RESERVES TEAM SEASON REVIEW
Scott Millard (Woodend/Hesket)
Scott has been a remarkable player this season with his fantastic run across half forward and great goal sense. In just his 2nd season at the club he has found his feet brilliantly and while he hasn't found his way into the senior team this year, has constantly pressed for selection every week. He won many games off his own boot with his lethal left foot and his consistency this season has won him the praise of many at the club.
Christian Braddy (Woodend/Hesket)
No-one knew exactly what was going to be in store for Chrisso this season since making the giant leap into the Reserves team after several years with the U18's as a sweeping centre half back. He managed to lock in his role as one of the prime fullbacks in the competition in a backline flooded with great experience. He has learned and matured under the influence of more experienced players as the season progressed, which showed in his development as a confident player. He shut down many opponents while sneaking down forward and kicking goals when the opportunity came. Great first year in the 2nds.
Daniel Martin (Woodend/Hesket)
While Marto hasn't kicked the goals he would've liked this season, he has really locked down the position as the key centre half forward in the team. His great leap and strong arms have seen him take many great contested marks as his season progressed. His consistency every week with his leading presence up forward has been a great asset to the team, with great crumbers at the foot of his every contest. Battled hard all season which started off in a blaze of glory when he took THAT mark against the Springvale reserves team in a practice match, where the big man soared high into the sky on the back of an opponent, landed on the ground and kicked to a team mate in the same motion. Mark of the year award winner.
Matthew Law (Woodend/Hesket)
Banger, Lawry... whatever you'd like to call this great young talented onballer, soared to great heights at his first year at Woodend since crossing from Kyneton. This nuggetty blonde onballer took on all opponents across half forward and won much of the ball his with precision disposal, used to knock on the door of senior selection many times. As the finals arrived, he played more as an impact player off the bench to give his team more instant energy and drive from the centre. 1 of just 4 players to play every game this year.
Ben Glasson (Woodend/Hesket)
Benny has improved greatly this season since making the leap from the younger brigade to 2nds football this season. His improvement as the season wore on was evident as he tied down many opponents in the backline and showed great confidence in taking on opponents to clear the ball from defence. Much can be said about his great courage this year as he threw his frame into every contest in the backline. One of the most improved players in the team; he managed to sneak forward and kick a few goals and then humbly return to the backline.
Justin Rodda (Woodend/Hesket)
J-Rod really lit the turf up this season in his first year of competitive football. He astounded many with his freakish ability to leap high into the ruck, throw his light frame into every contest and showcase his great endurance all over the ground. His persistence and confidence saw him awarded a much deserved spot in the Senior team where he performed to his best while showing that anyone can reach that level if they work hard enough.
Daniel Boyle (Woodend/Hesket)
Danny was one of the surprise packets of the team this year. While he was a man of very few words, he let his football speak a lot for him on the ball and across half forward. He kicked many goals this season and was strong to every contest. His best game this year was @ Diggers Rest where he kicked 4 of the team's first 5 goals to be one of the dominant players on the ground. A great season from Danny.
Brent Olivieri (Woodend/Hesket)
Ollie has been a great leader around the team this year as he used his veteran experience to great effect in helping improve the tactics used in the midfield. While solid and strong, his fitness and endurance saw him transferred from the forward line to the backline before finding his spot in the middle where he attained many centre clearances and set up great goal scoring opportunities. A growing leader around the club and a great player... not bad for someone who is struggling with one good knee.
Daniel Millard (Woodend/Hesket)
Dan spent some of the season battling niggling injuries but managed to break into the team onto the wing and show great dash and confidence in his ability to win the ball and get it forward. A quiet achiever in parts, his presence up in the midfield helped create opportunities for team mates to win the ball clearly. A great contributor to the team, will see him rise to his full potential next year and rise with greater confidence.
Marcus Stevens (Woodend/Hesket)
General Muppett was a great leader as the team Captain this year with his confidence boosting speeches and great leadership on the field. He isn't just seen as another player on the team or another mate around the club but as someone who inspires others to play to their best potential. He rose to great heights switching in the ruck with J-Rod from defence. Throwing his body in at every contest was something he did regularly and deserved his recall into the firsts with every chance in playing in a premiership team which no-one deserves much more than him.
Lee Hay (Woodend/Hesket)
Hayzy was a great contributor this season running off the wing and unleashing his mighty weaponry of great pace. His first year at the club has seen his determination lock down many opponents at either end of the ground. Used in the backline of the finals, he shut down all his opponents and winning many fans to suggest that we're only just about to see the best of Lee Hay.
Jacent Bowen (Woodend/Hesket)
Pev was a great player this season in every chance he had to lace up the boots. Always at training and always giving his best, his shear dedication and commitment to the club has not gone unnoticed as one of the club's most admired players. He performed very well in the backline this year and while not getting a chance to star in September, his courage led by example to show that his efforts left a major impact on the team's success.
