2000 - 2009
PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2000
Stephen Nicholls was appointed to his third term as president and even though he had donned his famous number 22 on a few occasions over the last three years he now would longer would do so. “Cowboy” finished with 253 club games of which 227 were reserves games and had kicked in the vicinity of 900 reserve goals. Gail and Wayne Saunders remained on as our secretary and treasurer. Brendon Moore continued as senior captain coach, Pers Lielnors was again the reserves coach and Darrell Saunders was the new coach of the thirds. Dale Carpenter returned to us as senior assistant coach and even pulled the boots back on for four reserves games. The seniors finished seventh with seven wins and the reserves and thirds both finished fifth. This would be the first time since 1966 that a Pines team had not made the finals. A major highlight of this year was the winning of the league senior best and fairest medal by Brendon Moore. Thirds player, Erhan Cinar was second in league thirds goalkicking in that grade. Chris Vokes returned from the Dolphins and would commence the second half of his eventual seventeen years and 300 club games with us. It was a dismal start to our seasons ambitions with the first win not being until round five v Karingal who had re-entered the premier division. An unforeseen collapse by 1999 finalist Cranbourne saw them relegated and Hampton Park, also a finalist then, weren’t far behind them. These were the only two teams from the old SWGFL to ever reach the first grade level of competition. A vital must-win match mid season was against Cranbourne in round nine. The result of this game was ours by 37 pts and although we were still in ninth place with only three wins, we were only two games out of the four. Reegan Stubbs kicked seven in the team total of fifteen. Statistically it was not a good year and although our seniors only finished seventh, they were only three games out of the final four. Our reserves and thirds both finished two games short of playing in the finals. Edi Asp were the power team in this year finishing on top in each grade. We did not win any of our six games against them. Our best efforts against any of the finals teams was one win by our seniors over Rosebud (fourth), our reserves won one against both Karingal (third) and Mornington (fourth) and our thirds won one game against Rosebud (third). A media comment at finals time simply said, “The three Pines teams could have been in the finals, but they’re not”. Club presentation night best and fairest trophies went to Steve Ryan (seniors), Simon Bishop (reserves) and Will Bradley (thirds). Chris Vokes was made a playing service life member, Barrie Chalkley was voted best clubman and Mrs Gail Saunders received the outstanding services award. John Spencer and Andrew McDonald had now notched up 200 club games.
Most senior games (18). C.Egan, Mick Luca, T.McDonald, T.Roberts, S.Ryan, R,Stubbs, C.Vokes.
Most reserves games (17). S.Bishop, J.Jordon, J.Spencer, Jayden Thomas.
Most thirds games-unknown.
Highest one game senior goals (7). R.Stubbs v Cranbourne, Hastings, Karingal. M.Warry v Rosebud.
Highest one game reserves goals (5). D.Noble v Cranbourne.
Highest one game thirds goals (6). E.Cinar v Hampton Park.
Seniors highest score; Rd 17, 22.17-149 d Rosebud by 39 pts.
Interleague (listed); K.Lielnors, B.Moore, S.Ryan, R.Vaughan, C.Vokes.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2001
Three members of the Saunders family would now head the club administration as Darrell was installed as president with his wife Gail and his brother Wayne continuing on in their duties of secretary and treasurer. The Saunders clan had been with Pines for many years in many different roles and can be traced back to our earliest years. Darrell played in nine premiership teams through all grades and his brother Clarke has the distinction of being the only player to play in four senior flag teams. Brendon Moore once again coached the seniors, Paul Cox took over the reserves and Darrell Saunders continued with the thirds. This was to be another frustrating year and although the seniors finished one place higher on the ladder, in sixth spot, the reserves dropped to eighth and the thirds were seventh. There were good individual performances though as Brendon was second in the league senior best player votes, Steve Ryan was fourth in the league senior goals with 66 and John Spencer was third in the league reserves goals with 41. A new innovation in this year was the newly designed team jumper. This idea of course caused some grumbling amongst our older supporters and past players who cherished the original and unique style of the green with red shoulders. It was during this year that our functions room was named as the Barry Moore Social Rooms. Barry was honored thus not only for his work as a player and premierships coach, but for what was stated on the ‘Roast Moorey’ rooms naming night, as a “great club leader, a protector, a mentor to many young players and a guidance to many people”. The round two win by 43 pts over reigning premiers Edi Asp had signs that we were could be a finals contender but then hot and cold performances during the remainder of the season seen us miss out on the final four by four games. A mid season blow to our senior team was the loss of Leigh Capsalis who after receiving a heavy knock had his spleen removed. Our club was saddened to hear at this time of the passing of Kevin Lacey. Kev was one of those blokes who would pitch in for any task needed and was a fine example of the loyal club worker. Sitting just outside the four by one game prior to the round sixteen v seventh placed Chelsea, who had returned from the peninsula division, followed by a game against eighth placed Rye, our finals chances looked good. These however were losses plus a defeat by ladder leaders, Karingal in the last round and the season was over for us with the added fact that no Pines team won a game in the last four rounds of the season. Team best and fairest winners were; C.Vokes (seniors), R.Shalders (reserves), Glen Watt (thirds). Les Luckman was granted club life membership and playing service life memberships went to Paul Cox, Gavin Hiku, Tim McDonald and John Phillips. Peter Coughlin and Darrell Saunders received awards for outstanding service and Ken Fennell was voted best clubman. Trevor Roberts now had 250 club games up and Gordon Hendry had tallied 200 senior games, only the fourth player to do so since 1964.
