Maraldo back on the court, phew.
Henderson for them remains a big (literally) problem.
63-57
Naidu drops the mark in their goal square, phew.
Huge collision in our forward pocket.
We work it around for a mark to Logan close in.
69-57 with 5 minutes left.
Henderson snap hits the post.
69-58
We do the same.
70-58
Maraldo intercepts the kick-out!
He and Logan pass it back and forth a few times to burn time.
Logan kicks his seventh!
76-58
Get the little kids away from the boundary lines; they’ll get run over.
ARC review happening… goal ump called poster, eventually the other umps agree.
76-59 with 90 seconds left.
WE’RE GONNA WIN (the weekend, too).
We win 11.11.77-9.6.60
4 Likes
We sing “our team who play this grand old game”. No women in our team today, but there are in our squad.
3 Likes
We replace Richmond on top of the ladder.
2 Likes
By Blake Gaffiero
Essendon have continued their winning ways to start the 2023 season, downing Richmond with a strong second half performance.
The 11.11 (77) to 9.6 (60) result marked the first time the two sides had met since their 2022 Grand Final matchup, with the Bombers making amends this time around.
The players were involved in a pre-match gift exchange in commemoration of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, with Dons skipper Sam Maraldo presenting the Tigers a pair of Indigenous-designed clapsticks.
The Bombers looked crisp in the early stages and were gathering plenty of uncontested ball, but found themselves unable to convert their scoring opportunities, going 0.5 before registering their first major.
A much-improved Richmond flexed their muscle in the second term, working their way into the match and eventually taking a slim lead into the half.
A hotly-contested third term saw the combination of Maraldo and Caleb Logan come to the forefront for the Dons, generating fluid attacks through their ‘pick and roll’ style of play.
The Bombers managed to build on their re-established lead in the final period, with Scott van Gemert’s dominance in the centre causing a headache too many for the Tigers to overcome.
Van Gemert was rewarded for his superb effort, taking home the ‘Player of the Match’ award on the day and continuing his stellar start to the season in a new role through the middle.
Both the senior and community VWFL sides for the Dons will return to action next Sunday, May 28th against Hawthorn at Boroondara Sports Complex, with the community side opening proceedings at 1pm.
5 Likes
Well done bombers, well played.
Well played tigers as well.
Champions all.
Well, that de-escalated quickly.
Hawks were 1-50 (!) at the end of Q1 of last week. They went on to win that game (!!) and then demolish us.
Q1: 0.1.1 - 8.2.50
Q2-Q8: 35.11. 221 - 13.7.85
Yassin Hill scored 9 of their 13 goals last week, and 15 of 22 this week.
by Blake Gaffiero
The VWFL Dons have succumbed to an 86-point defeat at the hands of a strong Hawthorn side on Sunday.
The 8.4 (52) to 22.6 (138) loss is the Bombers’ first of the season after winning their first two outings to kick off the season.
Bolstered by a speedy front line, the Hawks scored the opening three goals of the game and built upon their lead in quick bursts throughout the contest.
James Leonard lended some stability at the back for the Dons, whilst Brian Owens and Adam Georgelin looked to bring some spark going forward throughout the opening half.
The move of Caleb Logan into defence worked in Essendon’s favour in the second half, providing a solid matchup on Hawks star Yassin Hill.
Sam Maraldo and Scott van Gemert continued to lead from the front all day and fought hard throughout.
Essendon’s community side went down by a single point in their encounter with the Hawks, again showing positive signs in the tight 3.4 (22) to 3.5 (23) loss.
Both sides will be looking to return to the winner’s list next Sunday against St. Kilda, with the community squad opening proceedings at 11am.
4 Likes
We don’t Win the Weekend without this 12.6.78-7.6.48 win.
Caleb Logan 9 goals, Sam Maraldo 3 goals; Ryan Smith “kicked” all 7 goals for the Saints.
2 Likes
It’s a good thing I failed to follow the Wheelchair Reserves (“community”), because then we’d have Lost the Weekend.
By Blake Gaffiero
Essendon have returned to the VWFL winners list with a solid win against a competitive St Kilda outfit on Sunday.
The 12.6 (78) to 7.6 (48) victory was a welcome response for the Dons after their first loss of the season last week, setting the tone early with their attacking game.
A season-high of nine goals from forward Caleb Logan was a stellar return, flourishing back in a familiar position for him.
Adam Georgelin and Scott van Gemert continued their solid form at the other end, holding the Saints’ attack at bay and generating important counters to provide opportunities for Logan.
Despite a late rally from the Saints, the Dons’ defensive structure held up sturdily to ensure a third win for the season.
The community side were outdone by the Saints in their matchup, losing 4.1 (25) to 11.5 (71).
Ben Milton’s three goals were a highlight, while Antony Arulnesathasan continued his strong start to the campaign.
Both sides will return to play against Collingwood on Sunday, June 18 in Boroondara.
4 Likes