Scores
Thanks to all of our secret scribes who have sent in match reports for the weekends games. Summarised results are below
Seniors || Aquinas 26.16.142 – Albert Park 5.16.46
Reserves || Aquinas 20.19.139 – Albert Park 4.4.28
Women || Aquinas 1.5.11 – Canterbury 7.7.49
U19s || Oakleigh 14.12.96 – 10.11.71
Seniors Match Report
After 6 months of hard work over pre-season, it was finally time to get stuck into round 1 of our 2018 campaign.
Coming off a Senior Premiership and promotion into Division 3 (unfortunately we weren’t actually able to view the unveiling of the flag), it was going to be a tough and challenging season ahead.
Aquinas were up against old foe Albert Park at home, going into the contest knowing little about our opposition.
With 7 debutants, majority coming out of the Craig Glennie U19 football academy — it was truly an exciting time for the reigning Premiers, looking to kick-start the year with an early tick in the win column.
The Bloods came out firing in the opening quarter with Philip Dyck leading the charge, taking complete control in his ruck duties. Newly appointed skipper James McMahon, accompanied by fellow club veterans Russell Foster and Phil Jurkovsky, dominated the centre clearances, providing the forwards with ample opportunity to score.
Jesse Butcher and Ash Naulty made the most of their opportunities, kicking 5 and 4 goals respectively for the first half. Debutant and hard-nut Sam Scanlon helped himself to his first goal in the Red, Black and Green, rewarded for his tenacious pressure up forward.
The future for Aquinas certainly looked bright as the youth brigade rose to the occasion, not looking a step out of place. The impressively built John Kerr was dominant at Centre Half Back, leading the game in contested marks, as well as showcasing his ability to break through contests with his deceptively explosive speed.
Fellow youngster — Michael Di Donato, was PRODuctive all game, proving to be a handful on the wing as he ran his opponents into the ground. Vice Captain Lachlan McDonald played arguably his best game for the club, using his elite kicking to rebound from the defensive 50 and help propel the team into attack.
The Bloods managed to start their 2018 campaign in emphatic fashion, running away with a mammoth 126-point victory.
We head to the lovely suburb of Hawthorn next week to take on Swinburne University who went down to Canterbury FC by 9 goals.
Reserves Match Report
The Aquinas Reserves kicked off 2018 in scintillating fashion with a comprehensive victory over Albert Park.
The Bloods ran out onto the ground amidst an atmosphere scarcely experienced by the 11.40am kick off crew, courtesy of the fantastic efforts by the Women’s team beforehand.
The crowd was feverish and the first quarter saw a tight contest before we pulled away towards the end. Albert Park won the first clearance and it sparked the Bloods into action.
The second quarter was dominated by the men in red, black and green, running all over the Falcons in surprisingly warm April conditions. While the scoreboard was getting away, the big bodies of the Falcons at the contest ensured that we worked hard and remained on guard throughout the game.
The last half was a blowout, with the skills and outstanding running capacity of the Bloods grinding out any hopes of an Albert Park comeback. Pleasingly, the systems that we trained throughout the summer started appearing in the second half, particularly some slick handball work at the centre clearances.
A great effort first up, and a very high standard that we’ll strive to hit each week. It is a traditional footballing cliché to say that everyone played their role, often used where it shouldn’t be, but in Round 1 Aquinas had 22 contributors to the win.
While not all had the touches or goals, each player had at least a few moments where they were able to impact the game positively for the team – something that the odds suggest you may only get a couple of times a year.
Better players, and there were many, included the Giant Torch D. Lord, a young man with questionable facial hair but unquestionable spirit. Westy, a man who spends far too much time in his own bathwater. Spence, and a lad with a haircut strikingly similar to a wombat, Billy O.
You could throw a blanket over everyone but these were the most humorous examples. Go Bloods.
Women’s Match Report
A buzz of excitement surrounded Round 1 for the Aquinas Women’s Team. With well over 50 girls attending training since preseason started in November, 37 ended up on the list.
The hard work, dedication and commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed from the playing group, putting in the hard yards for the build-up to the 2018 season. Courage, commitment and hell of a lot of patience from the coaching team saw them wringing out the screams, squeals and “sorrys” from the girls.
The build-up to round 1 felt like the Richmond v Adelaide 2017 grand finale. There was a huge amount of excitement amongst the group, as we were about to proudly wear the red, black and green jumpers for the very first time.
With a huge crowd in attendance, we ran out with smiles beaming on our faces. Grouped together, hands in, soaking up what has already shown to be the start of something great.
“Pain is only temporary, victory lasts forever” … “Bloods on 3…” and that there was the start of something special.
The first half we were finding our feet, overwhelmed with the fast pace of our first proper match. We didn’t let them get away, and kept fighting to the end.
Scoreless in the third quarter, Knuckles Karli Korbay off to a good start kicking the opposite way. She redeemed herself by laying her killer tackles and winning the ball back.
Rhianna Agostini in the backline, reading the play well and putting her body on the line. Sophie Matthys loose on the wing, didn’t let anything get past her keeping the Canterbury girls to just one goal in the second half.
The Bloods showed some very promising signs for the season ahead, keeping their heads up and a hard crack at the ball…We’ll get them next time, bring on round 2!
E&S Women’s Player of the Week
Rhianna Agostini is the E&S Player of the Week for Round 1. From the opening bounce Rhi showed her superb ability to read the play, immediately repelling the first Canterbury inside 50 with a booming kick to the wing. Her attack on the footy all day was something to behold and she read the play better than the Canterbury forwards. Her big kick lead to some members of the crowd calling her Hoofa, which might be a nickname that sticks around. Well done Rhi.
Functions
A reminder of our Past Players Day on Saturday 19th May. This luncheon will be held in the O’Driscoll Room as per previous years and will celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the 2008 U19 Premiership. All past players are invited to attend for what is always a fantastic day.
Round 2
This weeks games as follows
Seniors || Swinburne University || 2:00pm at St James Park, Hawthorn
Reserves || Swinburne University || 11:40am at St James Park, Hawthorn
Women’s || Yarra Valley Old Grammarian’s || 12:10pm at Aquinas College
U19s || St Kevins || 9:20am at Aquinas College
Sponsors
Thanks to all of our sponsors who give so generously to our great club