Most senior games (18). B.Carter, W.Casey, G.Hendry, A.Marriner, B.Moore, C.Vokes.
Most reserves games (18). J.Jordon, S.Norman.
Most thirds games-unknown.
Highest one game senior goals (9). S.Ryan v Hampton Park.
Highest one game reserves goals (7). J.Spencer v Hampton Park.
Highest one game thirds goals (7). L.Peterson v Hastings.
Seniors highest score; Rd 3, 33.12-210 d Hampton Park by 177 pts.
Interleague; L.Capsalis (capt), M.Mackay, B.Moore (vc), S.Ryan.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2002
Two seasons without any Pines team in any final and what could be done. Such was the dilemma facing the Saunders administration and the unchanged coaching panel. The only answer to this plainly and simply was that more games had to be won. Lost to us was Steve Ryan, a key position player who had given great service. On the positive side though we had Mark Hustwaite back from Rosebud and also Rick Vaughan and Paul Williams returned from Rye. Robert Jackson also returned to us from Karingal but he was now content just to play in the reserves. “Trumby” once quipped,”It’s great playing seconds, you get to open a can a bit earlier”. Another plus was that a number of our younger players were now maturing and developing into valuable senior players. Once again there were lukewarm results for our seniors in first half of the season and they were only just hanging on to fourth place. Then, as the saying goes, they got their act together and would win eight of the last nine games finishing in third place with twelve wins. Our reserves finished in fifth spot with 10 wins. Our thirds also finished third, with thirteen wins, and this would be the first time since 1997 that two Pines teams would play in finals. The thirds would pack up their boots for the year though after being beaten in the first semi by Mt Eliza who had re-entered the main division replacing Hampton Park. The seniors had a good day and defeated Hastings by 71 pts, (R.Stubbs 9 goals). Two very strong teams lay ahead of us and with Edi Asp winning the second semi we were to face Mornington in the preliminary final. Were we up to it? We were good enough? Leading by four goals when the oranges came out, it certainly wasn’t a concluded situation as the Dogs had the use of a strong wind in the last term and found those four goals. The one point win came from our only score in this electric last quarter when “Scratcher” Lielnors shot at goal from 35 metres out, against the wind, fell short but was swooped on by Matt Mackay and that match winning point was scored. This left us now facing Edi Asp in the big game and we were off to good start when “Stubba” kicked the first goal of the match. The Eagles began to dominate after this and to add salt to the wound, Stubbs and Tim McDonald were reported and sent from the ground. With only sixteen players on the ground we found ourselves ten goals down at half-time. Pines rallied and kicked fourteen of all the nineteen goals scored in the last half but it wasn’t enough and would lose by 32 pts. It was a good years work gone down the drain and with lesser mistakes and a lot more discipline, the 2002 flag may have been ours. Club best and fairests were Brendon Moore (seniors), Trevor Roberts (reserves), Gary Martin (thirds). Danielle Saunders was voted best club person. Tim McDonald and Chris Vokes now had 200 club games tallied up. League vote count night saw Brendon Moore once again judged as the second best senior player and Chris Bartczak was placed third in the league thirds. Reegan Stubbs was third in the senior goalkicking.
Most senior games (21). M.Hustwaite, K.Lielnors, M.Mackay, A.Marriner, T.McDonald, B.Moore.
