M A Y 2 0 | V O L 8 - 2 0 2 1 THE VARSITY TIMES

Weekly newsletter of UQAFC

Over the weekend, the Friday Men hosted Pacific Pines, the Women went across the river to NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK Coorparoo to play and the Saturday Men went up to On behalf of the committee, we would like to thank every volunteer in the UQAFC Caloundra. community who has contributed their time and efforts in the past, at present, and into the future.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers. From Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd May 2021, NVW will celebrate the significant contribution of Australia’s almost six million volunteers. Each year these volunteers dedicate over 600 million hours to help others.

In this edition: The theme for NVW 2021 is Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine. which acknowledges QFA Div 1 Report - 2 that it is time to: QFA Div 1 Reserves Report - 3 QAFLW Report - 4 QAFLW DEV. Report - 5 RECOGNISE, celebrate and thank volunteers for the vital role they play in our lives. QFA Div 4 Report - 6 RECONNECT to what is important by giving our time to help others and ourselves. Michael Glass - 7 REIMAGINE how we better support volunteers and the communities they help. Best on Ground Notices - 8

The more we all give of our time and efforts to this club, the more we accomplish and share together.

Thank you!

1 Credit: Michael Glass, Odyssey Images

QFA Div 1 def. by Caloundra Panthers 15.13 - 103 to 9.8 - 62 A WEEK’S A LONG TIME IN FOOTBALL Round 6 saw the Senior Men make the The damage would’ve been a lot worse if not longest road trip of the season north to top- for the experience of Michael “Pickles” of-the-table Caloundra, where mid-week Randone orchestrating the back six, a storms had somehow left one wing of the performance suitably rewarded with the ground covered in several inches of mud, and Victorian import obtaining his first B.O.G. of the other completely dry. Unfortunately the season. With plenty to work on this week, much like the ground they played at, the the Seniors will look forward to another quality from the men’s seniors was chance against local rival Cooparoo this inconsistent across the two halves. Saturday – especially after going down narrowly in the previous matchup despite In a pleasant change from recent weeks, the winning the last quarter 5 goals to nil. Red Lions started strong and goals either side of the first break to captain Jordan Williams and leading goal-kicker Damian Ashby saw Goal Kickers: D. Ashby 2, J. Beattie 2, L. the boys up by 15 points. The arm-wrestle McBrien, C. Pershouse, J. Williams, P. Lovett, continued throughout the 2nd quarter, with J. Ralston Uni managing to stay within 3 points of the ladder leaders at half time largely thanks to Best Players: M. Randone, B. McClennan, T. the tackle pressure of Blake McLennan and Bennett, J. Turner, L. McBrien, Z. Mitchell the decision making of Mr. Composure Josh Beattie.

Liam McBrien and Tom “Larusso” Bennett also found themselves in the bests yet again after Sensei Mackinley acknowledged the wingers’ willingness to run all day regardless of the quality of turf underneath them.

Unfortunately this momentum didn’t flow into the second half, with a plethora of skill errors and poor decisions allowing the outside runners from Caloundra to stream forward and damage the scoreboard in a way that we had been yet to experience this season. By: Jake 'Big Data' Turner

