November 19, 2024
RALPH'S NEW ROLE
O'Shaughnessy is Xavs' Footy GM
A Century of the Red & Black
Week 13 had a bit of everything for the Red 'n' Blacks as the cold and wind battered Melbourne.
Xavs returned to the winners' list with a 76 point win over cellar-dweller St Bernard's at Toorak Park.
The Red 'n' Blacks were never troubled after holding the Snow Dogs goalless in the first term, while booting four goals into the gale themselves. The reliable Xavier Richards posted another four, and Denis Symeopoulos added two in a polished performance.
Perhaps most heartening was the form of some of the younger players - the Whitehead brothers, Jack and Charlie, and Julian Gang were in everything, and Jordan Troiani played with a confidence belying his short senior experience. Charlie MacIsaac again showed his prodigious talents. Of the more seasoned performers, Ben Banting was a strong performer in the ruck, and Aaron Vandenberg was solid in defence.
The midfield muscle of Marcus Stavrou and Dan Robinson ensured the forwards had plenty of opportunities. Had the kicking for goal been straighter, the Claret and Stout would have monstered the Bernies, but the wind was tricky, and a plucky opposition applied as much pressure as it could muster.
Six games remain in the home and away season. There are some challenges ahead, to be sure, beginning with a trip to Beach Road next week. Coach Byrne will be looking for a repeat of last year's performance, when the X-Men finished over the top in a high quality contest. The Tonners will be ready and the visitors must be on their game in what is season-shaping contest
Goal Kickers: X. Richards 4, D. Symeopoulos 2, C. MacIsaac 2, J. Hewitt 2, D. Robinson, D. Tuddenham, J. Soccio
Best Players: J. Whitehead, D. Symeopoulos, B. Banting, J. Gangi, C. Whitehead, J. Troiani
A rare slip-up from the Magoos, falling to a hard-fighting Bernies, who won the game with a stronger performance into the wind. The Xavs maintain top spot on percentage and the Snow Dogs move into the top four.
Fraser Pearce was best for the home team, while Ed Ralph also did plenty. The Great One, Chopper Handley, slotted four and was a powerful presence all day, but coach Landrigan will be looking for more support for him as the action moves to Brighton next week.
Goal Kickers: M. Handley 4, J. Hess, B. Kennedy
Best Players: F. Pearce, E. Ralph, M. Handley, T. Simmons, C. Holmes, B. Kennedy
Despite the loss, the Red 'n' Blacks will be encouraged with their performance against powerhouse St Kevin's. Vanessa Murphy, in her first game for the Xavs, was best for the vanquished, while Kate Scott continued her run of fine form. Phoebe Maus played her best game for the season, while Georgia Wilson, Amy Benifer and Hannah Ryan also were prominent in a team that lacked the class of their opponent, but nonetheless were never short on endeavour.
Best Players: V. Murphy, K. Scott, G. Wilson, H. Ryan, P. Maus, A. Benifer
Numbers again failed the Xavs, and it was a long morning for the Reserves, as they persevered through a sixteen-a-side drubbing. Full marks for effort, though, as the Red 'n' Blacks had great performances from Zoe Purcell, and the three Es - Elizas Stewart and Christie, and Ellie Coffey. Ruby Paul and Rachel Cox were also strong contributors.
Best Players: Z. Purcell, E. Stewart, E. Christie, E. Coffey, R. Paul, R. Cox
The unbeaten Nineteens pounded Uni Blues at Crawford, rolling to a twelve-goal win. Blues were goalless in the first half and could add only two after the long break, while the visitors had solid returns whether into or with the wind. Ted "Senator" Kennedy slipped through another four to bring his season tally to a league-leading 39, while Leo Moore was best afield.
Goal Kickers: E. Kennedy 4, W. Stevens 2, O. Duncan 2, T. Silvagni, B. Bilston-McGillen, D. Fitzgerald, K. Walford, C. Thomas
Best Players: L. Moore, J. Jones, E. Kennedy, T. Dunne, O. Duncan, B. Bilston-McGillen
Despite a three-goal quarter-time lead, Xavs fell to lowly Old Haileybury at Princes Park. The Bloods added six goals without answer in the second term, and the Red 'n'n Blacks couldn't bridge the gap thereafter.
Goal Kickers: N. Gorman 3, W. Exell 2, W. Macisaac, B. Sherman
Best Players: G. Villiers de Casanove, N. Johnson, W. Jago, N. Gorman, S. Kavenagh, N. Pozzi
Therry was too strong for the young Xavs, who battled hard, but found the top-ranked team too strong.
De La Salle forfeited, but the Blacks will remain in top spot.
The Reds were too strong for the Cardinals, despite not scoring into the wind. A big first term was enough for the second-placed Reds.
Michael 'Zulu' Cain booted five and Chris Margin was best as the Menages rolled over the third-placed Roys by 34 points. David Nash, in his 100th game, showed great leadership and he had plenty of mates. The Menages remain top of the tree.
Goal Kickers: M. Cain 5, T. Beaton 2, A. Clavin, J. Ukovic, J. Hanger
Best Players: C. Margin, M. Cain, J. Hanger, B. Curtis, T. Beaton, D. Nash
The unbeaten, top-of-the-table Diles had the bye.
