AARON MURRAY GERALD FITZGERALD PETER SCHWAB VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD LOOKING THE GOODES Brett Goodes and Roosters to give Seagulls a wake-up call ROUND 12 JUNE 28-29, 2008 $ INC EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE 3 GST Congratulations to BEN ROSS (Werribee Tigers) This week’s winner of the Ford “Best on Ground” Ute Visit theoval.com.au for more information. theoval.com.au D07820.FordOval-RecordAd-Ross.indd 1 23/6/08 1:47:11 PM EDITORIAL Role models play a pivotal part in sport and the VFL is No better no exception. And there are no better role models than North Ballarat role models coach Gerard FitzGerald and Williamstown vice-captain FitzGerald and Greene celebrate milestones Steven Greene. This weekend, FitzGerald but one held throughout the And for a coach to reach coaches his 200th VFL match VFL community. 200 games – FitzGerald is just in a career that has spanned 10 With the VFL becoming the seventh in the competition’s years, while Greene plays his younger and younger and more 131-year history to do so – 100th VFL match. development orientated, it seems says it all about his standing Both men illustrate how less and less players are staying in the game. important role models are for at clubs to clock up milestones To sustain such a standard building a strong and healthy like 100 games. for 10 years, and to carry culture at a club. The VFL encourages more yourself with such dignity FitzGerald and Greene set a players like Greene to stay in the and humility, should be an great example, not only for their system and help the aspiring inspiration to us all. clubs but for the competition as young players. Players of FitzGerald teaches his players a whole. Greene’s ilk have a definite and the game but also helps them They set the standard that valuable role to play in the VFL. develop as people, so he helps permeates through a club. They It says a great deal about shape not only their playing are honest, disciplined and the character of a person who careers but their lives after dedicated in training, on match has played AFL that he wants football too. day and off field. to drop back a level, play in the The beauty is there is a The stories on FitzGerald and best standard possible and put FitzGerald and Greene at every Greene inside this edition of the something back into game. VFL club. They are the role VFL Record tell how both are Both AFL and VFL-listed models that do their clubs and driven by team success. teammates benefit from playing the VFL proud. They are proud, professional alongside him. They can tap into and passionate – intrinsic values his knowledge, experience and John Hook that underpin successful clubs. understanding of the game and Football Operations Manager, It is not just a personal view, emerge better players. AFL Victoria AARON MURRAY GERALD FITZGERALD PETER SCHWAB AFL Victoria Chief Executive Officer: VICTORIANVICTORIAN FOOTBALLFOOTBALL LEAGUELEAGUE ROUND 12 Peter Schwab CONTENTS JUNE 28-29, 2008 Football Operations Manager: RECORD John Hook Young Gun: Aaron Murray 5 COVER: Brett Goodes will Statistics: Sam Coen Manager Director, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Steven Greene 7 be a key player in North Geoff Slattery Editor: Nick Bowen Gerard FitzGerald 10-11 Ballarat’s efforts to shore up Designer: Karl Chandler a top-four spot in the second Photo Manager: Natalie Boccassini Peter Schwab 14-15 Photography: Getty Images (02) 9004 2250 LOOKING half of the season. Advertising: Jennifer Pryor (03) 8663 3007 Round 12 preview 18 THE GOODES Printed by: Condor Printing BrettBrett GoodesGoodes andand RoostersRoosters toto Alex Silvagni 21 givegive SeagullsSeagulls a wake-upwake-up callcall Address correspondence: The Editor, GPO Box 4337, Melbourne, 3001. EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE ROUND 12 JUNE 28-29, 2008 $3 Phone: (03) 8663 3000 Robert Castello 23 VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 3 We make it easier to go green. 