Most reserves games (18). Leigh Fisher, J.Jordon, T.Roberts. Most thirds-unknown.
Highest one game senior goals (9). R.Stubbs v Hastings.
Highest one game reserves goals (8). J.Spencer v YCW.
Highest one game thirds goals (4). Various players.
Seniors highest score; Rd 10, 27.10-172 d Rye by 104 pts.
Interleague (VCFL Champions); M.Hustwaite (coach), T.McDonald, M.Mackay.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2003
The relatively good previous year was begging for us to go just one step further but it was not to be. All club administration and team controllers remained the same as the last three years with the senior team through the year basically staying the same apart from some 2002 thirds players making inroads when at times there were as many as four or five of our more experienced players missing in the same game through injury. Paul Williams actually ‘retired’ around mid-season through constant groin and quadriceps pain although he did make a valiant return in the first semi to help out the team. This would not be the last that we seen of him though. It was a win one, lose one situation right through the season for our seniors but they did make the finals with twelve wins, finishing third. This made for a first semi final clash with YCW who we had defeated twice during the season. This game would have a different outcome from these earlier games as we kicked only one goal after the main break and would lose by 26 pts. This is the last time, to date, that our seniors would ever play in a final. Our reserves after eleven wins just missed the final four on percentage. The thirds, now with mostly new lads coming through from the junior club, won five games and finished eighth. The club was saddened early in the year with the news that one of our most loyal and hardest workers, Bram Laird, had passed away. Anyone attempting to enter his beloved property / trainers room would be met with a stern “Get out ya bugga”. Past player and then trainer, Bert Emberson also passed away a little later on. Robert Jackson was still chugging along in the reserves but this would be his last year and he retired having played 309 club games and would be the first of only four Pines players to ever reach the 300 level. A number of other players were building up good game tallies and in this year there were Tim McDonald and Chris Vokes each with 200 senior games, Andrew McDonald and John Spencer each with 250 club games along with Paul Cox and Gavin Hiku each with 200 club games. Gordon Hendry was going along nicely, hardly missing a game and now had 287 club games to his name. It would not be long before he was up there with “Trumby”. Club best player trophies went to Cade Egan (seniors), John Spencer (reserves), Adam Maling (thirds). Reegan Stubbs won his fifth senior goal kicking trophy and John Spencer, his sixth reserves most goals award. Andrew Clarke and Mark Hustwaite received playing service life memberships and Danielle Saunders was again voted best club person. Pines once again had place-getters on league presentation night; R.Stubbs (fourth-senior goals), A.McDonald (fourth-reserves best player) and J.Spencer (third-reserves goals).
Most senior games (19). G.Hendry, M.Hustwaite, B.Langley, D.Mapstone, A.Marriner, T.McDonald, J.Messina.
Most reserves games (18). D.Hewitt, J.Jordon, R.Sloan.
Most thirds games-unknown.
Highest one game senior goals (8). T.McDonald v Chelsea.
Highest one game reserves goals (8). J.Spencer v Hastings, Rosebud.
Highest one game thirds goals (6). M.Jaensch v Rye. D.Tedge v Hastings.
Seniors highest score; Rd 18, 25.17-167 d Karingal by 82 pts.
Interleague; C.Egan, M.Hustwaite (coach), T.McDonald, R.Vaughan.
