Round 14 Match Reports

Under 9 White

"Hello Cougar Players and Parents,

What a great season our boys had playing for the Northcote Cougars in 2015. After so many strong performances this year, I have to admit that our Round 14 game against Thomastown on Sunday did feel a little to me like losing a grand final. I guess we are all a bit competitive deep down. While it wasn't our best game of the year, it didn't seem to make much difference to the boy's enjoyment and the energy they put into singing the song for the final time.

I took a bit of a risk by not guiding the players as much as usual during the game on Sunday. Clearly this was not a winning strategy, but my thinking was that I wanted to get an accurate picture of what they had absorbed during the season, without me bossing them around. What I learned is that most players, as demonstrated by George and Noah, could almost cite word for word the key messages I have given during the year. "Work hard in midfield, stay with your man in the backline, make space in the forward line, stay in your zone!" I'm pretty pleased about all that. Without talking so much, I also got to watch each child a bit more closely during the game, and I'm convinced that each and everyone of them has grown in confidence and skills.

Watching them closely was also a good reminder that they are still only under 9s, and consequently, they will struggle to stay in their zones and struggle to make space, because they all just love chasing the ball. It reinforced that we will need to continue to focus on the basics during training over many years to come, because it is hard to pass the ball accurately, it takes courage to take a mark, and sometimes you just don't see a coming! Most importantly though, watching them reminded me that when left to their own devices, and in between the times when they were criticising the umpire's decisions, I noticed how much they smiled during and after the game, and how much they encouraged each other. To me that's the best reminder of how much they love playing footy with their friends, and how much pride they get knowing that their parents saw them "kick that goal", "take that mark", and "lay that tackle".

I hope you have all enjoyed the season as much as I have and that you are already looking forward to next year. Go Cougars."

