Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
4 November 2015: Tony Mirabella Appointed as League Coach
The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Mirabella as League Coach for the 2016 season.
Tony joins the club from Collie Eagles in the South West Football League, where he has played since 2014. In 2014, Tony was Collie’s leading goal kicker, booting 57 goals in 18 games (including a bag of 9 goals vs Donnybrook). Tony also played in the South West Football League’s carnival side, which won the Division 1 Grand Final. Tony sustained a knee injury early in 2015 that kept him on the sidelines for much of the season, but it did provide him with the opportunity to act as Collie Eagles’ assistant coach for the season.
Prior to joining Collie, Tony hailed from country Victoria, playing for Springbank Tigers and Waubra Roos (both in the Central Highlands Football League), and then in 2013 for Hasting Blues in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League. During that time, he was his club’s leading goal kicker, booting almost 50 goals in 2011, more than 60 goals in 2012 and more than 50 goals for Hastings in 2013.
Tony was also a regular inclusion in inter-league representative sides, and was chosen in the MPNFL’s Team of the Year in 2013.
Tony knows what it takes to achieve success, having played in a premiership side at Waubra Roos, and he is keen to transfer that knowledge to help the Saints in the push for a premiership in 2016.
The Club will be holding a “Meet and Greet” session on Friday 20th November 2015 at 6:30pm, and all players and supporters are invited to come along to the clubrooms to meet our new League coach.
4 December 2015: Alan Rothall RIP
The Club is deeply saddened to advise of the passing of Alan Rothall this morning. Alan and his wife Kaye are the owners of Odin Tavern, and have been long time supporters and valued sponsors of the Club. Our deepest sympathies go to Kaye and family, and all employees at the Odin. Alan is a true gentleman and he will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace.
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
18 February 2016: Guy Zaiti Awarded WAAFL Life Membership
The Club is proud to announce that one of its greatest and most influential members, Guy Zaiti, has been awarded Life Membership to the West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL). The award was endorsed by the WAAFL at its AGM held on Wednesday 17 February 2016.
Guy joined the Club when AICA (the predecessor to Balcatta AFC) was formed in 1980, and he played 26 games between 1980 and 1983. However, after his playing career was cut short from injuries, Guy's most valued contribution to the Club began in 1984, when he turned his attention to off-field duties. Guy took on multiple roles of League Team Manager, Colts Team Manager, Property Manager and Registrar, and quickly became the backbone of the Club’s off-field operations. Guy would consistently make sure the guernseys were ready for each game, the water bottles were filled and distributed, and pretty much every other task that some take for granted, but are essential in making a club run efficiently.
Guy continued his duties for the Club for a number of years, and in 1989, he had the distinction of being the first person awarded with Life Membership to the AICA Football Club. In addition to him being awarded Club Life Membership, he has also been awarded the Club Service Award on two occasions - in 1999 and 2010. Guy has been an integral part of the Club for 37 years, and he is the epitome of what an amateur football club needs to survive.
In addition to his duties at Club level, Guy was nominated for Life Membership to the WAAFL for his continual service to WAAFL representative sides since 1998, in numerous team support roles such as runner, property manager, assistant manager and water. Guy is an exceptional and reliable volunteer who goes about his role with minimum fuss.
Guy is the first person from Stirling AFC to have been awarded Life Membership to the WAAFL. However, the Osborne Park Football Club previously had six club members who were awarded Life Membership to former West Australian Football Association (WAFA), including Albert Antulov (1967), Kevin Beaver (1973), Geoff Wade (1976), Cliff Guelfi (1976), Bruce Arlow (1980) and Bevan Beaver (1987).
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
8 March 2016 Jonathan Milner
The Club would like to wish Jonathon Milner the best of luck for a speedy recovery, after he sustained serious injuries in a car crash on Sunday morning.
Jonathon was the passenger in a vehicle that left the roadway and collided with a tree along the Northam- Pithara Road, about 15 km outside of Northam. The collision sadly resulted in the death of the driver, Brendan Thompson.
Jonathon and Brendan were returning to Perth from the wheatbelt town of Beacon, where they had been training with the local footy club.
We are all praying that Jonathon gets better and is able to return to full health as soon as possible. The Club also wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the Thompson family on their sad loss.
11 March 2016 WAAFL Fixtures Released
The West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) has released fixtures for the upcoming 2016 season.
The Saints will kick off its premiership campaign with a Round 1 clash versus Ocean Ridge Eagles at Heathridge Park on April 9.
This will be followed by two home games against Willetton and Carlisle, with the latter being the first ever game against the two teams.
All clubs will have a mid-season break after Round 8 to coincide with the June long weekend.
The Saints will play four games in six rounds between Rounds 2 and 7, but will finish with just three home games in the last eight weeks, including a final round clash at Noranda's home, Lightning Park.
The Saints have recruited well over the off-season, and are looking forward to making a strong push for finals. The full fixtures are provided on the Fixtures page. Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
9 April 2016 Saints Draw First Blood
The Saints have withstood a tough challenge from Ocean Ridge Eagles to run out 24-point winners in their opening round clash of the 2016 season at Heathridge Park.
The first quarter was an even struggle, with Damien Lloyd kicking the Saints’ first two goals of the season. Ocean Ridge pegged back the margin, but a late goal from league debutante, Tony Continibali, allowed the Saints to grab a narrow break at the first change.
The Saints were provided with some breathing space in the second quarter, when Patrick Travers and Cameron Grover kicking early goals, but Ocean Ridge returned fire again with two goals of their own. A rare goal from defender, Paul O’Neill, who was playing up the ground, allowed the Saints to take a 6-point lead into the main break.
Newly appointed skipper, Aaron Sweet, extended the lead just two minutes into the third term, and when Adam Edwards and Marcus Filocamo goaled midway through the term, the Saints looked set to blow the game open. However, the Eagles stepped up the pressure and tackled strongly to reduce the margin to just 8 points at three quarter time.
Ruckman Sandro Brezar completely dominated the centre bounces in the final term, allowing the Saints midfield to set up numerous entries into the forward 50. Young gun, Matt Cocker, playing his first league game since Round 2 last year, proved the difference early in the term, kicking two goals to put the result beyond the reach of Ocean Ridge.
When Patrick Travers kicked his second goal in the final minute of the game, the margin had extended to 24 points, and the Saints undefeated record against Ocean Ridge remained in tact.
The Saints will play their first home game of the season next week against Willetton Blues, who were narrowly defeated by Carlisle Cougars.
Scoreboard: Stirling 3.3 6.3 9.4 13.8 (86) Ocean Ridge 3.2 5.3 7.8 9.8 (62) Goals: Stirling - Damien Lloyd 3, Matt Cocker 2, Patrick Travers 2, Tony Continibali 1, Adam Edwards 1, Marcus Filocamo 1, Cameron Grover 1, Paul O'Neill 1, Aaron Sweet 1 Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
16 April 2016 Saints Win From Kick After Siren
The Saints have waited until the last kick of the day to secure a one-point victory in their Round 2 clash versus Willetton Blues at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
In the first term, the teams went goal for goal, with playing-coach Tony Mirabella and Stephen Mansfield kicking their first majors for the Saints.
Kicking with a slight wind in the second term, Willetton quickly grabbed the ascendancy and outscored the Saints by 3 goals to 1 to take a 11-point lead heading into the main break. The Saints’ only goal for the term came from the boot of defender Michael Franceschini.
The Saints turned the tables on the Blues in the third term, and were able to control the ball for most of the quarter. Cameron Grover booted the Saints’ first after 5 minutes, and then in a purple patch midway through the term, Rory Muller, Damien Lloyd and Stephen Mansfield allowed the Saints to turn the half time deficit into a 10-point lead at three-quarter time.
Willetton used the breeze again in the final term, and took back the lead after two early goals. However, the Saints were determined not to let go. Tony Mirabella kicked his second goal at the 8-minute mark, before Willetton forced another lead change with 10 minutes to play. Willetton peppered the goals in the final term, but struggled to score a match winning lead, largely in part due to the efforts of Stewart Horton, Matt Carlyon and Michael Franceschini in the back line.
When Tony Mirabella marked and goaled at the 24-minute mark, a draw looked to be the likely result, but Cameron Grover got the next centre clearance, and Tony Mirabella marked the ball 40 metres from goal as the final siren sounded. Despite pushing the kick slightly off target, the ball sailed through the behinds to allow the Saints to grab the narrowest of victories. It was only the second time in the Club’s history that they have won by a solitary point (the last time being versus University in 2001).
