Bernard’s. Never headed through the game, the win was the Xavs seventh Premiership success in 10 years and their first since 2000. Kicking with a strong breeze after winning the toss, the Xavs began in stunning style, rattling off five goals for the quarter and restricting their opponents to a solitary behind. From the get-go it was apparent, to use the old cliché, that the Xavs come out to play. They tackled and pressured their St. Bernard’s counterparts, making life difficult for them. “We did (dominate from the start), we had the wind, it’s always good to start with the wind,” said Old Xaverians coach Michael Sholly. “So the momentum of the game’s pace was set by us. We were in control right from the start. We got so much of the ball, it was a great effort.” There was none better than John Pasceri chopping off a handball by the Bernies’ Simon Clarke in the first quarter, picked up the crumbs and snapping truly to register a goal for the Xavs. It was this pressure that was indicative of the way Old Xaverians played. The game was virtually over at half-time when, kicking against the wind, the Xavs outscored their opponents to go into the break 37-points up. St. Bernard’s couldn’t buy a goal into the wind in the opening term, but it took only 24 seconds in the second quarter for them to concede one after a dashing run from half-back by Damien Orlando. “What a goal that was,” exclaimed Sholly. “But look, whilst there was a breeze I don’t think it was the breeze that made us score so freely in the first quarter. We got our hands on the ball first and we were playing well, we had so much more of the possession and centre clearances. So whether we kicked with the wind or against it, we could still do it.” This was the story of the day. The Xavs were prepared to take risks and run with the ball at every opportunity and take advantage of their opportunities. In contrast, St. Bernard’s lacked confidence, they dropped marks and missed crucial shots at goal, the main offenders being Tim Harvey and Dan Jordan, who ironically have scored over 100 goals for the season between them. For some reason, those two sharp shooters have had a lean time of it against the Xavs all season, and the sorry tale continued on the biggest stage of all. Chris Ellis was sensational on Jordan, wearing him all day like a glove and holding him goalless and the ever-reliable Andrew Biddlecombe showed why he’s a contender for the Xavs Best and Fairest with an equally dominant display on Harvey. Simply put, the Xavs had winners all over the park. Adam Chatfield was superb throughout the four quarters, James Scanlan was a ball magnet, John Bowen, James Drake and James McDonnell tallied seven goals between them, and Pasceri was his usual opportunistic self. But the most outstanding performer was Tim Ockleshaw, whose performance earned him the Jock Nelson Medal for being best on ground. He was the reason why the Xavs were able to get first use of the ball out the centre. His skills, by hand and foot, were just awesome; he supplied goals as well as kicking three himself. “Outstanding isn’t he? He’s an outstanding player. If he’s not the best player in the competition then there’s got to be someone else really good. He fully deserved winning that medal.”
OLD XAVERIANS 5.5 9.10 15.17 18.20 (128) | |
| 22 Sep '03 SHOLLY'S FOLLY? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!
Eleven weeks ago Michael Sholly posed two questions to a few of the diehard stragglers standing at the bar at Toorak Park. “Are we better than we were last year?” and “Can we do some business?” Sholly got his answers yesterday. The Xavs are again top of the list, king of the hill, A- number one after they smashed the Snakepitters. In his first season back with the Xavs and in his first year as senior coach, Sholly did a grand job. His faith in his gameplan absolute, he this year built a team that could execute it. In truth, the Xavs did not lose one game that it had to win. oldxavs.com congratulates Michael Sholly, team-builder and tactician, and his assistants Chris Gawne, Matt Hannebery, Mark Stevens and Antony Woodley on getting a team on the park that was fit and prepared to play premiership football. | |
| 22 Sep '03 GF STUFF!