This was the end of our fourth decade of playing.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2004
The Saunders trio of Darrell, Gail and Wayne remained on in their respective administrative roles but there were some changes in the coaching duties. Mark Hustwaite was appointed to the senior position as playing coach taking over from Brendon Moore who stayed on as captain. Mark, as with Moore and Williams before him in this role, began his football at our junior club and in some years the three even played in the same junior teams. Coaching was not new a thing to “Hussy” as he had taken Rosebud seniors to a flag in 1997 and then the MPNFL team to be VCFL Division One Champions in 2002. Pat Swayn, who was a member of our last senior premiership team in 1994, took on the reserves coaching. Darrell Saunders would again lead the young and undermanned thirds team. This season seen our fortunes rotated from the year before for this time it would be our reserves who would make the finals, finishing on top of the ladder with sixteen wins, but there would be no grand final appearance. YCW, who we had beaten twice during the season knocked us off in the second semi by 9 pts followed by Mt Eliza sending us home after a 35 pt defeat in the preliminary final. Reserves players took home medals on league presentation night when Heath McMurray (Son of Ray) was named best league reserves player and John Spencer was the league reserves leading goalkicker, his second. Our seniors, after in the last year being described as worthy 2003 flag contenders, could only manage seven wins and finished seventh. The only win against any of the four finals teams was a fourteen point in round five against Chelsea who finished fourth. All of the finals teams had recruited very well pre-season and now were becoming very strong sides while Pines were seemingly content to continue status quo (as they were). There was sad news early in the season on the passing of another of our loyal club workers, Jim Clarke. Key player injuries were costing us badly, the ground condition after some weeks of heavy rain was terrible and “Turk” was only getting as few as fourteen boys turning up to play in the thirds, let alone train. Things weren’t looking too good at all. Club best and fairest awards went to Brendon Moore (seniors) his fourth, Rick Sloan (reserves), Brad Ryan (thirds). Only one other player had ever won four club senior best and fairests and that was Trevor Cowen in four of our first five years. Mrs Gail Saunders was granted a club life membership, Steve Vaughan received a life membership for playing services and Danielle Saunders was once again voted best club person. The games played tallies were still growing and now Gordon Hendry with 305 club games up could sit along Robert Jackson as the second ever 300 gamer. Others were doing well too as John Spencer now had 271 club games, Chris Vokes had 250 club games and Mark Hustwaite had 200 senior games.
Most senior games (18). P.Lewis, A.Marriner, J.Messina, B.Moore, R.Vaughan, C.Vokes.
Most reserves games (19). S.Vaughan.
Most thirds games-unknown.
Highest one game senior goals (7). M.Mackay v Rosebud.
Highest one game reserves goals (7). J.Spencer v Chelsea.
Highest one game thirds goals (4). B.Ryan v Rosebud, Rye.
Seniors highest score; Rd 13, 18.8-116 d Rosebud by 75 pts.
Interleague; C.Guganovic.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2005
The Saunders family remained at the helm and Mark Hustwaite was re-appointed to the senior coach role but now as captain coach due to Brendon Moore (2004 captain) deciding to take a break. The word ‘retired’ was used but “Moorey” would reappear again in the next year. Veteran player, Andy Clarke took on the reserves job and Darrell Saunders kept going with thirds. The woes of the last few years continued but now became even worse. Our reserves were our highest placed team for the season winning nine games and finishing sixth. Will Casey kicked 61 goals and finished second in the league reserves goal tally. The seniors had seven match results in their favor and finished eighth. Our thirds could manage only three wins and finished ninth. This was the lowest that any Pines team had finished since 1971. The seniors, after round six, were sitting last but were able to scrape themselves off the bottom in the next game and record their first win for the season, against Hastings. There would be inspiring wins later against a fourth placed Seaford, a fourth placed Edi Asp and a sixth placed Mornington. The Peninsula League, as we now know it, was created in this year and the three grades were now designed around the geographical areas of teams. The relegation system had been dismissed with a few years earlier but clubs in the now Nepean League could apply for ‘promotion’. The Casey Cardinia League was formed as the competition for the clubs in all of that area. Gone from the old Premier League were Rosebud and Rye and the replacement teams were Bonbeach and Seaford. The club lost another of its most stalwart members when Tom Burt passed away during the year. Tom was an inaugural year player, our first president and worked tirelessly during the formative years of our club. There had been various team reunions held over the previous years but this year saw a major forty year reunion held. This was a mammoth undertaking, headed mainly by the Saunders family. Many months of work were involved and past players and officials were contacted and the well attended function saw four teams of the decades announced with each player named receiving a framed copy of their particular team. Amongst the many who attended were players from our very first game, our very first year with a number of others arriving for the night from all parts of Australia. It was possibly the best night that the club had ever held. Presentation night best player awards went to Chris Vokes (seniors), Rick Sloan (reserves) and Dale Tedge (thirds). Neil Tedge was granted a club life membership and was also voted best clubman. Some player milestones during this year were Tim McDonald (250 club games), Rick Vaughan (150 senior games) John Spencer (200 reserves games) and Gordon Hendry equaled the club record of 309 games in round five.
Most senior games (18). C.Guganovic, A.Marriner, G.Martin, D.Noble.
Most reserves games (17). D.Guganovic.
Most thirds games-unknown.
Highest one game senior goals (7). R.Vaughan v Mornington.
Highest one game reserves goals (10). W.Casey v Hastings.
Highest one game thirds goals (5). M.Bond v Chelsea. B.Ryan v Karingal.
