OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF ALL SOFTDRI N K BEVERAGES TO THE VAFA

PUTS BACK WHAT THE SWEATTAKES OUT

i s

big welcome back to everyone for the 1997

for a great number of players at the lowest cos t

,~7Li season. It seems almost only'yesterday that,we bid farewell to the 1996 season, yet here we aretoday welcoming in the 105th season of Amateurfootball .

I quite often refer to the VAFA as being a"sleep-iing giant" within the Victorian football community1- we are so big, yet we go about providing football

possible without the fanfare that often accompa-nies football at the professional or semi-profes-sional level . To one and all enjoy your season -when all that is said and done we are involved, notfor the personal gain but for the love of playing agame that is Australian and we have played foryears and years because of the enjoyment it pro-vides . Enjoy your year and if success comes theway of your club, it is the cream on an alreadytasty cake .

This year I have changed the title of this pagefrom the "Editorial" to the above title . An editorialtends to necessitate a viewpoint or an Executivepolitical stance being presented, however this yearI hope that this column will not only present theExecutive stance on various matters but will alsoinform and maybe even entertain on occasions .

®ne of the satisfying aspects to the off season hasbeen associated with the appointment of a newumpire advisor . Brian Bulluss achieved much inhis five year stint with the VAFA as the advisor andI take this opportunity of publicly acclaiming hisvork - particularly in the areas of promoting

youthful umpires who he and his panel had iden-tified as having talent . Brian is replaced by a manthat has impressed already by his determination,attention to detail and desire to lead from th efront . Michael Sneddon faces a most difficultyear - the retirement of many key experience dumpires, whilst giving opportunity to many, leavesa vacuum of experience- as well as the continua l

pire bashing that goes on which makes it diffi-; cult to recruit numbers at our level . Good luckMichael . I hope that all followers appreciate theimportance of the umpire in white and will displaythe tolerance that is often so missing at other 1ev-

els. Ask yourself thequestion - do youwant your gameumpired by oneumpire only, an offi-cial because of hisloneliness at beingone out will mor ethan likely be hesitant and unsure and not enjoyhis day of umpiring? Contrast this with a gamethat has two, three, maybe four or more umpireswho can work as a team with confidence support-ing each other and providing the best possibleoverall control which gives confidence to all .

This year Quit begins its third year as majorsponsor of the VAFA.

When the VAFA was offered Quit sponsorshipin 1994 for the 1995 season the short term goalwas to carry out as many activities as possible thatwould enable Quit and the Association to be cor-porately aligned and fundamentally linked togeth-er .

Now that two year "bonding" period hasended .

INDEXEditorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Se.ction A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Section B . . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . 4Elstcrnwick Park Matches . . . .Section C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Info Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PHIL STEVENSCHIEF EXECUTIVE

OFFICE R

Continued on Page 3

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S<:itionb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Section E East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0Se et3 .on E Central --------------- 1 2Section E South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14lJnder-19 ~Club XVIII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~

. ~. is

Coaches' Clipboard . . . . . . . . . . . : . .2o-

Marketing News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94Umpires' Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .? JPre m iership List . . . . . . . . . . . , . . _ .3 2

P~

THE JOURNAL OF THE VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIO N

April 12t i-1 ,1997 Price: $1 .20 Vol . 97 No. 1

ine

A SECTIONby Jason Frenkel

ost of us have spent the last few weekswatching Mark Taylor eke out score afte r

paltry score, but the select group of footballerswho make up the A-Grade have been, or shouldhave been, sleeping fitfully in preparation for longhours of pre-season training in readiness fortoday, Round 1 .

And what a round it is !Two new teams, five new coaches, a new

ground (Collegians at Harry Trott) and a newscribe for the A-Grade column - a lot has changedin the months since Old Xaverians' fairy-talePremiership last September . I would like to bidfarewell to Don Blackwood, whose insight into A-Section football has graced this page previously . Ihope I can maintain the high standard Don .

So what does 1997 hold in store? 1996 had allthe twists and turns of a roller-coaster, and if thatis to be any guide, tipsters will be the dark onceagain .