10% wind power at no extra cost. You don’t need to change your life much to help save the If you’re keen to help in other ways, the TRUenergy environment. Simply switch to a TRUenergy Go Green website provides an energy audit calculator and energy electricity plan, which offers 10% wind power at no efficiency tips which help you reduce your energy use extra cost, plus a 3% discount if you pay by the due date. and minimise your impact on the environment. Or if you’re happy to pay a bit more, TRUenergy has a To find out more, call 1800 005 937 (8am to 6.30pm range of different plans, with up to 100% wind power. Monday to Friday) or visit truenergy.com.au/gogreen TRUenergy Pty Ltd. ABN 99 086 014 968. TRU0131 VFL 28x5.indd 1 11/4/08 2:15:06 PM AARON MURRAY Murray back in VFL stream Dolphin returns ready to make a splash By his own admission Aaron So when Somerville Murray was ready to give (a Mornington Peninsula Football Frankston and the VFL the flick League club) came courting at the end of last season. Murray decided to walk. And who could blame him? “It was very frustrating,” Just consider what Murray Murray said. “It was almost endured in his first two seasons enough for me to give it the flick.” after graduating from the Murray trained with Somerville Dandenong Stingrays in 2005. up until the Christmas break, While Dolphins coach Brett but soon began having second Lovett thought enough of Murray thoughts about leaving the VFL. to select him in the opening game He returned to Frankston of the 2006 season, Murray had to in the New Year and forced withdraw after injuring a knee. his way into the Dolphins’ team When his knee recovered, for round one. Murray returned via the reserves, And, while his form has kicking 11 goals in two games to fluctuated, Murray has played earn a promotion to the seniors. well enough to suggest his future In his VFL senior debut, lies in the VFL. Murray injured an ankle that “Early on too many of my games would eventually require were inconsistent,” Murray said. a reconstruction and erase the “I would play one good game remainder of his season. and then have one or two bad ones Then last season Murray where I would kick one goal and opened the season with 16 goals sometimes none.” in the first two reserves games But a career-best eight-goal and was promoted to the seniors, haul against Werribee in round where he kicked five goals in his seven helped turnaround Murray’s first two games. season, and he then went on to But, in his third match, kick multiple goals against ladder- Murray snapped some ligaments leader Williamstown and third- in his ‘good’ ankle, sidelining him placed North Ballarat. for almost three months. But Murray can still improve. Despite coming back to play “I’m not exactly what you Dolphin Aaron the final three games of the season, would call fit,” he said. Murray has been a consistent Murray’s confidence was at a low “Definitely, a big pre-season goalkicker in 2008. ebb by the end of the year. awaits at the end of this season.” VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 55 GO FOR YOUR LIFE Your new goal of the year Healthy eating and exercise the key to your wellbeing Keen to kick those unhealthy there and go for it! Clubs welcome and enjoy playing and competing habits and score goals for your players of all standards, and in your favourite sport. wellbeing? ‘Go for your life’, a provide a fun, safe and supportive For more ways to stay healthy Victorian Government initiative, environment, in which you can not and active, call 1300 739 899 or has some tips to help you stay only get fit, but make new friends visit goforyourlife.vic.gov.au. on top of your game. Start by getting more active. The good news is that you don’t have to train as much as your favourite VFL footy player to get the physical activity you need. Just 30 minutes a day, like walking or having a game of kick-to-kick, will help you maintain a healthy body weight, boost energy levels, and reduce stress. Eating the right food is another match-winning strategy. Cheering on your team sure can work up an appetite. To keep you going until the final siren sounds, swap the pie and chips for healthier choices like a hearty vegie soup, fresh fruit, nuts, and vegie sticks with dip and crackers. If you’re buying food at the footy, go for barbecued chicken over deep fried, grilled fish over battered and vegetarian over meat lovers’ pizza. Finally, no one can dispute Victorians’ passion for footy and sport in general, but it’s more fun being in it than watching it from the sidelines or the couch! Victoria’s sport clubs cater for everyone and it’s never too late to start. You don’t need to be a star player to get involved, so get out 6 visit: victorianfootballleague.com.au STEVEN GREENE Not Greene any more Seagull veteran celebrates 100 VFL games Steven Greene’s season last year It made it easier to return STEVEN GREENE came to a horrible end in the knowing Williamstown – after Age: 26 round eight match against the Clubs: Box Hill Hawks, falling short in the preliminary Box Hill Hawks when he injured Williamstown final the past two years –had a knee that would require Games: 99 Goals: 54 recruited extremely well.