Aaron Gove (Woodend/Hesket)
Govey was a great asset all year to the 2nds team in his first year back in the thick of the action after numerous seasons out of the game. With big shoes to fill and the weight of his Dad looking down on him with a great smile, he ran himself to exhaustion every moment he was on the field and made an impact in every contest he was in. One of the most courageous and hard working players in the team, he was awarded a senior game against Sunbury and no-one will ever take his ability lightly. Despite missing early games with injury with broken ribs and later a broken hand, he bounced back to his brilliant best just to show how great a player he really is.
Mark Sipthorp (Woodend/Hesket)
Sippy was a greater worker this season as an impact player off the bench and a hard hitting work horse on the field. His size and ability as a strong player favour him in contested situations and he has strived extremely hard to improve his fitness and pace. The improvement in his ability over the last few seasons has been fantastic and there is rarely a person more committed to supporting his team mates than he is. Very unfortunate to not play finals action.
Liam O'Meara (Woodend/Hesket)
Another stellar season from Burgs who performed extremely well wherever he played, across the backline or up forward. His size, height and strength makes him a great player to have in your team because he is a key position player who can be used to fill holes anywhere you need to, while adapting to the position very quickly. He was at the subject of immense pressure and targeting from opposition players which was emphasised in the game against Romsey in round 18 where he was at the centre of rough unnecessary punishment during and after the game while doing nothing to cause a stir, other than kick goals for his team, which he did much of. Hope to see him back next year at the highest level. A joint runner up in the League Best and Fairest!
Kyle Fitzpatrick (Woodend/Hesket)
Fitzvola had a stellar return to football this season since giving the game away early at a young age after tearing his achilles on a gate. His improvement as the season progressed grew with his fitness as he quickly earned his nickname in the early rounds when he kicked many goals. His fitness grew to allow him to switch onball where he picked up many touches and used the ball well. His best game of the year was against Rockbank at Buffalo where he played much of the game on the ball and kicked a few goals. Well done Fitzy!
Joel Taylor (Woodend/Hesket)
The most unlucky man in football still continued to fight against the odds of unlucky injuries this year. In what he previously described as the big season of full commitment, his pre-season showed just how hungry he was for success as a player to help the team where he could. His fitness and use of the ball across half back and the middle has stunned opposition. He's one of the hardest workers in the team and his determination to fight back from injury to play finals show just how dedicated he is for this club. Well done Billie Joel.
Travis Leggett (Woodend/Hesket)
Legzy is one of the unluckiest footballers never to dominate at senior level for the entire season this year. A former League Best and Fairest winner, he is a classy footballer and one player you need to have in your team. He is a ready made senior player and has a great football brain. Much is expected of him every week and he simply delivers above those expectations. Kicking well on both feet and his James Hird like abilities to find team mates with incredible disposal is seen to be believed vision. Another great year from Legzy.
Jason Sherwood (Woodend/Hesket)
Joining the team late in the season, J-man, the Ox has had a strong season in the backline and up forward. He can play anywhere all over the ground, as the tall giant plug to lock up any opposition and is one player that you'd hate to be standing in front of when at full flight. Many have said he's the tallest backpocket in the history of the game and they couldn't be wrong when this aging teenager just keeps getting better. A true larrikin and great player that lives up to the spirit of the team brilliantly.
Tim Jones (Woodend/Hesket)
Skipper has had a very solid and good year by his standards. While his size goes against him, his fitness and ball winning abilities don't, in his first year at senior level since crossing from the U18's, playing against others similar to his height. A strong wingman who is very quick, committed and courageous. He plays above his size and was very unlucky not to get as many games as he deserved this season because he's very valuable to the make shift of the team.
Ross Barker (Woodend/Hesket)
Rocko's onfield leadership this season was again very terrific and inspiring to all members of the team. Whether it's on the field in the backline or on the sidelines making coaching moves with Pup, Rocko is most encouraging and one of the hardest working individuals in the team. With injuries hitting the team mid-season, he stepped up to the plate and laced up the boots to again play a vital role in the backline. He's lost none of his touch from past seasons as he continues to run himself into the ground, rack up plenty of touches and run to every contest. The big question remains whether the hard hitting number 25 courageous red head will don the gold and brown next season and show his vast dash and tremendous ability on a body that has been battered over many years of hard attacking footy.
Paul Vella (Woodend/Hesket)
Puzza has been of fantastic value since joining the Hawks this season and his team work with fellow Bash Brother Lawry have seen the two dismantle sides limb from limb. Juggling Senior and 2nds obligations this year hasn't appeared too difficult for this young and exciting player who uses the ball extremely well from the middle and is at the foot of every contest. While the goals weren't flowing from his boot this season, as opposed to games against the Hawks, he made sure he set plenty up. His consistent hard hitting attack on the footy always saw him in contention for Senior selection which we hope he plays more of next season.