The win allows the Saints to jump into third position on ladder, with Noranda and Maddington also undefeated after two rounds. The Saints will now face 5th-placed Carlisle in what will be the first ever encounter between the two clubs.
Scoreboard: Stirling 3.4 4.8 8.13 10.14 (74) Willetton 3.3 6.7 7.9 10.13 (73) Goals: Stirling - Tony Mirabella 3, Damien Lloyd 2, Stephen Mansfield 2, Michael Franceschini 1, Cameron Grover 1, Rory Muller 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
23 April 2016 Saints Surge Past Cougars
A last quarter blitz proved to be the difference in the Round 3 clash versus Carlisle Cougars, as the Saints registered their third consecutive win of the 2016 season.
The Saints – who were wearing black arm bands as a tribute for ANZAC day – got the early jump on the Cougars, with Damien Lloyd and Christian Boskovich kicking early goals. However, two goals within the last three minutes of the first quarter allowed Carlisle to take a narrow 1-point at the quarter time break.
Tony Mirabella and Rory Muller both registered majors within the first five minutes of the second term, and the Saints looked set to pull away. However, the Cougars were equal to the challenge, kicking three goals in four minutes midway through the term to take back control of the game and set up a 9-point half time lead.
Goals were hard to come by in the third term, as both teams struggled to convert inside 50s into scoreboard pressure. The Cougars had a larger share of possession in the third term, but wasted their opportunities in front of goal, largely due to the defensive pressure applied by Matt Carlyon, Stewart Horton and Mitch Reid. A late goal in the third term allowed Carlisle to take a 6-point lead at the final break and set up a tense last quarter.
The Saints completely dominated the final quarter, with Rory Muller providing a number of damaging runs through the middle. Tony Mirabella levelled the scores within the first minute, and then Patty Travers put the Saints ahead with another goal at the five minute mark. Damien Lloyd then kicked three goals in ten minutes to seal the win and ensure the Saints continued their winning form. Damien Lloyd also moved into fifth place on the Saints’ All-time League Goal Kicking list with 187 goals from 99 games, coincidentally overtaking his brother Jeremy Lloyd (183 League goals from 88 League games).
The Saints now move into second place on the ladder behind Maddington Bulls, who are the only other undefeated team after three rounds. The Saints will face 8th placed Bassendean Swans next week in the first clash between the two clubs since 2006.
Scoreboard: Stirling 3.3 5.4 7.6 13.8 (86) Carlisle 3.4 6.7 7.12 8.14 (62) Goals: Stirling - Damien Lloyd 4, Tony Mirabella 3, Stephen Mansfield 2, Christian Boskovich 1, Rory Muller 1, Reece Phoenix 1, Patrick Travers 1 Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
30 April 2016 Saints Claim 4th Straight Win over Swans
The Saints have held off a spirited challenge from Bassendean Swans and maintained their unbeaten run to the start of the 2016 season, running out winners by 40 points at Jubilee Reserve.
The Saints went into the game with six players from last week’s side being unavailable for selection. However, this provided the opportunity for others to step up from the Reserves side, including a debut in the League side for Dean Germano.
Played at a frenetic pace in the opening 10 minutes, both teams looked set for an attacking shootout. The Saints held the upper hand early, but a goal from Bassendean after the quarter time siren made the scores all level at the first break.
Adam Edwards scored his second goal early in the second term, but Bassendean responded shortly after. There was a goal drought in the middle part of the quarter, but the Saints seized control of the game at the 18-minute mark, when Tony Mirabella scored three goals in three minutes. When Adam Edwards kicked a set shot goal after the half time siren, the Saints had opened up a hand 25-point lead.
Bassendean utilised their entries into the forward 50 very efficiently, and were able to register a number of goals early in the third term. However, the Saints were once again equal to the task. With the Saints midfield dominating through the middle, a quick 4-goal burst late in the term stretched the lead to 48 points by three quarter time. The eight straight goals in the term was the fourth highest scoring third quarter in the Club’s history.
When Tony Mirabella kicked his sixth goal early in the final term, he had set a new club record at Jubilee Reserve, and ensured the Saints would cruise to victory. It was also the first time the Saints scored 100- plus points in 2016.
The win consolidates the Saints’ position in second place on the ladder, and sees them go to 4-0 for the first time since the 1998 premiership year. Attention now turns to the Round 5 clash against Kenwick Royals, who are anchored to the bottom of the ladder without a win in both League and Reserves.
Scoreboard: Stirling 3.1 8.5 16.5 18.7 (115) Bassendean 3.1 4.4 8.5 11.9 (75) Goals: Stirling - Tony Mirabella 6, Adam Edwards 5, Stephen Mansfield 3, Marcus Filocamo 1, Dean Germano 1, Ben Mollett 1, Rory Muller 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
5 May 2016 Damo’s 100th Game
Round 5 will hold special importance for the Saints, as one of its most valuable players, Damien Lloyd, will play his 100th game for the Club.
Damien joined the Club in 2007, having been recruited from Bassendean Swans (where he played 29 games in 2 seasons). In combination with brother Jeremy Lloyd and Chris Kercheval, Damien formed part of a potent forward line combination that allowed the Saints to reach the A-Grade finals in 2007.
Despite a successful season in 2007, Damien returned home in 2008 to play alongside his brother and cousins for Boyup Brook Roos in the Lower South West Football League. He played for two years at Boyup Brook (30 games, 50 goals) and then a year at Pinjarra Tigers in the Peel Football League (16 games, 46 goals), before returning back to the Saints in 2011.
In his six seasons at the Club, he has finished in the top five of Fairest & Best voting on four occasions, including a Fairest & Best in 2013 and runner-up Fairest & Best in 2014. He also finished in the top three of the Players MVP Medal in 2013 and 2014, missing out by just one vote behind Rory Muller in 2013.
Damien's key strength has always been his ability to take a strong mark when needed, and he remains one of the most accurate and reliable kicks in front of goals. In his 99 games for the Saints to date, he has kicked 187 goals, which places him in 5th place on the all-time list, and only 17 goals away from top placed Chris Kercheval (204 goals). Damien was the Club's leading goal kicker in 2013 and 2014, and he has kicked 5 or more goals on 9 occasions, including a personal best of 9 goals against Melville Rams in 2014.
Damien has also demonstrated great leadership on the field, which was rewarded with him being named captain of the League side in 2013 and 2014. Despite stepping down from the Captain’s role, he continues to provide a leadership role, particularly as a mentor for the Club’s younger players in the forward line.
All players and supporters are encouraged to come along to Richard Guelfi Reserve and cheer Damien and the boys onto victory against Kenwick Royals. The Reserves starts at 12:35pm, while the League is scheduled for bouncedown at 2:30pm. Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
7 May 2016 Saints Smash Royals (and Reserves Break The Drought!)
The Saints have cruised to their fifth straight win of the season, disposing of bottom placed Kenwick Royals by 98 points at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
Both sides were affected by heavy rainfall in the first quarter, which made scoring opportunities difficult. Kicking with the aid of a slight breeze, the Saints registered three first quarter goals, while the defence played their part in keeping the Royals goalless for the term.
The Saints kicking efficiency improved significantly in the second term, kicking a season-high of seven straight goals. Stephen Mansfield got the ball rolling early by kicking a fantastic snap shot goal from deep in the pocket, while Damien Lloyd celebrated his 100-game milestone by slotting through two majors for the quarter. It took 15 minutes into the second term for the Royals to register their first goal for the game, but when Tony Mirabella kicked his first goal in the last few minutes of the term, the Saints had pulled away to a 56-point half time lead.
The rain returned in the third quarter, but only for a brief period, as the Saints defence once again held the Royals goalless for the term. Tony Mirabella and Marcus Filocamo both added two goals for the quarter, as the Saints stretched their lead to 86-points at the final break.
Tony Mirabella registered his second 5-goal haul with another two goals, and Damien Lloyd displayed great aerial skills to increase his game tally to 4 goals. When Cam Grover registered his third goal at the 23-minute mark, the margin had ballooned to over 104 points, but a late consolation goal from the Royals reduced the margin under the century by the final siren.
The Saints now travel to Kingsley Reserve to face against 3rd placed Kingsley Cats, who are also coming off a convincing 69-point victory over Willetton. The Saints are undefeated in all previous games against Kingsley, but the current Cats side is very different from previous sides, and the Saints will need to be at their best to remain undefeated.
In the earlier game, the Reserves withstood a late challenge from the Royals to record their first victory of the year. Mark Kelly and Clinton Strauch returned for their first games of the year, and with Mark Baker and Sam Day firing in the forward line, the Saints held on for a 26-point victory. The win broke a 24-game losing streak for the Reserves, stretching back to Round 17, 2014.
