 OCT-DEC 2006 | Previous seasons archived here.
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22 Dec 2006
There comes a time in every sportsman's life when the body, in the words made famous by Roberto Duran, screams "no mas". So it is with Lachlan Ford, who announced his retirement today after 178 games and 6 A Section Flags (two as captain). Ford relinquished the captaincy at the season's commencement and his notorious back allowed him but one brief appearance in a curtain-raiser in 2006. There have been hopes lately of a resurgence and a comeback in '07 for the 2002 Best and Fairest, but it is not to be.
"I am officially retiring from Australian Rules Football and therefore closing my playing career with the Old Xaverians Football Club. It is with great memories that I inform you that unfortunately my body and back issues have got the better of me. I have loved every minute of my time as a player with the Old Xavs and wish all those continuing with the club in 2007 all the very best for the season." Club supremo Simon Hunt spoke glowingly of the erstwhile skipper. "Not only was he a great player but his real strength was his leadership and his belief that we could win under any circumstances. He promoted the club in a positive manner and earned the respect from everyone involved in our great club and around Amateur football." OLDXAVS.com scribe Mr Chips was visibly shaken by the announcement. "It's never easy seeing the good ones go. Oh my, it seems like yesterday that he was still a boy at Xavier. But what a career, what a trip! How many times did we see Lachy exhort his team-mates to jump on his shoulders so he could carry them to victory, while simultaneously backing into packs against bigger and stronger opponents. Skilful for sure, but courage unmatched." Even OLDXAVS.com enfant terrible The Sheik had a positive word. Well almost. "It will take a special player to wear that number 15, but hopefully he won't be saddled also with those horrible old blue boots. " Xavier Nation wishes Lachlan Ford all the very best in retirement and in his post-football endeavours. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 Dec 2006 BOGGERS, CHINA TO SAY "I DO" - (SEPARATELY)
Coughlan, (left), who played 153 games and starred in four premierships, will marry Melissa Hennessy, daughter of leading Xavs and racing identity Michael, (right) at a secret beachside location tomorrow. China Drake, a 144 game, 2003 and cult legend, (below) will pop the ring on Amanda King's finger next week at a typically glittering OLDXAVS.com hopes to bring you pics of the Coughlan-Hennessy occasion but understands that Drake has signed an exclusive deal with New Idea that might preclude publication of their Kodak moments here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 Dec 2006 DIVER DAN NAILS TOP AWARD.
Dan topped a list of very worthy contenders and was recognised at a gala luncheon today, hosted by KPMG brass Paul Shannon (pictured centre right), Don Pasquariello and Simon McCarthy - and attended by VAFA heavies Bruno Conti (right) and Michael Sholly (left). "KPMG has a history of supporting sports men and women and the VAFA is very happy to be associated with this award," Amateurs' CEO Sholly said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 Dec 2006 19s TO BEGIN 07 AT BLACKS. VAFA fixtures czar Jeremy Bourke has struck again, this time releasing the U19 program in the shadow of all-night Christmas shopping. A quick read of the schedule tells us that Theo Vlahos' 07 campaign will begin with a clash at Crawford Oval on 14 April against Uni Blacks before the R2 grand final replay at De La Salle the following week. The full schedule is as follows: 1. @ Uni Blacks; 2. @ DLS; 3. v St Kevins; 4. @ Old Carey; 5. v Uni Blues; 6. @ Marcellin; 7. v Rupertswood; 8. @ Old Scotch; 9. v St Bernard's; 10. v Uni Blacks; 11. v DLS; 12. @ St Kevins; 13. v Old Carey; 14. @ Uni Blues; 15. v Marcellin; 16. @ Rupertswood; 17. v Old Scotch; 18. @ St Bernard's (25 Aug).
