Spirit of the Pioneers Pollard Reaches 100 Games

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$ inc april 18-19, 2009 3gst vfl rounD 2 pollarD reaches 100 games Dolphins skipper brings up ‘ton’ after nine years

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FMC6614_Ranger_210x140.indd 1 6/4/09 5:22:18 PM FROm thE OVaL OFFiCE VFL continues to innovate Developing stronger bonds with taC Cup clubs will benefit both competitions.

s Victorian football between the clubs have been has built a relationship with continues to evolve, implemented, tightening past a TAC Cup player prior to him AFL Victoria is keen to loose arrangements with formal finishing as an elite junior, he is explore strategies to partnership agreements. going to be more inclined to go Astrengthen the Victorian football A new rule has also been to that club when he graduates pathway and tighten the bonds introduced to further strengthen to senior football, knowing it between VFL and TAC Cup clubs. these ties. Under the rule, a TAC offers a genuine pathway to For years now, TAC Cup Cup player can now be promoted further his football. clubs have been allocated a VFL to his aligned VFL club as Finally, there are marketing partner. Initially, it was hoped a 23rd player in selected rounds benefits for both competitions. VFL and TAC Cup clubs could fully during the year: in round three, Back in 2007 when AFL draft integrate under a single-club 19-year-old TAC Cup players will prospect Matthew Kreuzer was model. However, analysis revealed be eligible for VFL selection; from with the Northern Knights, problems with this proposal, such rounds nine-12, 18 and 19-year- the media interest in him was as the need for more than one old non-NAB AFL Under-18 enormous. It would have been a ground per partnership, and the Championships representatives terrific boost for both competitions large distance between some of will be eligible; and from rounds had he been able to test himself the partner clubs. 13-20 all 18 and 19-year-old at senior level with his VFL In cases like the North Ballarat players will be eligible. affiliate, the Northern Bullants. Roosters and Rebels there was AFL Victoria’s philosophy is to Historically, the VFL has been a natural partnership, but the give more TAC Cup players the an innovative competition. Back in long distance between other chance to play in the VFL, a move 1959, the VFA reduced the number partners like Casey and Gippsland that will carry major benefits. of on-field players to 16 to make raised issues, while the Murray First, it will give TAC Cup the game more attractive. Now, Bushrangers had no obvious players senior football experience, 40 years later, we go the other geographic partner so were allowing AFL recruiters to see way but, again, to make our great partnered with both Collingwood how they fare against stronger competition even more unique. and Geelong. and more capable players. While AFL Victoria decided not It will also help forge a stronger PeTer SChwAb to fully integrate TAC Cup and VFL bond between aligned TAC Cup Chief Executive Officer, clubs, more strategic alignments and the VFL clubs. If a VFL club AFL Victoria

AFL Victoria Chief executive Officer: Photography: APrIL 18-19, 2009 Peter Schwab Getty Images (02) 9004 2250 COnTenTS Football Operations Manager: Advertising: Shannon Grant 4 John Hook Jennifer Pryor (03) 8663 3007 high Performance Managers: Tim Clarke 6 Anton Grbac, Leon Harris Shaun Pollard 7 Statistics: Sophie Timms Nathan Thompson 15 CeO, The Slattery Media Group: Damien Peverill 17 Geoff Slattery COVer: Frankston’s Shaun editor: Nick Bowen Pollard (top) celebrated Aaron Mullett 27 Designer: Karl Chandler his 100th VFL game last Glenn Wilkins 28 Photo Manager: Natalie Boccassini weekend, while Shane Page and Bendigo still search for Dale Tapping 29 Printed by: Condor Printing their first win in 2009.

VFL RECORD / 3 shannon grant

Dolphins coach Shannon Grant iming, it is said, is takes over at everything in sport. Frankston Oval Some sportsman after a stellar AFL career. Thave it in spades, others can’t buy it. Shannon Grant knows a thing or two about timing. It was a trademark of his throughout a splendid AFL career that started at the Sydney Swans then flourished at North Melbourne. In all, Grant played 301 games, 58 in three seasons at Sydney and 243 in 11 seasons at North Melbourne, including the Roos’ 1999 premiership. Ironically, Grant retired after Sydney defeated North in last year’s second elimination final by 35 points, in what was a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar career. Regardless, Grant could look back with pride at a list of playing honours that included: the 1999 Norm Smith Medal for his best-on-ground performance in North’s ’99 flag triumph; the Roos’ 2001 best and fairest and three runner-up finishes and a third placing in the same award (2003-5 and 1999 Grant gets timing respectively); All-Australian selection in 2005; and the 1998 pre-season premiership. And, above all his other right yet again attributes as player, it was Grant’s timing that took him to such lofty heights. Former Roo star moves into next phase of Where other players might his football life at Frankston. found themselves hemmed in without the time or space to And it seems his sense of North Melbourne coach Dean move, Grant generally had an timing has followed him into his Laidley also got Grant involved eternity and paddock in which to coaching career. in a mentoring role with young weave his magic. Last year, aware that his Roo forwards Matt Campbell and Though never the quickest playing days were fast drawing to Lindsay Thomas. player, even when the opposition and end, Grant started to become Having played increasingly as a closed in around him, Grant had more and more keen on a career small forward in the latter half of an uncanny knack for evading in coaching. his career, Grant tried to pass on trouble and making something To dip his toes in the water, the football smarts he had picked out of nothing. Grant took on an assistant up throughout his career to the Yes, time and timing was coaching role with the Calder lightning quick Campbell and the something Grant had on his side. Cannons in the TAC Cup. nippy Thomas.

4 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au shannon grant

His work with both Indigenous The day that Grant returned “There is a lot of work to be players won Grant a lot of praise from the trip he fired in a phone done. It’s going to be even right from Laidley, not surprising given call to the Dolphins, met with across the board.” the second-year players became their hierarchy the next day and “I think if we can continue to get key players in North’s forward was offered the job on the spot. the development and improvement line, each kicking 32 goals for Grant said the opportunity out of the players that have been the season. to coach Frankston was too good there for a year or two and some By the time Grant approached to refuse. of the young players come up and his 300th game in round 22 last “Timing is a big part in footy share the workload, then hopefully year, he was sold on the coaching and I got my timing right definitely we will be competitive.” caper, saying it was definitely on this,” Grant said. While he celebrates just his something he wanted to have “a Although Frankston is coming 32nd birthday this Sunday, Grant crack at” once he retired. off its best season since the VFL insisted his playing days were Enter Grant’s famed timing was revamped in 2000, Grant is behind him, saying he had not yet again. not taking anything for granted. seriously considered playing on Having headed off on his last Grant noted that the 2009 after the curtain came down on end-of-season players’ trip, season brought fresh challenges his AFL career. Grant heard the Dolphins were and challengers. Every club The timing, he said, was right yet to appoint a replacement for started on the same terms in a to move into a new chapter of his Brett Lovett, whose six-season competition that appeared more football life. tenure at Frankston Oval had even than ever before, he said. And, as with everything else in just ended with an agonising “We have a very young list, his storied football career to date, it one-point semi-final loss to but certainly a coachable group,” seems that Grant continues to stay Williamstown. Grant said. one step ahead of the opposition.

shannonshannon ggrantrant (right) back in his aFLaFL days with nnorthorth Melbourne teammates Lachie hansenhansen (left) and Brent harvey.

VFL rECorD / 5 tim clarke

eaving an AFL club Former Hawthorn player Tim Clarke is environment is never enjoying playing under easy, especially when former teammate Jade you’ve been there for Rawlings at Coburg. L10 seasons as Tim Clarke had at Hawthorn. You’ve got to find suitable employment, prepare for the reality bite that comes with the 8am-5pm daily grind and then fit in footy training when work is finished. That’s the world that Clarke now finds himself in, but he’s embraced the change that now sees him playing with the Coburg Tigers. “It’s a different mindset, but it’s also exciting when you rock up to training and most of the guys there are between 18 and 21 and you get a fair bit out of watching them develop as players,” Clarke said. After spending so long in the AFL environment, Clarke said he is keen to see what else is on offer. “You learn pretty quickly that football is a pretty good lifestyle, a pretty good job to be involved in. It’s a game that everyone loves,” he said. Coburg Tigers coach Jade Rawlings described the signing of Clarke, a playing-midfield coach, Clarke comes as a “real coup” for the club. Rawlings, a teammate of Clarke during his time at to City Oval Hawthorn, rang the 26-year-old after he had been delisted by the Hawks and asked him to consider Former AFL Hawk relishing his new combined a dual role with Coburg. playing and coaching role at Coburg. “Jade said it would be good for me to come down not only as Ex-AFL players always “Both the club and myself a player, but also to do a bit of attract more scrutiny than are just looking to have a good coaching as well,” Clarke said. other recruits, but Clarke year. We have a good, young list “I had some options – my doesn’t feel burdened by the and there is a good environment brother is in Adelaide – and I had weight of expectation. around the club.” other offers, but there was too Clarke said he doesn’t feel any The opportunity to immerse much in Victoria for me to move. extra pressure to perform. himself in football strategy is “Jade spoke to me about the “I’m just another one of the something that’s always appealed club and it seems like a good players at the club,” he said. to Clarke and another reason he club to play for and in the short “I’m also the midfield coach and is excited to be spending the next time I’ve been here that has been that gives me extra involvement phase of his football career at the case.” at the club. City Oval.

