Match Report

Preliminary Final Versus Aberfeldie
Prelim final day at Essendon, our third battle against Abers, first game 79 point defeat, second game 66 point defeat, so today our backs were against the wall, also Abers suffered there first defeat for the year last week in the second semi, so we knew they would come out with all guns blazing.

We lost Alistair Rae and Tommy Mendico to the seniors due to two injuries in the seniors). This gave the opportunity to Duane and Boyd to step up and show there worth. Again commiserations to the players who missed out (Drew, George, Kane and Zac) but the coaching staff picked the strongest side to take on Abers.

We kicked with the aid of a slight wind, but Abers like we thought the would , came out firing and put the first goal on the board, not to be outdone strong play by J T enabled us to level the scores. Superb reading of the ball by Sonny and great finishing off gave us another goal. Abers not to be outdone came straight back and levelled the scores. Dalls was giving us first use of the ball, good play by Coxy on the wing got the ball to Becks, chip kick to Brett who used his body beautifully to mark and slot through the goal, to finish off a good quarter of football.
Quarter time scores S/more 3-2=20 Abers 2-2=14

Abers have the wind, could we maintain the pressure and be competitive into the wind. Dalls again strong at the centre bounce, Johnny E and Coxy were giving us good drive off there wings, but we could not capitalise near goal. Our backline ably led by Nathan, Nutter, Jed and Benny were continually under pressure, and unfortunately Abers kicked five goals for the quarter. Bourkey was giving us an option up forward and combined with Sonny for our only goal for the quarter.
Half time scores S/more 4-5=29  Abers  7-7=49

The premiership quarter could we deliver, unfortunately Abers big bodies started to take over and we struggled to keep in touch. Bones, Testy, Stapo and Damo were giving there all in the backline, Strong play by J T in the centre square got the ball up forward and Sonny scouting the packs bagged his third for the day, not to be outdone, Becks and Bourkey combined together for Bourkey to kick our sixth for the match
Three quarter time scores  S/more 6-6=42  Abers 8-12=60

Abers leading by 18pts and kicking with the aid of the wind, would we give in without a whimper or show that we are a good team, and have really improved in all facets of the game. PROUD to say we fought it out to the bitter end. Oggie was still pushing his tired little legs in the centre, Wattsy still getting to contests. Simmo still putting his life on the line and young Horny showing how much he has improved this year, Our two unlikely goal kickers in this quarter were Duane, having a run at full forward quick lead to a well delivered pass, good mark, slotted it through from thirty metres out. Boyd also made excellent position thirty metres out, took the mark and also slotted it through the middle.
Final scores S/more 8-7=55  lost to Abers 12-16=88
Best players[in no order]J T, Coxy, Johnny E, Benny and Sonny
Goal kickers-Sonny[3], J T[1], Brett[1], Bourkey[1]Duano[1], Boyd[1].

First game against Abers 79pt thrashing, second time 66pt hiding, third time a more respectable 33pt defeat on the big stage, although a sad end to the season, we gave it our best shot.

To all our regular helpers, thanks for making it a great year, wont mention the older helpers, but I will mention the three young helpers who helped out  all year. Firstly my
grandson Chris who kept the “goalkickers and stats”  for the team, Adam and Nick our ever reliable “ water boys” great to see three young men give up there Satdy arvos to help out the reserves. WELL DONE.

Just want to say it was great to be involved with such a great bunch of “oldies”, the “in betweeners” and the “young boys” who were moulded into a team with character.