Long before the final siren sounded, a new champion, Michael Hardmann, had emerged. Peos began GF day with a total of 5 wick Burgers consumed over three weeks but went in behind by one. He asserted his superiority by downing two before the game, a tally that was matched by his closest rival. Time was running out, but Peos managed another two and there was no response. It was a lucky 9 for Mr Hardman, who wears the crown for 12 months. Luke Hannebery had the unusual distinction of being named in the best players on this site, despite not playing. From go to whoa, Louis was the nineteenth man, yelling encouragement and discouragement from his spot on centre wing. It was an inspired performance of barracking as he made more noise than a thousand Pitters’ fans, who were seemingly awestruck at the volume and quality of repartee from the Xavs’ veteran. David Walsh has been a servant of the Xavs for 10 winters and captained 4 Reserves teams to premierships. His only senior experience prior to this year had been in 1998. This year he grasped an opportunity and played a number of games in the ones in the middle third of the year, but returned to the 2s. Plucked back from obscurity last week, he played a sensational second half against Old Scotch and performed well in the GF. Congrats Nordy – your first senior premiership is well deserved and long overdue.
Rich Carey also picked up his first medal and couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. The gentle giant has been at the Xavs for a while and must have been despairing that his time in the sun would never come. He played a few games earlier in the year including the game against Trinity where he spanked Andrew Ramsden before going off injured. Recalled to the team just last week, he thrashed Scotch’s Andrew Crow and then beat all comers again yesterday. Well done Richie. It is a measure of their character that the players who missed selection in the Grand Final 21 continued to give their best on the training track and around the club even when it appeared that the cards would not fall their way. For Andrew Dillon, who missed the opportunity to play in his seventh premiership, it must have been an extremely emotional experience. Likewise for Nathan Bingham, whose hamstring didn’t come up on Saturday morning, and for Luke Howard, Nick McInerney, Simon Lethlean, Chris Santalucia, Teddy Woodruff and James Hawkins who pushed hard for selection. Well done guys.
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17 Sep '03 JOHN BOWEN SAYS FAREWELL
John Bowen played his 201st and final game for the Old Xaverians in yesterday’s Grand Final. He announced his retirement to the Toorak Park faithful last night with his record seventh premiership medallion hanging around his neck. JB had a fine season, injury-free for the first time in years. The extra bonus was that he had the opportunity to play in a premiership team with his brother Andrew. | |
22 Sep '03 WHITHER THE WICK? Many thousands of motorists drove down Glenhuntly Road on Sunday afternoon oblivious to events on the other side of the fence and over the mound. To be sure, the VAFA finals lack the promotion of the professional series, with little interest shown by broadsheet, tabloid and their employed scribes. The electronic media, save for the strong-hearted but weak-signalled 96.5 FM, do not seem to recognize the Ammos’ existence. Then there is Elsternwick Park. No Coliseum this. With its windswept expanse, inadequate shelter from the elements (drenching, hail assault, and sunburn last week alone) and locker rooms perhaps modeled on Borstal, it appears a less than salubrious venue for VAFA clubs who have cut the muster after seven or so months’ toil at superior lots. It lacks the utility of the Junction, the charm of Brunswick and the tradition of McHale Stadium. Apart from its renowned burgers, it has no obvious attraction. If headquarters were a Bob Dylan song, it would surely be “Desolation Row.” Yet no-one asked to play in this secret September garden ever refuses the invitation, for it is home to the Golden Fleece of amateur football, and no Jason ever shirked a challenge because of lack of creature comforts. Indeed, to the dream chasers, the battle for The Wick is about “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”. The VAFA is rightly proud of its competition. Four thousand people showed up to watch the Grand Final yesterday. How many more would come if our league received the publicity it deserves and the facilities were brought up to scratch. It is up to the clubs to push for change. Elsternwick Park should be a showpiece. It is certainly not that. | |
