Monday:U/16 Australian Championships
Seems Broadie supporters love their footy. They were all there to view games of the U/16 Australian Championships played at Merrimac Oval on Monday 27 July. A large crowd including every recruiting officer and player manager in Australia, media personalities, past champions, AIS staff, parents and football fanatics gathered to check out the champions of the future and likely signings for GC17. Shrewd observers picked the guts out of Vic Metro, Vic Country, WA and SA sides as thye displayed their considerable skills in high quality games. Some were overawed by the physical presence of 95 kg, 200 cm 15 year olds - Bocky in particular was concerned at the prospect of Collingwood picking up a couple of players and made his feelings known to Nathan Buckley after an introduction by Mick Williams. Never stuck for a word, Bocky was heard to ask "Who was that bloke?" after Bucks departed.
Saturday: versus Southport
After the bye week during which all our under age sides spanked Southport and the Qld Country Stockmen won elevation to Division I by winning the carnival in Shepparton, the Seniors and Magoos faced off with the Sharks.
The final sponsors lunch for the season (see photos in 'Caught in the Act"), hosted by President Terry Roach and deftly managed by Bob Walters, preceeded the main game and featured Terry Daniher as guest speaker and a refreshingly straight shooter. We think Mick Malthouse got one between the eyes and Jason Cloke got one right in the orchestra stalls! If it wasn't for eagle-eyed Bob Walters who spied Gubby Allan in the audience and welcomed him by name, TD might have taken aim in Gubby's direction, who knows? Sheeds copped a couple of jabs as well, watch out Peter Jackson is the message. Terry, who played 313 games with Essendon after crossing from the Swans, played in 25 AFL finals and didn't hang up the boots until aged 41 (Barry Round made it that far too we think). AFL legend that he is, he pulled no punches in entertaining the diners with tall tales and true of his coaching career and won the crowd over with an exhortation of victory over Southport in terms familiar to football followers of Teddy Whitten's career as a Big White V selector and supporter. TD reckons that bush footy is pretty healthy and with netball is very important to community survival - he loves nothing more than to roam Australia in his role as AFL Ambassaor for Country Football, train with community teams and kids and watch games of high standard. According to Terry, the game is quicker, with rotations and tactics at the forefront requiring very disciplined players following coaches' directions. A bit too pristine for him and he misses the flair of the individual, mud, hip-and-shoulders and all day battles between same opponents. But, at the end of the day it is still a great game, and if the rules/laws are not subjected to change, should remain great. An obvious lover of the game and pleased to have come through unscathed, Terry will keep involved in country footy so long as there is at least a 2 can trip back to Melbourne. Trivia point of the day was the 29th anniversary of a Melbourne v Essendon game in which our own Bob Walters snaffled 9 big ones on the G while TD at the other end bagged 4 - Big Day out Bobby. Big winner of the Top Cat draw at the lunch was Harry Keenan who knocked over last year's winner Trevor Sheppard. Harry received but a fraction of his inputs to this football club and the prize could not have gone to a more worthy winner.
Magoos
While the frivolity raged in the clubrooms the Magoos were having a go against Southport. Neil’s charges knew they were up for a tough
day against the competition front runners when they took on the Southport Sharks on Saturday.
Unfortunately the game did not get off to a good start for the Cats with
Southport kicking the first goal within the first two minutes.
The rest of the first quarter was more of the same as
Southport showed why they were the competition favourites with crisp delivery to a set of big mobile forwards.
Only Matty Barrett was able to get free of his opponent and had plenty of the footy towards the end of the term.
After four clean centre breaks to
Southport, James Fitzgerald was given the job to run with Rammage, which proved a good move as Fitzy nullified his influence at the
stoppages. At quarter time Southport 8-3/51 to Broadbeach 0-0/0.
Through the second quarter the Cats began to gel and apply pressure to the rampant Sharks. When Pete Hill goaled from a 50m free kick in the first few minutes the signs of a comeback where there. Some great play from Joe Barille was a highlight of the quarter. He displayed a piece of footy smarts beyond his age when at a Southport kick in he noticed a Sharks player running from behind the goal line to take position to receive the kick. Joey sprinted from the 50m line and although he did not stop the kick he did apply enough pressure to cause a fumble and an out of bounds. Boothy was again struck by the bad luck bug hurting his knee midway through the terms and playing no further part in the game. The back line was working well together under immense pressure with Adam Oehlman, Nathan Quick, Josh Searl and Bart Webster playing a big part in the quarter. At half time Southport
10–5/ 65, Broadbeach 1–2/ 8.
The third quarter was again a very tight affair.
The highlights included a big hanger on the far wing by Michael Cooke at half back.
Webby was gain working hard at half back with several last line saves and second efforts.
Searly was providing some great rebound off half back and when he intercepted the ball at wing and found Dan Frawley alone at half forward the game looked to be alive.
Spud ran in and kicked the goal from 50.
Unfortunately a couple of suspect umpiring decisions released the pressure on
Southport allowing them to kick two unanswered goals just before the final break.
At three quarter
time Southport 13-7/ 85 to Cats 2-3/ 15.
The final quarter was marred by several ugly incidents that for some unknown reason were overlooked by the men in orange. Joey Barille appeared to be king hit by Southport’s No 49, Matty Barrett was looked to be collected by a haymaker from No 32 Ryan “Boof” Head in front of the ump and then Hilly was thrown into the fence after the ball had been pushed across the line. We still wonder how the Southport
players escaped without a report or even a 50m penalty. In the end the game petered out and the bigger bodied Southport prevailed. The final score Southport
17-11/ 113 to Broadbeach 2-3/ 15.
