WAAFL v VAFA - Fremantle Oval - Sunday 7th June 2009

Best WA: Aaron Sweet, Guy Boudville, Jamie Birrell, Daniel Starr, Jarrad Heller, Damon Bull

Best VIC: Jack Hellier, Daniel Strachan, Thomas Paule, Cameron MacLaren

Goal Kickers WA: Daniel Starr 3, Guy Boudville, Tim Underwood, Scott Dillon, Preston O’Keefe, Matthew Breen

Goal Kickers VIC: Thomas Paule, Matthew Handley 2, Tom Jacobi, Robert Baddeley, Daniel Strachan, Peter McGettigan 

Sandgropers win a Thriller

The West Coast Eagles Under 23 State Amateurs survived a second half onslaught to defeat the VAFA state team by one point in a thriller at Fremantle Oval.

On a perfect June day for football, WA snuck past Victoria 8.12 (60) to 8.11 (59) edging one step further to becoming the national amateur football champions.

North Fremantle’s Daniel Starr kicked the first goal of the match to get WA off to a strong start ahead of an intense first quarter that saw neither side giving up any ground to the other.

Victoria went into the second quarter with a narrow two point lead, but the next twenty-odd minutes were all about the boys from WA.

In an outstanding second term, WA outscored the Vics by twenty points with Starr and West Coast Cowan’s Guy Boudville kicking one goal and two behinds each for the quarter.

WA kicked two goals and six singles unanswered before Victoria’s Matthew Handley got his side’s only goal for the quarter approaching half time.

Heading into the main break WA had an 18 point lead that could have been more if not for inaccuracies with eight shots at goal either hitting the post or going wide for a behind.

The second half began with another Starr goal, before the Vics went on a 15-0 run dominating possession to close out the third quarter.

Fremantle CBC’s Matthew Coker had an unfortunate third term, with two kicks into the forward 50 going straight into the hands of Victoria. 

As the wind picked up, WA’s nine point lead stretched to 16 with a Coker behind and a goal from Matthew Breen in the opening minutes of the final term.

Victoria went on the attack, getting within eight points before a Tim Underwood goal gave the WA boys a 14 point buffer halfway through the quarter. 

Two goals, one behind and persistent attacking of the ball saw Victoria get within one, looking dangerous as the last few minutes of the quarter played out.

WA’s backline held up an aggressive Victorian offensive in the final minutes, clearing the ball away from the goal square to hold out for the win.

The Victorian coaching staff awarded best on ground to Boudville and Victoria’s Jack Hellier.

The WA coaching staff gave best on ground to captain Jamie Birrell of Trinity Aquinas and Victoria’s Daniel Strachan.

The Neil Judge Medal for fairest and best, voted on by the umpires, was awarded to Stirling’s Aaron Sweet.

WA’s win over the Victorians puts them in the driver’s seat needing just a win over South Australia next year to claim the national championship.

SAAFL v VAFA - Junction Oval -Saturday 19th July 2008

VAFA : Goals

Matthew Moore 5, Lachlan Baddeley 3,Tom Mentiplay 3, Peter McGettigan 2, Angus Gray, Chris Liberatore, Huw Lacey, Brendan Iezzi, Andrew McGuiness

Best

Jack Watts, Ben Dowd, Aaron Shields, Matthew Moore, Laclan Baddeley, Peter McGettigan

SAAFL : Goals

Shane Jordan 2, Steven Evans, Rick Butler, Bradyn Fisher, Marc Bonholm, Fraser Pinkey

Best

Shane Jordan,  Fraser Pinkey, Martin Wilson, Rick Butler

Noel Rundle Medallist: Jack Watts VAFA

VAFA v SAAFL

All is not lost for the South Australian amateur under-23 side in their defence of the national title, despite a disheartening 70-point loss to Victoria at the Junction Oval in Melbourne last Saturday. The SAAFL lost their first encounter of the last series before three victories earnt them the Australian championships.In a match played in good spirits, the VAFA showed from the outset that they were desperate for victory following two losses in their previous encounters with SA. SA seemed to have gained the ascendancy in the second quarter when they hit the front and a Marc Borholm-screamer stretched the margin to seven points midway through the term. However, three quick goals in time-on allowed the Victorians to go into the main break with a 17-point buffer and they never let up afterwards to take full control of the contest.