17 Sep '03 THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW ...
In 1994, Xavs finished third and the Pitters fourth. In 1998, the Xavs won the flag while Bernies finished third. In 2000, Bernards fell to the Xavs in the Grand Final, when the Red ‘n’ Blacks stormed home to take their sixth consecutive premiership. Last year, the Pitters turned the tables in the Grand Final. That familiarity has done little to build brotherly between the clubs. The players respect the abilities of those wearing the other guernsey, but outside the pickets, however, there is little mutual admiration. Supporters of these teams mix as well as tightrope walkers and bees. It is a Athens vs Sparta, a rivalry renewed every time they clash. This will be their fourth skirmish of the 2003 season. The Xavs won two of three this year, including an absolute monstering of the home team at the Snakepit. The Bernies won two weeks ago. But on Sunday, and forever more, none of that matters a fig. This is the one they both crave, this is the one that counts. | |
15 Sep '03 RIP MICK CARLIN The Old Xaverians Football Club is saddened at the passing last Thursday of Michael Carlin, after a long and courageous battle with diabetes. Mick had a remarkable involvement with the club, as a supporter since the seventies when the club was in C-Grade, as a coach of the Reserves in the mid to late eighties, and as a video analyst in 2002. In all his different facets of involvement with the club, Mick was passionate, committed and a wonderful support to players, coaches, and administrators. His knowledge of the game, his concern for others, and his warm companionship will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his son Vaughan, who played with the Xavs, and the Carlin family. May he rest in peace. FUNERAL NOTICE: Prayers for the repose of the soul of Michael Carlin will be offered at St Michaels Church, 456 Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne, on Thursday September 18th at 10.00.a.m. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of Prayers for Cremation at the Joyce Chapel, Fawkner Memorial Park, 1187 Sydney Road, Fawkner. | |
14 Sep '03 XAVS DEFROCK CARDINALS AND ARE HEADED TO THE SHOW
Since 1959, when Old Scotch finished second in A Section, and the Old Xaverians third, the Cardinals had played in six finals' series where the Red 'n' Blacks were also contenders. In every one of those seasons, Scotch has finished behind the Xavs. If the scribes that pen scant uninformed jottings about VAFA football were to be believed, another Xavs' streak would finish at six. It didn't - now it is seven. So the Xavs have won their way through to another Grand Final. At a club where hope and expectation somehow morph into obligation, no-one is yet satisfied that the opus is complete. The elation of today's dusk will fade fast from memory as the night turns to day. There is a job to do, rehab and training to come, and all eyes are on the Snakepitters, not on some strange skein that began 41 years ago. Still, victory in a Preliminary Final sure beats a loss, and the story of this one bears telling. Old Xavs dominated for the first 19 minutes of the game and in windy conditions, kicked a creditable 3.2 without reply. The Cardinals slammed on four straight to snatch the lead at the first break. The Xavs battled hard to add another two majors in the second stanza to re-take the lead. At the 19 minute mark again, however, Scotch goaled again and in short order added another couple to go to the break with a 9 point lead. What transpired behind closed doors cannot be revealed, but the mood among the Titans of the Terraces, and the Magi of the Mound was decidedly reserved. Having seen Scotch beat the Red 'n' Blacks twice this year - one of those an early season shootout at headquarters - bravado was somewhat scarce. The first half had inspired both hope and despair from the Xavs' fans. They applauded with gusto at the efforts of their men and the pressure they applied. Biddlecombe had begun beautifully on Hawkins, restricting him to but a few stats and providing his carefree and destructive dash down the ground. Carey was managing the Woodrow Medallist Crow, Oswald and Johnston were in fine fettle across half back and 200 gamer Bowen was prominent. Yet for all these positives, the Cardinals had played 20 minutes of football and held the lead. Worse was to come, as Scotch opened the third term with another goal. One might have expected a procession and indeed it eventuated. But it was a storm of red and black that enveloped the expanses of Elsternwick Park. Carey got on top of Crow, winning contest after contest, towelling him up for all to see. Walsh, a surprise inclusion, cut swathes through the