League: Stirling 3.5 10.5 15.9 19.12 (126) Kenwick 0.2 1.3 1.7 3.10 (28) Goals: Stirling - Tony Mirabella 5, Damien Lloyd 4, Marcus Filocamo 3, Cameron Grover 3, John Corfias 1, Stephen Mansfield 1, Rory Muller 1, Jayden Roth 1
Reserves: Stirling 2.1 4.4 7.10 9.11 (65) Kenwick 1.1 2.1 3.1 6.3 (39) Goals: Stirling - Mark Baker 4, Sam Day 3, Tony Continibali 1, Alex Vandertogt 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
14 May 2016 Saints Outclassed by Cats
The Saints’ run of consecutive victories has come to an end, after being going down to Kingsley Cats by 34 points in the Round 6 clash at Kingsley Park.
The first quarter was a goal shootout, with captain Aaron Sweet and coach Tony Mirabella helping the Saints getting on the scoreboard. However, the Cats were equal to the challenge, and the Saints held a narrow 1-point lead at the end of the first term.
The quarter time margin was quickly eroded, as the Cats took control early in the second term. The Cats outscored the Saints by five goals to one to take a 26-point lead at half time.
The scoring rate for both sides slowed considerably in the third term, and the Saints would have conceded more goals had it not been for the continuous efforts of Matt Carlyon, who continued his stellar season across the half back line. The Saints did not register a major until Patrick Travers kicked truly at the 19- minute mark of the term. However, the Cats were able to register another two goals for the term to extend their lead to 35- points by three quarter time.
The Saints had a glimmer of hope in the fourth term, when Aaron Sweet kicked his third, and Adam Edwards his second, to reduce the margin to less than four goals. However, this was as close as the Saints got, as the Cats kicked away to register a 34-point victory. The win was the Cats first ever win over the Saints, having failed in the previous six attempts.
The Saints remain in second position on the ladder, but will now have to regroup before facing top-of- the-table Maddington Bulls at Richard Guelfi Reserve next week.
Scoreboard: Stirling 4.1 5.4 6.5 10.8 (68) Kingsley 4.0 9.6 11.10 15.12 (102) Goals: Stirling - Aaron Sweet 3, Adam Edwards 2, Tony Mirabella 2, Dean Germano 1, Reece Phoenix 1, Patrick Travers 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
21 May 2016 Saints Too Strong For Bulls
The Saints have held off a late challenge and returned to the winners’ circle with a gutsy 6-point win against ladder leaders, Maddington Bulls, in the Round 7 match at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
On a day that was heavily impacted by wet and windy conditions, goals were always going to be hard to come by. The Saints first goal came from the boot of Clinton Strauch in his return to League football, and when Matt Cocker kicked his first with minutes to go in the quarter, the Saints had established an 11-point lead.
Marcus Filocamo extended the Saints lead shortly after the break, and the Saints began to take control of the game. Cameron Grover was dominating in the middle and was also playing a key role at both ends of the ground. He kicked two goals in quick succession in the middle of the quarter before Maddington got their first goal at the 15 minute mark of the term. A second goal from Matt Cocker shortly after stretched the Saints lead to 28 points at the main break.
The Bulls gained some momentum early in the third quarter with two goals in the opening five minutes. However, Saints skipper Aaron Sweet kicked a steadying goal to return the margin to 21 points. The remaining half of the quarter was an arm wrestle, as both teams struggled to gain any ascendancy. By the three quarter time siren, the Saints looked to have unassailable lead of 20 points.
Maddington got the jump early in the final quarter, and made inroads into the deficit with another couple of goals. However, a goal from Christian Boskovich allowed the Saints to hold on by 6 points and hand the Bulls their first loss of the season.
Some history was created in the earlier game when the Reserves game between the Saints and the Bulls ended in a low scoring draw. It was the first time in Saints history that the Reserves team has played in a drawn game.
The Saints attention now turns to the Round 8 clash versus 8th placed Bullcreek Leeming Bombers in the last game before the mid-season bye.
Scoreboard: Stirling 2.2 6.3 8.4 9.4 (58) Maddington 0.3 1.5 4.8 7.10 (52) Goals: Stirling - Cameron Grover 2, Matt Cocker 2, Christian Boskovich 1, Marcus Filocamo 1, Tony Mirabella 1, Clinton Strauch 1, Aaron Sweet 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
28 May 2016 Saints Sink the Bombers
The Saints push for the premiership continues to gather momentum, after cruising to a 43-point victory over Bullcreek Leeming Bombers in their Round 8 clash at Beasley Park.
Coming off a gutsy win against Maddington, the Saints were keen to consolidate their place in the top five. Current and former skippers, Aaron Sweet and Adam Edwards, were instrumental in setting up the Saints’ early ascendancy, with Adam Edwards kicking three goals in the first term.
Ruckman Reece Phoenix continued the charge with two goals early in the second term, and when playing coach Tony Mirabella kicked truly at the 6-minute mark of the term, the Saints threatened to blow the game wide open. However, to their credit, the Bombers rattled on the next few goals to draw the deficit back to 4 goals by the half time siren.
Marcus Filocamo kicked a goal within the first minute of the third term, but goals were hard to come by after that time. The Bombers had the majority of possession in the third term, but the Saints’ defence was resolute as they withstood repeated entries into the forward 50. When Reece Phoenix kicked his third goal late in the term against the run of play, the Saints had extended their advantage to 28 points by three quarter time.
The Bombers continued bravely in the final term, and kicked two early goals to reduce the margin to less than 20 points. However, the Saints showed their superiority with another three-goal burst (in four minutes) to snuff out any chance of a comeback. The Saints midfield was the difference, proving too classy for the Bombers, with strong efforts coming from Cameron Grover, Aaron Sweet, Kane Jericho and Mark Kelly. Adam Edwards and Reece Phoenix dominated up forward, with each kicking four majors for the game.
The competition now has a one-week break for all teams, which will provide the Saints with some much needed rest before recommencing in two weeks against Noranda Hawks at Richard Guelfi Reserve. While it will be the first ever match between the two sides for premiership points, the Saints have played the Hawks in pre-season scratch matches over the last two years and both teams have always matched up well.
Scoreboard: Stirling 4.0 8.4 10.5 15.9 (99) Bullcreek-Leeming 2.3 4.3 5.7 8.8 (56) Goals: Stirling - Adam Edwards 4, Reece Phoenix 4, Marcus Filocamo 2, Tony Mirabella 2, Aaron Sweet 2, Dean Germano 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
11 June 2016 Saints Brush Aside Hawks
A number of outstanding individual performances have helped the Saints to a 39-point victory over Noranda Hawks in their Round 9 clash at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
After playing pre-season scratch matches over the last two years, this was the first encounter between the two sides for premiership points. The Saints held the upper hand early, with both Cameron Grover and Damien Lloyd scoring two first quarter goals each to set up a hand 17-point lead at quarter time.
On top of kicking goals, Cameron Grover continued his strong form through the midfield for the Saints. Tony Mirabella and Matt Cocker kicked goals within the first five minutes and the Saints looked set to blow the game wide open. To their credit, however, the Hawks held sway and managed to keep the half time margin to just 23 points.
The Saints once again began the third term strongly, with Matt Cocker kicking his second goal of the game at the 4-minute mark. Cameron Grover and Damien Lloyd were again prominent, scoring two for the quarter, while former skipper was having a field day in the forward line, scoring another three goals for the term. The Saints margin had increased to as much as 46 points by the 18- minute mark of the quarter, but three goals in five minutes before three quarter time gave the Hawks a faint chance.
Reece Phoenix marked and goaled within the first minute of the final term to stretch the lead, but another two goals from the Hawks pegged back the margin to 22 points. There was a drought for the middle part of the term, but the Saints stood on the accelerator, kicking three goals in final four minutes of the game to run out winners by 39 points. Two of the final three goals came from the boot of Damien Lloyd, who finished with seven majors for the game, and lifted his Saints’ career tally to 198 goals.
The Saints will host Ocean Ridge Eagles in the Round 10 clash at Richard Guelfi Reserve. The Saints are two games clear in 2nd place on the ladder, while Ocean Ridge are struggling in 9th place with just two wins from their first nine games. The Ridge will be keen to turn the tables on the Saints, and avoid falling deep into the relegation zone.
