Round 12 Match Review, 2023
Senior Men's Match Report
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Old Haileybury 09.19-70
Old Melburnians 4.6-30
Round 12 it was a crucial clash for our Seniors as we travelled to Elsternwick to take on Old Melburnians.
Our opposition were 2 games in front of us on the ladder, so it was very important that we came away with the 4 points. Again, on a Saturday in Melbourne it was very windy with the chance of rain at any stage.
Kicking into it in the first term it was important that we tackled hard and kept it in tight as well as moving the ball over to the defensive side. Pleasingly we carried these instructions out well and had our noses slightly in front at quarter time by a point. For the second term we were looking to move the ball out from the grandstand side and play an exciting brand of footy that would see us hit the scoreboard. We achieved this as we kicked 3 goals to 2 behinds for the quarter and our lead had blown out to 22 points.
The chat at the long break was that we were here the week before with a strong lead at the halfway mark last week against Old Brighton and we did not get it done. The 3rd term was going to be like the first as we were going into the wind, we wanted to slow it down and not give our opposition any chance to bang on goals in succession. Again, we executed this as both teams scored one goal for the quarter and our lead was now 25 points with 30 minutes to go. It was important to finish the game off well and make sure we did not give them a look in. At this stage we were down to 20 as Liam Kirkwood Scott and Nick Gooda had picked up injuries. Both teams were out on their feet, but our lads hung tough and got the job done eventually winning the game by 40 points.
A brave win by our group that puts us well and truly in the mix to avoid relegation and stay up in A Grade.
Our last 3 weeks have been fantastic, and we are playing the brand of footy that we have been searching for all year at the right time.
Individually our leaders set the tone for our young guys to follow. Jack Munro was everywhere, Brede Seccull in his first game back showed us what we had been missing, Gleaders & Liam Wood did a great job of curtailing their best player, Max Sinclair and Jimmy Paul marshalled our defence brilliantly, Sam Loewe spent more time around the footy and worked hard, Duz Seccull looked dangerous up forward and Trevo was a warrior as usual in the Ruck. Well done to James Connell who came in and played his first game of senior footy and looked comfortable at the level. Thanks also to Mitch Kirkwood Scott who played in the school holidays. He now goes back to the Haileybury team and has a very bright future.
Next week we take a break for the state game where one of our own in Brodie Steele will be playing. If you are around, please get down and support him as it is great for him that he has achieved this with his footy this year. The week after we face Caulfield Grammarians at home with our confidence high and looking to continue our form.
See you at the footy.
Go Bloods.
For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against Melburnians, go to the Gallery
Men's Reserves Match Report
Brought to you by Sharp and Carter
Old Haileybury 03.02-20
Old Melburnians 19.23-137
Round 12 vs Old Melburnians
We faced Old Melburnians with a renewed sense of energy, thanks to the inclusion of Jake Black, Ethan Hardeman, Cooper Topham, Gus Bonwick, Nick Giustiniano, Xavier Scott, and Nick Jane. Despite a challenging start, our the Magoos fought relentlessly. At times during the game, we managed to maintain control of the ball, but unfortunately, we struggled to convert our opportunities into scores due to finding ourselves over using the dead pocket at Elsternwick Park.
Although we didn't secure the choccies, it's important to acknowledge the outstanding individual performances. Ethan Hardeman, who made the jump from the under 19's, played the entire game in the ruck and did not look out of place at all. Jake Black tirelessly played the role of our inside bull and distributed the ball to our outside runners. Joel Constable (Swinging Joely Jupiter) exhibited a return to his previous form (pre-pretzel), effortlessly manoeuvring with the ball as if time stood still. Jarrod Hewitt displayed an aggressive approach to the game, relentlessly pursuing the ball and launching counterattacks from the half back flank. Cooper Nolan threw his weight around to our advantage, while Jack Grenda thrived in his role on the ball during the second half. It would be remiss not to mention the tremendous effort put forth by every player on the field, as they all played their hearts out.
This week, we eagerly anticipate the break, hoping it will provide much-needed rest for our weary bodies. We look forward to returning refreshed and welcoming back some of our regular players who have been away in Europe, Bali, and the Snow. We will face Caulfield Grammarians at home, ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
Goal Kickers: Ben Oakes (2), Seve Stefankais
Best Players: Joel Constable, Ethan Hardeman, Seve Stefanakis, Jarrod Hewitt, Stuart Connolly, Jake Black
Women's Match Report
Brought to you by Chicken Lads
Old Haileybury 10.09-69
Hampton Rovers 0.06-6
Meg Speak had some really nice words to say in the pre match as the Hearts celebrated Peta Simkin’s 100th game in our round 12 clash against the Hampton Rovers. It was great to have 6 school aged girls play with us in this one and all of them played really well.
Getting off to a good start was important and the Hearts sure did hit the ground running. With the aid of a slight breeze in the first quarter, the Hearts dominated inside 50 entries and kicked out to a 23 to 0 quarter time lead. Peta moved into the ruck in the 2nd quarter and was dominant in the hit outs to give Eloise, Ella, Poppy and Ange first use of the ball. Our girls kept their foot on the gas and had the match safe in their keeping with a 39 point half time lead.
Peta and Gracie were moved forward at half time and it was great to see Peta kick a goal during the third quarter in her milestone game. Serene and Bella were also lively up forward and each kicked 2 goals. Pulli and Ari each continued their strong form and gave us lots of run on the wings whilst our midfield group put on dominant displays.
The contest became quite willing towards the end but to their credit, our girls continued to keep their head over the football.
The Hearts ended up winning the match by 63 points and go into the bye weekend 6-6 after 12 rounds. It will be nice for the playing group to freshen up both physically and mentally before we look to maintain our momentum with view to pushing to make the top 4.
Go Hearts !
Under 19's Match Report
Bye