heart of the midfield, McDonnell and Chatfield found touch and Drake, Baker and Mollard turned in efforts that tore the Scotch defense to pieces. And through it all, Johnston, Biddlecombe, Ford and Brushfield, ever resolute, ever aggressive, thumped or ran the ball back into the midfield, where Ockleshaw and Beetham welcomed their opportunity. The Xavs went to lemon-time with a 24 point lead. However, with the wind blowing across the ground, no-one doubted the ability of the Cardinals forwards to haul that in. Fired by a Pattonesque call (L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace) from skipper Lachlan Ford to attack, the Xavs just didn't entertain thoughts of a reversal. Slammin' Sammy Johnston, by consensus the best man on the ground, nailed a long bomb from 50 to seal the game as the Xavs added three in the last quarter while holding Scotch goalless. It was a win to savour, if but for a few short hours. The Xavs played their finest football in months. There has not been such confluence since their visit to the Snakepit in late June. Now they must reverse the second-semi result and beat the Bernies again next week if they are to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet and the oddsmen have wound them in. Chris Vernuccio followed it closely:Old Xaverians will meet St. Bernard’s in the VAFA A-Grade Grand Final after blowing away Old Scotch by 41 points. The result was one of the Xavs most impressive for the season, overcoming a half-time deficit and putting their opponents to the sword as they avenged their two losses to the Cardinals in style. “We derived a lot of benefit from our game against St. Bernard’s,” said Xavs coach Michael Sholly. “Instead of being defensive, we decided to attack and run and create some play and make sure we were aggressive the whole time.” After Ryan Mullins scored the opening goal for the third quarter to extend Old Scotch’s lead to 15-points, the Xavs went on a rampage; with seven unanswered goals ending Old Scotch’s gallant season. Tim Ockleshaw and Caydn Beetham started to break the game open from the stoppages and David Walsh was a surprise source of forward drive adding fresh legs and spark through the midfield. Nick Baker put through the first of the Xavs seven goals at the nine and a half minute minute mark after cleverly roving the pack from the boundary throw in. Quickly followed two goals each by John Pasceri and Scott Mollard as well as a single to 200-gamer, John Bowen. Simply put, the Xavs had more winners across the Park with Adam Chatfield being a constant throughout, Johnston and Brushfield were linch-pins down back and James Drake caused headaches up forward. Special mention must be made to man of the moment Andrew Biddlecombe who performed a merry dance all over Luke Hawkins, restricting the dangerous forward to a solitary goal.
OLD XAVERIANS 3.3 5.6 12.10 15.12 (102)
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12 Sep '03 MR CHIPS He’s feted them, he’s berated them, he’s cared, he’s shared, he’s Mr Chips. Seems that the Xavs are a little slow in coughing up the buck and a quarter for the big Kooyong lunch next Friday. This is a little disappointing as Terry Landrigan is throwing in something extra as a bonus – a comedy routine from his days in vaudeville, before he met Fay, who incidentally will act as Tezza’s chaperone at the lunch. The U19’s season came to an end last Sunday when a very talented Uni Blues side was just too strong. Nevertheless, reaching the Preliminary Final was an outstanding achievement given the difficulties encountered over the season. The players are to be commended for the manner in which they coped with the extraordinary circumstances of having three different coaches throughout the season. Very well done to Coach Anthony Duggan, and his assistant Anthony Black, on the way that they picked up the reins during the season, and on the progress and results achieved. With a strong nucleus to shape the 2004 side, all involved are to be congratulated on the way that they fought their way through a most demanding and challenging season. Now, to the do-or-die clash with Old Scotch this Sunday. Their strengths have been well documented. Woody Wilson winner for 2003 Andrew Crow (who, incidentally, as we understand it, is expected to be picked up by Carlton in the November National Draft); Luke Hawkins-57 goals for the season; Matthew Dennis-ex-Old Brighton; midfielders Hume, Kitchen, Tallent, Finocchiaro, Collins; the Phillips Bros and Len Thompson's lad up forward. And, as we were reminded at the after match at Camberwell, after our five point defeat, the last time that the Cardinals had defeated us twice in the home & aways was in 1997. There is no question that