GRAND FINALS TELSTRA DOME, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 $ INC 5 GST VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD TAC CUP MURRAY BBUSHRANGERS V

DOUBLE HEADER PORT V NORTH BALLARAT VFL Congratulations to RYAN MCMAHON (Port Melbourne)

This week’s winner of the Ford “Best on Ground” Ute Visit theoval.com.au for more information. theoval.com.au VFL EDITORIAL

Welcome all football fans to an historic and proud day, History in a celebration of Victorian football at its fi nest. For the fi rst time we’ll witness the making the TAC Cup Grand Final and First TAC Cup and VFL double-header VFL Grand Final packaged together to showcase the rich quality and silky skills of some of Vic Metro also remained Cup clubs within a regional model ’s best footballers. undefeated in clinching the NAB is at the heart of this process. It is a bold initiative, but one AFL Under-18 Championships, Many thanks to our broadcast which AFL Victoria supports while tomorrow at the MCG Vic partner ABC Television for its unreservedly as it embraces Metro’s Under-16 side does battle continued support, particularly football’s 150 year celebrations with for that age for its decision to telecast the VFL in our great game’s biggest week group’s Championships. Grand Final live. of the year. It was pleasing to receive The success of stand-alone The TAC Cup Grand Final will $33.5 million in funding from the VFL clubs Frankston and Port provide a snapshot of some of state government, the AFL, AFL Melbourne this season was tomorrow’s AFL stars, while later Victoria, local councils and some pleasing, proving clubs without an we will see the pride and passion VFL clubs, which will be used AFL-club affi liation can be genuine of Port Melbourne and North to transform many of the VFL’s premiership contenders. Ballarat as they strive to claim the venues. Providing players and fans James Podisadly’s success VFL premiership. with better ground surfaces and in the J.J. Liston Trophy was This feast of football caps off a facilities remains a key priority of well received and the Werribee rewarding and challenging season, AFL Victoria. captain’s story, told in this one that has confi rmed the The challenge also remains for edition of the Record, is a great growing talent pool in our state. everyone to spread the VFL gospel advertisement for the VFL. While the VFL lost its state so it receives the recognition and Finally, enjoy what promises to match against a seasoned South support from fans befi tting its be another memorable day in the Australian team, this did not extremely high standard. rich history of the VFL. diminish the indisputable high AFL Victoria is exploring how standard of play and players that to implement the AFL Second-tier Peter Schwab graced VFL grounds on a weekly Review recommendations. Finding Chief Executive Offi cer, basis throughout the season. ways to better align VFL and TAC AFL Victoria

GRAND FINALS TELSTRA DOME, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 $ INC 5 GST VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE GRAND FINAL CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 RECORD 6-7 VFL Grand Final preview 24-25 TAC CUP COVER: TAC Cup captains Kade MURRAY BBUSHRANGERS Klemke (Murray) and Ricky Ferraro 8-10 VFL Grand Final teams 28-29 V DANDENONG (Dandenong) and their VFL counterparts STINGRAYS TAC Cup Coaches’ Award 11 TAC Cup Grand Final preview 34 Luke Cotchett (Port Melbourne) and DOUBLE HEADER Shaune Moloney (North Ballarat) will vie TAC Cup Team of the Year 12-13 VFL preliminary fi nals reviews 36-37 PORT MELBOURNE for premiership glory tonight. V NORTH VFL Team of the Year 14-17 Under the spotlight: Peter Schwab 40-41 BALLARAT VFL TAC Cup Coach of the Year 22 2008 VFL season review 48-49

VFL01-cover.indd 1 23/9/08 9:12:47 PM

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 3 GO FOR YOUR LIFE Weigh up your lunch choices have on your children. A fun and easy way to a healthy lunch If you opt for healthy choices there’s a big chance they’ll Visit goforyourlife.vic.gov.au be put in your lunchbox to create follow. Encourage them to give and play the fun new game your lunch. At the end it’s time new foods a try, emphasise the ‘weigh up your lunch’. It’s to weigh it up and fi nd out your enjoyable elements of food and a great way for kids to learn score. Be warned, it’s addictive! the importance of balance, rather what a healthy lunch should With hints and tips on the than labelling foods either ‘good’ consist of thanks to the lunch chosen, it is easy to learn or ‘bad’. Victorian Government’s why foods are everyday or Kids love colour, so fruit and ‘Go for your life’ initiative. occasional, while picking up other vegies are a great way to brighten The ‘weigh up your lunch’ suggestions for a good lunch. up their lunchbox. Try corn on interactive game is designed to be Remember, lunch is just as the cob, carrots, cherry tomatoes, a fun way for kids – and adults – important as breakfast and dinner. celery, stone fruit, grapes or to see how different combinations Eating a high-fi bre, low-fat lunch berries to keep them interested in of foods add up to make a healthy, that’s based on the fi ve food their food. or not so healthy, lunch. groups will help ensure your body Get online, have a go and see All you have to do is visit gets all the vitamins and minerals if you and your family’s lunch gets goforyourlife.vic.gov.au and it needs, so you can perform at an A+. click on ‘weigh up your lunch’ your peak. For more ways to stay healthy to play. You will fi nd different It’s easy to underestimate the and active call 1300 73 98 99 or foods fl oating around that can infl uence your behaviour and visit goforyourlife.vic.gov.au. GEMBROOK COCKATOO SENIOR FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB Gembrook Cockatoo Senior Football Netball Club (Div 1.Yarra Valley Mountain District FL), seeks expressions of interest in the following positions for the 2009 season:

Senior Coach (Playing or Non-Playing) Reserves Coach (Playing or Non-Playing) Under-18s Coach Senior Netball Coach (Playing or Non-Playing)

Applications should be forwarded to: e Football Manager, Gembrook Cockatoo Senior Football Club, PO Box 41, Gembrook Vic 3783 Applications will close on Friday 17th October. For enquiries please contact Phil Smith 0416 185 098

4 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD TAC CUP EDITORIAL

After serving as coach, Fabulous feast of chairman of selectors and more recently team manager, Keith Burns announced his retirement Victorian football after Vic Metro went undefeated through the revamped NAB AFL Murray and Dandenong chase fl ag Under-18 Championships. AFL Victoria thanks Keith for Welcome everyone to today’s The change represents a win- his enormous contribution to the celebration of Victorian football win for everyone in our program. development of young players. featuring the TAC Cup and VFL After an enthralling knockout It was also satisfying when Grand Finals. fi nal series, the Murray eight TAC Cup graduates were It promises to be a fabulous Bushrangers and Dandenong named in the All-Australian team, climax to a marvellous season that Stingrays will meet for the fi rst including the captain, former has again highlighted the stunning time in a Grand Final to decide the Sandringham Dragon . success of the talented player premier TAC Cup team of 2008. Victorians dominated both the pathway in Victoria. We wish both teams all the best. All-Australian Under-18 team, with Many people have queried the During the fi nal series, the TAC 10 players selected, and the AFL- move of the TAC Cup Grand Final Cup has celebrated several of its AIS Academy with 11 scholarship from its former position as the AFL individual stars. holders named. Grand Final curtain-raiser. For the fi rst time in the TAC And 37 TAC Cup players Let’s look at the positives. With Cup’s 17-season history, the have been invited to the NAB the TAC Cup Grand Final and the Morrish Medal produced a AFL National Draft camp with a VFL Grand Final at the one venue tie between the Gippsland further 48 participating in the state on the one day it really creates a Power’s and Murray screening day. fabulous feast of elite football. Bushrangers’ Farran Priest. All that is left is to enjoy a great The shift also offers an Congratulations also to Eastern day as the Bushrangers and opportunity for a group of young Ranges’ midfi elder , Stingrays proudly showcase all Victorians, the Vic Metro Under-16 who was named the TAC Cup that is great about the TAC Cup. team, to showcase their talents in Coaches’ Award winner, and to the AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser the ’ Mark Ellis, Anton Grbac and Leon Harris when they battle Western Australia who won the Keith Burns Award High Performance Managers, for the national championship. as the TAC Cup Coach of the Year. AFL Victoria