6 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au shaun pollard

“I just enjoy playing at VFL level. The football club is a stand-alone Pollard sustained club, we’re a tight knit group. I can’t speak any more highly of the club. And the people that are by self belief associated with it work so hard.” Pollard said, while none of Frankston’s players are on an Dolphins skipper brings up his 100-game milestone. AFL list and few have an AFL background, it doesn’t stop elief is a word often having arrived on the Peninsula them competing against quality used by Shaun Pollard. in 2001. sides every week. It is something that has While he has lost the best He said the belief former Bsustained him through part of two seasons to injuries coach Brett Lovett, who resigned his journey over the past nine that have included a fractured last season after six years, seasons, and was a key factor in kneecap, fractured foot and had instilled into the Dolphins’ his side Frankston’s successful cartilage damage, Pollard’s playing group was pivotal to its finals campaign last year. enthusiasm for the game and success last year. Pollard, who was appointed the Frankston Football Club “The belief among the playing Dolphins skipper at the start of has never waned. group was that Frankston wasn’t last season, played his 100th “It’s a great club. I just love just making up the numbers, game for Frankston in last playing my footy down here. but a club that could seriously week’s season opener. The I can see myself playing here for compete and go to the last day 28-year-old admits it has taken as long as my body holds up,” in September and be a real him some time to reach his ‘ton’, Pollard said. chance to win,” Pollard said. This belief was evident last season when Frankston got Fact file within seconds of a preliminary SHAUN final berth, only to be denied by a POLLARD miracle goal from Williamstown’s Club: Frankston Callum Urch that gave the Seagulls Games: 100 a one-point semi-final victory. Goals: 37 Pollard has no doubt the club’s Honours: Frankston self belief will continue under captain since 2008 rookie coach Shannon Grant. “The young guys that have come in this year have put their heads down, watched the senior guys and haven’t put a foot wrong,” Pollard said. “To have people come into the club like that just shows everyone is on the same page.” Pollard said former North Melbourne best and fairest winner Grant had come with high expectations, expectations that were shared by the playing group. The Dolphins, with a core group of seasoned players like Pollard, know what’s required in 2009 and, more importantly, have the belief they can accomplish it.

VFL RECORD / 7 brendan bolton

Having been a caretaker coach with Tasmania in 2006, Brendan Bolton takes on the Box Hill Bolton Hawks’ top job in 2009. back to the VFL

Box Hill’s new coach instils new club culture at the Hawks.

or many the name Brendan Bolton, the Box Hill Hawks’ new coach, is the answer to a curly Fquestion at VFL trivia nights. While he may be new to the VFL Hawks, Bolton is no stranger to coaching in the VFL. He coached Tasmania for the last six games of the 2006 season after Mathew Armstrong resigned following the Devils’ 51-point loss to Frankston. He also played with Tasmania’s team in its first season in the VFL, 2001, and again the following year. on the way I teach football to “I’ve told them it is a clean Tasmania won half of its the Hawthorn footy staff back in slate. They can take their football six games under Bolton, but it January ’08,” Bolton said. to where they need to with was not enough for him to be “I maintained that connection a fresh canvas and that’s exciting reappointed. The Devils went and was fortunate enough to for them.” with Daryn Cresswell, who win the position. In another initiative, Bolton has walked out on the club midway “Every day since I’ve been over introduced a set of values and through last season. here I have learned something principles that everyone at the Bolton spent the 2007 season and the great thing is I can still club must aspire to meet. helping out a friend at North go and apply what I have learned Bolton said it is important for Hobart Football Club and, at Box Hill.” everyone at the club to “hang their last year, coached Clarence While Box Hill delivered hat” on the new principles. to a preliminary final. precious little after promising “It’s a really important change Asked how he came to Box so much last year, Bolton is not for the club and the guys are Hill, he responds: “I’m a lifelong dwelling on the past. doing a fantastic job to live up learner who tries to improve in One of the first things Bolton to that,” he said. “Hopefully that every facet I can in my coaching. did when he arrived at Box Hill then starts taking care of itself “I was fortunate enough to was to tell the players that they and getting some results.” have a strong connection with would all be starting afresh. By the end of the season, Chris Fagan (Hawthorn’s head “I’ve turned up with absolutely Bolton hopes he will be of coaching and development). no preconceived ideas,” remembered as more than just I presented some of my focuses Bolton said. a VFL caretaker coach.

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Casey Scorpions Sandringham premiership player coach Peter German brings Mark Haynes. a wealth of AFL and “I coached in the WAFL for five WAFL experience years. I understand second-tier to his new role. competitions,” German said. Such experience obviously stands German in good stead, but he’s quick to point out the Scorpions are lacking the maturity and experience of other clubs. “We’re going to be young. Our list is young and, obviously, Melbourne has just started recruiting for two, three, four years down the track,” he said. “You will see (Jack) Watts and (James) Strauss and (Sam) Blease, a lot of those young kids, playing with us. We’re going to be a young and inexperienced list right the way down from Melbourne.” German noted players like Shane Valenti, an integral part of Sandringham’s golden era, now had to begin forging German shepherds relationships with his new Scorpions teammates. He also pointed to young in new era at Casey Melbourne ruckman John Meesen, who several weeks ago came to play for the Scorpions and met 12 players New coach aims to help foster close for the first time. alignment with the Demons. It’s all part of the transition period Casey and Melbourne eason 2009 is about player on both club lists on face in their first season as forging new relationships the same page – never an easy aligned partners. for the Casey Scorpions assignment, especially for “The Melbourne guys have Sand Melbourne. a new coach. to build relationships with Kyle For the first time since the But in the former North Matthews and the other Scorpion Scorpions aligned themselves Melbourne ruck rover’s favour guys they are going to play with with St Kilda at the start of the is his vast coaching experience most weeks,” German said. revamped VFL competition in that includes, most recently, two “They were going to 2001, they have a new partner, seasons as an assistant coach Sandringham for years and knew Melbourne. at Fremantle and a successful the environment. Now it’s a whole The Demons enjoyed coaching career in the WAFL. new set up, different ground, a fantastic relationship with During his time with Subiaco, different people they have to deal Sandringham, winning three German, who played 185 games with and different coaches.” successive VFL premierships for the Roos in an 11-season For German, the key thing from 2004-6. AFL career, took the club to is to fast-track the alignment But, as with any new alignment, two premierships. Ironically, so it can produce results on Casey coach Peter German now former Scorpion David Robbins the scoreboard sooner rather faces the task of getting every played under German, as did than later.

10 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au preview

fter its worst season Last year’s Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller medallist since the VFL was Nicholas Sautner revamped in 2000, booted eight goals in Sandringham served the Zebras’ ominous start to 2009. Aearly notice it promises to be a far more formidable team in season 2009. The Zebras launched their 2009 season and new alignment with St Kilda in stunning fashion, with a thumping 103-point win over Casey Scorpions (ironically now aligned with Sandringham’s former AFL partner Melbourne). Sparked by an eight-goal haul by evergreen veteran Nicholas Sautner, Sandringham was merciless as it set a standard coach Andy Lovell hopes it can maintain throughout the season. While Sandringham started well last season only to crumble in the second half of the year, the Zebras will look to continue their early momentum at the expense of neighbouring rival Frankston Sandy awakens in round two. Last season, the Dolphins inflicted a 58-point loss on Sandringham down on the from 2008 slumber Peninsula, but the Zebras, boosted by St Kilda’s Matt Maguire, Leigh Fisher and Xavier Clarke, appear Zebras start 2009 in form eerily reminiscent to have a significant class edge. of their premiership glory years. Frankston is coming off a 15-point round one loss to the Coburg looks to have an edge Thompson and the Tigers’ Coburg Tigers, having been over the Cats. other big-name recruit Marty jumped in the first quarter. In Former allies Collingwood Pask shape as the key men the trademark style, the Dolphins and Williamstown will slug it Bombers must subdue. fought back, but Coburg’s early out at Visy Park and while the Buoyed by its emphatic 13-goal lead proved too much to reel in. VFL Magpies overran Geelong win over reigning premier North The Dolphins will enjoy playing last week they are likely to Ballarat, Port Melbourne heads at their distinctive home ground, find the Seagulls a much to Casey Fields confident it can but may lack the firepower to tougher opponent. make it two straight wins when subdue Sandringham. The Seagulls, coming off it confronts the shell-shocked The Coburg Tigers, with a bye, have snared some exciting Casey Scorpions. Fothergill-Round medallist recruits, most notably ex-Pies The Box Hill Hawks can Robin Nahas lively up forward Chris Egan and Ben Davies, and provide new coach Brendan with five goals against Frankston, still boast the strongest VFL list. Bolton with a win in his first can maintain its unbeaten start Former North Melbourne game at the helm, when they to the season when it hosts forward Nathan Thompson meet the Northern Bullants in Geelong. makes his debut for the Werribee what promises to be the closest With plenty of seasoned Tigers in round two against the match of the round. Richmond players in its ranks, Bendigo Bombers. North Ballarat has the bye.

VFL RECORD / 11 Werribee Tiger Scott Howard is a likely starter in his team’s inaugural night match against the Bendigo Bombers on Saturday, April 18.

Club Notes

will be holding a president’s luncheon from 12.30pm. For VFL CUP bookings, please call 9470 2224. Remember public transport club notes is the best way to the footy. To find out how to get to NAB Oval, All the latest news, events and match go to metlinkmelbourne.com. au. For all Bullants news, visit information from inside each VFl club. northernbullants.com.au.