Under 9 Blue

As usual Laurimar provided challenging conditions for the Cougar players to contend with, strong winds, arctic temperatures and a soggy and muddy ground. (Thanks to Chris Mews for the game summary.) First Qtr Muddy and soggy ground - enter Luca who again thrived in these conditions racking up plenty of hard ball gets and laying many tackles on the Laurimar midfield. Rory provided great run and carry from the midfield and provided the cougar forwards with plenty of opportunities. He also discovered a talent for the "in and under" and maybe the team Mudlark next year. This was Rory's best quarter of footy for the season in really tough conditions. Xavier S continued his good form of recent weeks taking a nice mark and kicking truly - in the windy conditions this was not easy. Second Qtr Sam and Henry got into the action in the midfield, Sam was winning the ball in the close and feeding it out to Henry who in his usual way was kicking long and direct to the cougar forwards. Hayden was at his bullocking best in the forward line and was unlucky not to be given a goal. It regularly took three opposition players to bring him to the ground. Link, James V and Macsen formed a wall at half back repeatedly rebounding Laurimar forward entries. Macsen was particularly clean and read the ball early in it's flight. Third Qtr Henry took some great marks and Link continued to take some telling marks. Macsen continued on this good form winning lots of midfield ball. He consistently ran hard and provided a strong contest whether the ball was on the ground or in the air. Dean came on to the ground for his first run and got straight into the action. It seemed like he was playing in dry conditions! Fourth Qtr James V and Hayden continued to work had for the ball laying many tackles and providing real pressure on the Laurimar players. Sam laid a bone crunching tackle on the Laurimar goal line, this standard was set by the team all day.....special mention must go to Toby and Macsen who both tackled hard all day Toby fired a rocket like pass to Matthew who took another strong mark in front of goal for the third week in a row, unfortunately the strong wind just pushed his shot off line. Highlights Macsen - super game of hard ball gets and strong marking in difficult conditions. Macsens best game for the season. Rory - a super game Rory, fast, great use of the ball, and many hard ball gets in difficult conditions A real team effort, all the boys had a go in tough conditions. Oni-Ray ran hard, Xavier F continued his improvement taking some nice marks, Matthew continued to find space up forward, Xavier CR took the game on a couple of times and showed courage to play through the pain of a heavy knock, Hayden his usual hard working self, Big Jack as always giving the midfielders first use. Thanks to the following: Matt Timothee for his goal umpiring duties Spiro for umpires escort Fruit and Hot Choc - Jason and Lynda Timekeeper - James F's parents First Aid - Anna Steph - great job filling in for Jacqui Some Season Highlights and Thank Yous Our marvellous manager - Macqui Stanford (aka Jacqui with a little bit of Matt thrown in). Thanks so much for your efforts all year and all your work behind the scenes. The season ran seamlessly mostly due to your efforts. Our wonderful assistant coaches - Chris and Vince. Great to have so much help both at training and on game day. The two games I missed you blokes managed to coach a win... I won't be making that mistake again! Both Anna and Phil for all the weekends working as the team trainer. Jason and Lynda for the hot chocolate that warmed the boys on all those cold mornings. And the rest of the parents who were always willing to put up a hand to help. As I mentioned at the last game we have been very lucky to have such a great parent and family group. On field highlights: Jack Barry - early in the season against West Preston, Jack picked up cleanly and ran his full measure before slotting it straight through the big sticks! Xavier Coghlan Rennie - against Mill Park Xavier was under strict coaches instructions to "stay warm" and get himself a goal. Not content with one in the first quarter he followed up with another in the last quarter. Macsen Connelly - with barely a minute left on the clock in the second last game Macsen provided a season highlight when he latched onto a bullet pass from Henry. The loudest cheer of the year came as he slotted it through and completed the 19 players all getting a goal for the season. James Fasilakis - in the same game against South Morang James marked strongly in the first quarter and wasted no time putting it straight through the middle. Xavier Ferridge - in a 2 minute patch against West Preston Red, Xavier slotted two goals in quick succession, including a contender from the tightest of angles. Rory Harty-Gale - in the final game for the year Rory discovered he had a "love for mud" and repeatedly won the contested ball at ground level. Oni-Ray Jeffery-Gallagher - against Mernda Oni-Ray again demonstrated what clean football was all about with a run and handball "Play of the Day" that showed why he was one of the team's smartest decision makers. Archie Johnson - in a Captain's performance in his last game Archie marked strongly in the forward line and kicked truly to help lift the team. Hayden Kanjou - within a few games it became clear that Hayden was "untacklable" as he barraged and bustled his way throughout the season. The U9 Cougar Blue's "hardman" of the team who never stopped smiling. Matthew Lodato - against Keon Park it seemed like Matthew had "brought his own ball" with concerns that he may have to be taken off with leather-poisoning. Sam Mews - in a game where Sam was challenged physically against West Preston he rose above and took the "". Out of nowhere he flew between 4 opposition players and one-grabbed a screamer. Luca Norquay-Whitford - the early season rain put a dampener on the season for most of us. But Luca thrived in the wet and muddy conditions and quickly became known as the team "mudlark". Uche Ozougwo - Uche's enthusiasm each week at training was fantastic. Dean Perawati - the silky skills were on full show against Mernda. Dean's "smother-mark" and play-on, run and bounce was a personal highlight. Link Richardson Stubbs - Link's early season celebration with an "aeroplane" after slotting truly was an insight into how the Link-man was going to become the team showman. Xavier Smith - With 4 goals against Mernda not enough Xavier "Hungry" Smith took advantage of the "triple Xavier forward line" against Mill Park and booted 5. Toby Stanford - against Mernda the "Green Beacon" laid the "tackle of the year" with a double sprint second effort that was duly rewarded. Paddy Sullivan - against West Preston Red the "team goal of the year" involved a coast-to-coast goal that ended in the strong hands of Paddy. He had no difficulty slotting it through. Henry Timothee - the human highlight package - it was hard to narrow down. Henry's forward line quarter against South Morang was poetry in motion as he ignored the icy conditions and continually set- up Cougar goals with the ball on a string. James Vagialis - on the ice-rink at Mernda James won multiple contests where he was outnumbered. At won stage he saw off 4 opposition players and set-up another goal for Northcote Can't wait to see you at the Cougars in 2016. Go Cougars! Ben Smith Coach U9 Blue

Under 9 Gold

Hi Cougars, after being challenged in the third quarter and with the game in the balance at 3/4 time, we stormed home in the last quarter, in a fitting way to end a great season.