OLD XAVERIANS V ST BERNARD SThe Premiers come up against the gritty St

Bernards side in a testing season opener for theXavs . It's two premierships on the trot now, and nodoubt coach Nick Bourke will be desperatelychasing that elusive "three-peat" . If that's going tobe possible, Old Xaverians will have to remainfocussed in these early rounds, and Bourke will behoping his charges don't repeat their disastrous 0-6 start to the season . It isn't the best way to starta title defence. The loss of promising youngsterDan Donati to AFL ranks will be felt up forward .

Garry Foulds replaces Shane Zantuck at thehelm of St Bernards, and he will be looking to liftthe side up a level in 1997. Bernards have a ten-dency to play their best footy when their backs areup against the wall - they need to play like winnersrather than underdogs . When they're gritty anddetermined, they can match it with the best ofthem, but will need to add some polish to have achance in 1997 .

COLLEGIANS V UNIVERSITY BLUE SLeigh Carlson and his charges open their cam-

paign against the students at the 'new' HarryTrott . no doubt still feeling the pinch of a flag theymight regard as 'the one that got away' . It is diffi-cult to find fault with their effort last year, winning14(-2) in fine style, but they will want to atone fora below-par performance in the Grand Final .Should be competitive in 1997 .

Their opponents,University Blues,start the year withplenty of promiseand a new coach, Mark Tyquin. The Blues werefinalists in '96, but never really showed enoughfire to be a genuine threat, and were bundled outby OM's in the lst Semi . Make no mistake though .This team is blessed with a talented crop of youngplayers who can form a polished, winning combi-nation . Today's game should be a pearler .

OLD SCOTCH V OLD TRINITY

A tough encounter first up for new entrantsOld Trinity, fresh from a dominating premiershipyear in B Section last season . Last year's victori-ous Captain - Coach, Simon Dalrymple, relin-quishes the coaching duties to Bernie Dunne - itwill be a big ask to match or better last season'seffort of 15-3, but they will certainly be competitivein A Section this year.

Old Scotch, too, finished just out of the fourlast year, promising a lot and delivering a lot, butnot on enough occasions last year to boost theminto the finals . The acquisition of the Goldbergbrothers, Phil and Brian, from AJAX will boostthe Cardinals' on-ball division, while their team-mate and 1996 C Section goalkicking winner,Andrew Kalinski, will offer another option up for-ward. Expect the Cardinals to make good on lastyear's promise .

OLD MELBURNIANS V DE LA SALLEMichael Ford replaces Sean Ralphsmith in the

coaching position at OM's . Peter O'Brien won theWoodrow Medal in what was the highlight for theside last year, but their early season form suggest-ed other rewards were on the way. It was not to be,but the Redlegs will be up there among the con-tenders with a shot again this year.

A difficult game first up for new coach PeterHannan, who steps in to replace Mike McArthur-All en down at De La Salle . Last season's laddershows De La placed just out of the four, on per-centage, but in reality they picked up a game (on atechnicality) against Collegians, and were a notchor two off the pace in the wash-up. A win todaywould give them a lot of confidence to start theseason .

OLD PARADIANS V OLD HAILEYBURYRunner - up in B Section last year, newcomers

to A-Grade this year, Old Paradians, under theguidance of coach Dale McCann, draw a tough

"'1111c ,first up against the Bloods . They might havev«„ outgunned in the final analysis by Old

Prinit . but Old Paradians also had a pretty goo dr last season and were streets ahead of the

c;iher sides. They won't find the same luxury in A-

G rade•Tileir opponents, Old Haileybury, are now

~u clcr the instruction of Simon Meehan, who

,,{c,5 over Neville Taylor's position as coach aftera brief stint with Old Xaverians last year. Thepioods showed plenty of promise last year and

~• .r placed among the contenders until rd . 15,iclien they lost their way, the last three games, anda spot in the finals . Will be looking to cement aspot in the four this time around.

Good luck to all coaches and teams for Round1 and indeed the rest of the season . Hope yourteam gets up on the day .SELECTIONS : Old Xaverians, Old Scotch, OldIvielburnians, Old Haileybury

Continued from Page I

= The time has come for the VAFA and its mem-ber clubs to demonstrate that the Quit message ishaving an effect on the health behaviour of theclubs, the players, officials and supporters of theVAFA.

Quit knows that a number of VAFA clubs haveno Smokefree policy,or if any, a rather insignifi-cant and scant attitude to the prohibition or con-trol of smoking in and around football clubs .