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11 Dec 2006 XAVS HOP TO TROTT. Old Xaverians will open the 2007 VAFA season on the road at Harry Trott, clashing with newly-re-promoted Collegians on 14 April. VAFA fixtures czar Jeremy Bourke released the season schedule today and is happy with the balance. According to reports, he had to take account of blockbusters, Elsternwick requirements, alternative venues and the overall desire to not play two games in a row away so the white knicks could get an extra week's soaking. The Red 'n' Blacks return to Toorak Park for their now almost-traditional home opener against St Bernard's, then head to Trinity for Round 3. Reigning premier Haileybury visit in R4, then it's off to the 'Wick for an away game against Old Brighton, thus avoiding the trip to Bayside. Scotch pay the Blood and Tars a visit in R7, then the Xavs go back to headquarters to meet Old Ivanhoe in R8, with a trip to Dairy Bell (and what must be amateur football's best lunch) to close out the first half. Xavs' supporters are reminded of the tight parking around Harry Trott. Assistant coach Pete Callinan, who spent a year in purple in '06, suggests that competition for spots begins early Saturday mornings. BUT ALAS . . . LATE NEWS In a cruel blow to spectator comforts, VAFA czar Jeremy Bourke has already released an amended draw, removing the lunch at De La from the social calendar (now at the 'Wick) - and slotted the away fixture against the Beach Boys at South Road. At least Kostka boys won't get lost! The full schedule is thus: 1. Opening Day 14 April @ COL; then 2. v STB; 3. @ TRI; 4. v HAI; 5. @ BRI; 6. v SCO (XC); 7. v IVA (EP) 8. @ UBL; 9. v DLS; 10. v COL; 11. @ STB; 12. v TRI; 13. @ DLS (EP); 14. @ HAI; 15. v BRI; 16. @ SCO; 17. @ IVA; 18. v UBL on 25 Aug. Open dates on 9 June and 14 July. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 Dec 2006 TAPPERS' TASTE FOR TOORAK! Old Xaverians took to the Christmas cheer last night when the news got around that 1995 premiership player Dale Tapping was on his way back to Toorak Park. Tapping will join Bones Richardson's crew in the box - and brings much experience and nous to the nerve centre.
At left, Tapping checks mirror to reassure himself that he won't need a moustache to join the Xavs' coaching crew. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24 Nov 2006
Numbers were "satisfactory", according to frozen rope specialist Simon Lethlean (above), "but I'm sure they'll increase when we actually let them know we have started." OLDXAVS.com noticed no surprises, apart from the new lipstick orange-red Pasceri Monaro. Scotty Mollard looked to have spent the off-season in the gym, further loading up the guns, but nonetheless, trained the house down as usual. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 Nov 2006 BACK TO BIZ!
The time has come. It's back to training on Thursday as the Xavs will assemble for their first pre-Christmas go-around. It's been 8 weeks since the season ended and the squad has taken the mandatory eight-week break as demanded by the all-powerful VAFA Players Association. But sleep no more. They're scheduled for eight sessions before the break, with the club's ancestral home Xavier College being the venue. Now-retired five-time premiership veteran and newly-minted assistant coach Simon Lethlean made the call to OLDXAVS.com tonight, confirming that all systems are go. "Six-fifteen for six-thirty, boots and runners. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Xavier. You know the story!" said the legendary skilster. "All senior and U19 players are welcome, as are any newcomers who seek to continue their football careers at our great club," said Lethlean in a carefully worded statement. "We hope to see plenty of familiar faces and some new ones too." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 Nov 2006 BOARD PLOTS!
Supremo Simon Hunt outlined his vision for a successful season to his board that comprises both youth and experience. "The Prez signalled some changes, and the most noticeable will be the greater involvement of the playing group in club affairs. We are strong, we want to stay strong, and we want to get stronger. There's strength in numbers, he added " reported an anonymous affable abattoirist.
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17 Nov 2006 SHROUD OF SILENCE STILL! XAVS PREP IN PRIVATE FOR '07. It is a difficult time for fans of Old Xavs football, as the waiting for news, announcements, signings, axings, plans and the pre-season continues. The early scheduling of the Last Toast lunch saw the shutters slammed on '06 a bit early for those who live by the winter game, and the refrain grows louder every day from the chorus of the football-starved - "What is going on?"