Both sides were hard at both body and ball all day but the Victorians were cleaner with their disposal and ran in packs, moving the ball quickly to a well-functioning forward line, especially long-haired full forward Matthew Moore (five goals). SA captain Shane Jordan led from the front, bullocking through at every occasion and also finished with two goals. Ruckmen Fraser Pinkney was dominating the rucks and along with Tom Trelor gave their smaller players first use of the ball to win the clearances, but the Victorians pressure on the ball carrier forced their opponents into too many costly errors.

SA amateur coach Bob Cross was philosophical after the weekend’s contest declaring he was not disappointed with the effort of his team, just the result.

 “I was happy with our effort. We didn’t drop our heads and kept at it all day,” he said. “It didn’t go our way. When they got on top, they never relented. They got their confidence up and once on top, they knew how to exploit it.”

The SA side was a youngest group Cross had taken away with him as injuries to key players leading into the match hampered selection options, but he still believed he had the side that could defeat the Victorians. He now hopes that many of those young players will continue to develop and experience similar success of past state teams with games against Tasmania and Western Australia to come over the next two years.

 “My only disappointment from this game is that the older guys, like Jordie (Jordan), (Derek) Clarke and (Nathan) Grocke, won’t get the chance to respond to (Saturday’s) performance, so we’ll have to build a new core group around the younger guys,” said Cross. 

 “The players must now reflect on the experience and enjoy what took place during the week. Their job now is to go on with it at their clubs with many having an opportunity to experience something special there as well.” 

Congratulations to the SAAFL C7 lads for their thrilling one-point victory over Victoria in the curtain-raiser.

 Nearly four-goals down midway through the third term, South Australia worked their way back into the contest before a sensational Phil Hollis pack mark sealed the game with the resulting goal on the siren.

 Jubilant celebrations erupted for South Australia’s first win against Victoria in this competition, which the lads truly enjoyed and will savour until next they meet.

Report - Stephen O'Loughlin

Tasmania v WAAFL - Devonport - Sunday June 1st

Successful Touring Team

All Australian U/23 Amateurs speed and skill conquer Tassie North

The All Australian Amateur team outplayed Tassie North (NTFL and NTFA) at Aurora stadium on Saturday October 6th. It was a tough assignment for th apple isle to come up with a competitive unit against the best of WA, SA and Vic but the Tassie North brains trust will take heart from their performance. Inaccuracy in front of goals by the Amateurs kept the scoreline in check but Tassie North applied pressure in front of goals and forced the Amateurs to go wider for their set shots. It was a relatively close first quarter but the Amateurs started to show their ascendancy in the second quarter but missed a number of goal opportunities. The third quarter was dominated by the All Australians kicking 6 goals to Tassie North's 3 goals. Tassie North fought hard in the last quarter to outscore the Amateurs by 2 points.

Best Players

Amateurs: Giles, Loxley, Chadwick, Robinson, McGuinness, Paton, Phipps

Tassie North: Mohr, Mc Crossen, Stevenson, Mc Cabe, Whiting, Gale, Banham

Goal Kickers:

Amateurs: Giles, Phipps, Robinson 2, Piccoli, Reimann, Loxley, McGuinnity, Paton, Cutting, Hardy, Wedgewood, Radetti 1.

Tassie North: Mohr 5, Whiting 2, Milbourne, Bellchambers, Gale 1.

Best on ground medal: Rick Giles (Captain) All Australian U/23 team.

SA Take Out Victoria and Triennial Series

SA are the new holders of the AAFC Triennial Series Championships held over 2005-2007. With the Triennial Series coming down to the wire on the last game, SA U 23's put the series out of WA and Victorian reach by defeating the VIcs on Saturday July 14th 2007. Western Australia were hoping Victoria would defeat SA by more than 4 goals to give them the series win on percentage. Victoria had to win by a margin they lost against SA to win the series so SA win the series outright.