Seniors highest score; Rd 18, 16.18-114 d Mornington by 40 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2006
The season commenced with some major changes in administration and in team leaderships. The Saunders family retired after many years of service and Terry Bashford became president, Neil Tedge was elected as secretary and Doug Martin was named as treasurer. The new coaching panel was Paul Williams (seniors), Craig McPherson (reserves) and Cade Egan (thirds). There were a number of departures though including Mick Luca and Tim McDonald going to Crib Point where Tim had been appointed coach and Mark Hustwaite returned to Rosebud also to coach. These and other departures left Williams to start with only ten players who had played 50 or more senior games and some who had played less than five and through the season, would need to include five thirds for their first senior game. It was a sad start to the season with four of our members passing away during the summer break. No longer with us were Martin Burt, Frank D’Agostino Snr, Frank Roberts and Jack Verity. A ‘classic’ game during this season was the round eight game v YCW. This was also a reunion day for our 1976 senior and reserves premiership players whose teams had both beaten YCW for their flags. Although six goals up at citrus time, YCW could not be taken lightly and the game was not entirely in our keeping. Williams took his team to the fence-line, where the 1976 players were gathered, and addressed the players there. The veterans were quite vocal with their versions of how to win the game and the teams reaction was magnificent and we maintained the margin to win by 35 pts. The win also took us into the four. There would be only two more wins after this though and they finished the season in eighth place with six wins. Both the reserves and thirds finished ninth. Gordon Hendry, always a proud and passionate club person, was even more so when in his 286th senior game he was to have his son Beau, in his first senior game, in the same team. This rare event had been seen at Pines before when Tom and Martin Burt combined for one game back in the sixties. Injuries were once again hitting us in plague proportions with many thirds players required to play twice on the same day and retired players, even from amongst our supporters, were being called upon to help fill the teams. The round fifteen game saw three thirds players in our seniors and eight in the reserves. Brendon Moore came out of ‘retirement’ and reappeared in round seven in an attempt to add some experience to the senior team and Paul Williams came back for the last game hoping to lift his team. Best player trophies in this year went to Chris Vokes (seniors) his third, Jarrod Wade (reserves) and Hayden Martin (thirds). Paul Rush was installed as a club life member and Mick Guganovic was named best clubman. Matt Mackay was fourth in the league senior goalkicking with 48. John Spencer became the third player to reach 300 club games. John retired at seasons end with an actual total of 303 games, 77 senior and 226 reserves games. Not bad for the kid who walked in nineteen years earlier looking for a game.
Most senior games (18). G.Hendry, L.Houldcroft, M.Mackay, A.Marriner, R.Stubbs, C.Vokes.
Most reserves games (18). J.Guganovic.
Most thirds games-unknown.
Highest one game senior goals (8). H.Kiki v Hastings.
Highest one game reserves goals (7). W.Casey v Hastings.
Highest one game thirds goals (6). H.Martin v Hastings.
Seniors highest score; Rd 6, 24.12-176 d Hastings by 70 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2007
Our club administration remained the same but there would be two new coaches in Rob Johnson (Bonbeach, Chelsea) and Mark Luxmoore (Black Rock) taking on the reserves and thirds. Paul Williams continued as senior coach but before the season even started, we were hit with the news that we could not have our home ground. Severe drought conditions seen over the summer had caused the Eric Bell Reserve to be deemed unusable and our ‘home’ games were mainly fixtured to be played at Frankston Park. Training venues were as to what ever ground or paddock that could be found. The club, after some fairly poor years on field, would now be stretched to its maximum capabilities and there was ‘street talk’ that this would be the end of Pines and won’t win a game and will fold. The thing that these ‘talkers’ did not understand is that Pines has always survived to succeed. Again we lost more players to other clubs and without any major recruiting, our teams were left to go along in much the same manner as the previous year. The combination of a handful of veterans and basically reserves players making up our senior team saw them win three games and finish ninth. Our reserves were not so productive winning only two, finishing last but it was a little brighter for our thirds who finished eighth with five wins. The biggest and brightest achievement during this year was the playing of 300 senior games by Gordon Hendry in round ten. This would grant him league life membership and would make him ‘officially’ only the second Pines person to do so. Mark Hustwaite was acknowledged in 2005 whilst at Pines after returning from Rosebud. Robert Jackson received the award in 1997 when at Karingal and Lance Payne received his when he was at Seaford in 2003. The week before “Gordo” played his 300th senior game he actually reached 350 club games and on the night of his 300 a never to be forgotten function was held saluting him. Many past and present players, even from other clubs, were there to honor him. Presentation night best player awards went to Jamie Messina (seniors), Jake Berry (reserves) and Dylan Bennett (thirds). Rick Vaughan received a playing service life membership and Terry Bashford was named best club man. Chris Vokes retired at seasons end having played 301 club games (282 senior, 19 reserves). Had Chris not gone to Frankston Dolphins in 1999 there is a fair chance that he may have played the league life membership requirement of 300 senior games. Brendon Moore, after thirty years of junior and senior football also retired. An MPNFL best and fairest, six Pines best and fairests (two thirds) and two Frankston Dolphins best and fairests are a fitting tribute to him.