Scoreboard: Stirling 5.0 8.3 14.4 18.6 (114) Noranda 2.1 4.4 9.6 11.9 (75) Goals: Stirling - Damien Lloyd 7, Cameron Grover 4, Matt Cocker 2, Tony Mirabella 2, Adam Edwards 1, Rory Muller 1, Reece Phoenix 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
16 June 2016 Robbo’s 150th Game
The Saints will celebrate a significant milestone in this week's Round 10 clash versus Ocean Ridge, with ruckman Michael "Robbo" Robinson playing his 150th game wearing the red, white and black guernsey.
Robbo joined the Club in 2008, and has consistently proved himself to be a valuable ruckman, often rucking the entire game alone. During his nine years at the Club, he has only missed 16 games of football, including a run of 36 consecutive games between 2011 and 2013.
His current games tally of 149 games includes 67 Reserves games and 82 Thirds games. His commitment to the Club and willingness to help is demonstrated by the fact that his tally includes playing two games in one day (Reserves and Thirds) on nine separate occasions.
He finished in top 10 Fairest & Best vote getters for the Thirds in 2010 (8th), 2011 (5th) and 2012 (4th). After becoming a regular in the Reserves in 2012, he has finished in the top 10 vote getters in 2012 (9th), 2013 (5th), 2014 (3rd) and 2015 (9th).
All players and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer Robbo and the boys as we battle against Ocean Ridge Eagles at Richard Guelfi Reserve. The Reserves game starts at 12:35pm, while bouncedown for the League game is at 2:30pm.
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
18 June 2016 Saints Clip Eagles Wings
A second consecutive 7-goal haul by Damien Lloyd has allowed the Saints to post a massive 89-point victory over the struggling Ocean Ridge Eagles in the Round 10 clash at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
Despite having a number of players from last week unavailable for selection, the Saints dominated from the starting bounce. Skipper Aaron Sweet got the Saints on the board, while Damien Lloyd kicked three first quarter goals to continue his excellent form from last week. His second goal resulted in a personal milestone of 200 career goals for the Saints, a feat achieved by only two other players – Chris Kercheval (204) and Allan McGrath (201).
The first part of the second quarter was a tighter battle, as both teams struggled to convert from forward 50 entries. It took 10 minutes for the Saints to register their first, but they were able to kick another two majors soon after. The Saints defence stood resolute throughout the quarter, as they held Ocean Ridge scoreless for the term. It was the first time since Round 15, 2014 that the Saints had held their opposition scoreless for an entire quarter.
Ocean Ridge broke their goal drought less than 2 minutes into the third term to reduce the margin to 40 points, but they did not trouble the goal umpires after that point. Sandro Brezar and the Saints’ running brigade put on a midfield masterclass, as the Saints went on a goal scoring spree. Aaron Sweet, Cameron Grover and Damien Lloyd all added two goals, while Rory Muller completed a brilliant solo effort to register his second for the game. By the three quarter time siren, the margin had increased to 83 points.
Joel Julian and Patrick Travers scored within the first three minutes of the term to increase the margin to 99-points. When Damien Lloyd registered his seventh goal at the 9-minute mark of the term, he became only the second player in Club history (and the first since Matt Cullen in 2001) to kick seven or more goals two weeks in a row. Perhaps more significantly, Damien’s seventh goal was his 205th career goal, which allowed him to overtake former teammate Chris Kercheval at the top of Stirling’s all-time goal kicking list.
Ocean Ridge managed to score two late consolation goals to prevent the margin reaching triple figures. The win, coupled with losses by Noranda and Kingsley, puts Maddington and Stirling three games clear at the top of the ladder. Conversely, the loss puts Ocean Ridge at the bottom of the ladder and in grave danger of relegation.
The Saints now have a danger game against 6th-placed Willetton in Round 11. Despite their position on the ladder, the Saints have always matched up evenly against the Blues, as evidenced by the dramatic one-point victory after the siren in Round 2.
Scoreboard: Stirling 5.3 8.5 15.6 18.9 (117) Ocean Ridge 1.1 1.1 2.1 4.4 (28) Goals: Stirling - Damien Lloyd 7, Cameron Grover 3, Aaron Sweet 3, Rory Muller 2, Dean Germano 1, Joel Julian 1, Patrick Travers 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
25 June 2016 Saints No Match for Blues
The Saints have suffered their second blemish of the season, going down to their bogey side, Willetton Blues, in the Round 11 clash at Burrendah Reserve.
The Blues were determined to not lose touch with the top 5, and showed this by getting off to a great start with the opening two goals. The Saints first goal came midway through the term from the boot of Joel Julian after the Blues were penalised for a deliberate forced behind from a ruck knock in the goal square. A goal after the siren from the Blues allowed them to take a 15- point lead at the first break.
The Saints moved up a gear in the second term, with midfielder Cameron Grover kicking a goal at the 2-minute mark. A further two goals in the next three minutes, both from the boot of Damien Lloyd, and the Saints had hit the lead for the first time in the game. The remainder of the quarter was a tight struggle, as both teams struggled to convert forward 50 entries into goals. Michael Franceschini managed to push forward and kick his first goal since Round 2 (which was also against Willetton), while Damien Lloyd kicked his third for the quarter at the 20-minute mark to allow the Saints to take a narrow 1-point lead at half time.
The Blues completely dominated the third term, kicking four goals themselves, and managing to keep the Saints goalless in the term for the first time this year. The 26-point deficit at three quarter time could have been much worse for the Saints had it not been for some wayward kicking from the Blues.
Cameron Grover finally broke the Saints’ goal drought at the 6-minute mark of the final term. When skipper Aaron Sweet shrugged a tackle to kick a fantastic snap shot goal at the 11-minute mark, the Saints had a small glimmer of hope. However, that was as close as the Saints got, as the Blues steadied to run out 14-point winners by the final siren.
Despite the disappointment, the Saints retain 2nd spot on the ladder behind Maddington, and have a chance for redemption when they face 4th-placed Carlisle Cougars in Round 12. It is the Saints’ first ever visit to Carlisle Reserve, and the Club’s first visit since the former Balcatta Cats visited the ground in 1992.
Scoreboard: Stirling 2.1 7.1 7.5 11.5 (71) Willetton 4.4 6.6 10.13 12.13 (85) Goals: Stirling - Damien Lloyd 4, Aaron Sweet 3, Cameron Grover 2, Michael Franceschini 1, Joel Julian 1 Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
2 July 2016 Saints Fall Short of Cougars
The Saints have dropped their second game in a row, going down to Carlisle Cougars by the narrowest of margins in the Round 12 clash at Carlisle Reserve.
The Cougars dominated scoring in the first quarter, keeping the Saints scoreless in the first term for the first time in 4 years.
It took until the 7-minute mark of the second term for the Saints to register their first, which came from the boot of ruckman Reece Phoenix. This started a goal spree for the Saints, as Adam Edwards and Aaron Sweet also kicked majors within the next few minutes. However, the Cougars steadied the ship again and kicked a goal just before the final siren (in what appeared to be a late siren) to take a 16-point lead into the half time break.
Despite the fine conditions, goals were hard to come by in the third term. Adam Edwards registered the Saints only goal midway through the quarter, but the Cougars still managed to extend their lead to 20 points at the last break.
The Saints stepped up a gear in the last quarter, kicking the first two goals of the term to reduce the margin to just 5 points. The margin was reduced to a single point when Adam Edwards kicked his third at the 20-minute mark. Damien Lloyd appeared to take a strong pack mark late in the quarter, but was not paid by the umpire, and the Cougars managed to clear the ball to safety to hold on to a 1-point win.
In the early game, the Reserves battled strongly, but trailed for 95% of the game. The lead changed hands a number of times late in the quarter, and the Saints chances looked lost when Carlisle kicked a goal at the 23-minute mark to take the lead. However, the Saints pushed forward and Sam Day marked strongly with seconds to go. He calmly slotted through his fourth goal after the siren to allow the Saints to register an amazing 5-point victory.
League: Stirling 0.0 3.1 4.1 8.4 (52) Carlisle 2.2 5.5 6.9 7.11 (53) Goals: Stirling - Adam Edwards 3, Reece Phoenix 2, Michael Franceschini 1, Damien Lloyd 1, Aaron Sweet 1
Reserves: Stirling 2.1 4.1 7.2 10.4 (64) Carlisle 2.3 5.6 6.9 8.11 (59) Goals: Stirling - Sam Day 4, Jeremy Lloyd 3, Mark Baker 1, Matt Carbone 1, Domenic Italiano 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
6 July 2016 Past Players Day
The Club would like to remind all past players and supporters that our annual Past Players Day will be held this Saturday 9 July 2016 at Richard Guelfi Reserve. The day will be hold special significance, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1996 Balcatta premiership, the 30th anniversary of the 1986 Osborne Park premiership and the 40th anniversary of the 1976 Osborne Park premierships (League and Reserves).