2 Credit: Michael Glass, Odyssey Images QFA Div 1 Reserves def. by Caloundra Panthers 13.9 - 87 to 3.4 - 22

MUD, SWEAT AND TEARS Legend has it that Caloundra’s Carter Park was built handful of scoring opportunities. Luke ‘Pup’ Bennell on ‘swampy’ wetlands. Conditions on the weekend and Will Delchau continued to impress, whilst Evan gave some truth to the claim, as both clubs battled it ‘Sku’ Skulander added welcomed experience and out on a ground that could be aptly described as one direction at the back. part grass, four parts mud. Clear weather gave the faithful hope, but the track remained slow and heavy The fourth period mirrored much of the third, with - dampening play and testing the fitness levels of Caloundra eventually running away with a 65 point both sides. The Panthers pounced on chances early, victory. The tall forward pairing of Tom Anderson capitalising on a fine-worthy decision from UQ’s and Connell Fox tried to make the most of limited backline (ergh, I mean forward line…). However, the opportunities. The former was a consistent presence Red Lions quickly hit back, thanks to a well-earned throughout the day. Whilst the latter impressed on goal from winger, Nick Martin. debut, snagging the away side’s third and final goal, deep into the last quarter. Caloundra were arguably too good from start to finish, kicking away to what would be an One positive note from the game was the stand-out insurmountable lead in the first quarter. UQ showed performance from UQ debutant, Lachlan ‘Bestie’ improved signs at the start of the second, with winger Best. After impressing in a hit-out for Bribie Island Henry Mclachlan once again stringing together a the week before, Bestie was given quality minutes classy show on the flank. Before the game, TikkaBet® through the middle. Especially after an unfortunate was paying good money for a combined 2 goals from injury gave stalwart Joel Ashby an early mark. In an the Varsity’s ruck duo. Sean ‘Mr BOG/Big Cat’ exclusive post-game interview with The Varsity Westerhuis made punters optimistic by kicking the Times, Coach Binks had kind words to say of the Lions second. Unfortunately, neither Wester nor youngster, stating that, “I gave [Bestie] an important fellow ruckman, Reilly ‘Big Sexy’ Williamson, were role to do and he got the job done.” The Lions will able to add another for the day. The misery now be in for a big week on the training track, as they continued, as the visitors failed to keep up with the get set to take on cross town rivals, Cooparoo, on the home side's superior positional play. Despite some 22nd. outstanding efforts from Sunshine Coast expats, the ‘Splash Brothers’ (Nick and Alex Bennett), Caloundra Best Players: W. Palmer, A. Bennett, L. Best, R. ended the first half with a 40 point lead. Williamson, H. Mclachlan, T. Andersen

The third quarter saw an inspired change of intensity from the Lions. This was off-the-back of a Tony D’Amato-style (Al Pacino, Any Given Sunday) revving from Coach Alexander Binks in the sheds. Midfielders Will Palmer and Connor ‘Quadsey’ Wadsworth were relentless through the guts, taking By Nate "Kranky" Bianchi the game on with one pressure-act after another. After a tough start to the day, the backline upped the defensive pressure, limiting Caloundra to just a

3 Credit: Michael Glass, Odyssey Images QAFLW Def. Coolangatta Tweed 7.8 - 50 to 3.3 - 21

PRIDE AND THE PREMIERSHIP (HERE WE COME)

Music pumping, sun shining, Ending the first half 27 to 1, it was rainbow flags flying; if there was a obvious UQ had their head in the day for UQ to win, it was today. game and their foot on the peddle. After our last unfortunate loss Whilst second half would see a against Coolie, its safe to say the couple sneaky Coolie goals, UQ’s girls were out to prove that we truly seamless passing, textbook chase- belong in the premiership match. down tackles and solid shepherding would keep them comfortably in Even with a few key players (Lauren the lead. Shoutout to Madi Middleton and Mia Teubler) still out Crowley-Long for her elite speccy, with injury, and all 6 lions players just one of the many displays of UQ away on their footy trip, UQ was athleticism. With a final result of 50 looking stronger than ever. UQ has to 21, its safe to say UQ are on their consistently demonstrated their way to finals, and truly a force to be depth off the bench, with almost a reckoned with. Watch this space. different lineup of fit, skilled players every week.

From first bounce it was clear that UQ was not the team Coolie was expecting. Marnie McGorm scoring By Mia "Toobs" Teubler a clinical goal in only the first 6 minutes, UQ would continue to run Coolie’s backline into the ground with one forward entry after another.