What we know is this:
Of course, these tidbits will never satisfy the hunger of the Xavs faithful, who are already asking questions such as "who will make the 'Rak Burgers next year?" "will the Great Moldini saddle up again?" and "why can't we get those Cascade light cans?". President Simon Hunt has answers, he says, but he's not divulging them. Likewise, Coach Barry Richardson. Both now in their third season in current roles, they appear to have developed a disdain for the media. However, speaking on the condition of anonymity, Robert Ralph told OLDXAVS.com "It's a review. After you don't win, there's always a review. We review in private, who do think we are? Geelong?" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 Nov 2006 SUPER CALifragilisticexpialidocius.
The Xavs have scored another coup with the return of Pete Callinan to the Red 'n' Black ranks. Pistol Pete will be taking over the coaching reins of the Twos for season 2007, and can't wait for the action to be underway. "Junior and Peos did a massive job this past season. Together, they are a size 23 - very big shoes to fill," said the man who has often suffered the jibes of folks in the street who have mistaken him for Channel 10 football personality Straughanie. Callinan has already begun his search for assistants, realising that back-to-back premierships are a difficult task. Asked when he'd be travelling to the Goodwill store to donate the boxful of purple and gold clothing, he appeared to shed a tear. "Collegians - and Pat Hawkins - were magnificent to me. They gave me a chance and I hope I did the job for them. But inside, the heart was still beating red and black, and there's no place like Toorak Park," said Pete. The news of Callinan's return breaks the silence from the Xavs, who have been conducting their season review away from the prying eyes of the football media. However, OLDXAVS.com has learned of several key developments, which will be revealed next week. In other VAFA Reserves news, old friend Serge D'Angelo has traded in his bright red shirt for the maroon of Marcellin, where he will guide their Twos under head coach Murray Browne. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 Oct 2006
ROLLY SCOOPS SPRING SARTORIAL STAKES. Xavs bade 2006 farewell with their annual last toast lunch at a prominent hostelry in Richmond last Friday. There was much discussion among the club's faithful about changes and prospects for season '07, much red wine and good cheer. A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation to Rolly Howard of the OXFC Mr Fashion Award. The pocket rocket attended in a striking yellow-brown ensemble which wowed the crowd, leaving them in no doubt that he was a worthy winner of this prestigious award. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 Oct 2006 SOVEREIGN OF SORRENTO SAYS "SAYONARA SECRETARYSHIP"
Xavs supremo Simon Hunt announced O'Shaughnessy's imminent departure today. "Kev has been a great contributor over many years to the Xavs' cause. Whether as a CEO, treasurer, secretary, assistant coach, he's always maintained the utmost professional standards. We thank him and wish him luck with all of his future endeavours - and hope to see him back at Toorak Park as often and as soon as possible," Hunt said. O'Shaughnessy is rumoured to be a regular contributor to OLDXAVS.com under the guise of Mr Chips. However, he denies this. "I knew Chips, I worked with Chips and the man is a raving lunatic. It ain't me, babe, no, no, no . . ." No doubt many Xaverians will have the benefit of the O'Shaughnessy wisdom when they hook up with the Kevmeister at the popular Sorrento Hotel, a haunt that he is known to frequent occasionally on a warm day. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Oct 2006 TIME TRIPS UP TOP TAG TEAM. PREMIERSHIP PALS SEEK SABBATICAL. JUNIOR, PEOS TAKE A BREAK. Anthony Bourke (right) and Michael Hardman, the key off-field schemers behind the Reserves' premiership two weeks ago have resigned, club supremo Simon Hunt revealed today. "Anthony Bourke's work commitments have and will continue to intrude on his available time, while his very able assistant, the 2006 William Denton Snr Award winner Michael Hardman has expressed a desire to ease a Saturday workload that begins at 9.00am with Auskick," Hunt said. "On behalf of the club I thank them for their wonderful efforts over the past two years I welcome their commitment to continuing in other ways their strong support of our football club. "A couple of doors close and a couple open. We now have two exciting vacancies available for the right people," said Hunt "and we're keen to hear from those interested." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Oct '06 BIG V TO GO AGAIN!