Food and beverages will be provided at half time of the League game, as well as beverages after the game for Saints Squad members (you can join up on the day if you are not a member). The Club will also be holding its 100-Club raffle, and we are expecting a large crowd in attendance. So please come along, re-live a memory or two with old team mates, and cheers the boys to victory over our opponents, Bassendean Swans.
For the record, the Grand Final scores were: 1996 - Balcatta 13.5 (83) defeated Redcliffe 3.8 (26) 1986 - Osborne Park 16.15 (111) defeated Kalamunda 11.6 (72) 1976 - Osborne Park 13.9 (87) defeated Wanneroo 11.8 (74) 1976 (Reserves) – Osborne Park 14.14 (98) defeated Midland 6.9 (45)
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
9 July 2016 Saints Return to Winners’ List
The Saints have put aside a disappointing couple of weeks by finishing strong to claim victory in the Round 13 clash versus Bassendean Swans at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
The day held special significance for the Saints, as the Club hosted a number of past players that were reunited to celebrate the 1996 Balcatta premiership and the 1986 and 1976 Osborne Park premierships. However, it was Bassendean that looked the goods early, as they scored early goals to put pressure on the Saints. Stephen Mansfield scored a goal in his return game, and perennial goal kicker Damien Lloyd kicked two first quarter goals to give the Saints a narrow 3-point lead at quarter time.
The wet and windy conditions proved difficult for both sides in the second term. Both teams added just two goals for the term, with Patty Travers and Dean Germano kicking the Saints goals. By the half time siren, the scores were all level.
The rain turned to hail in third term, but that didn’t stop Damien Lloyd, who put on a marking master class. He took numerous marks in the pack, and kicked another two goals for the quarter. Despite the Swans’ lower position on the ladder, they managed to stay on par with the Saints for most of the quarter. A goal from Patrick Travers allowed the Saints to hold on to a 3- point lead heading into the final term.
The Saints goaled early in the final term through Stephen Mansfield and Damien Lloyd, but the Swans were again equal to the task. The lead remained at 9 points until the 16-minute mark of the term, when a 50-metre penalty allowed Clinton Strauch to kick a goal from inside the goal square. Marcus Filocamo followed two minutes later, and Adam Edwards goaled shortly before the final siren to give the Saints a 25-point victory.
In the earlier game, the Saints overcame a slow start to record their second consecutive victory, running out winners by 29 points. They now have the rare opportunity to post three consecutive victories when they face bottom placed Kenwick Royals next week.
League Stirling 3.5 5.8 8.12 13.13 (91) Bassendean 3.2 5.8 8.9 9.12 (66) Goals: Stirling - Damien Lloyd 5, Stephen Mansfield 2, Patrick Travers 2, Adam Edwards 1, Marcus Filocamo 1, Dean Germano 1, Clinton Strauch 1
Reserves Stirling 1.2 3.9 5.12 9.15 (69) Bassendean 3.1 4.2 5.2 6.4 (40) Goals: Stirling - Stewart Horton 3, Ben Mollett 3, Sam Day 1, Paul O'Neill 1, Shane Wells 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
15 July 2016 Matty Carlyon’s 100th Game
The Saints will celebrate another milestone this week, when one of its most talented and promising players, Mathew Carlyon, laces up for his 100th game.
Matty joined the Club as an 18 year old in 2010, playing in the Club’s Colts team under coach John Batten. His first ever game was a best-on-ground performance in a 16-point victory over Mt Lawley, and he quickly set a very high standard of performances each week. He polled 120 votes in his first year of football to win the prestigious Jack Friend Medal for fairest and best in the Colts, winning by more than 50 votes.
Despite missing five games of the 2011 season, he still managed to poll 95 votes to finish runner-up for the Colts fairest and best.
Matty made his League debut in Round 1, 2012, which was a 10- goal victory over Kingsley Cats. Since that time, he has proven to be one of the most reliable and consistent defenders, wearing his trademark number 13 guernsey across the half back or full back line.
In his first year of League football, he finished 4th in the Club’s fairest and best, and followed this up with a top 10 finish in 2013, and another 4th place finish in 2015. His run of good form has continued this year, and he plays a vital role in bringing premiership success to the Saints.
His current games tally of 99 games includes 69 League games, 2 Reserves games and 28 Colts games.
All players and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer Matty and the boys as we face up against Kenwick Royals at Mills Park. The Reserves game starts at 12:35pm, while bounce down for the League game is at 2:30pm.
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
16 July 2016 Saints Shock Loss to Royals
The Saints have slumped to an unexpected loss against Kenwick Royals in their Round 14 clash at Mills Park.
In a game that was significantly impacted by wet and windy conditions, the Saints were inaccurate in front of goal during the first quarter. Conversely, the Royals kicked four goals straight to trail by just one point at quarter time.
Kenwick took the lead early in the second quarter, and managed to register another four goals, while holding the Saints to just a single goal.
The Royals went from strength to strength in the second half, kicking eight goals to two, to hand the Saints their worst loss of the season. It was the Saints’ third loss in four weeks, and sees them drop to third position on the ladder.
The Saints will now face second-placed Kingsley Cats next week at Richard Guelfi Reserve. Given that Maddington have all but sown up top spot on the ladder, the clash could very well determine which of the two sides hosts a home final in the first week of finals.
In the mean time, the Saints Reserves team continues to improve, registering their third consecutive victory. The win was made all the more special by the fact that they had to overcome a 28-point quarter time deficit.
League: Stirling 3.7 4.9 5.10 6.11 (47) Kenwick 4.0 8.1 12.5 16.6 (102) Goals: Stirling - Aaron Sweet 2, Adam Edwards 1, Damien Lloyd 1, Tony Mirabella 1, Patrick Travers 1
Reserves: Stirling 0.2 4.10 4.14 7.16 (58) Kenwick 5.0 5.1 6.4 7.6 (48) Goals: Stirling - Jeremy Lloyd 5, Jonathan Milner 1, Andrew Stoikov 1 Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
23 July 2016 Saints Get Revenge over Kingsley
The Saints have returned to the winners list and exacted revenge for their first round loss to Kingsley Cats with a gutsy 41 point victory in their Round 15 clash at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
The Saints went into the game with a number of their first XVIII unavailable for selection, but it did provide the opportunity for Ryan Low to make his League debut after consistently strong performances in the Reserves side.
The game began with heavy rainfall, which made for some difficult conditions. The rain did not last long, but both sides could only manage a single goal for the quarter, with the Saints goal coming from the boot of playing coach Tony Mirabella.
The Saints took control in the second quarter, with early goals to Adam Edwards and Cameron Grover. Reese Phoenix playing a commanding role in the ruck for the entire game, and allowed the Saints midfield to get first use of the ball out of the middle. When Tony Mirabella kicked his second goal deep into the second term, the Saints had opened up a handy 27 point lead at the main break.
The Cats turned the tables in the third term, pegging back the lead with the opening three goals of the quarter. Tony Mirabella kicked another two goals to keep the Cats at arms’ length, but the Cats managed to reduce the lead to a single goal by three quarter time.
In front of a large group of past players, who were celebrating the Balcatta Cats 1996 premiership, coach Tony Mirabella asked his troops at three quarter time to lift their efforts and repeat their second term domination. Sam Day delivered with his first goal in the opening minutes of the final term, and he was followed shortly after with a set shot goal from Rory Muller. The Saints then scored another three goals in five minutes midway through the term, with Stephen Mansfield putting the icing on the cake in the last minute of the game.
The win allows the Saints to return to 2nd position on the ladder, and set up another top of the table clash versus Maddington next week.
In the earlier game, the Reserves fought brave early, but were overrun in the second half by a stronger Kingsley outfit. The highlight for the Saints was a goal of the year contender from Mark Baker, who kicked truly from a banana kick deep in the forward pocket late in the second term.
League: Stirling 1.4 4.11 6.11 12.14 (86) Kingsley 1.0 1.2 6.5 6.9 (45) Goals: Tony Mirabella 4, Sam Day 2, Adam Edwards 2, Dean Germano 1, Cameron Grover 1, Stephen Mansfield 1, Rory Muller 1
Reserves: Stirling 1.1 3.2 3.2 4.3 (27) Kingsley 3.4 6.5 8.8 13.11 (89) Goals: Jeremy Lloyd 3, Mark Baker 1 Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
30 July 2016 Saints Fall Short of Bulls
The Saints have continued their patchy form over the last few months, with a loss to top side Maddington Bulls at Harmony Fields.
