Roos Wrap

 What a difference a week makes!  From wet and windy to a 30 degree Sunday that had the boys reaching for the sun screen! The opposition had changed and Gidgegannup with numbers allowed both sides to play 23. Several ins and outs with Della, Michael Italiano and Chook making way for Harry, Andy, Tbag and Myles coming in for their first games of the year.

The game started in a flurry with Gidge all over the Roos early in the first quarter and it was clear that they were certainly here to play. They couldn’t kick straight and their early dominance counted for little as the Roos finally began to settle. Goals to Tank, Tyson and a couple to Gaz had the boys back on track and we went into the first break with a handy two goal lead.

Gidgegannup began the second as they had the first however they were able to get reward for effort as they closed the gap early in the quarter. The Big Praying Mantis, Harry, launched into the air to pull down a screamer and when he went back and kicked truly, we were two goals up at the half.

Everything was not rosy as in the rough and tumble of the game we lost Tank to injury and had Greggo and Mikey, off during the quarter after heavy knocks, it was going to be a tough second half.  Jake was dominating all over the ground and was linking up well with Jesse and Gaz, Nick was attacking everything that came his way in the backline. The tide turned early in the third when Tbag was sent off for a minor indiscretion and with the Aussie, Tyson and Dylan missing kickable opportunities Gidge were in front at the last change.

It was an arm wrestle for much of the last with both teams trying to put the other away, bad kicking is bad football and turnovers continued to kill us. Harry kicked his second and when Kizza showed the forwards how to kick we had hit the front. Gidge answered again on the back of a turnover to retake the lead and with time running out, the siren sounding the ball in our forward line we had lost by two points! The boys were devastated!

Jake, Jesse, Gaz, Kizza and Nick were our best on the day.  Gaz, Tank and Harry kicked two each, Aussie, Tyson and Kizza, one a piece.

Another week of training and another memorable Falcon, Beavo decided the only way he could knock someone out was with the football and Waggs was his man!

It’s a big test for the young Roos this weekend and we must bounce back to get our season back on track at home against Mounties, work hard together as a team, learn from our mistakes and never give in.

Carn the Roos!

Saturday afternoon against the Saints was the assignment for the Roos as the boys looked to atone for the close loss the week before. Several changes with Dev, Musto and Harry, making way for Elf, Rhys and Della.

The writing was on the wall early with an undermanned Saints struggling to keep up with the fast starting Roos. Quick goals to Austin, Tyson and Lindsay had us out to a handy early lead – eleven goals to one at quarter time.

More of the same in the second. Tyson continuing to find the way between the big sticks and Kizza enjoying his time in the forward line giving us plenty of options. Jake, Tank and Lindsey were capitalising on the good work of Mikey in the ruck and our young wingmen in Callum, Jesse and Jarrad were finding plenty of the ball.  All of our efforts combined to see a big Roos lead at the half time break.

Unfortunately, we rested on our laurels somewhat and experienced a flat opening to the third quarter.  It appeared the boys had got ahead of themselves and the plucky young Saints began to find some of the ball. We wanted to run forward and showed no respect to our opposition.  Hard work and discipline went out the window.

The challenge was laid out from the coaches at three quarter time for the boys to get back to the levels of the first half, with the emphasis on running out the game and finishing strongly. Dylan Larsen was moved into the middle and the intensity lifted immediately – the boys were quickly back in stride.  Tyson, Austin, Mikey, Jake, Rhys and even old man Della hit the scoreboard with maximums in the last and when the final siren sounded, we were big winners on what was a tough day for the Saints.

Goals scorers on the day had Tyson a standout with double figures (10), Austin 5, Lindsey 4, Tank, Mick, Mikey, Gaz and Jesse 2 a piece, with singles to Della, Jake, Rhys and young Jarrad (his first goal for the club).

Cellarbrations Best on Ground: no surprises with his bag of 10 goals – Tyson, who also won the Brendyn Johnston Memorial medal for his classy display.  Captain Tank was second best for his hard running and work through the middle, Jake Davis 3^rd – finding the ball all over the ground and Kizza rounding out the top four.  The match was truly a team effort where numerous players could have received awards.

