November 19, 2024
RALPH'S NEW ROLE
O'Shaughnessy is Xavs' Footy GM
A Century of the Red & Black
Opening Day, always highly anticipated, can deliver surprise and disappointment, but there was none of this at West Essendon on Saturday as the seniors rolled to a 46 point victory over St Bernard’s.
Yes, there was some rust evident, and the choppy wind and saponaceous turf made things difficult for both teams. The Snow Dogs were their determined selves and held the visitors in the first half. At one stage in the second term, they hit the front, but their lead was short-lived.
Xavs put their foot to the floor in the third term and galloped away in quick order. Thereafter, Bernards, to their credit, fought hard and managed to hold the Red ‘n’ Blacks in closer check, but the X Men came away with the points.
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Coach Byrne will no doubt be happy that his team won all four quarters, and that the new inclusions – Aaron Vandenberg, Will Goss and Ed Delany – all played their part in the win. He won’t have missed the performances of Jack Hewitt, who at times looked the tallest, strongest player on the ground, and James Langford, who was always creative and rarely far from the action. Returning sons Brad Olsson and Brendan Goss also came under notice, while it was heartwarming to see the G Train, Grant Valles back in full flight.
The drama shifts to Toorak Park this week, where the Claret and Stout welcome Old Brighton. The Tonners have met with some success on Orrong Road, and this will be a tough fight, with top position the likely prize for the victors. The Beach Boys were the weekend’s big winners, smashing Old Trinity by the tracks, but they will find their first road trip more challenging.
In other action, St Kevin’s edged Old Melburnians on the King, Collegians shocked Caulfield at the Heath, while Old Scotch downed Uni Blues for the second successive year at Camberwell.
Goal Kickers: R. Schoenmakers 2, H. Troiani 2,E. Delany 2, J. Soccio 2, C. Beetham, G. Valles, J. Hewitt, M. Stavrou, M.Batten
Best Players: B. Olsson, J. Hewitt, W. Hams, J. Langford, E. Delany, A.Vandenberg
Charlie Holmes booted three as the Xavs found their footing stronger as the game progressed, registering the first of two 46 point wins in the Snakepit on Saturday. Landrigan’s Lineup was of top quality, though the conditions never allowed for completely smooth sailing.
Nonetheless, the Red ‘n’ Blacks won all four quarters, with strong performances from a host of players. Among them, Dan Tuddenham, who in his first game as an U19 graduate showed poise and class. Twelve in the line-up have already played senior football and they, plus some others will be pushing for a return to the late game.
Goal Kickers: C. Holmes 3, M. Handley 2, M. Merlo 2, D. Tuddenham 2, T.Simmons, J. Ayton-Delaney, T. Amad
Best Players: T. Hart, C. Holmes, F. Pearce, M. Merlo, D. Tuddenham, T.Amad
With De La Salle withdrawing, the Menages have to wait another week.
The U23s pounded the Cardinals, with big second and final terms.
Goal Kickers: C. Knott 5, E. Ralph 3, N. Brown 3, N. Jane 2, A. Sheedy 2, C.Whitehead 2, F. McCombe 2, M. Salvatore, C. Connors, J. Kennedy, A. Lamanna
Best Players: O. Smart, C. Knott, J. Kennedy, A. Sheedy, N. Jane, N. Brown
The 23 2s eked out a narrow win over Old Trinity. Ahead all day, only poor kicking ensured the game remained relatively close.
Goal Kickers: D. Condon 2, M. Exell 2, A. Eden-Lachowicz, W. Sheedy
Best Players: D. Condon, M. Dowdell, E. Hummerston, C. O''Loughlin, M.Exell
Bridget Wilson was at the game and took some wonderful snaps. See here
A solid win at St Bernard's for Rushy's boys. A strong third quarter sealed the deal.
Goal Kickers: B. Bilston-McGillen 3, E. Kennedy 2, T. Silvagni, K. Walford, D.Fitzgerald, C. Stepnell
Best Players: W. Bowen, B. Bilston-McGillen, T. Dunne, T. McRae, O.Duncan, H. Basset
Kim Feneley is back with the long lens. See her great and massive gallery here.
A great start, but things fell away a bit as the Sharks booted four in the last to seal the home victory.
Coach Batten reported:
The Xavs took to Beauy on a particularly cloudy day with the usual buzz and energy for a round 1 game. Half the team were playing their first ever game for the Xavs, however you would be forgiven for thinking they were 10 year veterans, with a typically fierce and physical display, highlighted by great contest work and excellent tackling. The Xavs looked potent in attack, with multiple goal kickers, however we also gave the opposition enough chances to win the game. Notable players were Rosier, Pozzi, Lo Giudice and Amalfi in the middle, with crafty link up play from Hecker, Gaffney and Stevens. Overall a pleasing start to the year, with a lot to like about about our tenacity and style, with some clear things to work on for improvement.
Goal Kickers: M. Murphy 2, P. Gaffney 2, M. Doherty 2, J. Alexander 2, T.Amalfi , W. Exell, B. Sherman
Best Players: J. Rosier, M. Murphy, N. Pozzi, A. Lo Giudice, W. Stevens, L. Hecker
It's always grand to win on Opening Day after a solid hit out against a respected rival.
No goalkickers or best players provided.
Some fabulous pics here, courtesy Mr Sartori.
Last year, the Green Hose lost to the Jackers on Sunday. This week, not so. Josh Lyon snagged eight to get his quest for the century off to a fine start.
Goal Kickers: J. Lyon 8, L. O'Sullivan 2, T. O''Brien 2, H. Nidam, T. Lyon, M.Perrett, J. Bueno, H. Reed
Best Players: D. O'Shannassy, H. Reed, T. O''Brien, C. Wilson, L.O'Sullivan, J. Lyon
A close one to begin the year, but the WOX fell just short against an organised and experienced team. Winning days ahead for our intrepid bunch.
Goal Kickers: A. Nichols, Z. Purcell, C. Pittard
Best Players: M. Jessup, C. Pittard, A. Benifer, L. Aitken, I. Ellis
No luck near the sticks, but our brave WOX, with just eighteen players, hung tough all afternoon. A very creditable effort in the circumstances.
Best Players: M. Clarke, M. Clarke, J. Halaseh, A. Mauri, E. Craig