This year we need to stand up and be counted .If the statistics demonstrated below do not showsignificant improvement VicHealth will not con-tinue to allocate funding when it is having lit-tle or no effect .

For instance .Only 15 of our 76 clubs (19.7%) actually had

any form of a Smokefree policy last year - NOCLUB WAS TOTALLY SMOKEFREE

This figure is far lower than for any otherVicHealth funded organisation - currently over55% have some form of smoking restrictions andMANY ARE TOTALLY SMOKEFREE (25%) .

In 1995 25% of all VicHealth sponsored groups(all health messages and not just Quit) were total-ly smokefree .

81% of all Victo rian workplaces now bansmoking completely .

The point to be made here that policies arebeing implemented in all public places - even with-out VicHealth funding and that the VAFA is a long

Y~~~}~~~ J_APRIL 19 - ROUND 2

UNIVERSITY BLUES v. OLD XAVERIANSOLD TRINITY v. COLLEGIANSDE LA SALLE v . OLD SCOTC HOLD HAILEYBURY v . OLD MELBURNIANSST BERNARDS v . OLD PARADIANS

OLD XAVERIANS v . ST BERNARDS ( 2 .15 p .m. Start )Field : M. Jackson, R. Eastwood ; Boundary: M . Meier;Goal : C . May, K. Segota. COLLEGIANS v . UNIVERSITYBLUES (at E.P.) Field: J . Toohey, D . Dalgleish ; Boundary:J . Stephenson . R . Muttins ; Goal : G . Beard, M . Frame.OLD SCOTCH v. OLD TRINITY Field: S . McCarthy, A .

Damon; Boundary : C . Kealy ; Goal : B . Hoare, M. Lentini .OLD MELBURNIANS v. DE LA SALLE Field: W. Hinton,

H . Little ; Goal : D . Napoli, M . Venn . OLD PARADIANS v .OLD HAILEYBURY Field : M. Gibson . G. Thwaites ; Goal :

G . Grigg, A . Simpson .

way behind even though we promote the Quit mes-sage and receive funding.

The message is clear . We really must make uplost ground in this area . If we ignore the Quit mes-sages, lose the major sponsorship and be forced tofind the lost money from our clubs to make up theshortfall . Can your club find an extra $2000 easi-ly to make up for this lost amount? We must beable to demonstrate behavioural changes whichare of a significant nature to Quit by the end ofthis year.

To make the required foray into clubs easi-er Quit and the VAFA have introducedSmokefree Club Awards which will provide afirst p rize of $1500, a second prize of $1000and a third prize of $500 . Basically this compe-tition will require clubs to introduce Smokefreeinitiatives and promotion of the Quit messagesand to provide evidence from club level supportingSmokefree policies that the club has introducedthis year. A future Marketing News page will bedevoted in a future issue of the "AmateurFootballer" outlining initiatives that could beundertaken that would earn points going towardsthese awards . A number of clubs have alreadymade a significant start in this area .

Best wishes to everyone for a g reat yearahead . I hope to see most teams play duringthe year and once again enjoy everyone's com-pany in true Amateur footy spirit .

71

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., . Avoid cash flow problems and free up Mr cash by using your debtors to finance your businessContact Bruce Waddell - 03 9684 4222

B SECTIONby Terry Quirk

Welcome to another season of AmateurFootball, a season that promises much

excitement and hopefully many close encounters .Best wishes to Old Trinity and Old Paradians intheir endeavours to be successful in A Grade . Thearrivals in B Section are Mazenod and Ormondfrom A Section and St Kevins and St Kilda/SouthCaulfield from C Section.

Ormond will need all the spirit and endeavourthat have been a trademark of the brown andblues to ensure there is no further slide . With thenew coach, Greg Healy at the helm, I am sure theclub will take on this latest challenge with suc-cess . With Paul Joy and Brett Davies returningand Shane Metz likely to play up forward,Ormond will field a changed line up if late permitapplications are successful .

With Rob Prosser taking over as coach atMazenod, the club will be keen to at least consol-idate its place in B Section in the first part of theseason and press towards a final four positionlater . The departure of 1996 Captain, ChrisBe ll evill e, should be offset by youngsters DanielRigg and Dean Sehofield, making the big step .The return of Chris Harrison from De La Salle willalso be a bonus for the Nodders .