they are a vastly improved outfit from the side that narrowly failed to make it into last year's Grand Final. The additions of Hawkins full time, the astute recruitment of Dennis from overseas, and the inclusion of youngsters Tallent and Thompson justify the confidence emanating from their camp. For our part, we thoroughly earned the double chance as a result of a most consistent home and away season, and deserve the opportunity to bounce back this Sunday. We will take the field with a committed side determined to make it through. Whilst we really should finish on a serious note, I did rather like this contribution from Davina, who has suggested that this column needed to lighten up a little. An anthropologist came across a clearing in a South American jungle and found a dinosaur lying dead with a chap standing beside it. “Did you kill that dinosaur?”, asked the anthropologist. “Yes”, said the chap, “with my club”. “And how big is your club?” asked the anthropologist. “Oh,” said the chap, “we have about a hundred members now.” See you there on Sunday. | |
11 Sep '03 JOHN BOWEN 200
JB has enjoyed an illustrious career with the Xavs since his debut in 1991. The wingster played in the straight six premierships of 1995-2000, won the Brian O’Shaughnessy Perpetual Trophy and the Best Player in Finals trophy in 1999, was club vice-captain in 1997 and 1998 and represented Victoria on four occasions. The unassuming champion has battled some persistent injuries in recent years but this season has found full fitness and returned to his best form on the outer wing. Congratulations J.Bo and here’s hoping for your 201st outing next Sunday. **** Many Xavs will remember our two-time premiership player Simon Hede, who headed west with plenty of football still left in him. Evidently so, because Simon this year won the WAAFL A Grade Best & Fairest Trophy, polling 23 votes in just 11 games for the Collegians club. Well played, Simon. | |
7 Sep '03 HOW'S THIS FOR A SCENARIO? The Old Xavs beat Old Scotch, avenging their two regular season losses, and then beat St Bernard's to avenge last year's Grand Final defeat. It might not be what some had in mind, but it's the only scenario left for the Xavs after their first half domination of Bernies turned to a second half contest and subsequent loss at Elsternwick Park today. "Dreams ain't broken down here, they're just walkin' with a limp," someone muttered after the siren signalled an 11 point defeat for the Red 'n' Blacks at the hands of the Snakepitters, who are again on the winners' list after three losses and going to the Show once more. In near perfect conditions, with a slight breeze favouring the Glenhuntly Road end of the ground, the Xavs began well. Only late first quarter goals from Bernies gave them solace in a stanza in which they had been completely outplayed. The Xavs rolled in the second, and might have been 7 goals ahead at the long break had they not missed three relatively easy chances. Still, they were the best part of 4 goals ahead at the half. Bernies kicked four goals in 8 minutes after the spell, and produced a third quarter that put them back in the ballgame with a 10 point surplus at lemon-time. The Xavs grabbed the lead back in the fourth, and looked like going on on with it. But the runners and givers and marking forwards were wearing the white shorts and booked Bernards' early passage to the one game that really counts. Old Xaverians now face the red-hot Cardinals in a replay of last year's preliminary final. Xavs have proven their mastery over Scotch at headquarters in recent Septembers, but that will count for nothing come Sunday. For both teams, it is Hobson's choice - only a win can keep the dream alive. | |
| 7 Sep '03 SNAKEPITTERS BITE BACK Ace reporter Chris Vernuccio was at headquarters for the second semi: They call it the premiership quarter, and St. Bernard’s showed why. The Bernies pilled on seven third quarter goals to turn a 21-point half-time deficit into 10-point lead, eventually ensuring themselves a passage to the Grand Final. All seemed lost for the 'Pitters when they were restricted to a solitary goal in the second term as the Xavs, led by Tim Ockleshaw and Adam Chatfield, dominated the around the ground stoppages and made the most of their forward opportunities. In a dour first half, the Xavs applied the early pressure with the first three goals of the second term to Nick Baker, Scott Mollard and Adam Chatfield, extending the Xavs lead to 23 points. They were relentless in their tackling and spoiling, none moreso than James McDonnell, whose bullocking and bustling work sent St. Bernard’s players to ground while opening scoring opportunities for his team. Old Xaverians were riding on a wave of