SA blast Vics with 7 goal first quarter

South Australia deservedly became the new holders of the Triennial Series shield when they defeated Victoria at Woodville oval on Saturday July 14th. SA blew Victoria away in the first quarter by winning centre clearances and capitalising on the inside 50's by scoring 7 goals in the first quarter. Tom Chadwick was damaging out of the centre and in front of goals, aided by Ricky Butler. SA were decisive in their movement with the ball while Victoria seemed unsure and made ball handling errors and costly turnovers. The game seemed beyond reach at half time when SA had a 45 point buffer. Victoria showed glimpses of its fighting spirit in the third quarter with Hugh Lacey and Chris Blumfield getting plenty of the ball. SA steadied with backmen, Nathan Grocke and Toby Hazeldine winning many contested possessions ably backed up by Ryan Richter. In the forward line, Stephen Evans (SA) was a tower of strength in his first game kicking 3 goals. For Victoria Andrew Mc Guinness made the most of his opportunities and kicked 3 goals. Rick Giles, SA captain led from the front and was awarded the medal for the best on ground.

SAAFL	7.3	11.5	13.11	17.14	116
VAFA	1.1	4.1	7.1	10.3	63

SA Best Players : Rick Giles, Michael Gower, Tom Chadwick, Ricky Butler, Toby Hazeldine, Stephen Evans, Nathan Grocke

Goal Kickers : Ricky Butler 4, Stephen Evans, Tom Chadwick 3, T Corbett, Paul Christofis, Bradley Sheridan 2, Ben Noske 1.

Vic Best Players: Chris Blumfield, Huw Lacey, Andrew Mc Guinness, Daniel Strachan

Goal Kickers: Andrew Mc Guinness, Callan Potter 3, James Jorgansen, Huw Lacey, Tim Biggs, Matthew Handley 1.

Awards

Selected by SA coach

Best SA Player - Michael Gower

Best Vic Player - Huw Lacey

Selected by Vic coach

Best SA Player - Tom Chadwick

Best Vic Player - Chris Blumfield

Umpires Best & Fairest

Rick Giles - SA

SA defeat WA in tough contest

South Australia is only one win away from being crowned national champions with a hard fought 20 point win over WA (Western Australia) at Woodville Oval. They were challenged every step of the way by WA. SA started slowly with Sandgroper full forward Blake Ingersole and nippy rover Andrew Piccoli scoring early. While WA were calculated going forward, SA missed many a target and turned the ball over frequently by trying to be too team orientated.

The large number of changes since the City versus Country game was always going to cause initial problems but when Henry Hardy offered the first of his many definitive leads and went back and kicked the first of his seven goals the mood of the SA team noticeably lifted and they started to move the ball confident that they had a target to finish of their good work.

The Gropers also started to double and in some cases triple teamed Hardy but his body strength was significant enough to bring the ball to ground. After trailing at quarter time SA dominated the second quarter kicking 5-8 to just 2-1. Nathan Wright was having an impact around the ground in ruck and the likes of Tom Chadwick, Rick Giles and Ricky Butler started to get to the fall of the ball supported by hard running from half back from University’s Tom Kurzel.

SA could have put the game out of WA’s grasp but a few errors from deep in defense combined with the class of Kane Loxely and the toughness of Guy Boudville actually gave the Gropers the lead just before the three quarter time break. A late Henry Hardy goal restored a slight ascendancy as the states turned for home. Bob Cross (Coach) was his normal positive self in the huddle imploring his charges to work their backsides off in the pursuit of a win in their ‘Grand Final’.

It was in this final quarter that true desperation came to the fore. No one typified this better than Mick Gower who courageously threw himself into an aerial contest that kept the ball in the area long enough to score the goal that broke the Sandgroper’s back. While the Western Australian’s have led the way in community football and have embraced this concept better than anyone those responsible for this South Australian team have ensured that we have now raised the bar.

Best Players

Goal Kickers

Awards

SA finally defeats The Vics!

Victorious SAAFL coach Bob Cross and his players might not win too many awards for singing but they know all about passion in sport.

Soon after beating the VAFA by 17 points at Elsternwick Park for the second time in 11 years, the SA players belted out an improvised version of "a grand old flag" while the SA officials, particularly the selectors, looked on with pride.

"The response to the game we got from the players was fantastic," Cross said. "To see the pleasure on their faces and their elation, it was something special. Everyone was beaming. I have to say I felt the emotion of the day."