AFL Victoria Chief Executive Officer: Peter Schwab Photo Manager: Natalie Boccassini Football Operations Manager: John Hook Photography: Getty Images (02) 9004 2250 High Performance Managers: Advertising: Jennifer Pryor (03) 8663 3007 Anton Grbac, Leon Harris Printed by: Condor Printing Statistics: Sam Coen, Sophie Timms Address correspondence: CEO, The Slattery Media Group: Geoff Slattery The Editor, GPO Box 4337, Editor: Nick Bowen Melbourne, 3001. Designer: Karl Chandler Phone: (03) 8663 3005

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 5 MORRISH MEDAL

Morrish Medal tie Priest and Blair can’t be split

No one was more surprised at 2008 Morrish Medal vote count the Morrish Medal count than Final leaderboard Farran Priest when he was PLAYER CLUB VOTES awarded three votes in the fi nal round of the home and Jarryd Blair Gippsland 18 away season. Farran Priest Murray 18 It elevated the Murray Dylan Joyce Calder 17 Bushranger ruck-rover/small forward into a tie with Gippsland North Ballarat 17

Power midfi elder Jarryd Blair – Murray 14 the fi rst time in the TAC Cup’s 17 seasons that the Morrish Medal Jordan Florance Bendigo 12 count had produced dual winners. Ricky Ferraro Dandenong 12 Blair and Priest were locked on 18 votes, one more than North “I was defi nitely shocked,” Ballarat Rebel Andrew Hooper, Priest said. who shared the lead in the count “I was sitting there thinking who until the fi nal home and away was going to get the three votes round, and Calder Cannon and next thing they said it was me. Dylan Joyce. I really couldn’t believe it. Priest’s teammate Tom “I pretty much headed there to Rockliff, who topped the TAC have a good night, but it ended Cup goalkicking, fi nished fi fth up a bit different. I thought Tom on 14 votes. Rockliff would poll much better The medal count had a than me. sensational fi nish, with Blair “We have so many good and Hooper locked on 17 votes players, I just didn’t see myself in heading into the fi nal home and the mix. I started getting nervous away round. about round 15 and then I got Clustered behind them were really nervous.” Priest on 15, Joyce on 14 and Bushrangers coach Phil Bunn Rockliff on 13. said Priest’s ability to make Remarkably, all, except Hooper, an impact on games with his polled in the fi nal round to turn the explosive speed had obviously Murray’s Farran leaderboard on its head. impressed the umpires. Priest stormed Priest confessed he did not Bunn said Priest had worked home to tie with expect to poll, let alone gain the hard to get into the Bushrangers’ Gippsland’s Jarryd Blair for the 2008 maximum votes, for his fi nal match team and had been determined to Morrish Medal. against the . hold his spot. MORRISH MEDAL

“He’ll see the football, attack it Priest made an immediate with great gusto at pace and run impact that game, polling three in and kick a goal,” Bunn said. votes, one of four games he was “He is someone who can really judged best-on-ground. make an impact on a game.” He had just six votes heading Meanwhile, Blair thought his into round 12, but polled 12 votes vote tally may sneak into double in the last eight rounds to fl y to the fi gures, but thought teammate top of the Morrish leaderboard. Tristan Francis was most likely to Blair didn’t open his Morrish top Gippsland’s Morrish count. account until round six when he “I certainly didn’t expect to get collected one vote, but best-on- as many votes as I did,” Blair said. ground games in rounds seven “After round 13 or 14, I thought and nine and a two-vote game in I was in with some chance as round 10 put him into contention. I was right there with Andrew Two more best-on-ground Hooper, who had led for most of games coupled with another two- the count. vote game moved him into a tie “I thought I would poll OK in with Hooper after round 17. round 17, but we lost to Bendigo Blair collected one vote for in round 18 so I knew there would his game against the Western be no votes there. Jets in round 19 to move to 18 “I wasn’t too sure about the votes, ensuring his name would last round, but I ended up getting be forever etched on the Morrish one vote. It’s a great thrill. I didn’t Medal winners’ board. expect to win.” Hooper, also pipped by one Blair, who has been in the vote in the TAC Cup Coaches’ Power’s program since the under- Award, jumped from the blocks in 15s, said his confi dence grew a stunning start to the season. throughout the season thanks to After three rounds, Hooper had his teammates’ support. polled in every match, including Power coach Austinn Jones two best-on-ground games. He described Blair as a natural was awarded the maximum three leader whose professionalism in votes again in rounds six and 10, preparing for a match was second before collecting his fi fth three- to none. vote game – the most of any “We picked him in our satellite player – in round 14. group as an absolute stand-out in The performance of Cannons terms of training, work ethic and ruck-rover Dylan Joyce to tie leadership. It’s a fi tting reward,” Hooper for third was exceptional. Jones said. While the Calder struggled to

For Priest, it was a stunning win matches, Joyce shone. He Despite not performance for a bottom-aged collected votes in 10 matches, polling a vote until player who didn’t play his fi rst easily the most of any player and round six, Jarryd Blair won a share match for the Bushrangers until two more than Blair and three of this year’s round four. more than Priest. Morrish Medal. JAMES PODSIADLY

2008 J.J. Liston Trophy winner James Podsiadly’s decision to chose football over tennis has proven to be the correct one.

8 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au JAMES PODSIADLY

Ten years ago James Podsiadly was an emerging talent on the state tennis circuit with representative honours at various junior levels. Football was not on his radar until some schoolmates suggested he try out. It proved VFL an inspired decision as earlier this month Podsiadly added yet another chapter to his short but spectacular football career. Podsiadly, one of the most popular players in the competition, added his name to the who’s who of football ACE greats who have won the J.J. Liston Trophy, the VFL’s highest Podsiadly ditches individual accolade. tennis for a Liston The Liston Trophy sits alongside Podsiadly’s three VFL representative jumpers, three VFL Team of the Year honours, Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal (2005), Werribee Tigers’ his teammates’ support and his “We just needed time to gel (2005) and the club captaincy. injury-free run. and you can see what happened Quite a CV for someone who After a sluggish start this year, when we did,” he said. had not played in a football Podsiadly and Werribee clicked “I just tried to play the role that competition until he was 17. into gear simultaneously. It’s no Axe (Atkins) sets out for me. It’s Podsiadly told the VFL Record secret the Werribee No. 18 drove not the same role every week, but he was gobsmacked to win the the Tigers’ resurgence in the I didn’t feel any more pressure. Liston, saying he was literally second half of the year, when they “We have a fantastic and shaking when the realisation won nine of their last 10 home enthusiastic list. It complements sunk in he had won. and away matches. what I do.” In the week leading up to the After the considerable turnover Podsiadly fell one goal short preliminary fi nal, he found it hard of Werribee-listed players pre- of tying Nicholas Sautner for to come to terms with the fact his season and with the club’s new what would have been his name now sits alongside past alliance with North Melbourne in second Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller winners and VFA/VFL stars like its early days, Podsiadly said it Medal, but the 27-year-old Billy Swan, Laurie Hill, Ray Shaw, took the players a while to gel and said seizing individual awards Sam Mitchell and Michael Frost. get up to speed with coach Simon was not a priority. Podsiadly rated his season Atkins’ program. He said the reason he, like all as “consistent”, but candidly While Werribee slumped to his teammates, played football admitted he had never played as 11th midway through the season, was to share in the jubilation well, something he attributed to Podsiadly said he never panicked. premiership success brings.