Justin Bobic (Woodend/Hesket)
Juzzy was hard hit with work commitments this season which saw his run and courage across half back in limited time during the season. Since a devastating shoulder injury last season, his courage at the ball hasn't phased him at all. His fitness improved in the latter half of the season as he was freed up to play and certainly earned his spot in the team. A very capable Senior footballer, a fit Juzzy is a threat to any team, 2nds or 1sts and we hope to see more of that next season.
Brett Shea (Woodend/Hesket)
Another player buried by work commitments, Sheabo was rock solid in the back pocket this season in the opportunities he had to represent the team. Opponents would've been glad to see the back of him in the 2nds as he broke through in the latter half of the year to play Senior football. His development as a tagging stopping player this season has seen him bear tremendous results. His commitment to the ball in his game time in the 2nds was hard to beat by any opposition. A great career shaping season.
Adam Morton (Woodend/Hesket)
Tex was in and out of the team during various parts of the season in an attempt to regain some lost confidence and inspire his chances on playing in the Seniors. When he represented the team, he performed to his brilliant best across centre half forward as a dominating leading target along with several spells across the backline. He is a player who can perform well given any position and he showed that with his dominant attack on the ball. A genuine Senior player will see him improve his football further next season.
Mark Williams (Woodend/Hesket)
Super was a great service to the team this season in his half dozen appearances. Another player to lose out to a competitive Senior team, Super's ability to shut down leading forwards was a credit to his courage and high flying abilities. He is one of few players that can spring to the heavens for a spoil or a mark and have an effective disposal before landing. A great player who will continue to push for Senior selection given every game he plays.
Stephen Fisher (Woodend/Hesket)
The Fish was limited this season to games that he's played. With the intention of moving to Darwin for several years with work and a change of scene, that still hadn't stopped him in showing tremendous onfield leadership and courage in his handful of games this year. Opposition players would have been relieved to hear the news of his departure as he continued to frustrate them by doing everything he could to keep the ball from their hands with great defensive spoils and strong one and one contests. The team's only loss of the home and away season was in his farewell game. The Fisherman will be sorely missed.
Scott Fuller (Woodend/Hesket)
Scotty was very unfortunate not to be able to play as many games as he'd like this season. With a frustrating disease that has his blood thicken with lots of exercise, he was used in spurts this season off the bench before calling it a day early in the season. It's a great loss for the club because a fit Scott Fuller in days gone before him saw the number 12 play 4 quarters on the ball and dominate from the centre like a Dale Ciunik. More than capable at playing Senior football but his continued support for the club has won over many fans.
Dean Egan (Woodend/Hesket)
Deano started the season like a battering ram, knocking down opponents in his quest to score goals. His round one haul of 6 goals saw him elevated to the Seniors where he performed well. He was sent down to the team to fine tune some form and a miscommunication at Rockbank saw him sadly farewell the club in his return to football this year. We hope to see him back next season because his marking and goal kicking is a great asset to any team he plays for.
Garry Hewitt (Woodend/Hesket)
Gussy was on the end of some of the worst luck a footballer could have this year. He started the year off in AFL Brownlow Medal form cutting up opposition players on the half forward line. He played the 1st month of football where he gathered plenty of the football and kicked many goals. His best on ground performance at home against the Tigers saw him kick 6 of the best and it looked like Senior selection wasn't beyond him. He received a kick in the knee the following week at Melton and his season was virtually over. With a knee reconstruction on the cards, he made a desperate big late season to make a comeback before surgery. He succeeded in a comeback game at Kilmore where he kicked 2 goals in less than a quarter before re-injuring his knee and ending a courageous run. We hope to see him back next year.
Anthony Fox (Woodend/Hesket)
Foxy was a great service to the team in the latter stages of the season. While a prime mover at Senior level, he spent a handful of games in the team to inspire his form further for a tilt at the Senior team in finals. A quad injury against Rockbank delayed his run and it continued to play havoc on his ability as the season closed. A committed player running off half back and spurts in the centre, he has great disposal, at the bottom of every pack and is very aggressive. With work commitments taking him elsewhere post season, we wish him all the best and thank him for his time at the club. Well done Foxy.
Scott Cameron (Woodend/Hesket)
Scotty made a good impression in the team early this season. While playing just a handful of games, he showed great skill on both sides of the body and was able to hit targets freely with his disposal. Disappointing he didn't return to the club because he continued to be a valuable member of the team.
Matthew Stevens (Woodend/Hesket)
Stevo was the comeback king this season. After surgery at the start of the season, he continued to work away at his fitness when his body would allow him to and was awarded with several games in a good run mid-season. Another capable Senior footballer when fit, he is a fast runner and good user of the ball in the middle. While playing in the backline, he was responsible for a lot of forward attacks with his clearances from the backline. A great player when NOT on holiday.