confidence, evident late in the quarter when, 20-points in front, John Pasceri broke two tackles only to see his snap at goal hit the post. In a low scoring game, in which only 10 goals were scored in the opening half, a goal then may have knocked any belief the Bernie’s had. St. Bernard’s made several changes, placing Matt Hooper in the ruck and sending David James up forward, which brought dividends. From there, St. Bernard’s controlled the centre square and around the ground clearances through Daniel Byrne and best-on-ground Ben Jordan as they piled on four goals in the opening eight minutes of the third term. “They’re very much a momentum side,” said Old Xaverians coach, Michael Sholly. “We weren’t able to stop them during those ten minutes. “We didn’t get too many (clearances). I think it was around the ground, it was 22-6 (St. Bernard’s favour) after half-time. So we were absolutely shellacked there.” With James lively and causing concerns up forward, the game opened up for Dan Jordan. Held goalless by Nathan Bingham, Jordan notched three goals in the all-important premiership quarter to swing the contest in favour of the 'Pitters. From a dull opening, the match turned into a thrilling, see-sawing affair, with the lead changing hands in the final quarter. At the 11-minute mark, Ben Jordan put his side in the lead by 10 points. Pasceri kept the contest alive when he goaled to reduce the margin to a single goal with only minutes to go. However, Tim Harvey, ineffective for most of the day and beaten by Andrew Biddlecombe, sealed the game for St. Bernard’s. ST. BERNARDS 2.3 3.9 10.12 13.17 (95) | |
| 6 Sep '03 ALL DONE FOR U19s The U19s bowed out of the 2003 finals race with a heavy loss to Uni Blues at Gerry Green Reserve today. The day began well with a stirring goal from Dan Rush, but it was all down hill from there, with Josh Agius copping an AC joint injury and the bigger, faster Blues asserting their superiority in the first term. Bad luck, but congratulations on a great year. UNIVERSITY BLUES 5.3 9.8 14.12 17.16 (118) | |
5 Sep '03 HELLO AGAIN, MR CHIPS. He’s saved them, he’s slaved for them, he’s a worker but not a shirker. Mr Chips is back . . .
It feels strange at this time of the year to be ecumenical, but I should mention the 3rd Annual VAFA A-Grade & B-Grade Grand Final Luncheon, which is to be held at the Kooyong Tennis Club on Friday 19 September, commencing at 12.20.p.m. Our man-about-town Terry Landrigan has put his hand up to organize an OXFC Table. Now, some of you may be thinking that our seller of records, and some-time intrepid inter-change official, has found himself in yet another fine old mess. Not so!! For a mere ALL-INCLUSIVE $125 you will get the opportunity to eat and drink from 12.20.p.m till 4.30.p.m (without having to reserve your food); be able to gaze out wistfully over the manicured grass courts; be in stitches listening to MC's Ian Cover and Billy Brownless; listen to the Glen Waverlyline trains thunder by your elbow; close your eyes and imagine the mayhem and chaos out there on Glenferrie Road at the boom gates -all as the waiter just keeps topping up your Gin & Tonic. You will have freedom of speech and, as we understand it, the ticket price includes six-months complimentary membership of the KLTA. Also, in a once-only offer, Terry will toss in a free OXFC Tie for the first ten starters. As dress in Jacket and tie, you are already in front. And what is $125 these days anyway?. Indeed, it might not even be enough to get you through the gate at Elsternwick Park at the 2004 Finals. Bookings are now being taken, and should be made immediately, to Terry at terrylandrigan@hotmail.com. Terry has asked that you not to ring his home number as Telstra, at the time of writing, have not put in an extension to the dog-house, which is where a ferocious Fay has relocated Terry after he unfortunately stood on the said family pet after "a couple of quiet ones" with the chaps down at Toorak Park during training last Thursday night/Friday morning. To be fair to Terry, this could happen to practically anybody whilst the dog, in time, is expected to make a full recovery.
Despite St. Bernard’s entering the finals with a trio of ducks eggs, expect the occasion to bring out
A terrific win by the U19s sees them tackle University Blues for the right to tackle the undefeated St. Bernards in the Grand Final. In our previous two clashes with the Blues, we have gone under by just 13 points and only three weeks ago by two points. The side looks to have peaked at just the right time. Best wishes to Coach Anthony Duggan and the players. Lets see if we can be out at the Gerry Green Reserve in large numbers tomorrow to give them the support that they deserve.