Most senior games (18). B.Hendry, G.Hendry, D.Hewitt, L.Houldcroft, D.Mapstone, A.Marriner.
Most reserves games (18). J.Wade.
Most thirds games (18). D.Bennett, D.Coleman, J.Martin, D.Pearce, S.Taylor, M.Thomas.
Highest one game senior goals (5). H.Kiki v Hastings.
Highest one game reserves goals (4). A.Clarke v Chelsea.
Highest one game thirds goals (4). M.Thomas v Chelsea.
Seniors highest score; Rd 16, 14.11-95 d Hastings by 35 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2008
Paul Williams stood aside as senior coach and was replaced by Pat Swayn. Pat, who had been senior coach at Somerville in the past three years, was also the last coach to take our reserves into finals (2004) and was a member of our senior 1994 flag team. Williams resigned, frustrated with the clubs ignorance of recruiting over the last two years stating openly that the senior team could not expect to win if it was going to rely on old men and young kids. Adding salt to the wounds of the last few years was that Reegan Stubbs had succumbed to injury and would not play again and Hassan Kiki had departed. There was however a brighter situation with Tim McDonald, Adam Maling and Paul Lewis returning and we obtained the services of Billy Bruce (Seaford), Andrew Laurent (Edi Asp) and David Marguglio. We still were without our home ground and to make things worse, we were now without any club rooms. The old grandstand / change rooms were demolished over the summer to make way for the new building that we have today. The planning and financial arrangements of the new rooms was a huge task with Terry Bashford and cricket club president Barrie Chalkley spending many hours in the preparation and culmination of the project. Pre-season hopes were high for an early usage of the ground and buildings but this did not eventuate until round seven. The day of the big return to home was however soured by three losses to Mornington. This would be one of the seventeen losses by our seniors apart from a draw against Karingal. The team finished last. This would be the first time since our inaugural year 1964, that our seniors finished last and also the first year since then that they had not won a game. Our reserves, still under Rob Johnson, finished seventh with seven wins and Mark Luxmoore took his thirds team to three wins and eighth place. This was declared as the 100th year of official football on the peninsula and part of the centennial celebrations was the naming of a Team of the Century by the MPNFL. Our club submitted a list of truly worthy players but the team finally selected would contain only one ‘true’ Pines player, Brendon Moore although the team did have others who had played at Pines over the years. A ‘one off’ highlight, as part of the centennial year, was the wearing of our original colours by our seniors against Edi Asp in round eleven. This was entwined with a reunion of our 1988 senior premiership team who were victors over that team. There was no victory on this day though but a great day was had by all with each 1988 and current player signing the appropriate jumper which were then put to auction. Some of the bidding and prices paid were amazing, and why not. Presentation night best player trophies went to Chris Guganovic (seniors), Brad Wicks (reserves) and Nathan Isles (thirds). Playing service life memberships were awarded to Russell Bishop and Cade Egan. Best clubman was Tony Messina. Gordon Hendry had now reached 373 club games (318 senior) and Tim McDonald now had 276 club games.
Most senior games (18). B.Bruce, C.Egan, C.Guganovic, L.Houldcroft, A.Marriner.
Most reserves games (16). S.Bishop.
Most thirds games (18). S.Borthwick, N.Isles, C.Kleinwhite, A.Ludewig, K.Stewart, S.Taylor.
Highest one game senior goals (6). M.Mackay v YCW.
Highest one game reserves goals (5). W.Casey v Chelsea.
Highest one game thirds goals (8). A.Craddock v Hastings.