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 9 9 JAMES PODSIADLY

While he spent two seasons footballer, the club would have “Hey, I only started playing at Essendon when the Bombers been rewarded for it. football when I was 17. To get to fi elded a stand-alone VFL team, “In an AFL environment he the stage where I have played one season on Collingwood’s would have improved enormously 160-odd VFL games, won and has attended pre- because he would have been a a Werribee best and fairest, season training with about six full-time footballer.” captained the club and played AFL clubs over the years, While others can’t understand in a Grand Final and all that stuff Podsiadly never once won why he wasn’t at least given is something I never dreamed

a spot on an AFL list. would happen to me. It is a something that puzzles “Playing AFL as a kid was many VFL observers given never my goal because I never

Podsiadly’s powerful marking, I just tried to play played football. I had my chance prodigious kicking, athleticism the role that Axe and it wasn’t me. I’m pretty happy and proven goalkicking ability. with what I’m doing outside Atkins, who has coached (Atkins) sets out ‘‘ football; I feel I’ve been lucky.” Podsiadly throughout his six for me. It’s not the The VFL is all the richer for seasons at Chirnside Park, is one same role every James Podsiadly choosing of those mystifi ed Podsiadly never‘‘ football over tennis. He has made it into the AFL. week, but I didn’t left an indelible mark on He noted there were many the competition. players with similar, or less, ability feel any more playing at the game’s elite level. pressure. “There’s plenty of blokes at AFL making good money being a forward,” Atkins said. a chance, Podsiadly is not “He (Podsiadly) has got power, disillusioned or disappointed he he’s got strength, he’s quick, never got the opportunity to prove takes a pack mark and usually his he could cut it in the AFL. goal conversion is really good. Podsiadly says he never allows “I just don’t know. Someone himself to wander down the ‘what needed to take a chance, it would if’ track. not even have been a gamble. “I never ask myself, but a lot of If he had been taken as an older people ask me,” he says.

10 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD TAC CUP COACHES’ AWARD

a game situation and really having Sloane the an impact when he needs to,” Watson said. “It doesn’t matter whether it is coaches’ pick kicking a steadying goal or at a centre bounce where he has two Eastern star wins 2008 Coaches’ Award or three efforts when it is crucial to win a clearance. “There’s no doubt Rory came The Eastern back from the carnival full of Ranges’ Rory confi dence. His fi tness was at Sloane capped its peak and he became a really an outstanding season with the infl uential player for us.” 2008 TAC Cup Watson is adamant that Sloane Coaches’ Award. has the potential and scope to continue improving, especially with a solid pre-season in the gym. He noted in an AFL environment, where he could dedicate himself full-time to his football, Sloane would emerge as a player with much to offer. Sloane polled votes in seven games, one less than Hooper, but Sloane had fi ve fi ve-vote games to Hooper’s three. Calder’s Andrew Duhau also polled in eight games to share For coach his match against the Northern third with Murray’s Tom Rockliff Shane Watson, Rory Sloane’s Knights in the fi nal round. and Dandenong’s . win in the TAC Cup Coaches’ It was the fi fth time Sloane had Award was a fi tting reward for polled the maximum fi ve votes, the 2008 Coaches’ Award voting a player whose infl uence on most of any player. PLAYER CLUB VOTES the team grew stronger as the Interestingly, all Sloane’s fi ve- Rory Sloane Gippsland 30 season progressed. vote games came from round Andrew Hooper Murray 27 Sloane, the Ranges’ captain eight onwards, an aspect of his and a member of the Vic Metro season that impressed Watson. Andrew Duhau Calder 25 team that won the NAB AFL The Ranges’ coach noted that Tom Rockliff Murray 25 Under-18 Championships, Sloane returned from the Under-18 Tom Gillies Dandenong 25 stormed home to overhaul carnival a far better player and Eastern 24 North Ballarat’s Andrew Hooper, continued to raise the bar for Jarryd Blair Gippsland 21 the frontrunner for much of himself and his teammates in the Ryan McKenzie North Ballarat 21 the season. second half of the season. Kallen Geary Sloane clinched the award “The biggest thing about Bendigo 21 with a maximum fi ve votes for Rory is that he is great at reading Farran Priest Murray 19

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 1111 TAC CUP TEAM OF THE YEAR

One of the toughest tasks in any sport is picking a Team The finest of the Year. AFL Victoria High Performance Managers Anton Grbac and and brightest Leon Harris were faced with the unenviable task of selecting this year’s TAC Cup Team of the Year TAC Cup Team of the Year oozes class from the competition’s sea of talented players. Grbac said players were 2008 TAC CUP considered on their games for their TEAM OF THE YEAR TAC Cup clubs and at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, but stressed players who did not earn Championships selection were not B: Zach Sengstock Tom Gillies Andrew Hooper discounted. SANDRINGHAM DANDENONG NORTH BALLARAT “If they played consistently well for their TAC Cup team that is what counted,” Grbac said. Players had to play at least six HB: Michael Hurley Kade Klemke GEELONG NORTHERN MURRAY TAC Cup games to be eligible, while Grbac said the selectors also sought recommendations from each TAC Cup region manager on C: Mitchell Banner the players deserving selection. NORTHERN WESTERN GIPPSLAND THE TEAM: ZACH SENGSTOCK HF: Rory Sloane Tom Rockliff (Sandringham): The 19-year-old EASTERN MURRAY MURRAY was one of the competition’s leading contested marks. Strong hands, good overhead. Held down a key defensive post. F: Xavier Gotch Aaron Purves Tyrone Vickery TOM GILLIES (Dandenong): OAKLEIGH DANDENONG SANDRINGHAM Stingrays key defender. Played primarily at full-back where he was rarely beaten. Outstanding in one- R: Jarryd Blair NORTH BALLARAT OAKLEIGH GIPPSLAND on-one duels, reads play well and very good rebounding player. ANDREW HOOPER (North INT: Jordan Gysberts Kallen Geary Andrew Duhau Ballarat): Tied for third in the EASTERN BENDIGO CALDER NORTH BALLARAT Morrish Medal; Vic Country’s MVP COACH: Mark Ellis at the Championships. Quick, BENDIGO skilled and ferocious all season.

12 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD TAC CUP TEAM OF THE YEAR

TOM SIMPKIN (Geelong): throughout the competition for star . Developed backman/forward who played for the way he went about his game. quickly this season with the Vic Country at the Championships. Quality player. Won the TAC Cup Rebels. Tall, athletic ruckman who Athletic and skilled. Enjoyed a great Coaches’ Award and represented represented Vic Country. year with the . Vic Metro. LUKE SHUEY (Oakleigh): MICHAEL HURLEY (Northern): JACK ZIEBELL (Murray): Member Vic Metro representative whose One of the TAC Cup’s best players. of the AIS-AFL Academy and ball-winning ability at the Won All-Australian honours for won All-Australian honours after Championships and with the the second successive year. Vic representing Vic Country, despite Chargers was fi rst rate. Extremely Metro’s MVP. Dominant Northern missing the Championships’ hard at the contest, wins plenty Knights defender who can shut opening match. Was telling in of possessions. Hard-working down opponents and set up play limited appearances for the midfi elder with the skills to match. down the ground. Bushrangers. JARRYD BLAIR (Gippsland): KADE KLEMKE (Murray): TOM ROCKLIFF (Murray): Tied with Farran Priest to win Bushrangers captain who Led the TAC Cup goalkicking. the Morrish Medal. Outstanding represented NSW/ACT at the Represented Vic Country at the season with the Power. Very good Championships. Provided strong Championships. Very good in in traffi c and wins contested leadership and direction from one-on-one situations. Good possessions. Hard at the contest, defence. Reads play well, rebounds hands and fi nishing skills. One of good tackler, high work-rate. from defence and uses the ball well. the keys behind the Bushrangers’ JORDAN GYSBERTS (Eastern): DAVID ZAHARAKIS (Northern): successful season. Bottom-aged player who earned One of the leaders and pivotal XAVIER GOTCH (Oakleigh): Hard- selection with Vic Metro after an midfi elders at the Knights and working, prolifi c Chargers rover. impressive start as an on-baller Vic Metro. Earned All-Australian Great attack on the ball, among with Ranges. Awarded an AFL-AIS honours. Attacks the ball strongly, the competition’s top 10 tacklers. Academy scholarship. has good fi nishing skills and is Quick, can break the lines, has KALLEN GEARY (Bendigo): inspirational. neat fi nishing skills. Represented Versatile player who played in MITCHELL BANNER (Western): Vic Metro. a range of positions with the Prolifi c possession winner in the AARON PURVES (Dandenong): Pioneers. Emerged as his side’s midfi eld for the Jets. Member Quality Stingrays forward who most dependable player after of Vic Metro’s successful leads well, is smart around goals playing just two games last year. Championships team. Set up win and converts well. Finished ANDREW DUHAU (Calder): against Western Australia in the third on goalkicking ladder. After missing an invitation to pre- deciding match. Strong hands. One of the most season training last year, Duhau KOBY STEVENS (Gippsland): prolifi c marks in the competition. emerged as the Cannons’ most Represented Vic Country at the Represented Vic Metro. consistent player. Industrious Championships as a bottom- TYRONE VICKERY midfi elder renowned for his aged player. Enjoyed consistent (Sandringham): Emerging defensive pressure. season with the Power, with ruckman who made an impact NICK SUBAN (North Ballarat): his run and carry telling. High with the Dragons and Vic Metro. Strong leader both at the Rebels possession winner and among the Won All-Australian honours. and Vic Country. Earned All- competition’s top tacklers. Athletic tall whose ruck work and Australian honours for the second RORY SLOANE (Eastern): all-round game are outstanding. successive season. Quality player The hard-working Ranges ruck- JORDAN ROUGHEAD (North whose all-round game made him rover/forward earned respect Ballarat): Cousin of Hawthorn very effective.

