Under 19’s
Northern Blues 18.20-128 def. La Trobe University 1.3-9
On the back of a tough finals campaign, the under 19’s embarked on yet another season with many of the same players that took them to preliminary final in 2012.
After holding La Trobe goal-less in their practice match it was important that the Blue’s didn’t become complacent in the round one match-up, with Della urging the importance of sticking to the team structures, especially at the pint-sized Ruthven Reserve.
La Trobe won the toss and decided to kick towards the Albert St end in the first term, this would test the mindset of the 19’s early due to the strong wind headed in that direction. Just like a well oiled machine the team was resilient in defence, rebounding any attack La Trobe threw their way. With the midfield effectively pushing back to provide counter attacking run, the Northern blues found themselves entering the quarter time break with a solid lead despite playing into the hefty wind.
Quarter two saw much of the same dominance from the home side. Diesel showed glimpses of last years brilliance with damaging possessions across half forward whilst Damon continued his amazing pre-season form, carving up the opposition with penetrating runs from the midfield. With the game looking like it would be a blow-out early, La Trobe’s frustration became evident as a fight broke out midway through the quarter. Reed and Simsy both found themselves on the end of some questionable yellow cards with the umpires trying to regain control of the game. The Blues entered the rooms at half time fueled to run away with a convincing victory as La Trobe were held goalless for the entire half.
In the rooms Della yet again stressed the importance of sticking to the structures with several players leaving the zone to chase kicks further up the ground. In the second half La Trobe began to show some resistance to the Northern Blue’s onslaught, with the Blue’s only registering three goals in the third quarter despite some great run and carry from new player Haas. It was too little too late for the away side though as they registered their first goal in the final quarter only to have it cancelled out by Dewey’s first goal for the club right on the final siren (which he celebrated in classic Dewey fashion).
The win marked the beginning of what should be yet another great season for this great squad, as they showcased the way the club’s zone can be implemented efficiently in the first game of the triple header. Special mentions to Damon and Cuz for providing drive from the midfield across all four quarters and to Damo for slotting five goals in his first game for the under 19‘s.
Reserves
Northern Blues 5.5 - 35 def. by North Brunswick 15.13-103
With plenty of fresh face’s ready to impress and make their mark, acting skipper Jordan Twaits won the toss and decided to kick with the wind in the first term which was still playing havoc towards the Albert St end. With Fred unable to coach the first game, injured player/assistant coach Ty took up the coaching duties and barked out the instructions as the boys entered the field with plenty of energy and enthusiasm.
Newcomers Dayne and Sammy Clarkson opened up the account for the home side with two long goals with the wind at their backs. The defence was resilient in the first term, holding the fort down and giving valuable instructions to their team-mates who had less knowledge of the teams structures and zones, as they held the North Brunswick side goalless in the first quarter.
Despite the best efforts of the players, some fortunate goals from the opposition opened up the flood gates in the second term, as they took better advantage of the wind to pile on five goals. In an attempt to inject some intimidation into the forwardline, Ty put Della and his famous biceps into the forward line but it was of little effect as the Blues struggled to contain the North Brunswick efforts, and entered the halftime break trailing by 21 points.
The premiership quarter was going to have to be a big one for the Blue’s if they were to be any chance to come away with the points, but the Bull’s stood strong and negated the three Northern Blues goals with four of their own. It was always going to be a challenge to remain competitive in the final term with the undermanned side digging deep into an already empty tank. Fatigue became evident as run and communication began to drop and six unanswered goals were put on by the away side as they ran away as comprehensive victors.
Special mentions go out to Dewey and H who filled in for the side despite playing four quarters in the under 19’s and to all the new players in their first game for the club. Their were several individual efforts that could cause some serious selection head aches in the rounds to come, this is a fantastic problem to have and it will create a great competitive environment at the club for the rest of the season.