Some special mentions on the day with Tank kicking the Goal of the Year after running nine meters, dancing in and out of trouble only to be called for running too far. Tyson for nearly missing from the goal square, and to Kizza for failing to make the distance from twenty meters out!

Thanks to all who helped on the day. Blockhead for being Dylan Larsen’s personal Water Boy, Andy and Beavo for running, Monster running water, Larso on the scoreboard, Bill classy as usual in the goals and Dev for trying (albeit failing miserably) to do the stats!!

Carn the Roos!

Roos Wrap

Welcome back to all for season 2018. The boys are certainly eager to get out on the park and play after a long, tough preseason.  Plenty of hard running has been on the calendar throughout a punishing pre-season sessions with Burswood, Kings Park, the beach and Bridle path all having made an appearance.  The Roos are now set to hit 2018 with all guns blazing.

Several new faces to the team that ran out in the grand final last year with half the boys being new to the club this year.  We welcome back Jake Davis, Connor Musto, Myles Flynn and Dylan Larsen.

The Thomas name comes back to the side with Austin and Daniel following in their fathers’ footsteps by pulling on the Roos jumper and young Jack becomes the fourth Greig to play for the club. Della’s nephew, Michael Garfield gives us some much-needed height in the team and rounds out the family connections.

Two sets of brothers: The Nicols (Luke, Cam and Lachlan) and the Hearnes (Callum and Marshall) join the team, along with the youngsters Jarrad Southam and Nic Cayley.  Welcome boys!  We wish you luck and look forward to seeing you all run out on the park for the Roos throughout the season.

A practice game against Balga was our only scratch match with the side only just scraping up the numbers.  Even old man Della pulled on a jumper to get us to 18.  Balga have only formed this year and we thank them for the opportunity to test out the abilities of our many new faces – and the newbies certainly didn’t disappoint.  Young Jarrad, Austin and Jack showed they were up for the contest with Michael and Harry working well in the ruck. A good hit out for the boys but we certainly know that it takes a massive step up as the real season gets underway.

This week’s game is against last year’s premiers, Chidlow.  It will certainly give us a good understanding of where we sit and a great an opportunity to start the season well against quality opposition.  We now begin the task of gelling together as a team.

Good Luck Boys and “Carn the Roos!”

Match Centre

Roos Wrap

Last week’s game was a final chance to consolidate the side and tune up before finals. We were back to play Pickering Brook at their home ground after a week off on what was a great day for football.  Several changes with Dev Borstel, James Beavington, Jake (Vitler and Chad making way for Dylan O’Loghlen (Chook), Dave Ryan (Rhino), Dave Smith, Harry Heine and Lochy Fitzpatrick.

The start wasn’t the same as our last visit to Pickers as the Hawks were hell bent on avenging their loss from two weeks earlier. A couple of quick goals to the home team had us on the back foot before goals to Waggas (James Waghorne) and Tyson (Hamling) got us back on track. We were wasting our chances in front of goal – 3 goals 7 to quarter time.  Poor kicking keeping the Hawks in the game.

Into the second and things began to change as the boys moved away from the game plan and went back into their shells. Turnovers and brain fades brought about goals to Pickers as they surged back into the contest. When Tank (Tom Cowton) retaliated to a dirty hit at the bottom of the pack giving away a free kick, Pickers had kicked the last four goals of the game to hold a one point lead at the main break.

A couple of choice words from the coach and a barrage from Sep (Joseph Cowton) on his brother left all with no doubt improvement was required in the second half. Shaggy was done for the day, Rat couldn’t hit the side of a barn and the boys were going to have to dig deep in the third quarter.

Instant results after the break as Tyson took up the challenge to break the game open. Dave Smith was linking up well across half back and snuck forward to show Rat and Tank just how you kick a goal. The ‘Rat Pack’ started to find the ball during the term and worked well to lock the ball into our forward line but we couldn’t kick straight to save ourselves three goals five for the quarter and we had a nineteen point lead at the last change.