SA's win also sent the stats' people into overdrive. It is believed to be the first time in amateur history that Victoria has lost two games in a year, without recording a win.

SA led all day in heavy conditions to win 9.17 (71) to 7.12 (54) after leading 2.5 to 1.3, 4.8 to 3.5 and 6.13 to 5.9 at the changes.

Pre-match, Cross had promised a physical approach from his side and the players delivered.

"We set the standard," he said. "We were physical. That's not to say they weren't but we just kept applying the pressure. We went basic and just played good, tough, wet-weather football. We didn't blow the game away but we just had more of the ball. We always looked in control.

"This rates right up there with the grand finals we've been involved in. Our back six were fantastic and we had so many good players who just did their jobs. But I wouldn't mind putting a cherry on top (by winning the series)."

SA is still in the hunt to win the amateur football triennial crown contested by Western Australia, Victoria and SA. The Croweaters have two home games next year to complete the program. Two wins will secure the national title, while one could still see SA in the hunt.

Final match details -

Best Players:
SAAFL: Tom Chadwick, Shane Jorden, Michael Gower, Derek Clarke, Tom Cooper, Chris Radetti, Dean Cutting (medal winner), Ric Giles.
VAFA: Dominic Dunne, Matthew Handley, Ben Carboni, Thomas Chisholm, Tim Aural-Smith, Sam Troon.

Goal Kickers:
SAAFL: Chadwick, Jorden, Eric Kells 2, Cutting, Greg Farr, Anton Gerardis.
VAFA: Handley, John Pasceri 2, Huw Lacey, Carboni, Damien Rayson.
 
Noel Rundle Medallist - Dean Cutting (SAAFL)

Field Umpires - T. Sutcliffe (VAFA) & Michael Williamson (SAAFL)

WIN FOR WAAFL OVER VAFA

The WAAFL has broken through for its first win over the VAFA in Victoria, with a hard fought 38 point win at Sportscover Arena yesterday. It’s only the third time in 70 years that Western Australia has beaten Victoria and the win throws open the race for AAFC honours in the Tri-Series with South Australia.
A physical, hard running West Australian side made up for a slow start to edge their way in front at half-time. Their pressure on the Victorian midfield was relentless and with big, strong marking forwards in front of goals, the Victorians seemed to have no answers. The Vics rallied in the last quarter to get within 3 goals, but this was soon snuffed out by a determined WA keen to create history and become the first WAAFL side to win in Victoria.

VAFA 5.2 6.5 8.6 12.7 (79)
WAAFL 3.2 8.6 13.12 17.15 (117)
Goals: VAFA: Beaumont 3, Rayson 2, Tallent 2, Cordy, Towner, Potter, Lacey, Bowen.
Best: VAFA: Tallent, Beaumont, Lewski, Madden, Baddeley, Lacey.
Goals: WAAFL: Taylor 4, Piccoli 3, Phipps 3, Loxley 2, M.Robinson 2, Holbrook, Wedgewood, Atkinson, McGinnity
Umpires: Robert O’Gorman (F) Graham Cook - WAAFL(F) Damien Anthony (B) Adam Rogers (B) Bernie Hoare (G) Daniel Scully (G) Shane Mackintosh (Emerg.)
Neil Judge Medal – K.Loxley (WAAFL)

TOUR MATCH REPORTS

Australia v All Ireland

Saturday 1st October 2005 - Croke Park

All Ireland:                (6-19-12)105

AAFC                          (0-4-5)17

Overs:                 Cullinan, Chadwick, Levy and Rice.

Best players:               McKinnon, Rayson, Rice, Wylie, Lacey, Lewski

With very little preparation in playing the International game, Australia lined up against the reining champions All Ireland, at the world-renowned Croke Park in it’s very first hit out.

The scores although indicating a more one sided result, the Australian side produced a very sound performance first up, improving as the game went on to such an extent, the All Ireland team was often pressured into making many mistakes and second guessing the Australians.

Of the players who performed well, McKinnon was extremely elusive from down back, ably supported by Rayson who used his pace and agility to run the ball. The engine room in Rice Lacey and Lewski provided the necessary drive mid field to push the ball forward for our hard working talls in Wylie and Cullinan to contest. Waite, who played in the unfamiliar position of goalkeeper, was particularly strong at times in the face of adversity.