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3 Sep '03 SHEEZON! Last year's top three are there again, with only the pecking order, bragging rights and a premiership to be decided. The puzzle will become clearer on Sunday when the top-ranked Old Xaverians take on the reigning premier St Bernard's. The winner books a ticket to the Big Dance while Scotch looms in the wings waiting for the vanquished and hoping to secure the other ducat. Once again, the weather might disappoint, but the game certainly should not. While both teams failed to win at their last start, these two clubs usually reserve their best for the wide spaces of Elsternwick Park. The Bernies travel well, and travel big. With their Reserves playing the curtain-raiser, they will draw a huge and raucous crowd that will see the Xavs hoping to make most of their noise on the field. The U19s venture to Parkdale on Saturday, hoping to avenge their recent narrow loss to the Varsity Blues and if their performance last Sunday (match report here) is any indication, they have eyes on the Granny. | |
| 2 Sep '03 SCOTCH GIANT WINS WOODROW Congratulations to Old Scotch ruckman Andrew Crow capped a fine season by winning the 2003 J N Woodrow Medal for the Best and Fairest in A Section. Crow polled 22 votes to win from Ben Jordan (Bernies) and Andrew Ramsden (Trinity). Best performed for the Old Xavs according to the men in white were Damien Orlando with 12 and Tim Ockleshaw with 11. Well done guys.
OLD XAVS (72 out of a possible 108) ORLANDO, D – 12; OCKLESHAW, T – 11; LANDRIGAN, D P – 8; DRAKE, J S - 6; BEETHAM, C S – 6; FORD, L - 5; CHATFIELD, A N – 5; BINGHAM, N - 4; MOLLARD, S J – 4; SCANLAN, J – 3; PASCERI, J - 3; HAWKINS, J - 2; MCINERNEY, N J - 2; OSWALD, A - 1; BIDDLECOMBE, A - 0
U19 Winner - Lachlan Thompson (Old Scotch) - 20 OLD XAVS (62 out of a possible 108) AGIUS, J R - 13; PURSS, C J - 8; O'MEARA, T M -7; RYAN, A J - 5; BARRETT, A - 4; SCANLAN, M E - 4; GIDLEY, O - 4; FORD, D - 3; GINNIVAN, L M - 3; PURCELL, P - 3; SERAFINI, N - 3; NADINIC, A - 2; GORMAN, J - 2; FREER, S G - 1
Scoobys Winner - T BRUMBY-RENDELL (Uni Blacks) -29 OLD XAVS (41 out of a possible 108) TROVATO, M A - 14; CHESTER, P - 10; FORD, D - 4; MCINERNEY, T G - 3; SILK, N - 3; WHITE, J L - 2; GINNIVAN, L M - 2; RUBIRA, E - 1; FAITHFULL, A - 1; VAUGHAN, S - 1
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| 1 Sep '03 ANOTHER BIG MONTH FOR OLDXAVS.com OLDXAVS.com continues to defy the critics, titillate football fans and rack up big numbers from around the globe. The month of August saw a new record number of hits and nearly a 20% increase over July (also a record) in the number of individual visitors. We thank you for your support and continue to welcome your contributions, whether they be material or merely suggestions for improving this site. Simply click webmaster@oldxavs.com and pour your heart out. | |
1 Sep '03 WEEKEND WASH September arrives today with the U19s still aboard, while the Reserves are off the bus.Anthony Duggan’s U19s served it up to Scotch again yesterday at Cheltenham Park to move on to Saturday’s preliminary final clash with Uni Blues at Parkdale. The Xavs began well but Scotch whittled the lead to a point at the half. A tight third quarter tipped the balance in the Cardinals’ favour, but a desperate Red 'n' Blacks team moved away in the last against the slope and the odds. The Old Xavs Reserves reached the terminus yesterday as they crashed to Marcellin in the first semi-final at a wintry Elsternwick Park. The Eagles handled the conditions better than the Xavs, took the early lead and were never troubled. As is usually the case in slippery weather, the mosquito fleet performed well – Santalucia, Skidmore, Howard, Fox and Dillon were among the best, with the experience of the slightly larger Chris Ellis performing well. However, their efforts were to little avail as Marcellin advanced to the prelim in two weeks. | |
1 Sep '03 THE FINALS: WEEK ONE
OLD SCOTCH 1.3 5.7 7.9 8.12 (60)