Plenty of highlights;

# Kynan, very well played and congratulations on your medal at the end of the game, awarded to you by Ivanhoe West.

# Owen good mark at centre half forward, forwards keep playing in front.

# Leo great chase and pick up of the ball off the ground, then steadied and kicked. - kept eyes on the ball.

# Evan great high mark on the wing - great attack on the ball.

# Marcus great fight for the ball on the wing, against 2 opposition players - did not give up.

# Harper, under pressure and with no one obvious to kick to, did a great kick to space for our players to run on to.

# In one passage of play, Nick tackled 3 West Ivanhoe players in a minute - great pressure Nick and good tackles around the waist/tummy.

Everyone contributed today, well done.

A big thank you to Damo, our assistant coach, team managers Chrissy/Matt, Geeks, Damo and Shane in assisting at training throughout the season and also to all parents for helping out on game days. Also Ollie (son of Matt/Chrissy) assisted at trainings also.

Hope to see you all back at the Cougars next year, in either another year of under 9's or under 10's.

Nick

Under 10 Green

Hi all,

Our final game for the season was played away against Laurimar on one of those miserable wild wintery footy days in difficult conditions. “Mud” was the word and lots of it. Mud, mud, inglorious and horrendous mud. I know that we All (parents and families) were very proud of you boys for putting in a fighting four quarter performance, against a very strong opposition and for never giving up!

I was especially proud of the way you boys tackled strongly and repeatedly. Our tackling was fantastic! There could have been Countless decisions for holding, throwing, and dropping the ball that could have gone our way but it wasn’t to be on this day. I was also very proud of the way so many of you boys took the game on, fighting hard to win the contested ball, going for a run, breaking tackles and kicking long. Well done boys! It just wasn’t our day but well done boys for having such a terrific season. It was wonderful seeing you all combining and playing some great team footy so often through the season and so many of you growing, improving and gaining confidence as footballers. Well done to you all!

Once again I would like to thank our many parent helpers for the great roles that you filled throughout the season, as timekeepers, trainers, umpire escorts and weather beaten goal umpires. Thank you for volunteering. In addition, thank you to Matt and Brad for being terrific Ass Coaches lol and Brett for being a wonderful TM and a ripping top bloke (not too bad for a Kiwi lol).

Looking forward to seeing you all at presentation day and then again at NJFC next season.

Signing off for the last time.

Go Cougars!!!

Benjamin

Coach: U10’s Green

Under 10 Red

Hi everyone, So the season has come to an end. It was a season where the team continually improved with each match. On Sunday at home it was another closely fought game with Yarrambat just beating us by a goal. The first quarter was a goalless one for our team with Yarrambat taking a 2 goal lead. It was all about defence for our team. There were plenty of marks taken in the back line by Isaac, Ben, Felix and Christian. Leo and Felix tackled hard and Ben smothered the ball twice to stop Yarrambat scoring. In the centre Harrison was running and kicking the ball long. Sean and Harrison took marks in the centre and Alex did a quick handpass to a team mate. Hamish picked up the ball cleanly and Liam was holding up the ball underneath the pack. We were now kicking to the scoring end in the second quarter. Alex was on fire with 2 goals, one from a great run and the other a handy snap shot. Christian was playing well with a nice tap on and run. All the players picked up the pace. Joel, Isaac and Hunter picked up the ball cleanly and kicked into the forward line. Felix took 3 marks and James received a free and passed perfectly to Christian. There were contributions everywhere from a shepherd by Will to some in the pack work by Luke. In the third quarter Yarrambat took the lead again. There was some good team work this quarter. Alex hand passed to Ben who kicked to James. Joel also picked up the ball and passed to Ben. This is the most pleasing aspect of football this year - the way the boys now look for a team mate and quickly move the ball on. There were plenty of marks taken by Joel, Ben, Lukas and James. In the centre, Hamish cleanly picked up the ball and Lukas hand passed the ball off. Christian bombed the ball out, Alex was good in the ruck and Harrison did a huge kick for a behind. The last quarter was close, with Northcote out scoring Yarrambat 2 goals to 1. Alex ran with the ball to kick his third goal of the game. Christian marked strongly in the goal square to kick the other goal. This was after a huge kick by Hunter. There were some great tackles by Luke, Ben and Alex. Well done to all the boys on a great season. Thanks to Vic for a huge effort and to Kirsty and Violeta for organising the team. To all the parents, thanks for volunteering each week and to the great support you showed the boys. Dom.