All in all, a learning experience for the young group and something that all involved will remember for a long time to come.

Australia v All Ireland University

Monday 3rd October 2005 - Galway

AAFC                                               0-10-0 (30)

All Ireland University                  5-4-0 (34)

Overs:                             Cullinan 2, Barker 2, Wylie 2, Rayson 1, Lacey 1, O'Hara 1

Best players:               Wylie, Barker, Rice, McKinnon, Lacey, Wood.

After travelling West and experiencing the very best of what Ireland has to offer in motorways, our next game was in the beautiful tranquil township of Galway against the All Ireland University side.

Once again we started poorly allowing the University side early unders. As the game progressed we were able to force our way back into the match with strong play from Rice and Woods who continually set up countless opportunities for our forwards in Barker, Wylie and Cullinan to capitalise on. 

The final quarter saw the University side struggling and looking to play a keeping off strategy to frustrate the Australian side. This was quite effective but one would have to say, that we missed many goal scoring opportunities through the course of the game and the decision not to have the point posts set up at the start of the game, invariably cost us in the end. It certainly would have been a different result if they were erected!

All in all a much improved effort. Our turnovers had dropped significantly, our pressure and tackling was excellent and our ball winning much improved. The issues we now faced was converting, particularly the soccer styled “unders”, and contending with the experienced flooding tactics of the Irish players.

On the upside however, we continue to improve, and the second half of both matches have seen a greatly improved side as confidence and skill levels fall into place as the game progresses.

Our better players: Wylie up forward who worked tirelessly, Hall in the ruck, along with Barker, Rice, McKinnon and Wood.

Australia v Combined Banks/Allied Forces

Wednesday 5th of October 2005 - Galway

AAFC                                                         4-12-14 (74)

Combined Banks / Allied Forces             4-7-7 (52)

Unders:                          Levy 2, Barker 1, Rayson 1.

Overs:                               Cullinan 4, Levy 2, Bongiovanni 2, O'Hara 2.

Best players:                  Barker, Wood, Bongiovanni, Levy, Boundy and Berry

Our first win and what a win it was. Played at Preece Park, with the capacity to hold 35000 people, the Australian players lifted themselves and enjoyed a much-needed win against the Combined team.

With poor starts featuring in the previous matches, players were instructed to play tight aggressive football and not allow the combine to get away early with Unders. This tactic proved successful as we led at all changes and as in past games; we improved as the game went on. Levy was brilliant up forward early, kicking the first of his 2 unders for the day in what turned out to be a brilliant display from the mercurial forward. Barker and Rayson as usual played consistent football and also chipped in with 2 decisive unders later in the match which rubber-stamped a great victory. Other players who performed well, the elusive Boniovanni, Vice Capt. Wood, who was extremely tight down back, Boundy, our new goalkeeper who replaced Waite was impassable and Berry, formed part of a very strong and stable back half.

Up forward Cullinan was again very damaging with his 4 overs along with O’Hara who chipped in for a valuable 2 overs off the bench.

This was very much a team performance with all players contributing. The Melbourne Football Club song (New Australian Amateur club song) was sung with much gusto amongst the players and officials after the match.

Australia v Bishopstown

Friday 7th of October 2005 - Cork

AAFC                          2-9-14 (53)

Bishopstown               2-10-5 (47)

Unders:                                        Bongiovanni, Levy

Overs:                               Cullinan 2, Holbrook 2, Barker 2, Rayson, Rice Wyllie.

Best players:                  Lewski, Rice, Barker, Holbrook, McKnight, Perry.

After our sterling win in Galway against the Combined side, we ventured south to the bustling town of Cork. A different town in many respects but as we were soon to find out a tough nut to crack!

We started poorly with Bishopstown quite competitive and taking it up to the Australian side in tackling and commitment at the ball. Our normal playmakers struggled early to come to grips with the new tactics of the Irish and we found ourselves behind at half time by 12 pts and with rain eminent we needed a big third quarter. In what turned out to be one of our more dominant displays of the International game, the Australians against the wind, worked well to run and control the round ball to lead at three quarter time by 4 points.