Casey sCorpions and complimentary beer and Bendigo Thank you to our major wine. Bookings: Nicole Hopkinson BomBers sponsor Jayco and to all our on 9390 0611 or by email at Tickets for the sponsors, player sponsors, [email protected]. Bombers-Pies VFL Anzac clash, members, parents and supporters. Williamstown’s Mid-season April 26 at the QEO, and the VFL We appreciate your support for the Ball: Saturday, June 6, at Lincoln Dreamtime at the QEO clash 2009 season and look forward to on Toorak. Tickets: $95. featuring the Bombers against seeing you at all our games. The the Coburg Tigers are on sale. next home game at Casey Fields CoBurg Please contact the club on 5444 is on Sunday, May 17, against Box tigers 1737 or visit bendigobombers.com. Hill. Bookings are essential for President’s Tickets for chairman’s the president’s dinner, which is luncheons: every luncheons to both games are $25 for members and includes a home game, $25 a head, phone now also on sale – $70 (food two-course meal with beer, wine the club on 9354 8228 to book and drink inclusive). We look and soft drinks from 12-2pm. Email your spot. forward to seeing you at the [email protected] or call the Merchandise: check out the QEO in Bendigo. club. Red, White and Blue Raffle merchandise stall at our home Day tickets will be on sale from the games for some great Coburg north Ballarat first week of May. The first prize is apparel. Website: to keep up The Roosters are $3000 and your ticket includes a to date with what is happening delighted to announce, barbecue and drinks around the club log on to through a new on Sunday, October 4. Club coburgtigers.com.au. Newsletter: partnership with the City of phone number: 5996 1111. if you would like a weekly Ballarat, their home ground Website: scorpions.com.au. newsletter please email Tracey at (formally known as Austar [email protected]. Arena) will be known as Eureka WilliamstoWn Stadium Ballarat for the next Williamstown northern five years. The re-naming will Football Club would Bullants give the city major marketing like to welcome back Joanne The Bullants would opportunities through its Royston from Hocking Stuart, like to encourage all Come to Life branding strategy Williamstown, as its major supporters to get down and the name itself is a fitting sponsor in 2009. to NAB Oval for the Anzac Day tribute to the city and what it Next Sunday, April 26, the clash against Port Melbourne. stands for. club hosts Werribee in its first Our loyal friends Preston Travel The Roosters also welcome home game of the season in the will be adding to the excitement the return of their major naming ABC-TV match of the day. Our by drawing a lucky spectator at rights partner, the Selkirk group reserves side will unveil its 2008 half-time and rewarding them of companies, and look forward premiership flag prior to the with a $100 travel voucher for to working closely throughout game commencing at 10.20am. each Bullants goal kicked in the 2009 and beyond. The club also The president’s luncheon starts at second half. welcomes all of its sponsors 11am and includes guest speaker Our reserves will now be and members to another season Terry Forrest QC. Tickets cost playing as a curtain-raiser and thanks them all for their $40 a head for a two-course meal beginning at 11am and we ongoing support.

12 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au Club Notes

sandringham match. The off-season has been from $100-$2000. The cost is The next Sandringham extremely exciting with a number $100, which admits three people. coterie lunch is on Friday, of developments at Chirnside A buffet lunch with beer, wine and April 24, with the guest Park and we are pleased to soft drink is included. But only 100 speaker Kevin Sheedy. It promises showcase them at our opening tickets are available, so book now to be a great day. Tickets are $60 game of the season. to make sure you don’t miss out a person, bookings are essential We would like to thank all our on what promises to be a great so contact the club as soon as sponsors for 2009, first and day. A guest entertainer will also possible on 9598 8629 to make foremost our major sponsor appear; further details will be sure you don’t miss out. Ballan Holden, in its 10th season. announced in a later edition of the Preparations are underway for The club’s trivia night is on VFL Record. our Auction Night on August 15 at May 1 at Werribee Football Club. Don’t forget that at each home the Sandringham Yacht Club. Any Bookings: 9741 6688. Show your game you can book a seat or table donated items would be greatly support in 2009 by buying a at the president’s luncheon. The appreciated, so please contact the Werribee membership. The club cost is $35, which includes a club now to secure your ticket for needs your support. Memberships delicious lunch and afternoon tea. what promises to be a great night. are on sale through the club. Throughout the season remember to buy the VFL Record to keep up WerriBee port melBourne to date with what is happening at tigers To all members and the Borough. The Werribee Football supporters pencil the You can also visit our website Club would like to welcome Super Draw into your for the very latest in club news, all dignitaries, members and diary for Sunday, July 5, in the events, announcements and other supporters to its inaugural night social rooms at TEAC Oval from information. Log on any time at: 12pm. Lucky door prizes range pmfc.com.au.

VFl ReCoRD / 13 VFL tipsters

VFL Tipsters

Paul Amy ross Booth Phil Cleary Leader Newspapers ABC-TV ABC-TV sandringham sandringham sandringham Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Williamstown Williamstown Williamstown Werribee tigers Werribee tigers Werribee tigers port Melbourne port Melbourne port Melbourne Box Hill Hawks Box Hill Hawks Northern Bullants lAst round: 4 lAst round: 4 lAst round: 4

scott Cummings Brent diamond Adrian dunn 3AW The Age Herald Sun Frankston Frankston sandringham Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Collingwood Collingwood Williamstown Werribee tigers Werribee tigers Werribee tigers port Melbourne port Melbourne port Melbourne Northern Bullants Box Hill Hawks Box Hill Hawks lAst round: 3 lAst round: 4 lAst round: 4

John Hook lady luck tony leonard AFL Victoria 3AW sandringham sandringham sandringham Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Williamstown Williamstown Williamstown Werribee tigers Werribee tigers Werribee tigers port Melbourne port Melbourne port Melbourne Northern Bullants Northern Bullants Box Hill Hawks lAst round: 5 lAst round: 4 lAst round: 1

Chris Mitchell Mick Molloy Peter schwab Herald Sun Before The Game AFL Victoria CEO sandringham Frankston sandringham Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Coburg tigers Collingwood Williamstown Williamstown Werribee tigers Werribee tigers Werribee tigers port Melbourne port Melbourne port Melbourne Box Hill Hawks Box Hill Hawks Box Hill Hawks lAst round: 4 lAst round: 4 lAst round: 4

tiPster leAderBoArd John Hook 5 Brent Diamond 4 Mick Molloy 4 Paul Amy 4 Adrian Dunn 4 Peter Schwab 4 Ross Booth 4 Lady Luck 4 Scott Cummings 3 Phil Cleary 4 Chris Mitchell 4 Tony Leonard 1

14 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au VFL tipsters

VFL Tipsters

tiPster leAderBoArd John Hook 5 Brent Diamond 4 Mick Molloy 4 Paul Amy 4 Adrian Dunn 4 Peter Schwab 4 Ross Booth 4 Lady Luck 4 Scott Cummings 3 Phil Cleary 4 Chris Mitchell 4 Tony Leonard 1