Pickers wouldn’t go away in the last and were challenging hard.  Rob (Ryan), Lindsey (Vitler) and Kizza (Kieron Lipman) were doing their best to keep the Hawks out and were getting plenty of support from the boys in the middle. Sep found his way forward to kick his second of the day and when Rat (Andrew Rylance) managed to kick his first of the game in the dying moments, we were home by thirteen points.

Tyson was our best on the day with a dominant display through the middle. Dave Smith next for his great work across half back and Kizza received third best for his good work keeping Horse under control.  Sep was fourth best for his good use of the ball (and for pulling older brother rank on Tank with his half time spray), Jesse next for his hard running and composure under fire.  Mick (Italiano) and Lyndsey (Vitler) picking up the joint peep show award for the week. Tyson, Sep and Waggas each had two goals for the day, Dave Smith, Tank and Mick one a piece.  Rat: seven points to go along with his one goal for the afternoon.

As we go into finals a big thanks goes out to Lochy and Kade for doing the Boundary all year and to Bill who decided to abandon us to take a train trip around Java.  Thank you for covering the goals again throughout the year.

It’s down to business as we hit the finals and a big opportunity for the young Roos to show just how far we have come as a group against the ladder leaders Chidlow in the second semi. Nothing but our best is going to get the job done… Embrace the challenge, take the game on and enjoy the opportunity that you have all earnt!

Go Roos!

Match Centre

Roos Wrap

A big test for the Roos this week as we take on last year’s premiers.  A massive opportunity for our young side after a below par effort last week. Gidgegannup on their dung hill is has proposed many challenges for our team over the past few years – all of which we have not been able to come to terms with.  Here’s hoping for a change this weekend.

In last week’s game we found out exactly why Chidlow were unbeaten this year as they showed the young Roos just far they still had to go.  Jake Vitler, Dylan McGuiness), Elf (Mat Elkington, Lochy Fitzpatrick and Jonesy (Matt Jones) made way for Tank (Tom Cowton), Kizza (Kieron Lipman) and Crash (Tom Preston).

We started well with a real desire to tackle hard.  We kicked the first through Tyson (Hamling) and the next through Reece (Nikkison). We were struggling to keep a lid on the Chidlow midfield though and they quickly hit back setting up quick goals to get back on top. Four goals to three at the first break.

Maitland (Bol) did his best to find out what the opposition were talking about in their huddle as he had a quick chat with the Chidlow coach during the break.   Chidlow started where they left off kicking two quick goals to start the second quarter and our backline were under siege.  We were fumbling and turning the ball over regularly and couldn’t hold a tackle to save ourselves.  Some hard work from Tank and Shaggy (James Hartley) to kick goals got us back into the game somewhat but when Chidlow kicked their third for the quarter on the stroke of half time we were two goals behind. We had lost Dev (Borstel) to injury before the break it was going to take a big effort from the midfield in the second half.

The boys were late getting back onto the oval after the break and, to be honest, it looked like we might as well have stayed in the change rooms even longer… as Chidlow kept on kicking quick goals. Despite the best efforts of Rhino (Dave Ryan), Maitland and Chook (Dylan O’Loghlen) in the backline, Chidlow kicked five for the quarter with Shaggy kicking one loan late goal to have us six goals behind at the last change.

Some challenges were delivered in the huddle at the break and it seemed to have an affect with Mick (Italiano) and Reece finding the ball across half forward and show some fight. Mick kicking two for the quarter a highlight – the result of some good team play. We couldn’t get two in a row though to put pressure on Chidlow and despite outscoring them for the quarter, it was all to no avail with a five goal loss the disappointing result. A reality check for our boys and a reminder that despite a lot of hard work, you still need to take your chances when they come.  We learnt a lot and will be better for the loss.

Two goals apiece to Shaggy, Tank and Mick, with singles to Tyson, Reece, Lindsay (Vitler) and Seppa (Joe Cowton).  Tank our best in his game back from holidays and a deserving winner of the Cellarbrations at Mundaring Best on Ground award. Rhino was a close second for his defensive pressure and run from the backline and Maitland came in third for his efforts against a rampaging Buz.  Chook kept the second McKinlay quiet for the day and received fourth best for his efforts and Jessie picked up the Mr Magic Carwash for his clean ball handling on the wing.  Stuart Roger gets a mention this week as he picked up the peepshow award for his hard work in the forward line however he needs to work on his speeches as the only person who knew what the heck he was talking about was Seppa… and that’s saying something.