The lads were asked to attack in the last quarter and leave nothing on the park and with the aid of a strong wind, totally controlled the game and if not for inaccurate kicking, the score may have blown out altogether. Better players across the game: Once again Barker, Lewski, Rice were prominent with a strong performance by Holbrook up forward and Winter in the Ruck.

UNDER 23'S REP MATCH

WAAFL vs VAFA - LEEDERVILLE OVAL, PERTH - JUNE 12, 2005

VAFA	3.4	6.8	10.12	10.12 (72)
WAAFL	1.1	4.7	6.8	6.12 (48)

Goals: VAFA Cullinan Luxon Taft 2 Clark Dawes Rice Scambler. WAAFL K Thompson 2 Holbrook McKnight McPherson Wattleworth
Best: VAFA Lewski Rice Rayson Barker Lacey Boundy Waite. SFL: Bongiovani Rogers Wyllie K Thompson O'Hara.
Trophies: Neil Judge Meallist: Ari Lewski (VAFA), VAFA selectors best VAFA player Rice,
Goals: WAAFL Thompson K 1 ,Thompson P 1, McPherson 1, Wattleworth 1, Holbrook 1, Mc Knight 1

Best: Bongiovani, Rogers , Wyllie, Kris Thompson, Brand, O' Hara, Valentine, Mc Knight, Peter Thompson, Weise, McGilveray
WAAFL selectors best WAAFL player Bongiovani, VAFA selectors best WAAFL player Rogers, WAAFL selectors VAFA player Barker

Umpires: Firley (VAFA) Omodei (WAAFL) (F) Whalan Hepinstall Jarvis (WAAFL) (B) Gunn Dolin (WAAFL) (G) Tyrell (E)

Match Report from a Victorian Perspective

Totally unseasonal conditions greeted the VAFA's Under 23 side as they tackled WA on the huge Leederville Oval.

Considering the conditions it was a outstanding game of football played with great intensity. We led at every change but had to withstand quite a few strong challenges from the WA lads to ensure victory. WA looked especially dangerous during the second but for a few squandered opportunities could have been a bit closer. One of the strengths of this young Victorian side was its ability to produce when the pressure was on, and 2 terrific goals to Shura Taft and Daniel Cullinan right on siren time quelled the confidence of the WA side.

With Chris Keunan and Cameron Purss getting on top in the ruck, Ari Lewski who played as if it was a dry day, Joel Rice, Damien Ryason, Hugh Lacey and James Scambler capitalised and continually drove the ball forward as the side banged on 4 match winning goals. David Boundy, Ben Waite and especially Captain Michael Barker were running the ball out of defence and kicking to position in a well controlled game plan.

A real slog in the last quarter as the rain got heavier and the ground got bigger but it was a tired and contented bench that jubilantly left the field to the applause of parents, supporters and VAFA officials.

First time Representative Coach Frank Dunell and his team did a tremendous job in assembling together such a fine group of young men who represented their State proudly.

Match Report from a WA perspective

Playing in Melbourne type weather conditions, the state under 23 game at Leederville Oval proved to be a very good, hard at the ball contest between two evenly matched teams.

Coming off a 128 point loss in 2004, the WA team in 2005, through perseverance and commitment had turned things around in the lead up to this game and had good victories against South Australia and WA representative teams in the past month.

Playing in constant wet conditions, the first quarter was one whereby the home side had the majority of the play for the first 10 minutes but was unable to put the major score on the board. The second half of the quarter saw the Victorians make use of the breeze and steadily put the WA side under greater pressure as their midfield started to use corridor football and they kicked out to a 21 point lead.

A last minute goal to Brent McPherson was a just reward for WA's efforts in the first term.

WA had the better of the second quarter for 20 of the 26 minute quarter but inaccuracy cost the home side the opportunity to put the visitors under scoreboard pressure. Goals to Brendan Wattleworth and Kris Thompson had the home side even with the Vics at the 24 minute mark, however, late goals to the Victorians saw them lead by 12 points at half time.

The third quarter was one where the Victorians, who were impressive with their ball handling in the conditions, used the breeze with their forward set up having more telling effect than the WA team. Although WA went forward as many times as the Vics in terms of the inside 50's, the home side were not as efficient in taking the opportunities once the ball spilled to the ground. Victoria kicked the first two goals for the term and then WA through Mitch Holbrook hit back with a set shot from the 50 metre line.