Under 11 Green

Hi All,

Very good even team effort today. Hopefully from here we have a base which will see us go deep into the finals. It was great to see the big improvement continue from the likes of Ben, Munro, Jett, Roland, Byron and Archie. Their efforts combined with our guns is seeing us really improve as a team!

Wasn’t it great to see Lelly explode out of his shell in the last quarter. He showed us that he has some real pace and looked awesome running with the ball. Keep it up Lelly! ( and don’t forget your mouthguard ever again).

The highlight of the day has to go to little Tommy though. Despite being the only kid without a goal in our team this year when presented with the chance he did the selfless team thing and gave it over to Ryan in the goal square. Thats worth 10 goals and i really hope the team learns from his great example.

I can’t wait to see what’s group does over the coming weeks. Please try and get to training Tuesday and Thursday it makes a big difference come Sunday, iIl be there both nights from now until the end of the season. Thanks again to our volunteers, if you haven’t got your photos please see Andrew.

The draw for the finals series will come out on Tuesday night we think.

Finals is lots of fun so try and get as many family and friends down to support us as you can.

Go Cougars

Steve ps Good to have Sam back !

Under 11 Red

Ok this is it.final wrap. Funny day, I am a little relieved that after three years, I am no longer taking the drinks and footies home, but I am really surprised by the emotional attachment I have to this group. A slightly different wrap tonight. I have been so lucky to come through the Auskick process with a group of fantastic people with lovely kids and lovely families. The common elements on the whole journey have been Colin, Mars, Peter and Deano. You could run a whole club with this bunch of blokes.to have them all involved in just one team sees us having been spoilt for a very long time..very happy to consider all of these people my friends, they have been great support and counsel on many things and they love kids and footy and hold true to all of the values and behaviours that junior footy (and developing kids) needyou can just see it in the quality of their kids.it is no coincidence. I will look forward to standing on the sidelines with these guys in the future, hopefully for many years to come. Over time we have added to this group, most significantly with big Damo. His contribution especially over the last couple of years has been awesome (personally I would love to see him coach the group next.I hope we can find the right help that tempts him into taking the next step!). Becoming coach three years ago (I think I was railroaded by these people I now call friends) I wasnt quite sure what kind of coach I would be. As you are all aware by now it is all about values..mostly respect and sportsmanship.and then skills and footy..i have always valued building nice kids over building great footballers.and I have worked with the loveliest bunch of kids.We have worked hard on footy and skills too and I think these kids have a good foundation and are all well placed for under 12s next year. The thing that has made this so easy and so much fun over the three years is the parent group. You all have left the footy to us, entrusted us with your kids and just let us get on with it. I can honestly say that over the whole period not one parent has told me how to do my job.where their kid should be playing..anything. I dont take that as me doing a perfect job, I take that as having a really classy bunch of parents (who are mostly too polite to tell me! J). So to all of you many thanks for your support, your trust, and for having great kids who have given me no issues for three years. On to the kids. We got some new ones this year, I hope we keep them and get some more next year. So glad to pick up Ramziz (and his first-aiding mum), Little Nick, Roo Taylor and late in the season, Josh. Great to have new kids and watching kids in their first season find their feet in the game. Roo has worked hard and today was so good, best game of the season without doubt, Ramziz has got better and better and plays like someone much bigger than he is, Nick got our first goal of the season, and while he is small he tries and will get better as he gets a bit more game sense and perhaps a bit bigger. Josh fitted in so easily in the last few games.if he played the whole season, we would really be talking about him now, hope to see you all back. Finally thanks to Will for joining our team over the last part of the season, he has been terrific for us and really fitted in beautifully. Then there are the ones I have had for a couple of years, Fintan and Jon (one year on, one year off). Great kids, and with talent to burn both of them. I look forward to seeing these guys running around for a lot of years.and my long servers.mostly the Wales Streeterscould have had their own team.nearly do! Kids like Spence, Leo, Archie, Sam, Reuben, Tom, and unfortunately lost a couple of the others along the way. I have loved their development.Spencer has always had all the equipment and is now getting the nous.if he wants to be he WILL be a good player, Leo, loved his game today, he is learning that he is a big kid and that big is good..it doesnt come with pace, but it doesnt need to, he has worked on his skills and now is a good mark and kick. Today he put most of it together and it looked great. Archie, biggest wingman in the world and such a fun influence on the group, little Sammy who worked it out in a big way over the last month, if he can build on that he will really enjoy his footy over the coming years..and Reuben K.wow, what a second half of the season. He is just a kid who listens and tries hardas a result I have little doubt in saying he is now our best ruckman.what a huge improver. Tom is a real improver and has become a part of our top level group of players, he will be very very good over the coming years. Then there is my little mate Niko..hes just a champ. Pound for pound he is just the best! Pity about the injury, but back to his best in the last couple of weeks. And how is any summary complete without Maxy Ryan. He has come all the way through Auskick and just keeps turning up and doing his best, such a lovely kid with a wicked sense of humour and a fascinatingly twisted mind. Then there are my long servers.done the whole 4 years I have been involved. PJ, Max, Sully, Benny and Harvey. PJ had a stiff run with injury, shame the season ended today.really started to get back to being PJ today, looking for a big season next year. Similarly Max.his best game of the season was the last game he played.Harvey finished the season helmetless and played a beauty. Cant say enough about Ben as a player, a leader and person.he could be anything, have loved coaching him.and Sully.was sad he couldnt be in my last game..but have loved watching him develop and build friendships with all of these sensational kids. So thank-you to everyone all the coaches the volunteers the families everyone..also special mention to Steve Harford and his troup. Without his contribution it would have been very difficult to continue to coach this season. I hope anyone who can supports the Green team in the finals over the next few weeks. I will continue to be involved (probably continuing as president next year) and will be watching the development of all of these kids over the coming years.they better remember their first coach!!!!!! See you all at presentation day on Sunday 23rd August.. Mick