Vlahos returned to Melbourne just this week after taking a well-earned vacation. "I'm tan, I'm fit, I'm rested. When does the pre-season begin?," joked the Burke Hall legend, pictured at right with one of his assistants John Symeopoulos. "We'll see how we go over summer. I know the guys will be keen to give it another good crack next season. We'll retain about half of our squad and try to grab some lads to replace those headed to our 1s, 2s and Club XVIII teams," he said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Oct '06 BONES BACK! FAREWELL FRENCHMAN!
"I am delighted that Barry is keen to go on and has agreed to do so. No doubt there will be some changes over the summer with recruiting and retirements and Barry's commanding presence will ensure the continuation of the things that have made us successful over the past two years," said Hunt. Hunt also announced that the Xavs will conduct a nationwide search for an assistant coach to replace the highly regarded Greg Feutrill, who will be returning to coach Whitefriars. "Greg has made an outstanding contribution over the past two campaigns and we are very sad to see him go. The players warmed to the Frenchman quickly and he will always be welcome at our club. I'm sure his appointment will again prove successful for the 'Friars," Hunt said. OLDXAVS.com understands that there may be other coaching positions to sort out - among them, the Crocs, with the Large Hawaiian reportedly considering his future with the Reptiles. "Coaching the Crocs is a huge responsibility and promotes rapid aging," said Andrew Hall, who would not be pressed further on his intentions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Oct '06
The individual blinding brilliance of Tim Ockleshaw was rewarded again on Friday night when he was named the winner of the 2006 B J O'Shaughnessy Perpetual Trophy for the club's Best and Fairest. At a glittering ceremony at the AFL Experience, the sell-out crowd of 180 players, sponsors, members and supporters applauded as one when the captain's name was called. Ockleshaw, who previously won the award in 2003, finished just ahead of Ryan Colbert. Full voting:
1. T OCKLESHAW 126 2. R COLBERT 110 3. D LYNCH 101
TAB Numbers: 22, 34, 9. Divs: W:$2.20, P:$1.20; $4.90, $1.50. Quinella $115.75, Trifecta $3,204.67
Then: A CHATFIELD 99, S LETHLEAN 87, S JOHNSTON 78, C SANTALUCIA 74, M GRAHAM 73, J SCANLAN 72, A BOWEN 64, J ARNOLD 61, T RUYG 61, T FLEMING 54, N BINGHAM 45, B HACKETT 43, T CLARKE 34, M HANDLEY 26, T WOODRUFF 26, D SAPUPPO 24, S MOLLARD 20, J PASCERI 18, H MURPHY 10
In the Reserves, Stu Skidmore ran away with the award from Liam Ginnivan and Peter Ryan: 1. S SKIDMORE 104 2. L GINNIVAN 74 3. P RYAN 60 Then: R CAREY 59, D WALSH 53, O GIDLEY 39, J PASCERI 36, H MURPHY 33, A RYAN 31, L HARRY 30, D HIGGINS 28, T O'MEARA 27, S LANGDON 24, M HANDLEY 22, D SMITH 21, T MAHER 17, A OSWALD 17, S McCARTHY 15, S FREER 15, B HACKETT 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Oct '06
Michael Hardman is the winner of 2006 William Denton Snr Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Service. The Denton has been awarded annually since 1988 for conspicuous contribution particularly in an off-field capacity. Hardman has excelled over a number of seasons in his various capacities as a committeman, coach and Auskick coordinator. He was presented with his award by 2005 recipient, football's legendary hard man Luke Hannebery. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Oct '06
David Walsh is the inaugural winner of the Michael Rush trophy. The prestigious award is presented by OXFC life members to a player who typifies the fighting qualities of the late Mick Rush, a true club legend. Jack Bowen introduced the award and spoke of Mick's qualities. He then announced that David Walsh was the choice of the club's elders, a decision that was greeted with rapturous applause. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Oct '06 THE WINNERS Club Awards