A big effort from the Roos required this week as injuries to some create opportunities for others.  Assistant coach, Paul Greig in charge this week as the coach goes missing for a week.  (Thanks for your help Firey.  It is much appreciated)

Go Roos!

Roos Wrap

It’s set to be a big day for the Roos this week as we take on the undefeated Chidlow Cougars. A massive test for our young side and a good barometer of where we are at. Refreshed after a weekend off the boys have a great opportunity to continue to develop and grow together.

The weekend prior to the last pitted us against Pickering Brook in what we thought would be a big test.  Elf (Mat Elkington), Dylan (O’Loghlen aka ‘Chook’), Jesse (Ball), Jonesy (Matt Jones) and Jake (Vitler) (in for his first game for the club), replaced Crash (Tom Preston), Harry (Heine), Kizza (Kieron Lipman) and Zolton (Harris).  Pickers now in new colours promised for a good contest without the usual clash of jumpers from the past few years.

Pickers started well kicking the first goal as our backline took some time to settle down. A raft of tall timber for the opposition meant TBag (Tom Greig) and Shaggy (James Hartley) were in for a tough day and the early running in the middle had Pickers getting first hand on it.

The boys began to settle and rebound from the backline as Dave Smith, Chook and Greggo (Matt Pittaway) started to run. Dev (Borstel), Sep (Joe Cowton) and Tyson (Hamling) began to find the ball in the middle and drive the ball forward and when Stu (Rodgers) kicked his first for the afternoon after a great tackle the boys were away, five goals to two at quarter time.

The coach asked the boys to take the game on and attack at every chance, and that’s exactly what they did as Shaggy, Stu and Tyson capitalised on the great work further up the ground. Jonesy back in the team for his first game of the year was relishing the opportunity to run and along with Jesse, Gaz (Braeden Hilgert), Reece (Nickisson) and Beavo (James Beavington) found their bigger opponents couldn’t keep up.  Five goals to zip for the quarter and we were eight goals up at the main break.

A quick game of entertaining Auskick from the Mundaring juniors and the boys were back for the all important third quarter. With a big crowd full of past players celebrating yester year’s successes, the young Roos of 2017 were certainly turning it on.

Tyson found his range in the third as Sep started to find him in the forward line. Dev was everywhere taking marks and running hard and when Stu handed off to Jesse at the top of the square close on three quarter time, we had held the opposition goalless for a second quarter and the game was ours.  The scoreline at three quarter time – fourteen goals to two!

Pickers rallied in the last quarter and kicked two in a row before a late goal to Chook in the square had us finishing the game with a big 88 point win.  Goal scorers on the day were Tyson (five), Shaggy and Reece (three), Mick (Italiano) and Stu (two), Gaz, Chook, Jesse and Dev (one apiece).

Dev took home the Cellarbrations at Mundaring Best Player award with Tyson, Sep and Beavo closing out the top four.  Gaz, Jesse and Chook were each recognised for their great games also. All round an excellent team effort where the backline stood tall, the midfield ran hard and the forwards finished well.

A couple of other mentions must also go to Rhino (Dave Ryan) who was brought to his knees by a bee, Maitland for taking a screamer and of course, Greggo  – well done on your inspirational speeches and for never losing sight of what we are here for: “frothies” and betting with Tank (Tom Cowton) while you were playing.

On a final note, a hearty ‘well done’ and a sincere ‘thankyou’ to all who helped bring about the organisation of a very special day for our club in celebrating our 1987 and 2002 premierships.  To club life members, Pat Sullivan and Mick Italiano in particular for contacting the respective teams, not to mention your wise words on the night.  Additional thanks also to the girls in the canteen for their sterling work and to all of the boys who helped in setting up and packing up before and after the event.

Go Roos!