14 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au VFL Fixture

VFL Fixture 2009 Round 1 Round 8 Round 14 Saturday, Apr 11 Saturday, May 30 Saturday, Jul 18 Port Melbourne 20.13 (133) vs. North Ballarat 7.13 (55) Port Melbourne vs. Box Hill Hawks TEAC Oval 2pm Geelong vs. Coburg Tigers Skilled Stadium 10:40am (AFL C/R) Collingwood 13.21 (99) vs. Geelong 11.8 (74) Collingwood vs. Northern Bullants Visy Park 2pm Collingwood vs. Casey Scorpions TBA 01:00 pm Sunday, Apr 12 Sunday, May 31 Port Melbourne vs. Bendigo Bombers TEAC Oval 2pm Coburg Tigers 18.11 (119) vs. Frankston 16.8 (104) Coburg Tigers vs. Werribee Tigers ABD Group Stadium 2pm Sunday, Jul 19 Sandringham 25.16 (166) vs. Casey Scorpions 8.15 (63) Williamstown vs. North Ballarat Burbank Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Box Hill Hawks Burbank Oval 2pm Northern Bullants 13.11 (89) vs. Bendigo Bombers 12.8 (80) Casey Scorpions vs. Geelong Casey Fields 2pm Frankston vs. Werribee Tigers Frankston Oval 2pm BYE - Williamstown, Box Hill Hawks and Werribee Tigers Sandringham vs. Bendigo Bombers Trevor Barker Beach Northern Bullants vs. North Ballarat Visy Park 2pm Oval 2pm BYE - Sandringham Round 2 BYE - Frankston Saturday, Apr 18 Round 15 Frankston vs. Sandringham Frankston Oval 1:10pm (ABC TV) Round 9 Saturday, Jul 25 Coburg Tigers vs. Geelong ABD Group Stadium 2pm Saturday, Jun 6 North Ballarat vs. Werribee Tigers Eureka Stadium2pm Collingwood vs. Williamstown Visy Park 2pm Geelong vs. Frankston Skilled Stadium 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Northern Bullants Queen Elizabeth Werribee Tigers vs. Bendigo Bombers Chirnside Park7pm Northern Bullants vs. Williamstown Visy Park 2pm Oval 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Port Melbourne Casey Fields 07:00 pm Sunday, Jun 7 Sunday, Jul 26 Sunday, Apr 19 Casey Scorpions vs. Werribee Tigers Casey Fields 2pm Box Hil Hawks vs. Port Melbourne Box Hill City Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs Northern Bullants Box Hill City Oval 2pm North Ballarat vs. Coburg Tigers Eureka Stadium2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Coburg Tigers Casey Fields 2pm BYE - North Ballarat Collingwood vs. Port Melbourne Visy Park 2pm Sandringham vs. Williamstown Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Round 3 Monday, Jun 8 Bendigo Bombers vs. Box Hill Hawks Queen Elizabeth BYE - Geelong, Frankston & Collingwood Saturday, Apr 25 Oval 2pm Round 16 Northern Bullants vs. Port Melbourne NAB Oval 2pm BYE - Sandringham Box Hill Hawks vs. Coburg Tigers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Saturday, Aug 1 Sunday, Apr 26 Round 10 Geelong vs. Casey Scorpions Skilled Stadium 10:40am (AFL C/R) Williamstown vs. Werribee Tigers Burbank Oval 1:10pm (ABC TV) Saturday, Jun 13 Coburg Tigers vs. Box Hill Hawks ABD Group Stadium 2pm Frankston vs. Casey Scorpions Frankston Oval 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Collingwood Chirnside Park2pm Sunday, Aug 2 Bendigo Bombers vs. Colingwood Queen Elizabeth Oval 2pm North Ballarat vs. Frankston Eureka Stadium2pm Frankston vs. Port Melbourne Frankston Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. North Ballarat Trevor Barker Beach Sunday, Jun 14 Northern Bullants vs. Collingwood NAB Oval 2pm Oval 2pm Northern Bullants vs. Casey Scorpions Visy Park 2pm North Ballarat vs. Williamstown Eureka Stadium2pm BYE - Geelong Bendigo Bombers vs. Sandringham Queen Elizabeth Saturday, Jun 20 Oval 2pm Williamstown vs. Geelong Burbank Oval 2pm Round 4 BYE - Werribee Tigers Port Melbourne vs Coburg Tigers TEAC Oval 2pm Saturday, May 2 North Ballarat vs. Collingwood Eureka Stadium1:10pm (ABC TV) Sunday, Jun 21 Round 17 Coburg Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions ABD Group Stadium 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs Sandringham Box Hill City Oval 2pm Saturday, Aug 8 Williamstown vs. Sandringham Burbank Oval 2pm BYE - Bendigo Bombers Coburg Tigers vs. Bendigo Bombers ABD Group Stadium 2pm Port Melbourne vs. Geelong TEAC Oval 2pm Round 11 Geelong vs. Sandringham Skilled Stadium 2pm Port Melbourne vs. Northern Bullants TEAC Oval 2pm Sunday, May 3 Saturday, Jun 27 Werribee Tigers vs. Box Hill Hawks Chirnside Park2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Sandringham ABD Group Stadium 2pm Sunday, Aug 9 Northern Bullants vs. Frankston Visy Park 2pm Williamstown vs. Casey Scorpions Burbank Oval 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. North Ballarat Casey Fields 2pm BYE - Bendigo Bombers Frankston vs. Box Hill Hawks Frankston Oval 2pm Sunday, Jun 28 Collingwood vs. Werribee Tigers TBA 2pm Geelong vs. Northern Bullants Skilled Stadium 9:40 am Round 5 BYE - Williamstown Saturday, May 9 (AFL C/R) Box Hill Hawks vs. Werribee Tigers Box Hill City Oval 2pm Geelong vs. Werribee Tigers Skilled Stadium 10:40am (AFL C/R) Round 18 Frankston vs. Bendigo Bombers Frankston Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. Northern Bullants Trevor Barker Beach Saturday, Aug 15 Collingwood vs. North Ballarat Visy Park 2pm Oval 1:10pm Northern Bullants vs. Geelong NAB Oval 2pm BYE - Port Melbourne Sunday, May 10 Sandringham vs. Frankston Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm North Ballarat vs. Bendigo Bombers Central Park- Stawell 2pm Round 12 Sunday, Aug 16 Frankston vs. Williamstown Frankston Oval 2pm Saturday, Jul 4 Werribee Tigers vs. Coburg Tigers Chirnside Park2pm Collingwood vs. Box Hill Hawks Visy Park 2pm Geelong vs. Box Hill Hawks Skilled Stadium 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Bendigo Bombers Box Hill City Oval 2pm BYE - Casey Scorpions, Port Melbourne & Coburg Tigers Sandringham vs. Port Melbourne Trevor Barker Beach Williamstown vs. Collingwood Burbank Oval 2pm Oval 2pm North Ballarat vs. Port Melbourne Eureka Stadium2pm Round 6 BYE - Casey Scorpions Sunday, Jul 5 Saturday, May 16 Coburg Tigers vs. Northern Bullants ABD Group Stadium Geelong vs. North Ballarat Skilled Stadium 10:40am (AFL C/R) Round 19 2pm Port Melbourne vs. Frankston TEAC Oval 1:10pm Saturday, Aug 22 Werribee Tigers vs. Williamstown Chirnside Park2pm Coburg Tigers vs. Collingwood ABD Group Stadium 2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Geelong Chirnside Park2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Bendigo Bombers Casey Fields 2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. Williamstown Queen Elizabeth Port Melbourne vs. Sandringham TEAC Oval 2pm Frankston vs. Collingwood Frankston Oval 2pm Oval 2pm Collingwood vs. Frankston TBA 2pm BYE - North Ballarat Sunday, May 17 Sunday, Aug 23 Werribee Tigers vs. Sandringham Chirnside Park2pm Round 13 Casey Scorpions vs. Williamstown Casey Fields 2pm Casey Scorpions vs. Box Hill Hawks Casey Fields 2pm Saturday, Jul 11 Northern Bullants vs. Coburg Tigers NAB Oval 2pm BYE - Northern Bullants Werribee Tigers vs. Port Melbourne Chirnside Park2pm Bendigo Bombers vs. North Ballarat Queen Elizabeth Box Hill Hawks vs. North Ballarat Box Hill City Oval 2pm Oval 2pm Round 7 BYE - Box Hill Hawks Sunday, Jul 12 Saturday, May 23 Williamstown vs. Coburg Tigers Burbank Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Frankston Box Hill City Oval 1:10pm Round 20 Casey Scorpions vs. Frankston Casey Fields 2pm Williamstown vs. Port Melbourne Burbank Oval 2pm Saturday, Aug 29 Bendigo Bombers vs. Geelong Queen Elizabeth Oval 2pm (AFL C/R) Geelong vs. Collingwood Skilled Stadium 9:40 AM Sunday, May 24 Sandringham vs. Collingwood Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm North Ballarat vs. Sandringham Eureka Stadium2pm Werribee Tigers vs. Northern Bullants Chirnside Park2pm BYE - Northern Bullants North Ballarat vs. Casey Scorpions Eureka Stadium2pm Port Melbourne vs. Williamstown TEAC Oval 2pm Bendigo Bombers. vs Coburg Tigers Queen Elizabeth Sunday, Aug 30 Oval 2pm Box Hill Hawks vs. Casey Scorpions Box Hill City Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. Geelong Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Frankston vs. Northern Bullants Frankston Oval 2pm BYE - Collingwood Bendigo Bombers vs. Werribee Tigers Windy Hill 2pm BYE - Coburg Tigers

16 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au damien peverill

Former Essendon midfielder Damien Peverill’s leadership will be invaluable for the Magpies’ Peverill young VFL side. now a Pie Former Bomber’s passion for the game still burns.

ollingwood coach Gavin Brown described new recruit Damien Peverill as “the No. 1 Cman we chased” in the off-season. The Pies were not alone. Peverill was courted by the Box Hill Hawks, Coburg Tigers and countless country, suburban and interstate clubs. For Peverill, the choice was straightforward. While he may be turning 30 in early July, his fierce competitive desire has not diminished. “I still enjoy playing football and my body is all right, and I wanted to play at the highest When he spoke to Brown, he Collingwood felt someone with level I could,” Peverill said. wondered if he would be expected Peverill’s experience (he played During his final two years at to rack up 30-plus possessions 144 games with Essendon over Essendon, Peverill prepared every week. eight years) was imperative. for life after football, and when “Gavin said that wasn’t “We targeted him to give us the curtain fell at the end of last expected of me,” Peverill said. “He a bit of experience out on the season he started working as just wants me to set the example. ground and also to be our midfield a financial broker. If there’s a hard ball to be won, he coach – a little bit like what Paul That job, together with his wants me to set the standard in Licuria did last year,” Brown said. wife’s employment, meant moving terms of hardness and attack on “He’s our main recruit and, away from Melbourne was never the ball. given his background and where really an option. What remained “I still want to go out there and he’s come from, he’s exactly what was to find the club that best get 30 possessions. I still want we want.” suited him. to play well, but I’m also there to The label of the ‘go-to guy’ may While he never saw himself help the younger guys become not sit comfortably with Peverill, as a coach – and he’s still unsure good AFL players. but you can take it as read he if that’s where his long-term “Now I have to worry about will give Collingwood the same future lies – Peverill agreed to other players more than I have to dedication, commitment and join the VFL Magpies as a playing worry about myself.” intensity he displayed throughout assistant coach. Brown said with its young list his days at Essendon.

VFL RECORD / 17 statistics

Round 1 senioRs Port Melbourne 3.5 8.9 12.11 20.13 (133) North Ballarat 1.3 3.5 5.12 7.13 (55)

GoALs: Port Melbourne - Bonaddio 5, A. Deluca 4, Dwyer 2, Pinwill 2, Cain 2, VFL statistics Mullins, Burstin, Baird, McMahon, Robbins. north Ballarat - Driscoll 3, A. Edwards, Stephenson, McMahon, White. AFTER ROUND 1 P W L D B F A % PTS BesT: Port Melbourne - Dwyer, Baird, A. Deluca, Dillon, Pleming, Pinwill. sandringham 1 1 0 0 0 166 63 263.49 4 north Ballarat - Clifton, Goodes, Driscoll, A. Edwards, Sewell, White. Port Melbourne 1 1 0 0 0 133 55 241.82 4 Collingwood 1 1 0 0 0 99 74 133.78 4 Collingwood 2.5 4.7 8.13 13.21 (99) Coburg Tigers 1 1 0 0 0 119 104 114.42 4 Geelong 3.1 6.4 8.5 11.8 (74) northern Bullants 1 1 0 0 0 89 80 111.25 4 Bendigo Bombers 1 0 1 0 0 80 89 89.89 0 GoALs: Collingwood - Dawes 3, Bryan 3, Rocca 3, Rounds 2, Corrie, Wood. Geelong - Gamble 4, Podsiadly 3, Moles, Tutungi, S. Simpson, Sheringham. Frankston 1 0 1 0 0 104 119 87.39 0 Geelong 1 0 1 0 0 74 99 74.75 0 BesT: Collingwood - Blair, Cook, Francis, Goldsack, Bryan, Barham. North Ballarat 1 0 1 0 0 55 133 41.35 0 Geelong - Gillies, Moles, Gamble, B. Johnson, Hollmer, Raidme. Casey Scorpions 1 0 1 0 0 63 166 37.95 0 Werribee Tigers 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 0 Coburg Tigers 7.2 9.6 14.8 18.11 (119) Williamstown 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 0 Frankston 3.3 7.7 11.7 16.8 (104) Box Hill Hawks 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 0 GoALs: Coburg Tigers - Nahas 5, Collins 4, Liddle 2, Connors 2, Clarke, Coughlan, Allan, Polak, Carrick. Frankston - Murray 4, Baguley 2, Dore 2, Purves 2, Dickson 2, Marigliani, 2009 VFL GoALkiCkeRs (PRoGRessiVe) Magner, Berry, Keely. nicholas sautner Sandringham 8 - BesT: Coburg Tigers - McMahon, Horne, Clarke, Carrick, Liddle, Collins. Adrian Bonaddio Port Melbourne 5 - Frankston - Berry, Baguley, Murray, Dore, Ongarello, Dickson. Robin nahas Coburg Tigers 5 - Adrian deluca Port Melbourne 4 - sandringham 9.4 12.9 19.13 25.16 (166) Aaron Murray Frankston 4 - Casey Scorpions 2.3 4.5 4.10 8.15 (63) Andrew Collins Coburg Tigers 4 - GoALs: sandringham - Sautner 8, Lynch 3, R. Eddy 2, Heyne 2, Crowe 2, Ryan Gamble Geelong 4 - Gilchrist, L. Fisher, Tregear, Gallagher, Summers, X. Clarke, Begley, McEvoy. Bill driscoll North Ballarat 3 - Casey scorpions - Matthews 2, Jurrah 2, Liddle, MaCreadie, Wall, Robertson. James Podsiadly Geelong 3 - BesT: sandringham - X. Clarke, Sautner, Miles, Paterakis, Armitage, McEvoy. Chris Bryan Collingwood 3 - Casey scorpions - Maric, Valenti, Matthews, Wall, Matheson, Macreadie. Chris dawes Collingwood 3 - Anthony Rocca Collingwood 3 - northern Bullants 3.2 6.6 7.9 13.11 (89) Thomas Lynch Sandringham 3 - Bendigo Bombers 1.2 3.3 8.5 12.8 (80) simon Weekley Bendigo Bombers 3 - GoALs: northern Bullants - Bentley 2, Gianfagna 2, Fisher 2, O’hAilpin 2, John Williams Bendigo Bombers 3 - McCorkell, Yarran, Hampson, Ellard, Boundy. Bendigo Bombers - Weekley 3, Williams 3, Magin 2, Bellchambers, Lovett- Murray, Neagle, Scanlon. VFL action BesT: northern Bullants - Armfield, O’hAilpin, Bentley, Ellard, McCorkell, Jo. Bannister. on ABC-TV Bendigo Bombers - Flaherty, Hooker, Scanlon, S. Crameri, T. Slattery, Carroll. Round 2 Round 3 Saturday, April 18 Sunday, April 26 Frankston v Williamstown v sandringham Werribee Tigers Round 4 Round 5 Saturday, May 2 Saturday, May 9 north Ballarat sandringham v v Collingwood northern Bullants