President’s Award: Geoff Gidley President’s Award: Tony Hulett President’s Award: Rob Sinclair William Denton Snr Memorial Trophy: Michael Hardman Michael Rush Memorial Trophy: David Walsh
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Seniors Best and Fairest: Tim Ockleshaw Runner Up Best and Fairest: Ryan Colbert Best in Finals: Ben Hackett All Australian U/23: Matt Handley Coach's Award: John Pasceri Captain: Tim Ockleshaw
Coach: Barry Richardson Assistant Coach: Bryan Wood Assistant Coach: Greg Feutrill Team Manager: Ray McLean | Seconds Best and Fairest: Stuart Skidmore Runner Up Best and Fairest: Liam Ginnivan Best in Finals: Nick Serafini Competition Leading Goal Kicker: Daniel Smith Coach's Award: Peter Ryan Coach's Award: Nick Hart Captain: Nicholas Hulett
Coach: Anthony Bourke Assistant Coach: Michael Hardman
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Thirds Best and Fairest: Robert Speekman Runner Up Best and Fairest: Matthew Roach Coach's Award: David King Captain: Rory Ford Coach: David Galbally Team Manager: Adrian Jones | Crocodiles Best and Fairest: Michael Jones Runner Up Best and Fairest: Ben Perry Best in Finals: Mark Davies Competition Leading Goal Kicker: Dan Rush Coach's Award: Nicholas Larkins Captain: Patrick Hall
Coach: Andrew Hall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U19 Best and Fairest: Alex Ross Runner Up Best and Fairest: Stephen Doyle Competition Leading Goal Kicker: Richard Benson Best in Finals: Patrick Cain Coach's Award: Henry Whiting Captain: Nicholas Saunders
Coach: Theo Vlahos Assistant Coach: Adrian Morrissey Assistant Coach: John Symeopoulos Team Manager: Chris Glen | U19 Red Best and Fairest: Tom Lee Runner Up Best and Fairest : Luke Guirguis Competition Leading Goal Kicker: Tom Lee Coach's Award : Paul Flegeltaub Captain : Jono Downey
Coach: Tom Maule Assistant Coach: Pat Halpin Team Manager: Nick Counsel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Oct '06 THE RED 'n' BLACK CARPET It was a star-studded event on Friday night as the club honoured the best from Xavier Nation. Special thanks to Carrie Stoney and Sarah Gidley for their splendid work with the lens. Click on the thumbnails to open full sized version of the pics.
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LACHLAN DRY BUT WET EYES IN THE PRESSBOX
This morning's media crush resembled, appropriately, the Christmas rush in Bourke Street. Ford began with a short statement:
Former premiership stars Ben Coughlan and James Drake are headed to the altar this festive season. 
occasion on the Gold Coast.
Dan Higgins is the inaugural recipient of the KPMG-VAFA Leadership Award. The award provides the opportunity for a career in the accounting profession through either summer vacation work or full time graduate employment with KPMG’s Assurance and Advisory department.
Tapping spent last year at Williamstown after stints at Old Scotch and Old Brighton, but is finally on his way home. Barry Richardson told OLDXAVS.com that Dale "will be a great acquisition - both to the players and to me."
ON TRACK
Through the perfect November evening, the Sherrins sailed again, as the Xavs had their first run-and-fun session of the summer. 
BARKERS ROAD BECKONS BOYS BACK!
According to an unnamed chunky source, the Red 'n' Black powers-that-be met secretly in an Orrong Road hothouse tonight to firm up some of the plans for season '07.
"Plenty," according to Tony Hulett (right). "But nothing we're talking about, especially to you" he told OLDXAVS.com this week.
PURPLE PETE NOW BACK AT THE' RAK.
LAST TOAST. 
The Old Xavs are conducting a Xavier Nation-wide search to find the replacement for the departing Kevin O'Shaughnessy, the man who became the first-ever full-time CEO at a VAFA club.
Supercoach Theo Vlahos will again head up the coaching team for the club's two Under 19 teams in 2007. 
Club supremo Simon Hunt announced Friday night that Barry Richardson would again take the coaching reins for his third consecutive season. 
'TIS TIZ!
'PEOS' GRABS DENTON
NORDY NABS "RUSH"