The Victorians answered the WA goal and again took the lead out to 28 points. Not to be outdone, the WA side countered the Vics with a long bomb from Captain Leigh McKnight.

But as they had done in the second, the visitors scored a time on goal to keep the difference at 28 points going into the final term.

The final term was a hard slog as both teams fought to gain the upper hand. The WA side again had the best of the inside 50's and will rue the opportunities on the goal line which resulted in minor scores. Likewise, the wet weather caused WA players to turn the ball over as opportunities from their forward thrusts went to their opponents as Victoria pushed many of their players behind the ball to repel WA.

In a goalless last quarter, the home side managed 4 behinds while keeping the Vics scoreless but in the end, it was the visitors who ran out 4 goal victors.

It goes without saying that WA had their opportunities in this match but everyone connected with the team was very pleased with the effort put in by the WA boys. In the end, the Victorians with their better ball handling in the wet conditions and more direct style of football were able to hold off a spirited WA contingent.

Sandgropers too Strong - 2005

WA v SA U 23 Subiaco Oval

Western Australia proved far too strong for South Australia in the Under 23 interstate game at Subiaco, played as a curtain raiser to an AFL match. The pressure applied by the WA on-ballers was too much for the South Australians as they struggled to make first use of the ball despite Henry Bourne and Will Grosser dominating the ruck duels. With both back lines rebounding strongly, goals were hard to come by in the slippery conditions.

The ball handling errors by both sides made for some unattractive football at times. An early goal to Shaun Baker and two goals in a minute to Denis Iljecsen in the second quarter gave the Croweaters a 7 point lead half way during the quarter and their only lead of the game. Poor decisions and turnovers opened the door for the Sandgropers to kick 3 unanswered goals and take a 5-point lead by half time.

SA threatened to take advantage in the third term but were wasteful, kicking 7 points to 1 goal 2, allowing the home side to hold an eight point lead at the final change which proved costly for the visitors.

SA got within 6 points at the 4-minute mark of the final quarter but straight kicking by WA allowed them to kill off any hopes SA had of stealing a victory, the Sandgropers running out winners by 17 points. The win was Western Australia’s first against SA since last defeating the Croweaters in Perth back in 1991 by 27 points.

South Australian coach, Bob Cross, said that despite the dominance in the rucks we just didn’t have the clearances around the ground. One aspect of the game that he said he was pleased with was the back line.“The half back line was terrific especially Scott Berry and Tyson Radetti who was a strong stopper and Darren Perry they all played well.” When asked about missed opportunities in the third quarter Bob Cross replied “I reckon two things hurt, the goals that we should have kicked and they were gettable goals and the second thing is that when we hit the front we took our foot off the pedal and that was a pivotal part of the game.”

Western Australian coach Wayne Langbourne was very pleased with his team’s intensity. “That was one of the things that we pride ourselves on. Last year we tried to do the same against Victoria but they were just too strong at that game and we were determined not to get beaten this year. Our intensity was excellent even though as the game wore on the SA boys were breaking tackles.”

WAAFL	3.2	6.4	7.6	12.6      (78)
SAAFL	1.3	5.5	5.12	8.13    (61)

Best Players    SAAFL    Curtis, Levy, H. Bourne, Berry, Chadwick, Harrison. 

                          WAAFL      Wylie, Rogers, Brand, Bongiovani

Goal Kickers      SAAFL  Iljecsen 3, Dawson 2, P. Bourne, Castellano, Baker 1

                             WAAFL   Holbrook 4, Hall 3, Reimer 2, Riemann, Wyllie, Wattleworth 1

Woodville Oval Sunday June 1 2003

SAAFL 16.14 d WAAFL 6.11

Subiaco

VAFA 27.14 d WAAFL 3:3

Best Players WAAFL: Cooper, Kerwood, Perkin, Garkaklis, Pearce.

.                        VAFA : Hawkins, P. Corrigan, Steinfort, Stevens, Pitts, Siapantas.

Goal Kickers VAFA: Harvey 6, Siapantas 4, Hawkins 3, D. Jordan 3, B. Jordan 2, O'Farrell 2, Stevens 2,

                         Low, Byrne, Lochran, Ramsden, Browne