18 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au statistics

Round 1 ReseRVes Port Melbourne 5.6 10.10 14.13 16.16 (112) North Ballarat 2.1 3.2 8.2 11.5 (71)

AFTER ROUND 1 P W L D B F A % PTS GoALs: Port Melbourne - Dare 3, F. Deluca 2, Casey-Leigh 2, Thomas 2, O’Keefe 2, O’Farrell, Siciliano, Martin, Scipione, Milhuisen. northern Bullants 1 1 0 0 0 174 64 271.88 4 north Ballarat - Boyd 3, Richardson 3, Orvis, Radley, Bell, Raworth, T. George.

Port Melbourne 1 1 0 0 0 112 71 157.75 4 BesT: Port Melbourne - Thomas, Suckling, Siciliano, Schultz, Milhuisen, Hassett. sandringham 1 1 0 0 0 130 102 127.45 4 north Ballarat - Richardson, Bell, Luke, Struth, Beardsell, Niblett. Coburg Tigers 1 1 0 0 0 102 93 109.68 4 northern Bullants 3.3 9.8 17.14 26.18 (174) Frankston 1 0 1 0 0 93 102 91.18 0 Bendigo Bombers 3.1 6.1 7.2 10.4 (64)

Casey Scorpions 1 0 1 0 0 102 130 78.46 0 GoALs: northern Bullants - Bilney 7, B. Micevski 4, Meese 4, A. Totino 3, Everington 2, Morgan 2, Prior 2, Groth, Hall. North Ballarat 1 0 1 0 0 71 112 63.39 0 Bendigo Bombers - Redpath 3, Hackett 2, Harrison 2, Fiske, J. Crameri, Bendigo Bombers 1 0 1 0 0 64 174 36.78 0 Matheson.

Werribee Tigers 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 0 BesT: northern Bullants - S. Austin, B. Micevski, Bilney, Bransgrove, Groth, Gale. Williamstown 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 0 Bendigo Bombers - Redpath, Hackett, A’vard, Delahunty, Bristow, B. Taylor. Box Hill Hawks 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 0 Coburg Tigers 3.5 10.5 12.8 15.12 (102) Frankston 6.3 8.5 9.8 14.9 (93)

GoALs: Coburg Tigers - Gourdis 5, Hughes 3, Clifton 2, J. Hislop 2, Vickery, 2009 VFL ReseRVe GoALkiCkeRs (PROGRESSiVE) M. Deledio, Kelly. Wes Bilney Northern Bullants 7 - Frankston - Crowe 3, Hicks 2, L. Clark 2, Limbach 2, Barnes 2, Lancaster 2, david Gourdis Coburg Tigers 5 - Comben. Matt Moore Casey Scorpions 5 - BesT: Coburg Tigers - Morgan, Clifton, Gourdis, Cattapan, M. Deledio, Vickery. nick Meese Northern Bullants 4 - Frankston - Crowe, Lancaster, Hobbs, Lombardozzi, Hicks, Comben. Billy Micevski Northern Bullants 4 - sandringham 4.5 8.10 14.14 19.16 (130) Chris Waller Sandringham 4 - Casey Scorpions 1.2 7.4 11.7 15.12 (102) Brett eddy Sandringham 4 - GoALs: sandringham - B. Eddy 4, Waller 4, Harektuku 3, Stanley 2, Jack Redpath Bendigo Bombers 3 - M. Johnston 2, S. Jones 2, Ferraro, Connors. Adrian Totino Northern Bullants 3 - Casey scorpions - Moore 5, Vernon 2, Collins 2, McNamara, Crespin, Mildren, Ben Crowe Frankston 3 - Bolton, Sykes, Virtue. Cleve Hughes Coburg Tigers 3 - BesT: sandringham - Stanley, Simpkin, Waller, McGarry, Dean, Harektuku. Cameron Richardson North Ballarat 3 - Casey scorpions - McNamara, Patti, Virtue, Vernon, Panozza, Healey. Lucas Boyd North Ballarat 3 -

VFL senioR FieLd uMPiRes 2009

DAN BEARD ...... 1 ANDREW TALBOT ...... 15 MiCHAEL JENNiNGS ...... 4 MATTHEW LEPPARD ...... 16 VFL action on radio ANDREW MiTCHELL ...... 5 BRETT RiTCHiE ...... 17 Round 2 DAViD HARRiS ...... 6 GREG DENiSON ...... 18 saturday, April 18 (2pm) BRENT PAWLEY ...... 7 JARROD WAiGHT ...... 20 Collingwood v Williamstown SHAuN GLEESON (TAS) .....8 RiCHARD MiLLS ...... 21 saturday, April 18 (7pm) Casey scorpions v Port Melbourne TiM SAuNDERS ...... 9 ANDREW McCOY...... 22

TROY McCARTHY ...... 10 TRiSTAN BuRGESS ...... 24 Round 2 MATTHEW BROWN ...... 11 JOSHuA KRuLL ...... 25 sunday, April 19 JAMiE GRiNDAL ...... 13 Box Hill Hawks v Note: AFL Umpires will wear northern Bullants WAYNE HOSKiNS ...... 14 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 36, 39, 40

VFL REcORD / 19 VFL Round 1

20 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au 3

2 4

PORT REVENGE: (1) North Ballarat’s Tom Roach and his Rooster teammates were overwhelmed by a powerful Port Melbourne outfit in their Port exact Grand Final rematch; (2) North Ballarat recruit Tristan Cartledge will strengthen the Roosters’ ruck division this season but was unable to stop the Borough last Saturday; (3) Toby Pinwill was among the Borough’s best; and (4) Stephen Grand revenge Brewer prepares to launch another Port Melbourne attack. Port Melbourne turned the tables on its Grand Final nemesis North Ballarat in round one, trouncing the Roosters by 78 points.

VFL RECORD / 21 GO FOR YOUR LIFE

week to be active. Write it down Working together and stick to it. Find new opportunities: If your kids attend sport or clinics for a healthy 2009 on the weekend, like Auskick, go along with them and join in when you can. Otherwise, take Become more active every day to improve your a walk around the ground while health and fitness, and avoid disease. they’re playing. Become a jack of all trades and master healthy eating as well. o for your life is a 30 minutes of physical activity for Go for two serves of fruit and five Victorian Government adults and 60 minutes for kids. serves of vegetables every day initiative promoting Go for a kick at half-time today along with a variety of wholegrain healthy eating and or get involved with the kids at products, low fat dairy produce Gphysical activity to all Victorians. Auskick – don’t be the parent just and lean meat to help you feel We are proud to be working in standing on the sidelines. Think of better and live longer. partnership with AFL Victoria movement as an opportunity, not Keep an eye out for some again in 2009 to support the an inconvenience. Here are some exciting new programs in 2009 link between healthy lifestyles ideas to get you going. as part of the partnership and football. A kick with kids and a goal between ‘Go for your life’ and Becoming more active is about for your health: Being physically AFL Victoria. There are some making small changes in your active every day can help increase great opportunities for parents life that are achievable. It doesn’t muscle strength, maintain to get involved in 2009. have to mean slogging it out in a healthy body weight and So get out there, and go for the gym for hours. Whether it is prevent some illnesses such as your life! playing in a community league, cardiovascular disease. For physical activity and or just playing kick-to-kick in the Make a date: Whether it is healthy eating tips visit park with mates, it all contributes with your friends, family or on goforyourlife.vic.gov.au or toward the daily recommended your own, set aside time each call 1300 73 98 99.