Coach Bosto was pleased with the way the team hung tough after being blown away in the first quarter.
That said, he was disappointed that
Southport jumped us when our game plan a man-on-man
defence across the ground. He was particularly disappointed for his car which was in a good possie again to catch all the grandstand wingside play - had it left the car park this week?
Our only goal scorers were Pete Hill and Dan Frawley. Best players were Quicky, Oehly, Webby, Fitzy and Hutchy. Searly and Tyler Green both
tried very hard and continue to improve each week.
SeniorsFor the seniors it was a make or break game for our finals hopes. As it turns out, while we went down to a dominant Southport team, football is a fickle sport and Morningside lost to Labrador keeping the door to the four slightly ajar.
The Seniors took the field with Wade Dickson, Hamish Dick and Scottie Beatie back, a resurgent Pat Evans and a determined Sam l'Anson. Mitch Andrews looked a bit proppy and Dean Howard appeared 'in deep' as well. The game commenced with 8 stoppages and looked to be developing into a stop start ugly affair. Unfortunately it got ugly for us as Southport, with dominant running players and successful switch plays around the outer, outscored Broadie in each quarter. Dicko was an exception as he took gun full foward McEntee to the cleaners under great pressure of the pill coming in very quickly. Coach Hart made several positional changes in the first stanza and after some in and under play Sam Edwards notched our first major from a free kick. Ben Walters was missed by a fraction by a Southport player that would have resulted in a collision worthy of the M1. We seemd to hustle better after that incident and Scotty Beatie followed up from a mark to keep us in the game. We trailed at quarter time by 17 points, 2 3 15 to Southport 5 2 32.
The second quarter was played in similar fashion with too many uncontested gets to Southport. There were some instances of hope for the Cats as Dienjes and Emblem combined well to no avail, JD putting in as usual, Nathan Lyons making a good run and carry which was foiled but brilliantly rescued by Dean Howard who assisted Sam Edwards, who was playing with vigour, for his second goal for the day. Marcus Tippett scored our second for the stanza again assisted by Deano out of a scrum that the All Blacks would have been proud to engage. The most positive sign for us came as the senior coach for Southport clashed with his runner (and former coach?) in the box, but calmer heads prevailed. Half time saw us further down 4 4 28 to 8 6 54
Third and fourth quarters were pretty much the same as it appeared inevitable that Southport would be too strong on the day. The 'smiling assassin' Dean Howard was copping a few and he featured in our only goal for the third quarter after a centre bounce clearance that enabled Nathan Lyons to lob the ball to Deano who snapped truly. Our troubles were emphasised when 3 of our side on their own and with the ball literally at their feet, made incorrect decisions that allowed an initially out of position opponent to take posession for a goal. Frankly, while our blokes never gave up, a victory was not on and three quarter time could not have come more slowly. At least it provided an opportunity for a skill demonstration by the Gold Coast Bluetongue expat Canuk Ice Hockey players who tried their hand at our great game - stick to the ice fellas, or sculling jugs. A return of one major to Nathan Lyon was our only bright moment in the last after Dienjes and Skrinnis locked the ball in our forward line. Whacko Jacko was tackling desperately and Sammy Edwards was subjected to some treatment after he continued with his attack on the ball. Final scores: Broadie 6 10 46 beaten by Southport 16 12 108
Sunday: Old Boys and U/18s
After game drinks for the Old Boys, the Old Boys 'cent raffle', Tiger's ongoing 60th birthday and the U/18s game ensured another fine day of takings for the club bar. "We won all four events" said Simon McCormick as he sold another ticket while munching on a hamburger and toasting Tiger. Not certain who won the $1,500 - we gave up interest after ticket 211 was ruled out!
But in the interests of those who are in need of an oxford scholar or three, knock up the following for a loan:
$1500.00 Cash –
“Razz”
$500 Cash – Chris
Fay
$100.00 Cash – Our Man Hards &
‘Son of Ivan’
Well Done to Big Al Lawson for his drive for the raffle. Without his efforts pre raffle and on the day where would we be? Thanks also to many of the OBs who helped sell tickets and pitch in preparing food etc etc on the day to keep our low budget team on the deck each week. All funds go to ensuring we have a fit(?) middle-aged or wanna-be-middle-aged over 30s representing Broadie. Funding assists trainers, masseurs(?) and strappers that keep us going week to week.Thanks also to all club members, supporters and guests for their support on the day and year to year. Watty wasn't quite sure what was happening - he just rocked up as usual - nevertheless in true OB spirit he supported the day with a few bets, a few drinks, a few hamburgers and a few tickets - no winners. Watch this space for the next Old Boys "Gay and Hearty"
The day was a huge success for all in attendance with plenty of food, drinks and smiles. Thanks also to whoever turns on the sunshine and to Smithy's U/18 side who turned in a well tuned performance. Reckon they are hot for the flag this year - they looked really good in taking apart the Western Magpies. It's always good to see a Magpies side spanked.
A warm hello to Ty Sheers from all Old Boys - he is back from suffering a little known mosquito borne ailment which knocks the stuffing out of the sufferer. We hope to see him in his best form ready for the finals. Bring 'em on!
Photos available in 'Caught in the Act'
Last Modified on 27/11/2008 10:36