4 Credit: Michael Glass, Odyssey Images

QAFLW DEV Results Def. Coolangatta Tweed 11.11 - 77 to 0.0 - 0

LIONESS PRIDE, TAKES PRIDE ROUND W This weekend saw the third annual AFL After a dry-spell through the second quarter, the Pride Round promoting LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport. Lionesses came back from the break hungry for Having just clawed a win from Maroochydore last more. Brittne Hayes launched the ball towards a weekend, the Ressies were roaring to go against leading Bec Barnes, a perfectly timed handball found Coolangatta at a Giffin Park that was lively with Emily “Bowser” Bowden who then delivered a silver rainbow festivities. Undoubtedly the chance to play service kick right into the hands of Bri Black. Bri football with such a cause behind us (and probably Black and Grace Vogler both added goals to the tally also the Redbull DJ(eep)) had the Ressies pumped to to finish out the quarter. showcase the ferocity that would deliver a The Lionesses were nowhere near done. Tracey percentage game for Rob to smile about and restore “Legs” Leggat and Philly Stephens continued to their lead on the QAFLW Development ladder. epitomise ‘team first acts’, laying shepherds left, The Ressies were up and about, and the tone was set right and centre, bumping Cooly girls to the ground for the match with an awesome spoil from Irene like it ain’t no thang. The Senior Lionesses watching Baldelli over the back of a much taller opponent. from the hill made their presence known, cheering Opting to initially apply some scoreboard pressure, on another four goals to the scoreboard. The cheer our first major was found through a perfect handball squad then mistook (and you’d be forgiven for doing by birthday girl Grace Vogler to “Sliz” Weigh, the the same) our very own Alyssa “Aleshia” Beasley for skipper then wasting no time putting the ball Lions star Dakota Davidson as she took a stunning through the big sticks to lead by example. Jess overhead mark. The siren sounded, and Aleshia had Middleton soon followed suit, soccering one through no trouble snagging one last sausage. after an unlucky bounce denied Roxy Mutschler. An BOG: Loui Tyson, not surprising as she delivered impenetrable backline featuring VP Maggie Munn, more forward 50 entries than the entire Suns team Annelise Crilly, Jac Russel, Ella “E-la” Desrettes, later that day. Sofia Harwood-Scglorn, and CJ Pickering kept In the end, the 11.11.77 - 0.0.0 success comprised just Coolangatta scoreless, the backline setting up behind a fraction of the W the Lioness Pride took away from the ball, stringing together delicious passages of play Pride Round. To belong to a club within an with the wingers and midfield. The midfield organisation that not only recognises but actively themselves created a strong wall, holding the ball in celebrates diversity and pushes for inclusion for all our forward 50 where Vogler was soon able to work members of our community, that is the biggest win. some birthday magic, pouncing on a dribbled kick to score another 6 points for UQ. Kate Le Pointos then took over the dominating performance of Hannah By Bri “Predo” Curran in the ruck, allowing Roxy to execute "B" the game plan, sending the ball wide to “Loui” Louise Black Tyson on the wing, eventually finding Jess M to put the final stamp on the quarter with another goal.