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 1313 VFL TEAM OF THE YEAR

Marcus Marigliani capped off an outstanding season for Frankston with selection in the 2008 VFL Team of the Year.

14 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD BEST OF THE BEST

New talent dominates VFL Team of the Year

TWELVE new faces feature Meanwhile, Saunter was player’s primary and secondary among the 2008 VFL Team selected in the VFL’s elite team position, giving selectors of the Year that also includes for a record eighth time, matching added fl exibility. J.J. Liston Trophy winner his number of ‘Frosty’ Miller “We felt it was the best way James Podsiadly, Jim ‘Frosty’ Medal wins. as we may only get to see one Miller medallist Nicholas Geelong captain James Byrne, or two games each weekend,” Sautner and Fothergill-Round who announced his retirement Davis said. medallist . at the end of the home and away “The clubs forwarded Port Melbourne coach Gary season, fi nishes his magnifi cent their nominations and we had Ayres, in his fi rst year in the career with another team of the some form from the state team, competition, has also been year selection. but the great thing was we named VFL Coach of the Year. Byrne has been named in the were not restricted with guys North Ballarat’s three VFL team of the year in each of being injured.” representatives, , his fi ve seasons with Geelong – Signifi cantly, selection was Tom Roach and Orren an outstanding achievement. only open to VFL-listed players Stephenson, all make their fi rst At 30, Byrne is the oldest and AFL rookies who were not appearances in the team of the player, along with Kennedy, in upgraded to a primary list during year, as do Port Melbourne’s the team. Barlow, who doesn’t the season. Nahas and Toby Pinwill and turn 21 until late December, is As it panned out, Richmond Frankston’s Paul Kennedy and the youngest. rookie Jarrod Silvester was . For the fi rst time the VFL state the only AFL rookie selected Coburg Tiger Andrew Horne, selectors, coach Gerard FitzGerald in the team. It was the second Casey Scorpion James Wall and chairman of selectors Bruce successive season he had and Williamstown’s Davis, chose the team. been chosen. and David Stretton also gain Davis said in choosing the Davis said the selectors also their fi rst team of the year team he and FitzGerald asked all endeavoured to pick at least honours, while Werribee Tiger clubs to nominate their top three one player from every team, with capped a to fi ve players. three teams – Bendigo Bombers, stellar debut VFL season with He said clubs were also Collingwood and – his selection. asked to select each nominated not represented.

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 1515 VFL TEAM OF THE YEAR

ANDREW HORNE (Coburg Represented the VFL against players who can change the Tigers): In his second year with SA and was one of the reasons course of a match. Coburg, this hard-working small for North Ballarat’s success. MARCUS MARIGLIANI made a telling impact. Played A prolifi c possession winner. (Frankston): Finally gained the every game, took on more DAVID STRETTON recognition he has long deserved. responsibility and rarely failed (Williamstown): Has progressed The hard-running Dolphins to deliver. Versatility allowed dramatically since winning the midfi elder was unlucky to miss him to play in the back half or A. Todd Medal for best reserves state selection, but his tireless the midfi eld. player in 2006. Earned VFL state work-rate helped take Frankston JARROD SILVESTER (Coburg honours this season. Dashing to a semi-fi nal. Tigers): Second successive team wingman who thoroughly MICHAEL BARLOW (Werribee of the year honours. Richmond deserved his team of the year Tigers): Created huge impression rookie player who was one of the selection. in his fi rst season in the VFL after best defenders in the competition. BRETT JOHNSON being recruited from Shepparton. Coburg missed his calm, (Williamstown): Now in his Youngest player in the team of polished approach at the second season as Williamstown the year. Played every game end of the season. captain. Also captained the VFL with Werribee. Attacks the ball, ANDY BIDDLECOMBE team. Stylish midfi elder who rarely dangerous around goals. (Sandringham): Returns to the wastes a possession. Third team NICHOLAS SAUTNER team of the year after his initial of the year selection. Runner-up in (Sandringham): Makes his eighth selection in 2006. The Zebras’ Liston Trophy. appearance in the team of the ‘Mr Reliable’ in defence. Plays TOM ROACH (North Ballarat): year in a season when he won an the percentages extremely well Emerged as a quality run and eighth Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal. and can shut down an opponent, carry player whose speed If anything, he’s getting better while also providing run from the enabled him to run the lines and with age. Now the seventh highest back half. become a very damaging player. goalkicker in VFA/VFL history. LIAM PICKEN (Williamstown): His best season also earned him ROBIN NAHAS (Port Melbourne): Enjoyed a breakthrough year VFL state selection. Exciting young player who in his fourth season with the PAUL KENNEDY (Frankston): took all before him this season. Seagulls. Became one of Aged 30 and along with James Represented the VFL and won Williamstown’s prime defenders, Byrne the eldest player in the Frank Johnson Medal as showcasing his ability to shut the team of the year. Former the best Victorian player, won down key opposition players. Sandringham premiership player the Fothergill-Round Medal as JOHN BAIRD (Port Melbourne): whose ferocious attack on the ball most talented young player in the Regarded by many as one of the wins him plenty of possessions competition and fi nished top-fi ve best players in the competition. and the admiration of his peers. on the goalkicking ladder. Enhanced his reputation in a new JAMES PODSIADLY (Werribee ORREN STEPHENSON (North midfi eld role this year, taking his Tigers): One of the most Ballarat): Much improved game to a new level. Third team of popular winners of the Liston ruckman who enjoyed his fi nest the year selection. Trophy in recent times. A VFL season with the Roosters. BRETT GOODES (North representative for a third time to Improved his ruck work and Ballarat): The younger brother match this, his third team of the marking around the ground. of dual Brownlow medallist year selection. A powerful mark, Tireless worker who repeatedly Adam emerged as a quality prodigious kick, good below his brings his teammates into player in his own right. knees and one of the few VFL the match.