22 / visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au TAC Cup aaron mullet

Aaron Mullett’s ome truths can hurt, improved intensity has seen him start but they can also help the season in fine someone take their form with Eastern. Hgame to the next level – just ask Aaron Mullet. The Eastern Ranges defender was told last season his attack on the ball wasn’t hard enough. While the assessment stung, Mullet decided the best way to address his perceived deficiency was to work like never before to overcome it. And that’s exactly what the Vermont under-16 best and fairest winner did, with the results evident in this year’s practice matches and the Ranges’ TAC Cup season opener against Gold Coast at Carrara. Ranges coach Shane Watson admitted pre-season he was unsure where Mullet fitted into his team’s plans, saying while Mullet always had “reasonable wraps” on him, he hadn’t impressed with the Ranges’ under-16s last year and was inconspicuous in early pre-season training. Mullet packs “Off a limited preparation he did really well in some of the ‘possibles’ practice matches. added bite We threw him into one of the main practice matches and he was Eastern youngster steps up his attack super, and he was the same again on the ball and the competition. against Gold Coast,” Watson said. “Aaron’s development in the past 12 months has been round game for a bottom-age “I definitely tried to improve substantial.” player on such a big stage my tackling. I just worked hard From a back pocket in round was outstanding.” on it at training and put heaps one – Mullet had previously never It was a performance that of pressure on the guys with the played in defence – he gathered earned him the maximum votes in ball,” Mullet said. 21 possessions, laid seven tackles the TAC Cup Coaches’ Award. “I just became really confident. and generated plenty of drive, as Mullet acknowledged he I believed that I was good enough Eastern posted a comfortable win. “struggled a bit” in the Ranges’ to be playing with the Ranges.” Watson said despite the wet under-16s and doubted whether While he had never played conditions Mullet missed just the he belonged at that level, but the in defence, Mullet found the one target, put his body on the advice he “wasn’t hard enough at experience rewarding. line and chased down opponents. the ball” had proved pivotal. Mullet said he “really enjoyed” “He really surprised us,” At Vermont, Mullet won playing in the backline, but, Watson said. the best and fairest by a big more importantly, there was “For someone playing in margin and the lessons learned no questioning his attack on his first TAC Cup game, his all- catapulted him to a new high. the football.

TAC CUP RECORD / 27 glenn wilkins

Football has taken Glenn Wilkins far Football League. While he was and wide, but he has returned to where it hesitant about embarking on a all started for him, at coaching career at first, Wilkins North Ballarat. soon embraced the challenge. “I thought if it works out it would be great, if it didn’t I could always go back to playing football,” Wilkins recalled. “I had a go, felt comfortable in the role. The team made improvement in each of the three years I was in charge.” For the next five years, Wilkins travelled overseas, but the bug to play football proved irresistible. He played for the North London Lions in the British Aussie Rules Football League, a competition that drew together ex-pats and a mix of Europeans attracted to our game. “It was quite ironic. We played in Essendon jumpers, we were called the Lions and our theme song was Melbourne’s,” Wilkins laughed. “I played in a couple of flags and just enjoyed having a kick.” On his return home, Wilkins played in a premiership for Redan Wilkins returns before embarking on another journey, which took him to Donald where he played for two years and to North Ballarat landed another flag. He stayed on as Donald coach Rebels’ new coach knows what it takes for another season, leading the to win a premiership. club to yet another flag. Finally, Wilkins returned home to become an assistant coach lenn Wilkins’ journey Wilkins grew up in Ballarat and with VFL club North Ballarat, an to his appointment as played all his junior football at association that last year netted North Ballarat Rebels North Ballarat, before attracting him his sixth premiership and the coach has taken him the attention of Melbourne, which Roosters their first in the VFL. Gfull circle. drafted him with its third pick When the North Ballarat It began in North Ballarat, (selection No. 71) in the 1989 AFL Rebels coaching position became included stopovers in the AFL, National Draft. vacant after last season, it VFL and Ballarat Football When his AFL career failed seemed only natural for Wilkins to League, took in an overseas to take off, Wilkins headed to add the TAC Cup to his extensive stint and three years in the Werribee, where he played for football CV. Murray region, before he ended four years and was part of the As for the Rebels’ chances in up back at Eureka Stadium, Tigers’ first VFA premiership. 2009, Wilkins is reluctant to talk home of the Rebels and its Aged just 22, Wilkins then up his side’s chances this early in VFL affiliate, the North made his first foray into coaching the season but is confident they’ll Ballarat Roosters. with Sebastopol in the Ballarat be competitive.

28 / visit www.taccup.com.au dale tapping

New Sandringham hen Dale Tapping coach Dale Tapping says he’s been is optimistic about the Dragons’ involved in football chances in 2009. for a while, he’s not Woverstating things. Tapping, the new Sandringham Dragons coach, has been a fixture in the former VFA, VAFA and more recently TAC Cup assistant coaching ranks. He first burst to prominence when he made Toorak Park his home in the mid 1980s, playing a pivotal part in Prahran’s VFA second division premiership in 1991 under Greg Hutchison. After his VFA playing days finished, Tapping found himself coaching a succession of teams in the Amateurs. He coached Old Brighton for five years, leading it to a premiership that led to the club’s elevation to A grade. From there he moved to Old Scotch, where he spent four seasons, taking the club into the finals in three of those years. Tapping then returned to the VFL as an assistant coach to Brad Dragon Dale Gotch at Williamstown, before spending the past two years as an assistant coach at the Western takes the helm Jets, first under Mark Neeld and later Steve Kretiuk . Tapping into the minds of Sandringham’s “The past three years were best young players. really good, but I was pretty keen to get into the TAC Cup program,” Tapping said. new challenges and opportunities Tapping says this year’s “‘Gotchy’ was really good. I still present themselves. Dragons are a “pretty even talk to him now, he was a Dragons “You want to extend yourself as squad”, but believes the bottom- coach so he knows the territory. a person and as a coach and the aged talls are promising. “Just being around people TAC (Cup) gives you that chance.” While the Dragons will like ‘Gotchy’, Mark Neeld After nearly a decade in have to endure their annual (now an assistant at Collingwood) the Amateurs, Tapping said he exodus of private school and Steve is good. You are was interested in shifting his boys from the side after the first forever learning. coaching focus to developing month of the season, Tapping “I’m enjoying the Dragons’ young players. believes their depth is greater position. I’ve been involved in And he says he has found it this year. football for a while so it is good to more rewarding as young players “We still have some promising get an opportunity at this level. have a “rock-solid” attitude. “They players who are non private “Like everything you just keep just want to play and they are much school boys,” he said. evolving as a football coach and easier to coach,” Tapping said. “I think it will be a good year.”

