Day ended on a high for the Lions but started disastrously.
Our U13’s went 16-0 minor round and lost the semi and GF both by 1 point. They are the youngest squad in the comp so should bounce back.
The Reserves went 15-1 minor round and then won their semi by 8 goals only to lose to the same mob in GF today by 8 goals.
Our A grade went 16-0 and lost by a point in the semi but won the GF by 8 points after trailing at every break and even into time on in the last.
Pretty decent crowd today, probably 4-5k.
Our A grade has now gone 50-4 over the last 3 seasons
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I went into Reid Oval today…shocking crosswinds made play difficult. South jumped out with a 4.6 to nil first quarter. North scored their only goal for the half from a free plus 50. Very scrambly second half and South ended up winning by 5.5 9.13-4.8.
Ex-Melbourne player Dan Nicholson got the medal after leaving Port Fairy 3 years ago. They won the seconds by 9 goals as well, and their netball beat Cobden too.
Had a look at George Stevens. It hardly suited an 18yo because the experienced guys took the midfield. The North Warrnambool coach demands a very close checking style so there was very little open play. He started forward and did a bit of kicking out too. He’s a superb kick.
Josh Saunders…ex Saint…and Ricky Henderson…ex Crow and hawk…played for South too. Nathan Vardy not particularly impressive…took a big mark 35 out straight in front but missed.
Ben Cunnington signing with Warrnambool in the Hampden League.
He started his junior career with Cobden.
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Beat me to it.
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Personally I’d hang up the boots. Been a big earner. Maybe coach but yeah nah. Relax.
Just saying.
Body will be stuffed. Enjoy whilst you can.
I remember an interview with him when he announced his retirement and he spoke about wanting to have a run around with mates without the need for professionalism etc.
Fair enough I’d say.
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Plenty of guys do it.
Heath Hocking played a couple of games for Olinda cos he wanted to play in his best mate’s milestone game then had a run around at his junior club (Mooroolbark) for a year.
Spud Firrito played a few years at Gembrook with his brothers.
Josh Fraser at Seville cos he was mates with the coach.
To the surprise of no one (except maybe the president) over half Powelltown’s premiership side (including the coach) are gone and scuttlebutt is they’ll struggle to field a side at all this year.
Looks like a big exodus at Norwood (EFNL) as well.
All but officially announced, but after back to back flags Powelltown are done.
You will be all pleased to know that the Over 45s Qld Masters got underway today. The mighty Hervey Bay Fruitbats managed 3.1 against Wilston-Grange Gorillas’ 16.12. It felt like they kicked more!
Brownybat played his 100th game, joining an elite group of only 9 to manage such a feat.
W-G even had an ice bath!
Five hour bus trip home went well
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The only ice baths in supers should be for the beers and not the players.
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Imps win first game in more than 600 days in Sunraysia league
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti had a day out but it was two other Imps recruits who shone as the bottom-placed club from last year defeated the grand finalists in the Sunraysia league.
2 min read
April 8, 2024 - 4:04PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in action for Imperial against Robinvale Euston. Picture: Rita Morello.
Despite their impressive first-up win Imperial is not getting ahead of themselves in the Sunraysia league.
Led by ex-AFL livewire Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti the bottom-placed club from last year stunned grand finalists, Robinvale Euston, by 27 points for their first win in more than a year.
In fact, it was 617 days since their last win, round 15 in 2022.
The contest was won in the first and final term with Imperial kicking five goals to two to open up a 22-point lead at the first break.
After the Eagles fought their way into the contest in the second and third terms the margin was reduced to four points early in the last.
But Imperial kicked four final term goals, including a vital goal from McDonald-Tipungwuti.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in action for Imperial against Robinvale Euston. Picture: Rita Morello.
The former Essendon goal sneak kicked three goals to be one of the best players in the contest.
“He was very impressive,” Imperial president Dale Clifford said.
“He did a few things not other player could do.”
But it could have been a better day out for the ex-AFL star.
“He kicked 3.5 and it could have been 5.3,” Clifford said.
“But his pressure and his leadership at breaks and out on the ground is something we love.”
Clifford said it wasn’t just McDonald-Tipungwuti who impressed.
Imperial’s two other recruits from Queensland, Aaron Laskey and Ryley Buntain, also impressed.
Both, who played with Noosa in premierships in the QAFL, led from the front in the middle to overcome the Eagles.
Ryan Laskey tries to tackle a Robinvale Euston player. He was one of the best in his first game for Imperial. Picture: Rita Morello.
Laskey kicked three goals and was one of the best in the midfield with Buntain resolute in defence.
“We wanted leaders and that’s exactly what we’ve got that,” Clifford said.
“They are teaching our younger players how to play every time.
“We’re stoked with them coming to the club.”
Imperial’s credentials as a potential finalist will be put to the test in the next three weeks as part of a tough month of football.
The team faces Mildura, Wentworth and Irymple next.
“This isn’t a one-year plan for us, this is about long term consistency with the group,” Clifford said.
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Robinvale Euston showed glimpses of it’s best form which got them to the grand final.
Reigning Sunraysia league medallist Benji Neal was their best.
The Eagles now face reigning premiers Irymple this Saturday.
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EDFL Premier Division Round 1 kicks off this weekend. Having moved house I’m now closest to Doutta Stars’ home ground, so will most likely walk down and have a look at their game against Pascoe Vale on Saturday. Will probably be more of the same, Keilor the best team and daylight 2nd.
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Alexandra and Emerald done for salary cap breaches last year.
I’d be looking into Alex this year as well given they’ve improved their playing list . . .
Any more detail?
Emerald at least made a statement saying they accept they stuffed up (and tbh theirs looks like it could be a genuine book keeping error).
Alexandra haven’t publicly said anything, though given their list this year they might be madly scrambling to redo their books!
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