Under 12

Round 14 Cougars vs Montmorency at Home

Four 50 Game Cougars, Jack's Massive Goal, an Abraham Double and Ethan goes Bang!

That's the headline for the final home and away game for the U12 Cougars as Joel, Jack, Max B and Abraham all celebrated their 50th games !!! It was a top effort from the Cougars in windy conditions at home on Sunday as the kids earned a spot in the finals and kicked away for an emphatic win, you ripper!!!

The day started with four Cougars playing their 50th games - Joel, Jack, Abraham and Max B all received the coveted Cougar plaque. Congratulations fellas, great to see you all had good games in your milestone match.

A strong running first quarter set the game up for the 12's as Joel started in the ruck and with Seamus, Max R and Thomas we started to force the ball forward with a dominant first quarter and 5 attempted shots on goal. There were some good signs early as Jack was up and about, winning some hard contested balls for the Cougars. After a tight first few minutes Jackson saluted with a nice goal. Felix followed up some good work by our midfield and booted a major and the Cougars were up and about. Luke was taking plenty of marks around the ground and had a long shot that narrowly missed. Felix was everywhere as he had another shot on goal (a near miss) as the Cougars started to dominate the play around the ground, running to space, shepherding and some great team tackling by all players. Good stuff in defence from Arthur again this week as he took some marks and intercepted the footy kicking to our advantage on many occasions.

In the second quarter Oliver had a dominant term in the ruck as the Whittlesea medallist ran riot and with Peter, Max B and Jasmine in the midfield we started winning plenty of the footy. Peter won several centre clearances and banged the Sherrin deep into our forward line, setting up several long running passages of team play. Abraham was influential all day in his 50th match taking plenty of marks around the ground, tackling, holding position, winning the contested footy and with run and carry he snagged two goals for the quarter in a dominant display, top stuff Abraham!!

I liked Sophie's marks around the grounds and Mia and Jasmines determination to win the footy for the Cougars. Ben Little was influential taking some terrific intercepting marks on a half back flank and kicking it long to our advantage. Ben B was again holding position well and was part of plenty of linking team play. Joel was influential all day taking marks, running and setting up the play.

Ethan has been improving each week, with tackles and team play contesting for the footy and it was great to see the big fella win the contested footy in the hot spot in our forward line, spin on a 20 cent piece and slam home a massive long range goal for the COUGARS woooooooohoooooooooooo!!!!!! Top stuff Ethan that's what hard work gets you mate, your first goal for the Cougars. Did I mention that Jack was up and about? After winning plenty of the footy, Jack found himself with a shot on goal about 35m out on a difficult angle in the forward pocket. With a bit of encouragement from his fleet footed dad he coolly ran in, made good contact with the footy and slotted it through for a huge long range goal, you beauty !!!!! I'm voting that goal of the year so far. Somewhere in the midst of all this good run and carry we had another three near miss shots on goal to Jackson and Max R and the Cougars went to the long break with 6 goals on the Williams Winters scoreboard.