Seniors
Northern Blues 16.16-112 def. North Brunswick 15.12-102
With the first game as an official senior club finally upon the Northern Blues, tension and spirits were high in anticipation for the clash against North Brunswick. Pumped to show some of that Preston pride that has kept many players around, and brought so many new people down to the club throughout the journey so far, George and the boys wanted to send a warning out to the competition that the Northern Blues had arrived.
With the wind finally having died down, there was very little advantage to either end. Despite this, the small Ruthven reserve caused stoppages and contested play all over the ground. Quarter one was testing for both sides with neither team able to build an advantage over the other. Every Northern Blue player scrapped for every loose ball and possession like the junkyard dog of old, and North Brunswick knew quickly that the Blues had come to play.
In the second quarter Northern started to seize control of the game, with Dean Calcedo proving his worth with some fantastic run through the midfield. Unfortunately some great chances were wasted in the quarter with Lachlan McRedmond failing to capitalize on his dominance in the forward fifty. Northern went into the rooms 11 points up at half-time after registering 4 goals and 6 behinds for the quarter as George urged his side to focus on the process and what had been worked on throughout the pre-season.
North Brunswick emerged from the rooms after half-time pumped up, not wanting to give the home side their fairy-tale debut at the Ant Hill. The away side piled on six goals in the quarter, issuing a challenge to the Blue’s. If we wanted the four points, we were going to have to take it. Parkesy, who battled hard in the ruck for most of the day to be one of the best players on the ground, took an inspirational mark running back with the flight of the ball to wrestle back momentum on the cusp of the third quarter siren, sending the message loud and clear that the Northern Blues weren’t going away without a fight.
With the game now in the balance, the Blues were going to need everyone to lift in the final quarter to get on top of their opponents and they did just that. Eamonn Scott’s last quarter heroics put the game beyond doubt with key marks and goals, Chris Viola provided some much needed deep inside fifty entries and Jay’s relentless attack on the ball all day paid dividends, as the worn down opponent were ground to a halt and the Northern Blues were ten point victors.
Special thanks to all the spectators that came to witness the first game of the season, creating a finals like atmosphere in arguably the most important regular season game in the clubs short history. Also thanks to all the volunteers who contributed throughout the day, your work is much appreciated. Special mention to the huge effort from Tom Dowling, Ian Parke and Joe Viola, in sorting a plethora of issues to ensure the teams got out on the ground; Rose Ferma, Linda Viola, Sharon and Joan Wakim in the canteen; Michael Ferma for his cameo training stint; and Chloe Stubberfield for her marathon training duties for all 3 teams.
See detailed Match results on the VAFA website via the Fixtures/Results link at the top of our Home Page.
Under 19s - Coach's Report - Dean Delle-Vergini
The boys got off to a solid start kicking into a strong breeze. Our defence held up well led by Harry, and skipper Marcon worked hard to push forward snagging 3 goals. Big Jimmy was grabbing everything, setting up goals and kicking some himself. We finished the quarter kicking 5 unanswered goals in a great team effort.
The 2nd quarter we again dominated but couldn’t capitalise. Numerous entries into our 50 were wasted because instructions weren’t followed & too many boys pushed deep looking to kick goals themselves. University were able to clear our forward 50 often & we didn’t have our zone structure in place to make them pay on the transition. Although we kicked 5 goals in the quarter, we were disappointed with the effort.
The 3rd quarter the boys switched on & we held our lines in defence with discipline. We kicked another 3 goals against the gale, and again held university goalless.
The last quarter we set targets & played good, hard disciplined footy. Damo broke free up forward taking a number of strong marks, kicking his 5th goal with a mid air soccer snap, and big Harry & Dewey enjoyed their time up forward kicking long goals. University finally scratched forward for a goal, but a premature siren ended the game with the boys running out easy winners.
There were some really good efforts by our newer players Huss, Liam & Joel who would benefit from more training, and all players came off the ground having played their part in a resounding victory. The boys are a talented unit, but cannot become complacent as we will be coming up against stiffer opposition this week.
Get to training boys and let’s build up for a big one this week.
Last Modified on 15/04/2013 16:47