16 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD VFL TEAM OF THE YEAR

TOBY PINWILL (Port COACH the Borough to the top of the Melbourne): Emerged as one of (Port Melbourne): ladder at the end of the home Port Melbourne’s key players. Highly decorated Hawthorn and away season, the fi rst Relished a midfi eld role where his champion who coached a time a stand-alone club has strong work around the ball and combined 200-plus games at accomplished the feat. Put great his ability to win the clearances Geelong and Adelaide. In his fi rst faith in his players and they set up his teammates. Strong season at Port Melbourne, took responded with a stunning season. hands, reads play well. PETER SUMMERS (Sandringham): Zebras captain who fi nished equal second in the 2008 VFL Liston Trophy. Missed state match TEAM OF THE YEAR through injury, but his consistent form throughout the year earned him his second straight team of the year honours. JAMES BYRNE (Geelong): B: Andrew Horne Jarrod Silvester Andrew Biddlecombe Retiring Geelong captain. One of COBURG TIGERS COBURG TIGERS SANDRINGHAM the fi nest ambassadors the VFL has had in recent years. Earned team of the year selection in each HB: Liam Picken John Baird Brett Goodes of his fi ve seasons with the Cats. WILLIAMSTOWN PORT MELBOURNE NORTH BALLARAT Will be remembered as one of the best players of the past decade. JAMES WALL (Casey David Stretton Brett Johnson Tom Roach Scorpions): Much-improved C: WILLIAMSTOWN WILLIAMSTOWN NORTH BALLARAT defender who represented the VFL against SA. Held down key defensive post with distinction all Paul Kennedy James Podsiadly Marcus Marigliani year for the Scorpions. HF: FRANKSTON WERRIBEE TIGERS FRANKSTON STEVE KENNA (Box Hill Hawks): Returns to the team of the year for his second time, fi ve years after he was fi rst selected. F: Michael Barlow Robin Nahas WERRIBEE TIGERS SANDRINGHAM PORT MELBOURNE Represented the VFL against SA. Quality rover who continually racks up possessions and uses the ball to advantage. R: Orren Stephenson Toby Pinwill Peter Summers ADAM IACOBUCCI (Northern NORTH BALLARAT PORT MELBOURNE SANDRINGHAM Bullants): Former Collingwood player who has made it back-to- INT: James Byrne James Wall Steve Kenna Adam Iacobucci back selections in the team of the GEELONG CASEY SCORPIONS BOX HILL HAWKS NORTHERN BULLANTS year. Added versatility to his game COACH: Gary Ayres this season, showcasing an ability PORT MELBOURNE to push into defence.

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 1717 STATISTICS statistics

QUARTER-FINALS QUARTER-FINALS FINAL LADDER P W L D F A % PTS Geelong Falcons 4.0 4.3 4.4 7.8 (50) Oakleigh Chargers 1.5 2.11 4.15 6.20 (56) 19 17 2 0 2057 1245 165.22 68 GOALS: Geelong Falcons - Delaney 2, Rounds, Cunnington, Hughes, Dandenong Stingrays 19 13 6 0 1845 1551 118.96 52 Bucovaz, MacKenzie. Geelong Falcons 19 12 7 0 1893 1480 127.91 48 Oakleigh Chargers - Nicolopoulos 2, Scipione 2, Gotch, Kilpin. BEST: Geelong Falcons - Rounds, Lynch, Delaney, MacKenzie, Cunnington, Jull. North Ballarat Rebels 19 12 7 0 1621 1417 114.40 48 Oakleigh Chargers - Hannebery, Gotch, Strauss, Shuey, Purcell, Thompson. 19 11 8 0 1754 1437 122.06 44 North Ballarat Rebels 5.4 7.7 7.8 12.10 (82) Oakleigh Chargers 19 11 8 0 1735 1485 116.84 44 Gippsland Power 3.3 10.6 13.11 15.13 (103) 19 11 8 0 1562 1641 95.19 44 GOALS: North Ballarat Rebels - Ruffles 5, Radley 3, Suban 2, Astbury 2. Eastern Ranges 19 11 8 0 1523 1639 92.92 44 Gippsland Power - Butcher 3, Donchi 2, Francis 2, Heyne 2, Blair, Carr, Heath, Weston, Hoghton, Stevens. 19 6 13 0 1488 1884 78.98 24 BEST: North Ballarat Rebels - Ruffles, Linke, Roughead, Peters, Hooper, George. Gippsland Power - Butcher, Blair, Heath, Stevens, Lehman, Francis. Bendigo Pioneers 19 5 14 0 1483 1932 76.76 20 19 5 14 0 1368 1786 76.60 20 Dandenong Stingrays 4.5 5.9 10.13 14.13 (97) Western Jets 1.2 3.4 5.4 14.10 (94) 19 3 16 0 1399 1707 81.96 12 GOALS: Dandenong Stingrays - Pitt 3, Purves 2, Scully 2, Sienkiewicz, Rogasch, Doria, Clark, Ferraro, Smith, Hunter. GOALKICKERS (PROGRESSIVE) KICKS QUARTER-FINALS Western Jets - Banner 4, Lunardi 3, Post 2, Carroll, Casley, Di Martino, Aloi, McKenzie. Tom Rockliff Murray 51 (4) Mitchell Banner Western 33 BEST: Dandenong Stingrays - Scully, Gaertner, Sienkiewicz, Clark, Ferraro, Pitt. Michael Still Northern 41 (-) Kade Klemke Murray 24 Western Jets - Post, Tighe, Sherlock, Casley, Fortune, Halloran. Aaron Purves Dandenong 38 (2) Matt Kilpin Oakleigh 21 Murray Bushrangers 2.5 5.9 12.15 14.17 (101) John Butcher Gippsland 35 (3) Matthew Wall Oakleigh 20 Eastern Ranges 4.1 7.3 10.4 13.9 (87) Jayden Hoegel Oakleigh 34 (-) Jordan Robbins Western 20 GOALS: Murray Bushrangers - Rockliff 4, Sidebottom 3, Ziebell 3, Mahoney, Nicholas Heyne Gippsland 33 (2) Murray 19 Mangan, Duryea, Sheahan. Eastern Ranges - Shiels 3, Cass 3, Moore 2, La Marca, Gysberts, O’Keefe, Geelong 32 (-) Western 19 Harding, Sloane. Tim Ruffles North Ballarat 32 (4) Russell Lehman Gippsland 18 BEST: Murray Bushrangers - Sidebottom, Ziebell, Mahoney, Klemke, Martiniello, Bryce. Mitchell Banner Western 18 Serhat Temel Calder 29 (-) Eastern Ranges - Renton, Brown, Scott, Purcell, Shiels, Gysberts. Sam Wright Murray 29 (-) Koby Stevens Gippsland 17 John Nicolopoulos Oakleigh 29 (2) Brett Mahoney Murray 17 Oakleigh’s Mat Bryce Carroll Western 28 (1) Bryn Weadon North Ballarat 17 Wall was part of the Chargers’ thrilling Jack Fitzpatrick Western 27 (-) Matt Kilpin Oakleigh 17 quarter-fi nal win over the Geelong MARKS QUARTER-FINALS HANDBALLS QUARTER-FINALS Falcons.

Jayden Post Western 15 Oakleigh 16

Brett Mahoney Murray 11 Jayden Post Western 16 Xavier Gotch Oakleigh 15 Western 11 Luke Shuey Oakleigh 15 John Butcher Gippsland 10 Dandenong 13

Jayden Post Western 10 Ben Cunnington Geelong 13

Mitchell Banner Western 9 Jordie McKenzie Geelong 13

Andrew Moore Eastern 8 Harry Croft Oakleigh 13 Xavier Gotch Oakleigh 13 Geelong 8 Dandenong 12 Daniel Jull Geelong 8 Geelong 12

Steele Sidebottom Murray 8 Ben Peters North Ballarat 12

Jordan Lisle Oakleigh 8 James Strauss Oakleigh 12

18 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD STATISTICS

SEMI-FINALS Dandenong Stingrays 2.3 3.4 8.6 10.8 (68) Gippsland Power 1.2 4.5 6.6 8.13 (61) GOALS: Dandenong Stingrays - Pitt 3, Doria 3, Bastinac, Purves, Clark, Hallahan. Gippsland Power - Heyne 4, Blair, Weston, Donchi, Lehman. BEST: Dandenong Stingrays - Gaertner, Wragg, Gillies, Heddles, Doria, Pitt. Gippsland Power - Sing, Blair, McLinden, Francis, Heyne, Butcher.