The first quarter was a tight battle, with both teams struggling to apply any scoreboard pressure. Maddington seemed to have the greater share of possession, until Tony Mirabella scored the game’s first goal at the 15 minute mark. From that point, the Saints kicked into gear, with a further four goals in the next six minutes. The Saints kept the Bulls goalless to take a 28 point lead into the first quarter break.
The Bulls registered their first goal less than a minute into the second term, and then kicked another two goals before the 5- minute mark to put themselves back into contention. Marcus Filocamo kicked a steadying goal, but another two goals late in the term allowed the Bulls to square the ledger at half time. If not for some inaccurate kicking in front of goal, the Bulls could have easily been a couple of goals ahead.
Adam Edwards got the Saints going in the third term, but the Bulls reduced the deficit again two minutes later. The Bulls finally took the lead at the 10-minute mark, and kicked another at the 17-minute mark to take an 11-point lead at the last break.
The Saints had a brief glimmer of hope when Tony Mirabella kicked his third goal 5 minutes into the final term, but that was as close as they got. The Bulls took control of the last term, kicking another four goals (including one on the final siren) to run out winners by 29 points.
The loss means the Saints drop back into 3rd position on the ladder behind Kingsley, with both teams separated by less than one percent. The final two rounds against Bullcreek-Leeming and Noranda will determine whether the Saints finish 2nd or 3rd, with percentage playing the deciding factor.
In the earlier game, the Saints said farewell to Michael Robinson, who is moving interstate with work. Robbo has had a solid 155-game career with the Saints over the last nine years, and the Club wishes him all the best of luck for the future.
League: Stirling 5.1 6.2 7.4 8.6 (54) Maddington 0.3 5.8 8.9 12.11 (83) Goals: Tony Mirabella 3, Cameron Grover 2, Adam Edwards 1, Marcus Filocamo 1, Damien Lloyd 1
Reserves: Stirling 2.4 4.7 5.7 7.9 (51) Maddington 3.2 5.4 7.6 8.10 (58) Goals: Ben Mollett 3, Jeremy Lloyd 2, Matt Cocker 1, Sam Woods 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
6 August 2016 Percentage Boosting Win for Saints
The Saints have regained form in the run up to the finals by recording their biggest win of the season over Bullcreek Leeming Bombers in the Round 17 clash at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
Heavy rain in the Reserves game made for some difficult conditions at the start of the League game, with goals being very hard to come by. The Saints kicked the only goal in an even first term to take a 7-point lead at quarter time.
The Saints took complete control in the second term, starting with a goal to skipper Aaron Sweet within the first two minutes. It took until the 9-minute mark for the Bombers to score their first goal of the game, but the Saints piled on another six goals to take a 30-point lead at half time.
The dominance continued in the second half, with the Saints kicking another six goals in the third term, and a further six goals in the final term to run out winners by 101 points. The pleasing aspect for the Saints was the fact that the goals were shared amongst ten individual goal kickers.
The interesting fact is that for the first time in all 366 games since 1998, the Saints managed to keep their opponents scoreless in the final term. Another interesting fact is that the win against the Bombers was the Saints’ 100th victory at Richard Guelfi Reserve since 1998.
The Saints score of 19.13 (127) and the winning margin of 101 points both set new records for the Saints against Bullcreek-Leeming, while Damien Lloyd’s bag of five goals set a new record for an individual player against the Bombers.
The win gave the Saints a massive percentage boost and allowed them to regain 2nd position on the ladder. A win next week against 6th placed Noranda will almost guarantee the Saints finish 2nd and host a home qualifying final against Kingsley Cats. Kingsley will take on Carlisle in Round 18 and will be aiming to take 2nd position from the Saints.
League: Stirling 1.3 7.5 13.11 19.13 (127) Bullcreek-Leeming 0.2 2.5 3.8 3.8 (26) Goals: Stirling - Damien Lloyd 5, Adam Edwards 3, Marcus Filocamo 2, Rory Muller 2, Aaron Sweet 2, Cameron Grover 1, Stephen Mansfield 1, Shea Mathanda 1, Tony Mirabella 1, Reece Phoenix 1
Reserves: Stirling 2.1 2.3 2.6 3.7 (25) Bullcreek-Leeming 4.3 10.5 12.7 16.15 (111) Goals: Stirling - Matt Cocker 2, Christian Boskovich 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
August 13: Saints Cruise to Victory over Hawks
The Saints have finished the qualifying season with a crushing 85-point victory over Noranda Hawks in their Round 18 clash at Lightning Park.
It was the Saints first ever visit to Noranda's home ground, but they had no trouble adapting to the conditions. The Saints had three goals on the board before the Hawks scored their first goal in the 16th minute of the term. By the quarter time siren, the Saints held a hand 14-point lead.
The Hawks reduced the margin to 8 points with the first goal in the second term, but that was as close as they got for the remainder of the day. The Saints scored 5 goals for the quarter, including a goal on the siren from Marcus Filocamo, to extend the lead to 33 points at half time.
Coach Tony Mirabella asked for a big effort from his back six in the second half, and they delivered by restricting the Hawks to just one goal in the third term, and two goals in the final term.
On the flip side, the forwards kicked four goals in the third term, and then flexed their muscle to score seven goals in the final term, which was their highest scoring fourth term for the year. The Saints final score of 20.10 (130) was also their highest score for the year so far.
The win means the Saints finish the season in 2nd position on the ladder, earning them the right to host a Qualifying Final next week against 3rd placed Kingsley Cats. Despite the Saints historical dominance over the Cats, each team has won one game this year, and the Saints will need to be at their very best to progress further into the finals series.
League: Stirling 4.2 9.4 13.6 20.10 (130) Noranda 2.0 4.1 5.3 7.3 (45) Goals: Stirling - Tony Mirabella 6, Damien Lloyd 5, Adam Edwards 3, Sam Day 2, Marcus Filocamo 2, Rory Muller 1, Aaron Sweet 1
Reserves: Stirling 2.1 6.3 7.4 7.4 (46) Noranda 4.2 8.4 11.6 15.13 (103) Goals: Stirling - Dean Germano 3, Ben Mollett 3, Joseph Wear 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
August 20: Saints Lose Qualifying Final to Kingsley
The Saints will need to take the long route to the Grand Final, after going down to Kingsley Cats by 12 points in the Qualifying Final at Richard Guelfi Reserve.
The Saints jumped out of the blocks early, with skipper Aaron Sweet registering the first goal inside the first 30 seconds of the game. This was followed shortly after by Damien Lloyd kicking his 50th goal of the season at the five minute mark. However, the Cats responded with fours goals in five minutes to take control of the game. The Saints added two more goals to take a narrow one point lead at quarter time.
The second quarter proved to be the telling one for the Saints, as they managed to add just one goal. At the other end, Kingsley added five goals, including one from a double 50-metre penalty, to take a commanding 26-point lead at half time.
Adam Edwards got the Saints going with a goal in the opening minute of the third term, but Kingsley replied with another two goals to extend their lead to a game-high 32 points. The middle part of the quarter was a shootout, with each adding another two goals, however the Saints added two late goals to reduce the margin to 19 points by three quarter time.
The Saints’ hopes of revival took a hit when Kingsley kicked the opening goal of the final term inside the first three minutes. But the Saints added goals through Stephen Mansfield, Adam Edwards and Reece Phoenix to draw back the deficit to just one goal. When Rory Muller kicked a goal on the run at the 17- minute mark, the Saints had levelled the scores and looked to have the momentum. However, the Cats stood tall to kick two goals of their own. Adam Edwards kicked his fifth goal at the 23-minute mark, but another Kingsley goal in the last minute sealed a victory for them.
The Saints will now host Carlisle Cougars in the First Semi Final next week, after the Cougars eliminated Willetton Blues by 11 points. Meanwhile, Kingsley will travel to Harmony Fields to face top placed Maddington in the Second Semi Final for a chance to reach the Grand Final and automatic promotion to B-Grade.
League: Stirling 4.2 5.3 10.5 15.7 (97) Kingsley 4.1 9.5 13.6 17.7 (112) Goals: Stirling - Adam Edwards 5, Damien Lloyd 3, Rory Muller 2, Cameron Grover 1, Mark Kelly 1, Reece Phoenix 1, Stephen Mansfield 1, Aaron Sweet 1 Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
25 August 2016 Fragas’ 250th and Eddy’s 150th Game
The Saints will celebrate major milestones for two of its favourite sons this week, with Michael “Fragas” Franceschini suiting up for his 250th game, while Adam “Eddy” Edwards runs out for his 150th game.