The last day of winter dished up a typical wet and wild offering for the U19’s as they took on traditional rival Old Scotch in the knockout 1st Semi Final at Cheltenham. Kicking with the aid of a strong breeze, Xavs started well and kicked five goals to one in the first quarter. Some ridiculously pedantic umpiring saw Xavs getting plenty of free kicks as they were first to the ball. Vice Captain Andy Barrett's banana goal on the run from the boundary line was easily the highlight of the first quarter. Against the wind, Xavs struggled and Scotch started firing, hitting back with four goals to none. Xavs held the smallest of leads at half time. A huge second half awaited the crowd but Xavs failed to capitalise fully on the strong breeze and found kicking goals hard to come by in the premiership quarter. Scotch played well but Xavs somehow managed to extend their lead to just eight points at 3/4 time. With the breeze dropping but still favouring Scotch's end in the last it was always going to take a super effort from the Xavs to hold on. But not only did they hold on, they went on with it. Andrew Armstrong was shifted to full forward and stood up superbly bustling his way to two last quarter goals in a magnificent effort. Dan Rush was relatively quiet all day but was very busy in the last and when he slotted one from about 40 out on the angle the pressure was right back on Scotch. They wilted and with a fortress-like defence, the Xavs were never going to let the game slip - running out eventual 20 point winners. A great effort to out-score Scotch in the last but overall it was just a magnificent four-quarter effort. The performance of ruckman Cam Purss had a few seasoned observers making quite exalted comparisons with a recently retired champion of the club. High praise indeed and big "Goona" will take a few years to get to that level but nonetheless he is a great player in the making for the club. Jedda, the younger McDonnell, was also superb on the ball as was James Ryan at CHF, but overall it was simply a great team effort from all concerned. 2s OLD XAVERIANS 0.2 1.4 1.5 1.7 (13) MARCELLIN 0.3 3.7 4.11 6.11 (47) Goal: Woodruff. Best: Ellis, Skidmore, Dillon, Santalucia, Howard, Fox. A Section First Semi: SCOTCH ADVANCE Scotch proved they are in the mix for this year’s flag by smashing Old Haileybury at Elsternwick Park yesterday. The Cardinals snatched the initiative in the first quarter, grabbing a handy lead into the wind before well and truly touching up the Bloods in the second. The game was over by half-time and the second half was a mere formality. OLD SCOTCH 5.0 12.2 16.4 19.11 (125) WELL DONE HAWK! Congratulations to old friend Pat Hawkins for coaching Collegians into B Section. The young team had a great win in their second-semi and have a grand final to look forward to in two weeks. | |
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DROUGHT OVER!
Tim Ockleshaw had a rare outing in a sleeveless guernsey, but played with his usual panache and assassin-like precision. With his quick hands and lethal left foot, he dominated the midfield and kicked three goals at critical stages. He hung, drawed and quartered the Pitters and put them in the stocks for all to see. 
Grand Final Day always throws up some special stories and this one had plenty. 
Ralph O'Shaughnessy, tired, distraught from the Swans' demise, made the mercy dash from Sydney to get to the game, while Tim Fleming cut a holiday short to get to the celebrations. Good to see Matt McCarthy at the game too.
The Xavs and Bernies have been finals’ rivals for more than a decade. Both began their current stint in A Section courtesy of their B Grade Grand Final appearance in 1991, with the Bernies winning that one in a low scoring encounter. 
John Bowen will play his 200th game for the Old Xavs when they tackle Old Scotch in the cut-throat preliminary final at his favourite Elsternwick Park on Sunday.
I could begin by mentioning the failure of Lachlan Ford (rumoured left) and Andy Biddlecombe to poll a vote in the Woodrow, but maybe they did and I just missed it. Maybe next year? But let me extend my congratulations to Tim Ockleshaw on being named in the All Australian Amateur Team of the Year.