Murray Bushrangers 3.1 9.5 9.8 14.12 (96) Oakleigh Chargers 2.9 4.10 7.14 7.16 (58) GOALS: Murray Bushrangers - Rockliff 4, Wright 2, Mangan 2, Sidebottom, Browne, Hamilton, Martiniello, Craven, Ziebell. Oakleigh Chargers - Burstin 2, Shuey 2, Gotch, Van Unen, Nicolopoulos. BEST: Murray Bushrangers - Rockliff, Mangan, Sidebottom, Birthisel, Bryce, Hamilton. Oakleigh Chargers - Strauss, Shuey, Gotch, Purcell, Thompson, Croft.

GOALKICKERS (PROGRESSIVE) KICKS SEMI-FINALS

Tom Rockliff Murray 55 (4) James Strauss Oakleigh 21 Michael Still Northern 41 (-) Tristan Francis Gippsland 17 Gippsland 17 Aaron Purves Dandenong 38 (-) Michael Stockdale Matthew Clark Dandenong 16 Nicholas Heyne Gippsland 37 (4) Tom Rockliff Murray 16 John Butcher Gippsland 35 (-) Steele Sidebottom Murray 16 Jayden Hoegel Oakleigh 34 (-) Shane Savage Dandenong 15 Patrick Dangerfield Geelong 32 (-) Nick Sing Gippsland 15 Tim Ruffles North Ballarat 32 (-) Sam Wright Murray 15 Sam Wright Murray 31 (2) Koby Stevens Gippsland 14 John Nicolopoulos Oakleigh 30 (1) Murray 14 Dan Hannebery Oakleigh 14 Serhat Temel Calder 29 (-) Luke Shuey Oakleigh 14 Bryce Carroll Western 28 (-) Jarryd Blair Gippsland 13 Jack Fitzpatrick Western 27 (-) Ricky Ferraro Dandenong 12 Rhys Healey Bendigo 26 (-) Ashley Smith Dandenong 12 Ricky Ferraro Dandenong 26 (-) John Butcher Gippsland 12 Jayden Cass Eastern 26 (-) Nicholas Heyne Gippsland 12

MARKS SEMI-FINALS HANDBALLS SEMI-FINALS

Nicholas Heyne Gippsland 8 Tom Scully Dandenong 16 Koby Stevens Gippsland 8 Will Martiniello Murray 16 Tom Gillies Dandenong 7 Xavier Gotch Oakleigh 15 John Butcher Gippsland 7 Luke Shuey Oakleigh 14 Riley Milne Murray 7 Dan Hannebery Oakleigh 12 Matthew Clark Dandenong 6 Steven Gaertner Dandenong 11 Aaron Purves Dandenong 6 Tom Gillies Dandenong 11 Tom Rockliff Murray 6 Jarryd Blair Gippsland 11 Sam Wright Murray 6 Riley Milne Murray 11 Shane Savage Dandenong 5 Luke Andrews Oakleigh 11 Tom Scully Dandenong 5 Matthew Clark Dandenong 10 Dean Woodhead Tristan Francis Gippsland 5 Dandenong 10 looks to dish Brad Mangan Murray 5 Josh Hamilton Murray 10 the ball off in Chris Doria Dandenong 4 Brett Mahoney Murray 10 Gippsland’s seven- Michael Hibberd Dandenong 4 Dylan McNeil Murray 10 point semi-fi nal loss Ashley Smith Dandenong 4 Farran Priest Murray 10 to Dandenong. Jarryd Blair Gippsland 4 Tom Rockliff Murray 10

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 1919 TAC CUP CLUB NOTES TAC Cup club notes

Dandenong Stingray Dandenong Stingrays Chris Doria and his The Stingrays would teammates will be looking to upset the like to thank a number Murray Bushrangers of groups of people for their in this afternoon’s assistance throughout the 2008 Grand Final. season. The competition sponsor, the TAC, the club sponsors and the player sponsors have been fantastic in their support of the club and its programs. The Stingrays staff have been wonderful supporting the players, the club and the program we run. The players, extremely well led by captains Rick Ferraro and Paul Rogasch have been diligent and committed to their own development and all team aspects of the club. Last but most importantly, the parents of the Stingrays players who have supported their sons throughout the year and have been a most committed group when it comes to supporting the program. Thank you everyone for making 2008 a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Bendigo Pioneers The Pioneers would like to congratulate Mark Ellis on his selection as coach of the 2008 TAC Cup Team of the Year and Kallen Geary on his selection in the Team of the Year.

Watch out for TAC Cup Talk each week on Ford’s theoval.com.au. The show features all the latest TAC Cup news, with hosts Dwayne Russell and Nigel Carmody previewing the coming matches.

20 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD TAC CUP CLUB NOTES

We would also like to North Ballarat Rebels Harry Croft gave congratulate the following 2008 The North Ballarat the Chargers award winners – Best and Fairest Rebels would like plenty of dash in winner: Kallen Geary; Best and to thank all players, their semi-fi nal loss to the Murray Fairest runner-up: Torin Petrie; parents, staff and supporters Bushrangers. Goalkicking: Rhys Healey; Best for all their support during the Team Player: Lee Coghlan; 2008 TAC Cup season. A football Coaches’ Award: Torin Petrie; club cannot function with such Most Disciplined: Damon Byrne; great support. Trainers Award: Julian Lockwood; Good luck to the eight Rebels Most Defi ning Moment: players invited to attend the NAB Jordan Florance; Most Improved: AFL Draft Camp and the state Lee Coghlan; John Turner screening session next week. Memorial Best Clubman: Hopefully, it will be the fi rst step Ken Gilbee. for them in a successful and We at the Pioneers would also rewarding football career. like to thank everyone involved in It was great to see the Roosters the club in 2008 for their fantastic make it to the VFL Grand Final commitment. Your support is and we wish ‘Fitz’ and his players much appreciated. all the best this Friday night.

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TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 2121 TAC CUP COACH OF THE YEAR

Mark Ellis has him pulling in the same direction. promoted “The same award could go to the TAC Cup development any of the (TAC Cup) coaches.” philosophy in AFL Victoria High Performance his four years Manager Anton Grbac said the as Bendigo Pioneers coach. TAC Cup Coach Of The Year was assessed on multifaceted criteria. Grbac said the competition’s development focus meant the Coach of the Year was not necessarily the coach with the most wins at the end of the year. He said Ellis was recognised p a r t l y b e c a u s e h e c o n t i n u a l l y promoted the TAC Cup’s philosophy. “We took into consideration the list the coach had, where he took that list, how he presented game day and how he progressed the program,” Grbac said. “What also impressed us about Mark is that he took on board the philosophy about being a development coach. We believe in the past couple of years he’s got the utmost out of his players.” COACHING Ellis gains immense satisfaction from helping players maximise their ability in the TAC Cup and in PIONEER their future football careers. While it was pleasing to see EllisEllis TACTAC CupCup CCoachoach ooff tthehe YYearear players succeed in the AFL, it was just as rewarding to see For those who have followed named after legendary TAC Cup them return to their local club Mark Ellis’ four-year tenure and Vic Metro coach Keith Burns. and community, he said. as Bendigo Pioneers coach, it “We have a tremendous group “Really, you just want to help would come as no surprise he of people within our organisation,” kids exit the program better views his 2008 TAC Cup Coach Ellis said. players and better people of the Year award as a victory “I look at this (TAC Cup Coach regardless of what level they for the club not just himself. of the Year) as an award for the play,” Ellis said. Ellis was quick to credit the role club not just an award for me as Mark Ellis strives to ensure the Pioneers’ assistant coaches, head coach. that happens with every player management and staff had played “One person can’t do it. who goes through the Bendigo in him picking up the award He needs everyone around Pioneers’ program.