Seniors highest score; Rd 10 14.10-94 drew Karingal.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2009
Our club began the season with the sad news that three of our finest had passed away. Gone now were Mrs Mary Roberts, Mrs Joan Webster and our inaugural reserves coach, John Auty. There was a new secretary in Mark Morse who replaced a very hardworking Neil Tedge. New coaches were assigned to our reserves and thirds teams in Paul Radcliffe and Scott White. The recruitment of new players was now being realized as being the only answer to the miseries of the last few years and although some came and stayed there were others who, as in past years, quickly came and went. Two staying recruits were a young Nick Boswell and Tremaine Tohiarki, both ex-Seaford, but the surprise package was thirds captain, Aaron Ludewig being promoted to the seniors in round one and playing twelve games for the season. The seniors were still however basically relying on the older players who were now pushing themselves to their limits each week. Some had seen at least ten years service and even Gordon Hendry declared that he could play on but it would be only in the reserves. The big bloke was on a mission though and that was to now play in the same game as his other and youngest son, Guy. His wish came true in round seven as Guy, after playing in his thirds game was asked to play in the reserves, out there with Dad. Tim McDonald, now retired, but staying on as assistant senior coach found himself playing in the reserves during the season as did senior coach Paddy Swayn and retired veterans Russell Bishop and Rick Vaughan amongst others. Such was the dilemma in fielding sides. The dismal end to a season where our three teams finished last was brightened by some very good and promising victories by our seniors. The round seven win over undefeated ladder leaders and reigning premiers Seaford was the best victory achieved by a Pines team for many years. Pines constantly kept in front all day and by three quarter time our supporters grew from the proverbial two blokes on the fence to 200. Our gatekeeper, Leon just threw open the gates saying, “Get in there, you’ve gotta see this”. They came from everywhere to see our team hold off a four goal last term Tiger onslaught, to win by a goal. There were two other later wins for our seniors, Langwarrin and Mornington and although it totalled only three for the year it was a vast improvement on the previous season. An official Pines Past Players group was formed early in the season and the response was terrific. Some attempts at this type of thing had been tried in the past but this was the first time that it ‘got off the ground’. Towards the end of the season our club was given the sad news that Ken McLaren and then later Colin Bowes had passed away. Both of these players had given great service not only to Pines in both football and cricket, but to other clubs and sport in general on the peninsula. Ken had the honour of being the first player to receive club life membership for playing services. He was also our first player to play 150 senior games. He played in three Pines premiership teams (two senior, one reserves) between 1971 and 1982 when he retired having played a total of 184 club games. Colin, a schoolteacher, did not play a lot of football with us but he will always be remembered for his dedication to all sports especially at junior and school levels. There was now a final five in our division and we were selected as the host club and venue for the first ever MPNFL Peninsula League qualifying final. This was, in many ways, a fitting tribute to the work given by many club people following our situation of three years earlier of having no ground and then later no rooms. Captain, Cade Egan played his 200th club game in round sixteen and “Gordo” now had 387.
Presentation night awards went to best players; Dale Tedge (seniors), Daniel Green (reserves) and Nathan Isles (thirds). Adam Marriner was granted life membership for playing service, Vern Trotter received an award for general club service and there were dual winners of the best club person trophy, Caroline and Mick Guganovic.
Most senior games (18). M.Bond, N.Boswell, C.Egan, B.Hendry, D.Marguglio, A.Marriner.
Most reserves games (18). J.Wade.
Most thirds games (18). D.Falzon, D.Gower, N.Isles.
Highest one game senior goals (5). J.Edwards v Mornington.
Highest one game reserves goals (4). R.Vaughan v Bonbeach.
Highest one game thirds goals (4). A.Craddock v Karingal. K.Stewart v Karingal.