St Kevins arrive back in B Section hoping foranother successful year that will at lest entrench ithigher than mid field come finals time . The returnof Marcus Olive from overseas will enhance its bigman division, whilst big things are expected of sev-eral up and coming U19s . Coach Tim Hart is askeen as ever to take the SKOBS to greater successand I'm sure he will be keen to get the runs on theboard early .

At Old Brighton, Dale Tapping, has returnedto the Beach Oval to many new recruits and youngplayers . Darren Tymms, Marcus Gordon andMatthew Jackson, are pulling on the boots for theOBs, whilst youngsters Kent, Brown, Dennis andPatterson will most likely make their names atsenior level . Obviously Old Brighton has its sightsset on A Section in 1998 after a very busy andrewarding off season .

Old Ivanhoe, with astute coach Kevin McLeanin charge, will be relying on the return of 1995Premiership players in George Haros, MattHuber, James Weddle, Michael Karayannis andCameron Moore, to help achieve the objective ofappearing in the 1997 B Section finals series .Recruits in Johnston, Warry and Jenkins . plusthe development of younger players through the

reintroduction of theU 19s, should setsolid foundations fo ra most successfulseason .

St Kilda/South Caulfield is back in B Sectionafter only one season in the lower section . TheSaints will have a good idea of what it takes forsuccess this year and I believe much work hasbeen done over summer to improve the playingpersonnel . Recent signing of Anthony Merrick(Sandringham), Chris Neeson (brother of Simon),Anthony Mihaljevie (brother of Michael) and thereturn of Richard Gilmore and Ben King fromoverseas jaunts, significantly add to the playersavailable to Terry Walsh. At full strength I expectthe Saints to be most competitive and to make sig-nificant leeway in 1997 .

Therry Penola, after being swept aside in lastyears first semi have retained almost all playersand are quietly confident of going all the way thisyear. Recruit Damien Rissardo (Myrtleford) andyoungsters Sam Socco and Brett Crockford,should press for senior selection . The return ofTerry Quinn as senior coach is another bonus fora club that should set the standard in this section .

Melbourne High School Old Boys, under newcoach Warren Fail, have many new players andconfidently embark towards much improved per-formances . Names including Robert Knowles,Shaun Morcom, Adam Watson and SteveGrimmer should appear regularly during the sea-son along with several others who have returned toMHSOB after stints elsewhere . Anthony Cassell,Cameron Bruce and Adam Tilling, are young-sters who will press for senior selection ensuringthat players who took the club to eighth position in1996, are under pressure to improve significantly.

Banyule has called on the services of HarryHarisiou to take the club towards the B Sectionfinals . With few departures and some fine youngplayers coming through form the Warringal U19s,there is no reason not to expect improvement onthe club's sixth position last year .

At Ivanhoe . things have been reasonably quietin recent weeks with new coaching Doni Valkanispreparing his charges to take an early position inthe four and stay there until finals time . Manyplayers have now had a year of B Section experi-ence and I expect the 'Hoers' to be right there atthe business end of the season .

My Selections . . . .Old Ivanhoe and Ivanhoe clash at Chelsworth

Park in the local derby . I'll select Ivanhoe by 14points to give coach Doni Valkanis, a great start tothe season .

Mazenod and St Ki1da/South Caulfield willbe a 'big test for both sides. Mazenod will need tobe in form but should prevail by 22 points.

Ormond and MHSOB will clash in a matchthat should be the closest of the round . Avery keenand hard fought contest is as assured . I'll go forOrmond in a tight one by 7 points .

I

APRIL 19 - ROUND 2ST KILDA STH CAULF, v. OLD IVANHOE (E .P. 19/4)M H S O B v. MAZENOD O .C .THERRY PENOLA OB v. ORMONDOLD BRIGHTON v. ST KEVINS

IVANHOE v. BANYULE

OLD IVaNRHOE v. IVANHOE Field : C. O'Donohue.

J . K .ins ; Boundary : D . Ryan, T. Healey; Goal: G .