Michael Franceschini joined the Club in 2000, playing in the Club’s Colts side under coach Anthony Peou. After only seven games in the Colts, Michael was promoted to the top side and made his League debut in the Round 8 game vs West Coast at the age of 18 years 42 days.
He played a handful of Colts and Reserves games in his first two years (including two games in one day on six occasions), but became a regular part of the League side from 2002 onwards. Michael’s stand out season came in 2004 when he finished runner-up to Frank Rossi for the Club’s Fairest & Best trophy.
In 2007, Michael sought a different challenge, and he left the Club to play for in Quairading in the Avon Association. Between 2007 and 2009, he played 45 games for the Bulls, including being a member of their 2008 premiership side.
Michael returned to the Club in 2010, and has continued to play a vital role at both ends of the ground for the Saints. His adaptable skills have allowed him to play as a key defender, but he has also kicked 105 League goals while playing up forward for the Saints, including a personal best of 6 goals on two occasions in 2014. Since returning to the Club, he has finished in the top 10 voting for the Club Fairest & Best on five occasions.
Michael’s tally of games includes 229 League games (a club record), 7 Reserves games and 13 colts games. His older brother, Paul, played 201 games for the Saints (including games for both Osborne Park and Balcatta) between 1990 and 2003, and his father Frank played 128 games for Osborne Park between 1961 and 1974.
Adam Edwards joined the Club in 2008 from Coolbinia West Perth Falcons, where he played 28 games between 2006 and 2007. Prior to that, he played 92 games in the WAFL for East Perth, playing at Colts, Reserves and League levels between 2001 and 2006.
Adam immediately proved how valuable a recruit he was, winning his first Club Fairest & Best in 2008, and finishing 4th in 2009.
Despite a quieter season in 2010, he returned to form in 2011 to win his second Club Fairest & Best, as well as the Players’ Player Medal in 2011. He finished runner-up F&B to Damien Lloyd in 2013, and equalled his older brother, Joel’s record by winning his third Club Fairest & Best in 2014. In addition, he also won the WA Amateur Football League Fairest & Best for the entire C1-Grade in 2014.
Adam’s consistently high performances were rewarded with the Club captaincy in 2015, and he has also provided a valuable contribution to the Club off the field, serving on the Club’s committee since 2014.
Adam’s tally of games includes 148 League games and just 1 Reserves game (played after returning from injury in 2013). During that time, he has also kicked 170 goals, and currently sits 7th place on the all time goal kickers list.
Michael and Adam have had a significant impact on the Club’s on-field success this year and over the last 10-15 years. All players and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer the boys on as we face up against Carlisle Cougars in the 1st Semi Final. Bounce down is at 2:30pm. Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
August 27: Saints Victorious in First Semi Final
The Saints have overcome a slow start to defeat the Carlisle Cougars in the First Semi Final at Richard Guelfi Reserve, and earn themselves a re-match with Kingsley Cats in the Preliminary Final next week.
Apart from the obvious desire to remain in the premiership hunt, the Saints had extra reasons to win, as Michael Franceschini became just the 10th Saint in history (dating back to 1922) to play 250 games. In addition, three time Club Champion Adam Edwards was playing his 150th Club game.
The Saints kicked the opening goal of the game inside the first two minutes of play, but the Cougars replied with three goals in six minutes to take control of the game. The Saints clawed back a few, but a goal from a 50-metre penalty allowed the Cougars to lead by 5 points at quarter time.
The Cougars extended their lead shortly after the break, but Jayden Roth goaled for the Saints to return the margin to less than a goal. There was a goal drought for the middle part of the term, before the Saints kicked another with a few minutes remaining to seemingly gain the upper hand. However, the Cougars marked and goaled after the half time siren to regain the lead at the main break.
Both teams traded goals in the third term, and the Cougars held a 12-point lead midway through the term, but the Saints once again fought back. When Damien Lloyd goaled in the last minute of the term, the Saints had taken back the lead for the first time since early in the game.
Tony Mirabella asked his troops for a big final term, and they delivered as asked. The Saints held Carlisle to just one goal in the final term, and when Reece Phoenix registered his fourth midway through the term, the victory had been sealed.
The Saints are now just one win away from earning a Grand Final spot against Maddington Bulls, and earning promotion back to B-Grade.
Scoreboard: Stirling 3.2 5.5 9.8 13.10 (88) Carlisle 4.1 6.3 9.3 10.4 (64) Goals: Stirling - Reece Phoenix 4, Damien Lloyd 2, Tony Mirabella 2, Adam Edwards 1, Stephen Mansfield 1, Shea Mathanda 1, Mitchell Reid 1, Jayden Roth 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
September 3: Saints Advance to Grand Final
The Saints have produced arguably one of the most courageous quarters of football in the Club’s history, by coming back from a three quarter time deficit to win the Preliminary Final versus Kingsley Cats at Kingsley Reserve.
The Saints jumped out of the blocks early, kicking the first three goals of the game. However, playing on their home turf in front of a parochial home crowd, the Cats fought back with two goals of their own. Tony Mirabella and Adam Edwards put the Saints further ahead, before the Cats clawed back a goal in the last minute of the quarter to reduce the margin to 11 points.
Damien Lloyd kicked his second early in the second term, before another two Kingsley goals brought the margin to less than a goal. Both sides added another two goals each midway through the term, before the Saints got the upper hand late in the term to take a 16-point lead at the main break.
Kingsley completely dominated the third term, winning the midfield clearances and kicking the opening two goals of the term. The Cats took the lead for the first time in the game when they kicked their third goal at the 15-minute mark. The Saints battled on, but could not stop the Cats continual entries into the forward 50. The Cats added another three goals (six in total for the term) to take a commanding 16 point lead at three quarter time.
The Cats kicked the opening goal of the final term to extend their lead. Reece Phoenix kicked a goal at the 4-minute mark, but the Cats replied again at the 7 minute mark to return the lead to 22 points. The Saints looked all but gone, but when Cameron Grover kicked a goal from deep in the pocket, the Saints had a faint chance. Further goals from Rory Muller and Adam Edwards at the 12 and 13 minute marks, and the margin had been brought back to just less than a goal.
Both teams lifted the tempo but could not make any impact on the scoreboard. Despite being on the receiving end of a number of questionable umpiring decisions, the Saints were able to find Rory Muller in the forward line. He coolly slotted through a goal at the 22-minute mark to given the Saints back the lead by just two points.
The final three minutes were played at a frenetic pace, and the Saints back six were able to repel a number of entries into the Cats forward line. When the siren sounded, the Saints players and fans celebrated a remarkable comeback victory by just two points.
The win means the Saints will advance to the C1-Grade Grand Final next week against Maddington Bulls. The win also means the Saints will be promoted back to B-Grade, regardless of the result of next week’s game.
Scoreboard: Stirling 5.2 10.2 11.4 16.6 (102) Kingsley 3.3 7.4 13.8 15.10 (100) Goals: Tony Mirabella 5, Damien Lloyd 3, Adam Edwards 2, Cameron Grover 2, Rory Muller 2, Reece Phoenix 1, Jayden Roth 1
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
September 10: Saints Fall Short in Grand Final
The Saints have produced another courageous comeback, but have unfortunately fallen short by just 6 points in the C1 Grade Grand Final against Maddington Bulls at East Fremantle Oval.
Saints skipper Aaron Sweet won the toss and elected to kick with a slight breeze on a rain and mud soaked oval. It appeared to pay dividends when Tony Mirabella kicked the first goal of the game inside three minutes. However, the Bulls went on to kick the next three goals to take an early lead. Cameron Grover kicked another for the Saints, but the Bulls replied shortly after to extend the lead. In the final seconds of play, Reece Phoenix snuck another goal for the Saints to reduce the margin to 6 points at quarter time.
The Bulls completely dominated the second term, kicking four unanswered goals within the first 12 minutes to take a 28-point lead. It took until the 17 minute mark of the term for the Saints to register their first goal, coming from a set shot by Marcus Filocamo. However, another goal from Maddington forward, Vince Napoli, allowed the Bulls to take a 29-point lead into the main break.
Despite the disappointing second term, the Saints were determined to make amends in the third term, and once again, Tony Mirabella led the way with a goal in the opening minute of play. Damien Lloyd scored his first of the game three minutes later, but a goal from Maddington returned the lead to 22 points. There was a goal drought midway through the term, but a long bomb from Patrick Travers at the 19-minute mark got the Saints going again. Skipper Aaron Sweet kicked a snap shot goal two minutes later, and when Damien Lloyd kicked his second in the final minute of play, the margin had been reduced back to just 6 points at three quarter time.