Seniors highest score; Rd 7, 17.15-117 d Seaford by 6 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 2010
There was a revolving of the club administration in this year with Neil Tedge being elected president after a season out of the office where he had been secretary 2006-2008. Mark Morse continued on as secretary from the previous season and Terry Bashford, upon standing down as president of the past three seasons, took over as treasurer from Doug Martin. The three 2009 coaches resigned and new leaders were appointed in Gary Connolly-Seniors, Andy Clarke-Reserves and Jason Morse-Thirds. Gary came to us as a well versed coach and football man having served in many capacities with Frankston Dolphins, Brisbane Lions, Port Melbourne, Dandenong and Belgrave. Andy returned to us from being Pearcedale reserves coach in 2009 although he had coached our reserves in 2005. He had played 223 club games for us between 1988 and 2008. Jason took over the Thirds basically at the last minute when the appointed coach Neville Eckles suffered a work injury and became unavailable. Jason would have a frustrating season with his boys for there were weeks when as few as a dozen or so would turn up to play and opposition players were asked to play for us to fill a team. The team was forced to forfeit in Rd 14 v Langwarrin. This would be the first time ever that any Pines team forfeited. The team did have players promoted to the seniors and reserves practically from the start of the year and this of course depleted the side. Eighteen boys did however play in the last game and with most being eligible for 2011 this hopefully should lead to a more settled team. A strong pre season drive for senior recruits was implicated and amongst those who signed on were Matthew Whelan (Melbourne), Dean Francis (EDFL), Rick Ramsdale (Doveton Eagles, Langwarrin), Sam Baker (YCW) and Harley Parker (Seaford) who was the highest senior game recruit player with 17. We lost some players including young Nick Boswell who went to Frankston Dolphins. Nick did return to us for one game during the season when the Dolphins had a bye. It was an exciting start for our seniors in winning the first two games but then were to lose the Rd 3 game v Mt Eliza by 4 pts. A goal square mark awarded to Ramsdale in the last minutes of the game was disallowed by the other central umpire who claimed that the ball was ‘touched off the boot’ as it was kicked 40 or so metres up the ground. The umpires were last seen beating a hasty retreat from the ground when the siren sounded. That game somehow put a curse on us for even though we defeated the reigning premiers Seaford in the next game there would be only 4 more victories. The team would finish in eighth place with 7 wins but this was certainly an improvement on the 3 wins and last place in 2009. Injuries were taking their toll week by week and of great concern was Jamie Messina, who although having one of his best years, including the ANZAC day medal for best player in our Rd 2 game v Edi Asp, suffered a ruptured spleen in Rd 8. The blow may have been eased a little by the fact that he had finally got to play his life membership game. This injury usually finishes a player’s career but Jamie did return for one reserves game at the end of the season. Our seniors used 42 players through the year and of these three were thirds lads who had gained promotion. They were Guy Hendry-17 games, Aaron Ludewig-4, Jarrod Stewart-5. Only three players played every senior game and they were Beau Hendry, Paul Lewis and Shaun White who finished the season as LGK with 43. Gordon Hendry played only one senior game but it was a game where he teamed with his two sons, Beau and Guy. This would be the first time in known league history that a father and two sons combined in the same senior game. Gordo’s season was also highlighted by his playing of 400 club games in Rd 15. Our reserves plodded along in a hot and cold manner but after Rd 18 had risen to 4th place with 11 wins. This would place them in the finals playing in the elimination final v Karingal. The team had, as some might say, a home ground advantage as once again our club was selected as the venue for this final and the first semi in the following week. Reegan Stubbs, in this season, made a comeback after two years and showed that he had lost none of his old goalkicking prowess and booted 45 goals to be MPNFL Reserves LGK. Our reserves team was the highlight of the season for us winning through to the GFL but alas were beaten by Seaford. A well attended presentation night at our rooms saw the main best player awards go to Seniors-Jamie Messina, Reserves-Adam McPherson, Thirds-Nathan Swanborough. Leading Senior GK was Shaun White-43. Jason Jordan, Jamie Messina and Reegan Stubbs received life membership for playing service. Paul Williams snr was granted life membership for club service and Terry Bashford was named best clubman. The 2010 season had more than the stats may show for our club was holding on to a belief that there is strength in perseverence, attitude and desire to win.
Most senior games (18) B.Hendry, P.Lewis, S.White.
Most reserves games (21) D.Green and B.Hood..
Most thirds games (17) C.Sutton.
Highest one game senior goals (8) S.White v Langwarrin.
Highest one game reserves goals (8) L.Wilton v Mornington.
Highest one game thirds goals (2) D.Gower v Karingal.
Seniors highest score; Rd 4, 19.5-119 d Seaford by 16 pts.
Most senior games (18) B.Hendry, P.Lewis, S.White.
Most reserves games (21) J.Guganovic, A.Jolly.
Most thirds games (17) C.Sutton.
Highest one game senior goals (8) S.White v Langwarrin.
Highest one game reserves goals (8) L.Wilton v Mornington.
Highest one game thirds goals (2) D.Gower v Karingal.
Seniors highest score; Rd 4, 19.5-119 d Seaford by 16 pts
BY Paul Williams Snr
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By Paul Williams SNR