In the third term Luke swung into the ruck and with Jackson, Max R and Sophie the kids continued on playing good team footy, laying tackles, running back into defence when needed, shepherding, and with plenty of run and carry into a stiff breeze. We had plenty of good team passages of play throughout the match including a super team goal as Seamus ran back into space took the mark handed off to a running Cougar (I think it was Oliver) who passed to Max R who ran the ball in deep into our forward line and unselfishly passed to Thomas who continued on his merry way and booted another goal. We've been practising run and carry at training all winter, it's great to see it working during a match, keep backing yourself in Cougars. Arthur and Oliver both had shots on goal and there were a few other near misses to Luke (plugged in the mud) and a rushed to another Cougar. All good stuff as we attacked the goals with run and carry. Seven goals 12 points 54 at three quarter time.

In the final term Seamus was in the ruck and with our midfield the ball kept getting pumped into our forward line as Joel and Max B fought hard for the red pill. Elly fought hard to win the footy and was part of plenty of team linking play all day. We had another four shots on goals with no majors as Jack, Max R and Peter and a rushed behind. Max B had a good game winning the contested footy and doing everything right to run and present up forward. Monty scored a goal in the last quarter when it popped out the back, but it was a dominant display by the Cougars.

Goals to Felix, Jackson, Thomas, Jack (goal of the year), Ethan and a double to Abraham. Thanks to all the parent helpers its much appreciated and onwards to the finals!!!!!!!

GO COUGARS !!!!

Andrew

Under 13

Round 14 Match report

This game was going to be a season definer.

We came up against Wallan who has found recent good form and in the end were too strong for our brave hard working lads who again had to contest against not only a stronger opponent but harsh weather conditions.

We went in feeling confident as we had beaten the opposition at their home ground earlier in the year but it was not as we had planned. Wallan was very strong and our boys did the best they could but it was not enough to get the four points we needed to have a chance in contesting in the finals.

The U13’s 2015 Season

The team commenced this year’s competition with lowly numbers in the team. Unfortunately the playing list had lost 6 players from the previous year and this meant a loss of 14 players from 2013 to 2015. The team all year competed hard as it could . The team has had to play this year without the relief of a bench and or interchanging players.

Under these adverse circumstances, I believe the players handled themselves with club pride and dignity. They were always competitive and did not allow the circumstances to interfere with their desire to compete and win. Their efforts were second to none but in the end the shortage of players available to play and train limited their opportunities to go forward.

This has now left us with the need to go out and recruit new players for the team entering the 2016 as the new U14’s, where I believe they will again regain their mojo and be the ever competitive unit they have been for the past 4 years.

Regards

Joe Anthony

Under 14

Match report: The snow stayed away but not the wind chill factor. Well done to the parents for getting out of your cars and watching the game from the boundary, I know if it was my kid playing I wouldn't have ventured out. Congratulations to the players in winning the minor premiership and going through the season undefeated which is an very impressive feat. The boys played very well considering they could not be knocked off top spot. Their ball movement and use of handball was excellent and stands us in good stead for the next few weeks.

First quarter Angus good run and kick to Kaz who got it to Michael who kicked his first. Mark found Will who kicked a goal. Ethan took a big chest mark and moved the ball quickly into the forward line where Michael took a mark and kicked a goal.

Second quarter started off with Ali taking a hanger. Riley kicked a nice running goal, Mark went through the middle and Nathan kicked a nice sanp for goal.

Third saw Nathan centering kick to Kaz who didn't look like missing the goal. Kurtis kicked a nice running banana straight through the middle.

Last quarter Nick centred smartly to Kaz who marked and kicked another. Riley snapped his second for the day. Kaz took a strong pack mark at centre half forward but couldn't take his kick as blood streamed from his nose. Michael found Mark who kicked truly. Ali took another big mark in the backline and Mark finished off with another snap for goal.

Alright next week we start what we hope will be a successful finals campaign. There will be more pressure, more desperation and hopefully another 2 wins. Simon