TAC CUP RECORD / 29 TAC CUP FIXTURE

Fixture 2009 Round 1 Round 8 Round 14 Saturday, April 4 Saturday, May 23 Saturday, JulY 11 Bendigo 10.9 (69) vs. Geelong 17.14 (116) Dandenong vs. Calder Shepley Oval 11am Gold Coast vs. Northern Carrara 10:30am Gippsland 13.8 (86) vs. Dandenong 16.11 (107) National Carnival - Gold Coast vs. NSW/ACT Geelong vs. Calder Skilled Stadium 1pm Western 12.19 (91) vs. NSW/ACT 10.8 (68) North Ballarat vs. Northern Eureka Stadium Noon Sunday, JulY 12 Geelong vs. Oakleigh Skilled Stadium 1pm Murray 17.11 (113) vs. North Ballarat 8.8 (56) Bendigo vs. Oakleigh Queen Elizabeth Oval 11:10am Gippsland vs. Bendigo Shepley Oval 2pm Sandringham vs. Dandenong Trevor Barker Beach Oval 11:10am Gold Coast 9.10 (64) vs. Eastern 16.6 (102) Sunday, May 24 Gippsland vs. Western Morwell Football Ground Noon Sunday, April 5 Sandringham vs. Western Trevor Barker Beach Oval 11:10am Eastern vs. Murray Box Hill City Oval 1pm Northern 8.10 (58) vs. Calder 14.12 (96) Murray vs. Eastern Lavington Sports Ground Noon BYE - North Ballarat Rebels Sandringham 6.9 (45) vs. Oakleigh 15.11 (101) National Carnival Camp - VIC Country & VIC Metro Round 15 Round 2 Round 9 Saturday, July 18 Saturday, AprIL 11 Saturday, May 30 Northern vs. Gippsland NAB Oval 1pm Northern 7.6 (48) vs. Oakleigh 25.21 (171) Western vs. Calder Burbank Oval 11am Gold Coast vs. Western Carrara 1pm Bendigo 14.7 (91) vs. North Ballarat 15.12 (102) Geelong vs. North Ballarat Skilled Stadium 1pm Oakleigh vs. Geelong Warrawee Park 1:30pm Geelong 15.7 (97) vs. Gippsland 7.15 (57) Northern vs. Eastern NAB Oval 1pm Dandenong vs. North Ballarat Shepley Oval 2pm Eastern 19.10 (124) vs. Sandringham 12.11 (83) Gippsland vs. Murray Warrawee Park 2pm Sunday, July 19 Gold Coast vs. Oakleigh Carrara 3:20pm Dandenong 16.5 (101) vs. Murray 14.16 (100) Calder vs. Bendigo ABD Group Stadium 11am Sunday, May 31 Sandringham vs. Eastern Box Hill City Oval 2pm Sunday, AprIL 12 Bendigo vs. Sandringham Golden Square 12:45pm BYE - Murray Gold Coast 26.13 (169) Western 5.5 (35) vs. BYE - Dandenong Calder 21.11 (137) vs. NSW/ACT 10.7 (67) Game 1: National Carnival - VIC Country vs. VIC Metro (MCG) Round 16 Saturday, July 25 Round 3 Development Weekend Calder vs. Northern ABD Group Stadium 11am Saturday, AprIL 18 June 6-7 Bendigo vs. Murray Golden Square 12:30pm Bendigo vs. Dandenong Queen Elizabeth Oval 10am Game 2: National Carnival - Tasmania vs. VIC Country Geelong vs. Dandenong Skilled Stadium 1pm Murray vs. Geelong Queen Elizabeth Oval 12:30pm Game 2: National Carnival - NSW/ACT vs. VIC Metro Western vs. Sandringham Burbank Oval 2pm Eastern vs. Oakleigh Box Hill City Oval 1pm Round 10 Sunday, July 26 North Ballarat vs. Gippsland Queen Elizabeth Oval 3pm North Ballarat vs. Gold Coast Eureka Stadium Noon Saturday, JunE 13 Sunday, AprIL 19 Gippsland vs. Oakleigh Morwell Football Ground 1pm Geelong vs. Bendigo Skilled Stadium 1pm BYE - Eastern Ranges Calder vs. Western ABD Group Stadium 11am Gippsland vs. Eastern Morwell Football Ground 1pm Sandringham vs. Northern Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Murray vs. Calder Deakin Reserve 1pm Round 17 BYE - Gold Coast Gold Coast vs. North Ballarat Carrara 1pm Saturday, AugUST 1 Western vs. Dandenong Burbank Oval 2pm Round 4 Eastern vs. Calder Box Hill City Oval 1pm Sunday, JunE 14 Murray vs. Dandenong Deakin Reserve 1pm Sunday, AprIL 26 Oakleigh vs. Sandringham Warrawee Park 1pm North Ballarat vs. Geelong Eureka Stadium 1pm Tasmania vs. Gold Coast MCG TBA BYE - Northern Knights Sunday, August 2 National Carnival Trial - Inter Games Game 3: National Carnival - SA vs. VIC Country Oakleigh vs. Northern Warrawee Park 12 NOON BYE - All Victorian TAC Cup Clubs Game 3: National Carnival - WA vs. VIC Metro Bendigo vs. Western Golden Square 12:30pm Round 11 Gold Coast vs. Sandringham Carrara 1pm Round 5 BYE - Gippsland Power Saturday, May 2 Saturday, June 20 North Ballarat vs. Western Eureka Stadium 10:20am Western vs. Oakleigh Burbank Oval 11am Development Weekend Gippsland vs. Geelong Morwell Football Ground 1pm Dandenong vs. Northern Territory Shepley Oval 11am August 8-9 Eastern vs. Dandenong Box Hill City Oval 2pm Gippsland vs. Northern Morwell Football Ground Noon Sunday, JunE 21 Round 18 Geelong vs. Sandringham Skilled Stadium 1pm Bendigo vs. Northern Golden Square 12:45pm Saturday, AugUST 15 Eastern vs. Tasmania Box Hill City Oval 2pm Calder vs. North Ballarat ABD Group Stadium 1pm Northern vs. North Ballarat NAB Oval 11:10am Sunday, May 3 Sandringham vs. Murray Trevor Barker Beach Oval 1pm Gold Coast vs. Bendigo Carrara 11:15am Calder vs. Gold Coast ABD Group Stadium 11am Game 3: National Carnival - Tasmania vs. Gold Coast Western vs. Murray Burbank Oval 1pm Oakleigh vs. NSW/ACT Warrawee Park 1pm Dandenong vs. Gippsland Shepley Oval 2pm Murray vs. Bendigo Deakin Reserve 12noon Round 12 Sunday, AugUST 16 Saturday, JunE 27 Oakleigh vs. Eastern Warrawee Park 11am Round 6 Dandenong vs. Bendigo Shepley Oval 1pm Sandringham vs. Calder Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Saturday, May 9 Murray vs. Oakleigh Norm Minns Oval 1pm BYE - Geelong Gold Coast vs. Gippsland Carrara 3:20pm North Ballarat vs. Eastern Eureka Stadium 2pm Game 4: National Carnival - VIC Country vs. Northern Territory Round 19 Sunday, May 10 Game 4: National Carnival - VIC Metro vs. QLD Saturday, AugUST 22 Murray vs. Western Lavington Sports Ground 11am Sunday, JunE 28 Geelong vs. Western Barter Card Oval 11:10am Geelong vs. Northern Skilled Stadium Noon Northern vs. Western NAB Oval 11am Murray vs. Sandringham WJ Findlay Oval 1pm North Ballarat vs. Sandringham Warrnambool Noon Sandringham vs. Geelong Trevor Barker Beach Oval 1pm North Ballarat vs. Oakleigh Eureka Stadium 1pm Bendigo vs. Calder Golden Square 12:45pm Calder vs. Gippsland ABD Group Stadium 1:30pm Sunday, AugUST 23 Dandenong vs. Eastern Shepley Oval 1pm BYE - Gold Coast Northern vs. Dandenong Visy Park 11am BYE - Oakleigh Wednesday, July 1 Bendigo vs. Eastern Golden Square 12:30pm National Carnival Trial - VIC Country vs. VIC Metro Game 5: National Carnival - VIC Metro vs. SA Gippsland vs. Gold Coast Visy Park 2pm Game 5: National Carnival - VIC Country vs. WA BYE - Calder Round 7 Saturday, May 16 Round 13 Round 20 Calder vs. Geelong ABD Group Stadium 11:10am Saturday, JulY 4 Saturday, AugUST 29 Gold Coast vs. Dandenong Carrara 11:15am Geelong vs. Eastern Skilled Stadium 11:10am Oakleigh vs. Dandenong Warrawee Park 11am Gold Coast vs. Murray Carrara 3:20pm Eastern vs. Western Box Hill City Oval 1pm Northern vs. Murray NAB Oval 1pm Sunday, JulY 5 Gold Coast vs. Geelong Carrara 1pm Eastern vs. North Ballarat Box Hill City Oval 2pm Oakleigh vs. Calder Warrawee Park 11am Murray vs. Northern Norm Minns Oval 1pm Sunday, May 17 North Ballarat vs. Bendigo Horsham 11:10am Sandringham vs. Gippsland Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2pm Oakleigh vs. Bendigo Warrawee Park 1pm Gippsland vs. Sandringham Morwell Football Ground 1pm Sunday, AugUST 30 Western vs. Gippsland Burbank Oval 2pm Dandenong vs. Northern Shepley Oval 2pm North Ballarat vs. Calder Eureka Stadium 1pm BYE - Sandringham BYE - Western Jets BYE - Bendigo

30 / visit www.taccup.com.au TAC CUP STATISTICS

Statistics

ROUND 2 Northern Knights 4.3 5.4 6.4 7.6 (48) Oakleigh Chargers 5.3 15.8 22.16 25.21 (171) TAC CUP LADDER PWLDB FF For Ag % PTS GOALS: Northern Knights - Lambert 2, Wallace, Boyden, Smith-Whiting, Oakleigh Chargers 2 2 0 0 0 0 272 93 292.47 8 Grgic, Treloar. Oakleigh Chargers - Van Unen 6, Gaff 5, Johnson 4, Cassidy 2, Johns 2, Lello Calder Cannons 2 2 0 0 0 0 233 125 186.40 8 2, Thornton, R. Lester, Ahearne, Andrews. BEST: Northern Knights - Griffiths, McLellan, Woods, Treloar, Barden, Geelong Falcons 2 2 0 0 0 0 213 126 169.05 8 Deards. Oakleigh Chargers - Gaff, Shaw, Hoegel, Ahearne, Purcell, Van Unen. Eastern Ranges 2 2 0 0 0 0 226 147 153.74 8 Bendigo Pioneers 2.1 5.4 11.5 14.7 (91) Dandenong Stingrays 2 2 0 0 0 0 208 186 111.83 8 North Ballarat Rebels 3.2 8.7 10.11 15.12 (102) Gold Coast 2 1 1 0 0 0 233 137 170.07 4 GOALS: Bendigo Pioneers - Prockter 6, Ellis 2, Williams 2, Pettifer, Dole, K. Geary, Eagle. Murray Bushrangers 2 1 1 0 0 0 213 157 135.67 4 North Ballarat Rebels - Hooper 4, Parish 4, Close 2, Astbury, Gavin, Grigg, Bourke, Bamblett. North Ballarat Rebels 2 1 1 0 0 0 158 204 77.45 4 BEST: Bendigo Pioneers - Page, Prockter, Williams, Anderson, Keeble, Western Jets 2 1 1 0 0 0 126 237 53.16 4 Fenton. North Ballarat Rebels - Free, Hooper, Darmody, Hoy, Slabbert, Curran. Bendigo Pioneers 2 0 2 0 0 0 160 218 73.39 0 Geelong Falcons 2.2 6.4 11.6 15.7 (97) Gippsland Power 2 0 2 0 0 0 143 204 70.10 0 Gippsland Power 2.8 4.10 6.11 7.15 (57) NSW ACT Rams 2 0 2 0 0 0 135 228 59.21 0 GOALS: Geelong Falcons - Bright 3, Russell 3, Rohan 2, Grabowski 2, Hollmer 2, Ledin, Denton, L. Thompson. Sandringham Dragons 2 0 2 0 0 0 128 225 56.89 0 Gippsland Power - Salton 2, Dowse, Weston, Donchi, Northe, Pincott. BEST: Geelong Falcons - Christensen, Hollmer, Fisher, Bright, Mackenzie, Northern Knights 2 0 2 0 0 0 106 267 39.70 0 Dare. Gippsland Power - Dessent, Heppell, Donchi, Carr, Lehman, Woodhead.