Andrew Whitton (Woodend/Hesket)
Teddy started the season really well against Macedon before feeling a little yellow with liver problems, nothing to do with drinking of course but he made a comeback late season in his bid to keep up fitness. He played a few consecutive games before fitness couldn't keep up with him. He was recalled into the team in last week's Prelim where he ran himself into exhaustion with great 2nd and 3rd efforts to win the ball. He had the pleasure of scoring a goal with his first touch in his comeback game against Rockbank. A great fightback.
Robert Martin (Woodend/Hesket)
Disco was a great contributor in his handful of games with the team. While playing most of his football in the seniors, he offered the team great run and showed great flare across half back and through the middle. His ability to spoil from any contest shows his strength and determination to clear the ball from defence. A great worker this year who continues to bring out the best in himself every week!
Shane Engellenner (Woodend/Hesket)
Boomer was a mystery this season. He played a few games with his exciting speed and goal sense but went missing early in the season. A great player to have in any team and is a real excitement machine to watch.
Rick Dowling (Woodend/Hesket)
R.D was a little unfortunate to be left out of the Senior team come September but he didn't leave any disappointment he may have had on the field as he worked hard up forward and on the ball as an extremely dominating player. While the team may have struggled for that bite in stages of their finals, he continued to work and press hard to work the ball in his team's favour. His ability is 2nd to none and that is showcased every time he gathers the ball.
*We'll make note that up to 8 players from the U18's team filled for the team on numerous occasions and their efforts and courage on the day haven't gone unnoticed. Well done to Hughesy, Chettle, Donk, Doitch, Chucka, Ric, Paddy and Shep on their contribution.
*Up to 11 players put up their hands to play 1 game for the team in either a chance to regain some form, match fitness or to enjoy the chance to line up in the mighty brown and gold. 5 of them didn't play Senior football that include E.J, Nick Curcio, Yeendy, Ben Muir and Macca.
*Archie, Beally and Joely Goodyear each played several games before going away on travel. Well done guys!
*And we have to give a pat on the back to Maso (John Mason) who lined up in the number 9 Guernsey in the practice match against Springvale Reserves and kicked a lazy few goals on a big day. It's a shame he didn't play in the season proper.
The Coaching Staff:-
Trevor 'Pup' Bowen
A sensational year leading from the front and leading his charges to the success that they have really deserved. In just his 2nd year of this stint as coach, he has lead the team to two successful seasons, making the finals on both occasions. While a finals win has alluded him, his support and encouragement to each individual player brings out the best in them. We hope he continues on next season because the next step is a Grand final. Great work Pup!
Ross 'Rocko' Barker
A great assistant this year with his playing experience extremely invaluable. A committed team member, there appears very little that he can't do!
Season in Review
The season has been one that has delivered much promise around the club with a close band of players who have worked hard together as a playing group to bring out the best of each others abilities and rise together to achieve promising results. This was evident from week one when the lads completed a 20 goal demolition on Macedon in the wet to send a warning signal to all clubs in the competition that this truly was the year of the Hawk. The proceeding weeks saw great results follow right up until facing the other league contenders, Diggers Rest who had followed the trail of wins by the Hawks to sneak past the post in Fish's last game at home.
The loss was disappointing but what was more frustrating was that Fish didn't get the farewell result he had hoped for. This was the launch pad of the season as they regathered their form and worked on playing 4 hard quarters against the best the competition could provide. Justin Rodda seem to come from the heavens to fill the void of the struggling ruck contingent which relied on J-Man switching with Muppett in the ruck from forward and defence. For Rods to be able to play out the entire game in the middle enabled both key players to dominate from both ends and really fill the void left by Fish.
That's not to say that there weren't any other key contributors with the likes of the Millards, the Bash Brothers (Puzza/Lawry) dominating, Marto holding his own at centre half forward and Chrisso nailing down a spot in the backline with Benny Glasson. These sorts of guys really stepped up this year to bring the success.
Never count out the lesser likes in Sip, Skipper and Jace. If it weren't for their commitment and strong love of the club, the team would not have reached the success levels it had because it needed guys like these who knew that they weren't going to get the game time they wanted and sadly were going to be in the firing line when injured senior players needed to regain fitness... but they still trained and got involved with every game. That is the type of commitment and love of the club that fills this team.
The guys went out in straight sets this year after finishing on top, but that counts for nothing when you consider the improvement of each player who ran out onto the ground. There is no doubting that a Grand Final awaits them next year but that will only happen if they still have the belief in the positives that they take from this year. Congratulations guys, you really did the club proud!
Last Modified on 06/04/2008 15:16