22 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD TAC CUP HONOUR ROLL TAC Cup honour roll GRAND FINAL SCORES TAC COACHES’ AWARD 1992-2007 1992-2008

1992 Geelong Falcons 18.16.124 d Western Jets 12.10.82 1992 Brad Smith Northern Knights 1993 Angelo Lekkas Northern Knights 1993 Northern Knights 32.10.202 d Western Jets 18.11.119 1994 Jason McFarlane Gippsland Power 1994 Northern Knights 16.21.117 d Geelong Falcons 15.13.103 1995 Jason Snell Eastern Ranges 1995 Northern Knights 12.20.92 d Eastern Ranges 7.21.63 1996 Tim Finocchiaro Eastern Ranges 1996 Northern Knights 15.15.105 d NSW/ACT RAMS 14.6.90 1997 Matthew Bernes 1997 Nth Ballarat Rebels 16.15.111 d Dandenong Stingrays 10.16.76 1998 Steven Hazelman Gippsland Power 1998 Murray Bushrangers 17.18.120 d Geelong Falcons 12.12.84 1999 Gippsland Power 1999 Sandringham Dragons 16.8.104 d Gippsland Power 8.6.54 2000 Paul Carson Western Jets 2001 2000 Geelong Falcons 18.16.124 d Eastern Ranges 15.12.102 Bradley Miller Western Jets Russell Grigg Bendigo Pioneers 2001 Calder Cannons 16.14.110 d Bendigo Pioneers 10.13.73 2002 Blake Grima Eastern Ranges 2002 Eastern Ranges 10.5.65 d Calder Cannons 9.10. 64 2003 Bendigo Pioneers 2003 Calder Cannons 16.14.110 d Murray Bushrangers 2.6.18 2004 Northern Knights 2004 Calder Cannons 19.20.134 d Eastern Ranges 9.10.64 2005 Richard Douglas Calder Cannons 2005 Gippsland Power 12.9. 81 d Dandenong Stingrays 10.6.66 2006 Andrew Horne Calder Cannons 2006 Oakleigh Chargers 19.16.130 d Calder Cannons 16.7.103 2007 Northern Knights 2007 Calder Cannons 14.20.104 d Murray Bushrangers 7.12.54 2008 Rory Sloane Eastern Ranges

MORRISH MEDAL WINNERS TAC MEDALLIST GRAND FINAL BEST ON GROUND 1992-2008 1992-2007 1992 Brad Smith Northern Knights 30 1992 Daniel Fletcher Geelong Falcons 1993 Dean Watson Southern Stingrays 25 1993 Shannon Gibson Northern Knights 1994 Northern Knights 17 1994 Anthony Rocca Northern Knights 1995 Geelong Falcons 26 1995 Northern Knights 1996 Nathan Brown Bendigo Pioneers 21 1996 Matthew Harrison NSW/ACT RAMS 1997 Derek Murray Murray Bushrangers 20 1997 Nth Ballarat Rebels 1998 NSW/ACT RAMS 21 1998 Michael Stevens Murray Bushrangers 1999 Matthew Stolarczyk Gippsland Power 21 1999 Dylan Smith Prahran Dragons 2000 Calder Cannons 25 2000 Geelong Falcons 2001 Jordan Barham Calder Cannons 2001 David Rodan Calder Cannons 29 2002 Stephen Dinnell Eastern Ranges 2002 Luke Shackleton Tassie Mariners 22 2003 Brock McLean Calder Cannons 2003 Mungara Brown Northern Knights 25 2004 Jesse D. Smith Calder Cannons 2004 Eastern Ranges 21 2005 Gippsland Power 2005 Fortunato Caruso Calder Cannons 22 2006 Fortunato Caruso Calder Cannons 22 2006 Dean Kelly Oakleigh Chargers

2007 Matthew Kreuzer Northern Knights 19 2007 Ashley Arrowsmith Calder Cannons 2008 Jarryd Blair Gippsland Power 18 Farran Priest Murray Bushrangers 18

VICTORIAN U18 ALL-AUSTRALIANS 2008 2008 AIS-AFL ACADEMY SQUAD

Nick Suban Vic Country Vic Country Trent McKenzie Vic Metro Michael Hurley Vic Metro Lucas Cook Vic Country Vic Metro

Jordan Lisle Vic Metro Vic Country Tom Nicholls Vic Metro David Zaharakis Vic Metro Koby Stevens Vic Country Kyle Hartigan Vic Metro Tom Scully Vic Metro Jack Hutchins Vic Metro Jordan Gysberts Vic Metro Joshua Toy Tyrone Vickery Vic Metro Vic Metro Vic Metro Jack Ziebell Vic Country Shaun McKernan Vic Metro Steele Sidebottom Vic Country

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 2323 VFL GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

Port Melbourne, one of the League’s most successful clubs, can end its longest premiership Borough to drought at the expense of North Ballarat, which is chasing its fi rst VFL fl ag. end the pain The Borough have enjoyed their most successful season since the halcyon days of the early 1980s. Port Melbourne should win a tight one It has been an exasperating time for Port Melbourne since it won successive premierships from Toby Pinwill’s North Ballarat 1980-82, coming up empty in its ability to impose will be hoping himself at the key playmaker past four Grand Final appearances clearances will Brett Goodes – 1987 (against Springvale), 1993 be crucial to Port fi r e s t o n i g h t . (Werribee), 2002 (Geelong) and Melbourne’s chances tonight. 2004 (Sandringham). Port would become the fi rst VFL stand-alone club to win a fl ag since the competition was revamped in 2000. As a stand- alone club, North Ballarat made the Grand Final in 2000, but was no match for Sandringham. Port Melbourne has won its past seven games and North Ballarat its past four. Both have enjoyed dominant seasons. Port won 18 games, dropping just one match after round six (a 26-point loss to Frankston). North Ballarat also won 18 games, losing only two after the mid-point of the season (to the Northern Bullants and, signifi cantly, Port). Port Melbourne won by 21 points when these two sides met in round 10 for the only time this season. That match was at TEAC Oval, where Port Melbourne was 12-0 this season. Telstra Dome presents an intriguing intangible to the Grand Final. Which team will adapt better to the surface and playing at night under lights?

24 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD VFL GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