Eastern Ranges 6.1 12.3 16.4 19.10 (124) Sandringham Dragons 2.3 4.7 9.11 12.11 (83) GOALKICKERS (progressive) KICKS (round 2) GOALS: Eastern Ranges - McDonald 8, Kennedy 3, B. Wilson 3, Dyson 2, Luke McDonald Eastern 13 (8) Tom Scully Dandenong 22 Young, Cass, Johns. Sandringham Dragons Jake Lorraine Murray 10 (8) Shane Page Bendigo 20 - Gawn 4, Karayannis 2, Nash, Reilly, McHarg, McMahon, Jacobs, Sharp. Myles Pitt Dandenong 9 (4) Steve McCallum Calder 20 BEST: Eastern Ranges - McDonald, R. Wilson, Dyson, Scott, Burnage, Mirra. Justin Van Unen Oakleigh 8 (6) Matthew Fowler Gold Coast 19 Sandringham Dragons - Nash, Liston, Jones, Gawn, Jacobs, Farmer. Chris Prockter Bendigo 7 (6) Patrick Liston Sandringham 19 Dandenong Stingrays 6.1 9.3 12.5 16.5 (101) Jake Melksham Calder 7 (4) Allan Christensen Geelong 18 Murray Bushrangers 3.5 6.10 8.13 14.16 (100) Luke Shreeve Gold Coast 7 (5) Jasper McMillan-Pittard Geelong 18 GOALS: Dandenong Stingrays - Casboult 4, Pitt 4, Curren 2, Stringer-Morris, Bastinac, Mold, Parker, Roberton, M. Hallahan. Robbie Hicks Calder 6 (5) Dyson Heppell Gippsland 18 Murray Bushrangers - Loraine 8, McNeil 2, Hicks, Miles, Norris, Hodgkin. Jackson Bright Geelong 6 (3) Taylor Rolfe Gold Coast 18 BEST: Dandenong Stingrays - Casboult, Cottrell, Shaw, Scully, M. Hallahan, Millard. Andrew Gaff Oakleigh 6 (5) Andrew Hooper North Ballarat 18 Murray Bushrangers - Loraine, Myors, Norris, Priest, Reid, Miles. Jacob Thompson Calder 5 (4) Brian Fenton Bendigo 17 Western Jets 3.0 4.4 5.5 5.5 (35) Jake Carlisle Calder 5 (1) Russell Lehman Gippsland 17 Gold Coast 7.3 8.9 16.12 26.13 (169) Ayden Kennedy Eastern 5 (3) Josh Griffiths Northern 17 GOALS: Western Jets - Ball 2, Tonini, Kennedy, Halloran. John Butcher Gippsland 5 (5) Scott Sherlock Western 17 Gold Coast - Shreeve 5, Fowler 4, Rutledge 4, Dixon 3, Fabian 3, Lock 2, Thomas, Magin, Susuve, Crawford, Rolfe. BEST: Western Jets - Sherlock, Carr, Ball, Halloran, Morris, Rayner. Gold Coast - Magin, Thomas, Rolfe, Harley, Rutledge, Grayson.

MARKS (round 2) HANDBALLS (round 2) Calder Cannons 6.3 11.5 15.6 21.11 (137) Jasper McMillan-Pittard Geelong 12 Sam Caruso Murray 21 NSW ACT Rams 4.1 5.3 8.6 10.7 (67) Matthew Fowler Gold Coast 11 Tom Scully Dandenong 20 GOALS: Calder Cannons - Hicks 5, Melksham 4, Thompson 4, McCallum 2, Carlisle, McLeod, D. Tydell, Prestia, Lucin, Wallis. Mitchell Golby Gippsland 10 Kallen Geary Bendigo 18 NSW ACT Rams - Emery 3, Howe, Nesbitt, Camilleri, Hancock, Andrews, Jake Lorraine Murray 10 Allan Christensen Geelong 18 Jolliffe, Jones. BEST: Calder Cannons - McCallum, Prestia, Liberatore, Hicks, Melksham, Shane Page Bendigo 9 Tom Liberatore Calder 15 Duhau. Brent Macleod Geelong 9 Sam Shaw Oakleigh 15 NSW ACT Rams - Langford, Duncan, Emery, Olsson, Jolliffe, Tutt. James Hussey Geelong 9 Taylor Hine Calder 14 Josh Cowan North Ballarat 8 Patrick Liston Sandringham 14 Coaches’ Award 2009 Justin Van Unen Oakleigh 8 Sandford Nevile Sandringham 14 Round 2 5-vote winners Jake Melksham Calder 7 Dion Prestia Calder 13 calder v nsw/act geelong v gippsland Allan Christensen Geelong 7 Steve McCallum Calder 13 5 • Steve McCallum • Calder 5 • Allen Christensen • Geelong dandenong v murray bendigo v north ballarat James Rock Geelong 7 Matthew Scott Eastern 13 5 • Levi Casboult • Dandenong 5 • Josh Free • North Ballarat Taylor Rolfe Gold Coast 7 Farran Priest Murray 13 western v gold coast eastern v sandringham 5 • Alik Magin • Gold Coast 5 • Luke McDonald • Eastern Jandre Slabbert North Ballarat 7 Nick Lawless Murray 13 northern v oakleigh Josh Duncan NSW/ACT 7 Dylan Day Oakleigh 13 5 • Andrew Gaff • Oakleigh

TAC CUP RECORD / 31 afl victoria development

AFL Victoria has recently completed league manager Bruce Fox for reviews of two their professionalism throughout metropolitan community this difficult period. leagues. The second ‘future direction review’ was conducted with the Dandenong & District Junior Football League. The DDJFL manages one of the fastest growth areas in Australia, and the management of our game is critical in this important Melbourne region. After an extensive consultation process, DDJFL members approved the following recommendations: 1. AFL Victoria to prepare a strategic plan for the DDJFL’s operation for the next three years; 2. AFL Victoria to prepare an operational plan for the development of the game to address the challenges Community facing football in the City of Greater Dandenong, and the opportunities existing in the League Reviews City of Casey and Cardinia Shire; AFL Victoria to help develop the game 3. AFL Victoria, in conjunction in south-east Melbourne. with the Victorian Country Football League, to investigate the feasibility of a centralised By Peter McDougall Ashburton United JFC, Glen Iris administration structure or (AFL Victoria Community Football JFC, Waverley Park Hawks JFC, shared administrative services Development manager) Prahran JFC, Mt Waverley scheme, for all leagues, JFC, East Malvern JFC and including the DDJFL, in south- he off-season has seen Clayton JFC. east Melbourne; and some significant changes AFL Victoria and the WJFA 4. AFL Victoria to appoint in two metropolitan agreed to conduct a ‘future a staff member to facilitate Tcommunity football leagues. direction review’ of the WJFA the implementation of key AFL Victoria has conducted two that concluded the WJFA could recommendations 1, 2, and 3. independent reviews since the not meet the current needs of its AFL Victoria has appointed completion of last season, reaching clubs. Those clubs were given a working party to oversee two very different outcomes. the option to join the league of the implementation of the The Waverley Junior Football their choice, with five joining the recommendations, and Liz Association had been experiencing Moorabbin Saints Junior Football Triffitt has been appointed for a decline in participation over League, and the other two joining 12 months as AFL Victoria’s the past few years and, with the Yarra Junior Football League. project manager to coordinate the increasing needs of clubs, AFL Victoria acknowledges the that implementation. it was recommended the WJFA WJFA for its contribution to the AFL Victoria is looking forward disband. The WJFA was founded game and outstanding service to working with all DDJFL clubs in 1974 and at its peak numbered to Waverley and its surrounding and key stakeholders in south- 24 clubs. However, by 2008, communities. A special mention east Melbourne as we head into only seven clubs remained – to president Paul Newton and a new and exciting era.

TAC CUP RECORD / 45 Club Notes

website vu.edu.au. The website has valuable information on TAC CUP courses, fees, scholarships and inspirational success stories club notes to assist secondary students considering course and career All the latest news, events and match choices. Check out the future information from inside each tAC Cup club. students pages for all information on upcoming events, including VU’s open day on Sunday, August 9, from 10am-4pm at its Footscray north Ballarat Western Jets Park campus. The Western reBels The Western Jets’ Jets wish AFL/AIS scholarship A big thank you to Jackie major sponsor, Victoria holders Kyle Hartigan and Trent Price and Tyntynder University, has a new McKenzie all the best, as they Football Club for their hospitality last week in Swan Hill. This week the Western Jets’ ben we play the strong Gippsland Casley battled hard in his side’s comprehensive Power team which is always a round two loss to Gold very good contest. Good luck to Coast. our under-16 development team this weekend in the Victorian Country Championships. Player sponsorship packages are now available; please contact Phil at the club for more details. oakleigh Chargers The Chargers are very proud to again announce Camberwell Volkswagen as their major sponsor for season 2009. Situated at 675-685 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, the Camberwell Volkswagen facility comprises a state of the art three-storey building that houses new and used cars. The team at Camberwell Volkswagen can assist you with a wide range of inquiries about the purchase of a vehicle, salary packaging vehicle options, financing, service and a huge range of spare parts for Volkswagen vehicles. For further inquiries, please call the team at Camberwell Volkswagen or, better still, visit its showroom to view its sensational range of cars. Camberwell Volkswagen, 9811 1888 or camberwellvolkswagen.com.au.

46 / visit www.taccup.com.au Club Notes

embark on their trip to South DanDenong and the club thanks you for Africa with the squad. stingrays your support. The Stingrays would BenDigo like to welcome and eastern Pioneers thank the following companies ranges The Pioneers that have become player Thank you for the wish to thank their 2009 major sponsors for season 2009: continued support sponsor, the Bendigo Bank, for Jake Batchelor – Poolside of club and player sponsors its generous sponsorship. It is Frankston, Jeff Batchelor in 2009. The club would like fantastic to have them on board (phone 9770 1225); Tom Curren to acknowledge new sponsor again this year. The up- and- – Fit 4 Sport Pty Ltd, Harry Standout Marketing and thank coming social events for the McIntosh (phone 0410 448 583); Bayswater Jayco, Club Kilsyth Pioneers include: the Michael Jarryd Amalfi – Douglas & and Phil Mundays Panel Work Long Fundraising Function at Harrison Accountants, Carol for their ongoing support. the Bendigo Exhibition Centre Hill (phone 9579 3377); Dylan Thank you to parents and officials on Friday, May 8; the $1000 draw Roberton – B & M Steel, Bill for their support in round one at the Bendigo Club on Sunday, Stevens (phone 5975 0661). We in the inaugural match against May 24; and the Legends Lunch hope your involvement with the the Gold Coast Football Club at the Bendigo Club on June 6. Stingrays players is enjoyable at Carrara.

tAC CuP ReCoRD / 47 Creating champions on the field and safer drivers on the road.

TAC 7813 TacCup1_A5.indd 1 23/3/09 4:15:09 PM