Maddington scored the first goal of the final term at the six minute mark, but another goal from Patrick Travers returned the margin to just 7 points. Two minutes later, Stephen Mansfield managed to find space and kick a goal on the run to cut the margin again to just one point. The Saints tried valiantly to score the elusive goal to put them in front, but could not get past their half forward line. The Bulls kicked a procession of five points to extend the lead to a goal, which is where the margin finished at the final siren.
The Saints were well served by coach Tony Mirabella up forward, while Aaron Sweet and Cameron Grover did their best in the middle. Stephen Mansfield provided run off the wing and half forward, while Matt Carlyon was reliable as ever in defence.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Club is extremely proud of the character showed by the players, firstly in reaching the Grand Final in spectacular circumstances, and then fighting back from a potentially big loss to fall short by just one kick. The Saints will now enter B-Grade in 2017, with the aim of playing finals football in their first year back.
Scoreboard: Stirling 3.1 4.3 9.4 11.5 (71) Maddington 4.1 9.2 10.4 11.11 (77) Goals: Damien Lloyd 2, Tony Mirabella 2, Patrick Travers 2, Marcus Filocamo 1, Cameron Grover 1, Stephen Mansfield 1, Reece Phoenix 1, Aaron Sweet 1 Best: Tony Mirabella, Aaron Sweet, Cameron Grover, Stephen Mansfield, Matt Carlyon
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
September 15: Stirling Saints Juniors Grand Final
The Club's affiliate junior club, the Stirling Junior Football Club, will be playing in a Grand Final this weekend, and all Saints supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer the 'mini' Saints to victory.
The Club's Year 7 team finished the qualifying season as minor premiers, going undefeated through all 14 games with an average winning margin of 40 points. After winning the 2nd Semi Final against Kingsway Roos by 37 points, the Saints will now face 3rd placed Carine Cougars in the Grand Final.
The game will be played this Sunday 18 September 2016 at Seacrest Oval in Sorrento, with bounce down at 9:00am.
GO SAINTS!!!
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
September 16: Cameron Grover wins Fairest & Best
Saints midfielder, Cameron Grover, has capped off a brilliant season by winning the Club’s Fairest & Best trophy in an exciting vote count held at the Pan Pacific Hotel tonight.
Cameron polled 129 votes to win the award, edging out Matt Carlyon on 110 votes and Damien Lloyd on 75 votes. Cameron’s consistency was demonstrated by the fact that he polled votes in 15 of the 17 qualifying games he played.
Last year’s winner, Aaron Sweet, finished in fourth place on 71 votes, with Rory Muller and Adam Edwards rounding out the top six on 57 votes and 40 votes respectively. Stewart Horton was awarded the Coach's Trophy for his consistent efforts throughout the season.
Earlier in the night, Gerrad Prockter polled 88 votes in the Reserves Fairest & Best count to win the DeCinque Trophy in his first year back at the Club since 2013. Gerrad finished ahead of Ryan Low (62 votes), Dennis Bettles (55 votes) and Ben Mollett (51 votes). Skipper Scott Anderson was rewarded for his consistency by being awarded the Coach's Trophy.
The night culminated in the awarding of Life Membership to Michael Franceschini. Michael joined the Club’s Colts side in 2000 and made his League debut in Round 8 of that year. His standout season came in 2004 when he finished runner up Fairest & Best, and has finished in the top 10 voting for the Club Fairest & Best on six occasions in the last seven years.
His games tally of 252 games includes 231 League games, 7 Reserves games and 13 colts games. In the 94-year history of the Club, only one player (Charlie Bertilone) has played more League games than him. Michael’s father Frank played 128 games in the 1960s and 1970s, while older brother Paul played 201 games for the Saints in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Michael has had a significant impact on the Club’s on-field successes over the last 16 years, and he is a very worthy recipient of Life Membership.
The Club also paid tribute to the tireless efforts of Allen Bassanelli by awarding him the Club Service Award. Allen has been a regular contributor for the Club, either as a runner, water or any other job required. He has also been a Club sponsor for the best part of the last decade.
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
8 October: Ralph Calautti RIP
The Club is deeply saddened to advise of the passing of Ralph Calautti. Ralph has been a long time supporter and valued sponsor of the Club for well over two decades.
His dedication and support to the Club was recognised when he was awarded Life Membership in 2003.
Ralph’s sons, Peter and Steve, were also members of the Club, playing for Osborne Park, Balcatta and Stirling in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Our deepest sympathies go to the Calautti family. Ralph is a true gentleman and he will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.
27 October 2016: Notice of AGM
The Stirling Amateur Football Club wishes to advise that its Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 27 November 2016 at 11:00am sharp at the Saints Clubrooms on Delawney Street, Balcatta.
Nominations for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee persons can be made in writing to PO Box 169, OSBORNE PARK WA 6917, or by sending an email to Paul Giamov (email: [email protected]). Nominations can also be made in person at the Meeting.
Please note that members must be financial to retain the power to vote at the Annual General Meeting.
Members wishing to move amendments to the Constitution or present Notices of Motion to the Annual General Meeting must give notice in writing to PO Box 169, OSBORNE PARK WA 6917 by no later than Monday 21 November 2016.
Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
8 November 2016: Stewart Horton Appointed As Colts Coach
The Stirling Amateur Football Club is pleased to announce that League player, Stewart Horton, has been appointed to the position of Colts coach for the 2017 season.
Stewart joined the Club as a player in 2010, playing in the Club’s Colts and Reserves teams after playing Colts for Subiaco (WAFL) and Hamersley-Carine (WAAFL) in 2009. In 2012, he transferred to Lancellin Ledge Point in the Central Midlands Coastal Football League, but returned to the Club in 2013.
An impressive start to the 2013 season saw him make his League debut in Round 6 versus Kalamunda. He played the majority of the season in the Reserves, and finished 3rd in the Fairest & Best. After sitting out most of the 2014 season, he played a mixture of League and Reserves games in 2015, once again finishing 3rd in the Reserves Fairest & Best.
Stewart’s standout season occurred in 2016, playing all but two games in the League side to help them reach the Grand Final. His consistent performances and commitment both on and off the track were rewarded with the League Coach’s Trophy.
In addition to his playing duties, Stewart has also coached both boys and girls football sides at Central Midlands Senior High School in Moora, as well as coaching juniors teams in Moora.
The Club is now on a recruiting drive to ensure it has plenty of players to have a successful Colts season in 2017. All players and supporters are asked to spread the word to any players aged 17- 20 years who are looking to play for a great club in 2017.
For any further information, players can contact Stewart directly on 0437 907 922. For any Club members who are interested in helping out with the Club’s Colts team, they are also welcome to contact Stewart.
14 November 2016: Pre-Season Meeting
The Club will be hosting a Pre-Season Meeting this Friday night, 18 November 2016 - in other words, a chance for everyone to catch up.
League Coach Tony Mirabella will be outlining the plan for next season, including the coaches, recruits, pre-season training dates and expectations for the 2017 season. This is a great chance to set the standard and continue the culture that we've worked so hard to create in 2016.
It will be kicking off at 6pm for those of you that may need to head off to other commitments. If you cannot attend for any reason, let Tony Mirabella know and an apology will be posted in the rooms on your behalf.
Please bring along any mates that are interested in playing for the Club in 2017. Stirling Amateur Football and Sporting Club News Archive 2016
30 November 2016: Saints Appoint New League Assistant Coach
The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Whittaker as League Assistant Coach for the 2017 season.
Brad joins the Club from East Point Kangaroos in the Ballarat Football League, which is renowned as being one of the top country leagues in Victoria. Brad played over 100 games for the Roos between 2010 and 2016, and kicked more than 200 goals, including being the Club's leading goal kicker on two occasions.
Brad captained the Club's Under 18s team to a premiership in 2010, and a string of solid performances saw him make his League debut for the Roos in that same year. He finished runner- up for the Ballarat Football League's Rookie of the Year in 2010, as well as the Club’s Under 18s Fairest & Best. He also played on the MCG for his school side, St Patricks College, in the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final.
After becoming a regular part of the Roos' League side in 2011, Brad played a pivotal role in the club's forward line structure. His consistent form earned him selection in a number of interleague representative sides for the Ballarat Football League, and he has also served as the Club's Vice captain for a number of years. Despite an injury plagued season in 2016, he helped the Club's Reserves team win the BFL Reserves Premiership.
The Club would like to welcome Brad to the Stirling Football Club family.