5 Credit: Michael Glass, Odyssey Images QFA Div 4 Results Def. Pacific Pines 6.12 - 48 to 7.5 - 47

THE HUNTED BECOMES THE HUNTER

A lonely gazelle chewing grass suddenly stops and listens Heading into the final quarter the game looked like UQ nervously to what she thinks is a sound in the distance, the would run away with it but momentary lapses in rustling of long grass reveals to her the deadly stare of a concentration saw the opposition pull closer and closer to ferocious beast ready to pounce on her. Prey has fallen victim to the lead that had been built on earlier. Injuries had started to the hunter in a tale as old as time. The message for the side as take a toll on the home side with the interchange now only we headed into this important clash with Pacific Pines was loud down to two and Pacific Pines piling on the pressure. Nick and clear from the coach – UQ has gone from being hunted to “Mr Fix It” Davis galvanised the troops with voice and a being the hunter. The Red Lion is back roaring in all its glory willingness to provide leadership in multiple roles given to with the side picking up three wins, losing narrowly in a top of him by the coach. Captain Shannon Brown also offered the table clash and competition for spots in the 22 the toughest support as UQ looked to weather the late onslaught. it’s ever been. Unfortunately for UQ the opposition chipped away at the scoreboard with number 11 for Pacific Pines proving difficult Chris Pilkington continued his re-emergence as one of the to contain. The siren blasted as the game ended in what was marquee players of the competition with a dominant first probably a fair result at 47 a piece. This however felt like a quarter, many an opposition player left grasping at thin air as loss for a UQ side now used to winning. Pilko puts on the after burners. The forwards exerted tackle pressure but were unable to convert opportunities as the first Well....the footy gods had the last laugh and the irony of quarter ended in an even eight points apiece. Queensland’s premier academic institution failing to get the scores right is not lost on this writer. Pandemonium ensued The contest started to heat up a little in the 2nd quarter as as the side was informed that the scoreboard was wrong and Pacific Pines looked to engage UQ in a bit of niggle and showed UQ had in fact pipped the visitors by 1 point. As the old they were intent on coming home with the chocolates. Jack saying goes a win is a win and this win saw the Red Lion Fulham continued to pose problems for Pacific Pines as our reassert his dominance as the King of the Division 4 jungle. dominant big bodied forward and was ably assisted by the The omens bode well for this side for the rest of the year, electric Sandy LaBrom who ended up bagging 2 for the night. it’s not often you get the perfect mix of youth, experience, Football has a funny way of revealing the character of a man excitement, toughness alongside the tactical genius of a and Sandy showed immense character throughout the game coach like Alan Woodward. May the Red Lion continue to with his workrate inspiring others around him. In defence roar loudly.. Lachlan Otto was providing for calmness and composure under pressure. At half time the home side went in one point behind Pacific Pines with plenty left to play for.

Not all superheroes wear capes and in Wills McCulloch UQ have their midfield superhero. For a bloke standing approximately 1.68m tall he was fearless at the football winning countless freekicks and being the epitome of courage. He matches that with silky footy skills and is fast becoming the midfield lynchpin. A goal from Olly Smith in the third quarter was just at the right time and UQ looked to take a strangle hold of the game and ended the third quarter 33-27 up. Whenever the game needed to be taken on for UQ one man stood up, cometh the hour cometh the man in Lewis Smith. His willingness to break the game line and speed was no match for Pacific Pines who just By Seyonne "Sey" Kidnapillai had no answer to him. He richly deserved his BOG and is enjoying a fine year after suffering a big injury last year.

6 MICHAEL GLASS, ODYSSEY IMAGES

This week in honour of National Volunteer Week, we asked our volunteer photographer, Michael Glass to tell us a bit about himself and his interest in photography:

"I spent 23 years in the Australian Army with multiple deployments to Afghanistan and East Timor. I’m still closely linked with Defence, as a contractor - training soldiers who are preparing to deploy overseas."

"Odyssey Images is a side gig. I picked up a camera for the first time 7 years ago. As a veteran suffering the effects of PTSD and other, associated mental illnesses, it became a way to view the world as a place without threat. Odyssey Images was born about four years ago, after I spent some time on the sidelines with the Football Club. I guess my love of sport photography came from that experience. Since then, I have photographed everything from national level cheerleading to FQPL soccer. Sport Photography is about capturing fleeting moments. Moments that sometimes happen in milliseconds. It’s a real challenge and I’m still learning. Hopefully one day, I’ll find myself on an AFL field somewhere."

To see more of Michael's work and follow him on his journey or request more information be sure to check out his website and follow his socials.

Website: https://odysseyimages.myportfolio.com/ Instagram: @the.odyssey.image Twitter: Odyssey_Images LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-glass-6247431ba/

7 Weekends Fixtures

Friday 21st of May @C ollingwood park: QFA Div 4 vs Collingwood Park 7:30pm

Saturday 22nd of May @ Giffin Park: QFA Div 1 vs Coorparoo Seniors: 2;00 pm Reserves: 12;00 pm

QAFLW vs Coorparoo Seniors 4:45pm Reserves 3:00pm (oval 2)

RECOVERY SCIENCE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK RECEIVE A FREE 60-MINUTE RECOVERY SESSION WHICH INCLUDES, ICE AND HOT WATER THERAPY, NORMATEC COMPRESSION THERAPY, THERAGUN SELF MASSAGE, INFRARED SAUNA. QAFLW QFA DIV 1 BEST ON GROUND BEST ON GROUND

Mikayla Martin Michael Randone

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