All supporters and life members are invited to our Major Sponsor The Coach Hotel in Ringwood for dinner and selection on Thursday 29/8. Players will be arriving from 8pm but feel free to get their earlier and order dinner and drinks before the rush. The entire club is buzzing with 3 sides in finals and there is sure to be an enormous crowd, come down and join in the fun and wish the boys luck for the weekend.
Seniors 2nd Semi Final vs Manningham
2:00pm Saturday, Garvey Oval Bundoora
Last time they met:
Round 18 – Manningham 15.14.104 defeated Aquinas 14.9.93
Preview:
Manningham have been the pace setter for season 2019, winning 12 on the trot since their only loss to Canterbury in Round 2. The Manningham side are all mature bodies and this has suited them well through the season as they’ve bullied sides over the football and then used their tall targets up forward.
Aquinas will be looking to exploit them on the outside and our run and carry game will be something to behold on the wide expanses of Garvey Oval. With 14 players under the age of 24 (compared to 1 for Manningham) the run and gun style will hopefully have Manningham out on their feet.
Players to watch:
Josh Robertson (26) leading goalkicker for Aquinas with 40 including 10 across 2 meetings with Manningham. A high marking key forward he could cause some headaches on Saturday.
Russell Foster (18) coming off a season high 30 possessions on the weekend, The Candyman will relish the big ground on a dry day. Watch for his trademark candy selling magic off the back flank.
Michael Di Donato (3) little Prod is a product of the Craig Glennie Football Factory and is in his second season of senior football. Absolutely dynamite up forward or on the wing he will use his elite speed, balance and goal sense to his advantage.
Reserves 2nd Semi Final vs Richmond Centrals
11:40am Sunday, Whitefriars College
Last time they met:
Round 16 – Richmond Centrals 7.6.48 defeated Aquinas 5.5.35
Preview:
Aquinas Reserves have only lost two games this season and unfortunately both of them have been to Richmond Centrals. Both games also coincide with our 2 lowest scores of the season. For some reason the boys in red, black and green continually struggle to get past the Snakes spare man in defence. He plays there every quarter and if we can stop him taking continual uncontested marks, something we’ve been so far unable to do, we should be half way to winning. Hitting targets in the forward line rather than bombing it in.
Richmond are a very strong and mature team and once again our run and carry on the outside will be the key to victory. The way we played against 3rd placed Manningham on the weekend is good enough football to stack up against anybody.
Players to watch:
Bailey Caccomo (47) this man has been a revelation in 2019, being the only player to play every game in the side he’s provided outstanding run, skills and courage for a man of his size. Always a target on the wing and amazing defensive pressure.
Alex Mantel (13) fresh off a 2018 under 19 premiership, Poppy has the ability to tear a game to bits with his uncanny goal sense and space finding ability. He’ll be looking to add to his 22 goals for the season with a big bag against the Snakes.
Matt Westwood (69) the bravest man in Ringwood, he’ll be a vital cog in the backline, playing a shut down role which will no doubt belie his size.
Under 19’s Qualifying Final vs Monash Blues
9:20am Saturday, Aquinas College
Last time they met:
Round 6 – Aquinas 13.13.91 defeated Monash Blues 10.7.67
Preview:
Due to the 12 team competition the last time we played Monash was back in Round 6 when they sat 5-0 on top of the ladder and looking unbeatable. We accounted for them that day and have since gone 9-3 whilst Monash have gone 3-9 and just limped into finals.
Despite the difference in form for the latter part of the season we know that only our best football will be good enough and with elimination on the line all the young bloods will be raring to go.
Players to watch:
Harry Dwyer (71) the competition leading goal kicker, he’s shooting for his 3rd consecutive 40+ goal season for the Bloods. Knows where they are and also not afraid to bring a team mate into the game.
Jacob Costello (7) the man they call The Dash has set the club alight at various stages over the past 3 years. A high marking CHF or CHB he makes footy look a lot easier than it is.
Garrison Asciak (19) this kid is a freak, played senior football this season at the age of 17. Is a bull at the contest and also provides silky skills on the outside.
Please make every effort to come down and watch the future of our club on Saturday morning at Bloods Stadium. These kids are genuinely exciting to watch and there’s plenty of them that will form the backbone of our senior squad in the years to come. Make them feel loved and cheer them to victory.