Over the years the journey to the Junction Oval has provided the Bloods faithful with some memorable footy moments. Whether it was the golden days of King Wally and Tanner, the years of perennial Blood nemesis Micah Berry, Mark Seccull’s celebrated milestone or the much talked about appearance of Shane Valenti, something always happened when we played OMs on Fitzroy Street.
Coming off a gruelling encounter against the boys from Bomber Grammar, a let down could have been expected but the Bloods jumped the gun and had 3 early majors on the board. OM’s responded and at quarter time we lead 5 goals to 2. Thommo was continuing his fine form at CHB and Hammer and Tommy Trollope were providing plenty of rebound from defence.
The second quarter belonged to us and while we kicked 5 goals to nil the throng felt that perhaps we should have been even further ahead at the big break. There were however some goods signs and it was great to see Chis out on the park and scoring a goal with his first kick in 2008. Young Lance was picking up possessions and Harris was also handy. The score at half time saw us lead 10 goals to 2.
OMs came out strong after the break and their early play belied their current position on the ladder. Clever play from the Bloods saw Vossy score a fine major and Fluff and Lance also shot through six pointers. Frogger was getting his share of the ball yet OMs were able to convert from their limited opportunities. Jonno was providing dash off halfback and the Browns were most prominent during the quarter. Talk was up around the field and A. Brown was highly team oriented resulting in Warnesy converting from right in front. OMs refused to lie down and at three quarter time we lead 15 goals to 6 in a 9 goals quarter. Debutant Stef Erickson was prominent and looked much at home in the big league.
The Melbournians jumped out of the blocks in the first few minutes of the final quarter and were able to find loose men in the mid-field and forward line. The Bloods tightened up and inspirational play from Tommy and tight defence from Hammer stopped the flow and we finally clicked into gear. Critta took off on several occasions and scored twice while nimble rover M.Seccull waited down for the perfect crumbers goal. Magee finally broke the shackles of his former club and displayed some silky skills around the forward line. OMs still refused to go away and in the final analysis for the quarter they outscored us 5 goals to 4. Fluff end up with ‘five wickets’ and nine other player scored majors. At the end of the day a 52-point is one to be proud of and as we only won twice in season 2007, the 3 early wins of 2008 are giving the faithful much joy.
The Oracle and the assembled adjourned into to the bowels of the Junction Oval social club and it was terrific to see so many of the faithful staying on to savour the win. We stay at third on the ladder and with the boys from Bomber Grammar flattening St Bernards it means we are very much in touch with the leaders.
It was another case of so close but yet so far for the Under 19s in their away game against Caulfield.
After trailing by three goals at quarter time, a rev-up from Coach Ando seemed to do the trick as The Bloods fought back to hit the front in the third quarter, and lead by eight points at the final change.
However, a spirited Caulfield took the game away from Old Haileybury as they slammed on six goals to none in the final quarter to eventually win the game by 31 points.
Whilst the final result was again disappointing for the boys, their second and third quarters showed that when they play to their full potential, they can match it with the best.
Haileybury year 12 players Gleadhill, Casey and Shakalis were all in the best for The Bloods, with Jack Gunston kicking three goals from centre half forward.
Al Johnston was again in the goals - kicking three, with Bayard booting two.
Captain Matt Lillie led from the front and was one of Haileyburys best, as was midfielder Jared Hopping.
Old Haileybury face a tough challenge next week against against top of the table Ormond at McKinnon Reserve, but can hopefully pull off a massive upset to get their season back on track.
Last Modified on 26/03/2009 21:25