Importantly, both teams will Sharkey, Jacob Spolding and opponent for Dylan McLaren or have signifi cant inclusions. North Orren Stephenson – who have David Fanning. Ballarat was without its bookends played every match. North Ballarat’s attack relies on when it last met Port: captain and Port Melbourne has 12 with contributions from many, but North full-back Shaune Moloney and full- 20-plus games, with fi ve – John Melbourne players Josh Smith and forward Josh Smith. Baird, Adrian Bonaddio, Stephen Michael Wundke are the primary And Port Melbourne was Brewer, Robin Nahas and Toby go-to players. missing dual Liston Trophy winner Pinwill – playing every match. Smith and Wundke have David Robbins, ruckman David North Ballarat’s strength – its both kicked more than 40 goals Fanning and livewire forward defence – is built around Feery, this season. Luke Livingston Jonathan Mullins. Searl and Sharkey and Moloney. will likely stand Smith, while Port Melbourne’s success Moloney had one of his rare poor Matthew Smith is the ideal has been built on a hard-running, games last week, but is likely to match up for Wundke. free-fl owing style, while North match up on Adrian Bonaddio, North Ballarat relies heavily on Ballarat has built a tight defence whose aggressive attack on the Brett Goodes, Tom Roach and that suffocates the opposition and Stephen Clifton for its midfi eld limits scoring opportunities. drive. Goodes and Roach are Port kicked 20 or more goals It promises to be enjoying strong years, as is Port’s seven times; North Ballarat did it a terrifi c Grand ‘‘ Toby Pinwill, whose strength at the on just three occasions. stoppages and ability to win the The Roosters restricted Final, but Port clearances has taken his game to opponents to 10 goals or fewer 10 Melbourne will a new level. times; Port Melbourne seven. likely have too Pinwill is well supported by Both reached the Grand Final ‘‘ veterans Ryan McMahon and by defeating the same opponents. many winners Luke Cotchett as well as Chris Port Melbourne thumped Cain and Robbins. Werribee by 74 points in its over the ground. But it’s John Baird who has qualifying fi nal and then posted a been the architect of much of confi dence-boosting 21-point win ball and contested marking makes Port’s success. Baird is a big- over Williamstown in its preliminary him a pivotal player for Port. game player. He won the Norm fi nal, rallying from a 24-point half- When Bonaddio is not marking, Goss Medal as best on ground in time defi cit. he is crashing through pack the Box Hill Hawks’ 2001 Grand North Ballarat defeated situations and bringing the ball to Final win. Williamstown by 20 points in its ground, where speedsters Robin Myles Sewell may be given the qualifying fi nal and then survived Nahas and Jonathan Mullins are task of subduing Baird in what a spirited late-game challenge lethal. They can kick goals and shapes as a crucial role. to topple Werribee in last week’s apply pressure to cause turnovers. Orren Stephenson, a VFL preliminary fi nal by 12 points. Matthew Sharkey and Dan representative and Team of the Both clubs bring settled line- Feery are likely to be assigned Year ruckman, faces Port’s ruck ups into the match. North Ballarat Nahas and Mullins respectively. duo of Fanning and McLaren and has 13 players who have played They are excellent players and will need to be on top of his game. more than 20 games this season neither will be intimidated by the It promises to be a terrifi c including eight – Dan Feery, big occasion. Grand Final, but Port Melbourne Marc Greig, Paul McMahon, Tom Searl, one of the best defenders looks to have too many winners all Roach, Michael Searl, Matthew in the competition, is a likely over the ground to be stopped.

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 2525 VFL PLAYER PROFILES

Port Melbourne

LUKE COTCHETT DAVID ROBBINS two seasons ago and hasn’t 2008 games: 17 2008 games: 20 (130) missed a game for the (136 career total) 2008 goals: 2 (59) Borough. Brings good defensive 2008 goals: 27 (103) Dual Liston Trophy skills and rebound to the Inspirational Port Melbourne winner and no stranger to the big back half. Plays above captain who played in the stage. Hard-working on-baller who his height. Borough’s last Grand Final, is very effective at clearances. ironically under Gerard FitzGerald Provides plenty of run, drive and KURT McGLYNN in 2004. Clever midfi elder/forward links up well. 2008 games: 8 (22) who reads the play well, works 2008 goals: 1 (5) extremely hard defensively, uses LUKE LIVINGSTON Busy rover who is the ball to advantage and always 2008 games: 20 (93) extremely hard at the contest. gives his all. 2008 goals: 2 (16) Leaves nothing in the tank. Former Carlton player Endures plenty of punishment, DAVID PITT who is Port Melbourne’s defensive but relishes the bone- 2008 games: 20 (167) general. Consistent player who crunching situations. 2008 goals: 26 (273) is extremely good in one-on-one Most experienced situations, plays the percentages TOBY PINWILL player in the Grand Final. well and closes down key 2008 games: 22 (58) Began with Springvale, but moved opponents. 2008 goals: 16 (25) to Port Melbourne in 2004. Proven One of the most big-game performer who is CORY McGRATH improved players in the strong above his head. Primarily 2008 games: 21 (79) competition. Played every game, a marking forward, but can play 2008 goals: 3 (32) earning his fi rst VFL Team Of on a wing or in defence. Former Carlton player The Year selection. Strong body who has made a telling impact makes him hard to shift in one-on- JONATHAN MULLINS in this his fi rst season at Port one duels. 2008 games: 12 (35) Melbourne. Complements a 2008 goals: 24 (46) formidable defence with his PATRICK HASSETT Live-wire forward poise, balance and decision 2008 games: 9 (16) who crossed to Port making. Rarely fl ustered and 2008 goals: 6 (6) Melbourne this season after two a key playmaker. Former Box Hill seasons with Coburg. Took time Hawk in his fi rst season at Port to break into the seniors, but STEPHEN BREWER Melbourne. Broke into team cemented his position in the second 2008 games: 22 (69) midway through the season and half of ’08. Explosively quick, 2008 goals: 1 (6) has held his spot. A good link dangerous around goal and can Underrated player player, who provides run and make something out of nothing. who crossed from Williamstown uses the ball well.

26 TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD VFL PLAYER PROFILES

RYAN McMAHON Kicked match-turning goal in forward but can also be 2008 games: 19 (147) the preliminary fi nal. used as a pinch-hitter in attack. 2008 goals: 15 (82) In his ninth season ADRIAN BONADDIO CHRIS CAIN with Port Melbourne, will play 2008 games: 22 (43) 2008 games: 22 (30) in his fi rst Grand Final. Hard 2008 goals: 55 (80) 2008 goals: 27 (30) at the contest and wins plenty Powerful, marking Enjoyed a break- of clearances. Vital cog in full-forward whose attack through season. The hard-running Port’s midfi eld. On-fi eld on the football is midfi elder has developed into fi ne leadership invaluable. uncompromising. Always player under coach Gary Ayres’ provides a contest and his tutelage. Runs hard, is a fi ne mark JOHN BAIRD strong body work brings his and uses the ball well. 2008 games: 22 (107) smaller teammates into play. 2008 goals: 20 (35) DAVID FANNING Former North ROBIN NAHAS 2008 games: 17 (58) Melbourne player who played in 2008 games: 22 (58) 2008 goals: 17 (27) Port’s 2004 Grand Final team. 2008 goals: 49 (79) The Borough’s No. Won Norm Goss Medal for best Enjoyed stunning 1 ruckman, whose work at player in 2001 Grand Final when third VFL season, gaining fi rst stoppages and around the at Box Hill. Crucial to Port’s state selection, and winning the ground has been pivotal to success. Enjoyed dominant Frank Johnson Medal for best Port’s success. Can also push season after pushing from his Victorian player against South into attack. usual defensive position into Australia and the Fothergill- the midfi eld. Round Medal. Explosively quick JARROD DALTON and a good fi nisher. Potential 2008 games: 14 (15) BO NIXON game-breaker. 2008 goals: 4 (4) 2008 games: 17 (72) Second season at 2008 goals: 3 (22) DYLAN McLAREN Port. Only played one match last Spent time on 2008 games: 19 (42) season, but broke into seniors at both Hawthorn’s and 2008 goals: 16 (35) the start of the season and then Collingwood’s lists. Reliable, Former Brisbane and fought his way back late in the consistent player who can play Carlton ruckman who has enjoyed season. An athletic, tall utility. a variety of roles. Good mark a consistent fi rst season at Port. with clean skills. Works in tandem with David SAM PLEMING Fanning. Adds another marking 2008 games 20 (91) SAM DWYER target to Port’s attack. 2008 goals: 1 (26) 2008 games: 20 (34) Former Carlton 2008 goals: 22 (29) MATTHEW SMITH player who has enjoyed an Winner of the A. 2008 games: 20 (57) outstanding season. A leader Todd Medal last year for the 2008 goals: 6 (63) in defence with his ability to VFL Reserves best and fairest. Underrated defender shut down an opponent, read Cemented a senior spot this who is strong in the air and the play and set up attacking season, adding depth to the ferocious in his attack on the moves. Strong in the air and at midfi eld and potency up forward. ball. Takes key opposition ground level.

TAC CUP AND VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 2727