Clancy, J . Pickett. MAZENOD v . ST KILDA STHCAULFIELD Field: G . Pritchard, P. Callil ;Boundary : M . Chapple, G . Miller; Goal : P . Allsop,

S . Lamble . ORMOND v . M .H .S .O.B . Field: M .Jenkins . C. Segota; Boundary : M . Jelinek ; Goal : K .Coughlan, S . Ryan . BANYULE v. OLD BRIGHTONField: M . Bushfield, A. Firley ; Boundary: B . Parks,R. Parks ; Goal: R . Miller, A . Miller. ST KEVINS v.THERRY Field: M . Pinney, G . Hodgins ; Boundary :T. Dodds ; Goal: R. Richards, J . Robinson .

N11 L%

Clubs must phone final sirenscores to Nancy 9528 3319

(before 5 p .m.) and the nQ/Q scores ; goalkickers andbest players (both teams) to

EP 9531 8333 (before 5 .15 p .m .)

Banyule and Old Brighton will test each otherearly, however I'll select Brighton by 9 points in amatch that could go either way.

Reserves Sections . . . Ivanhoe, St Kilda/SthCaulfield, MHSOB, St Kevins and Old Brighton .

Best wishes to all players for an injury free sea-son. Best wishes also to the men in white who I amcertain will be treated with the respect theydeserve .

Correspondents: by 5pm Monday. Fax &Phone 9889 9014 . Thanks for your help .

ELSTERNWICK PARKDRAW 1997

Program (first part of season)

* FIDA - Football Integration Development

This Sat: Collegians v. University BluesThis Sun: No match scheduled for E. P .Next Sat: St Kilda Sth Caulfield v. Old IvanhoeNext Sun : FIDA matchday at Elsternwick ParkSat . 28 April: University Blues v. St BernardsSun . 27 April : Old Melburnians v . Old ParadiansSat . 3 May : Ivanhoe v. St KevinsSun . 4 May : Old Trinity v. University Blues

Sat . 10 May : Old Xaverians v. Old Haileybury

Sun . 11 May: Mother's Day - no E . P. match

Sat . 17 May : Old Paradians v . Old Xaverians

Sun. 18 May: FIDA matchday at Elsternwick Park

Sat . 24 May: St Kevins v . Old Ivanhoe

Sun . 25 May: Collegians v. Old Scotc h

Association matches provide football for people withintellectual disabilities - this program is supported bythe VAFA and VAFA sponsor Coles-Myer .

REM EMBERPATRONS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRINGALCOHOL INTO ELSTERNWICK PARK O R

INTO ANY VAFA VENU E

~7J,~110W".'d' n s ManagementManaging, to make your money grow We offer facilities for Investment through :

~ Australian and International Stock Markets ~'f Australian Proper ty * Fixed Interest MarketsFor your current prospectus please call 1800 334 67 4

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C SECTIONby Russell Goul d

elcome to season '97 of C Section football .~ As with all years, four new teams have

entered the competition and of course four haveleft. Into the fray come, firstly from B Section,North Old Boys and Bulleen/Templestowe, bothwith new coaches and hopefully renewed enthusi-asm. Also coming up from D Section are '96Premiers, Monash Blues and runners-up St LeosEmmaus Wattle Park .

Wholesale changes in '97 see six out of tenteams lining up with new coaches . Firstly to thenewcomers . Bulleen/Templestowe have relievedthe services of last year's coach Phil Maylin afterwhat could only be described as a disappointingyear . The lack of wins throughout the year musthave been distressing for a team with such a highprofile. This year one would expect them to turnthings right around and new coach AndrewSmythe will be out to prove that they are definite-ly one of the teams to be reckoned with in CSection .

No rth Old Boys have also made some person-nel changes after also having a poor season lastyear. They have employed the services of FrankDunne ll as head coach . They really are in a simi-lar situation to Bulleen after also failing to registermore than a handful of wins last year . Howevernew coach Dunnell is sure to whip his list of tal-ented player into a fine side for this year, and sure-ly they will not be easybeats this season .

After last years finals capitulation, AJAX havealso made a change to their coaching staff. PhillipAarons has taken over from Rodd Morgan and willbe looking to '97 as a year to take the next step .AJAX have been there and there abouts for thepast few years and must be keen to make the mostof a talented list of players . This year however theywill find the competition much harder and willhave to remain consistent throughout the seasonif they are to continue to make the finals .

Marcellin have also sought the services of anew coach, and Tony Paatsch was the man select-ed . Season '96 was a good one for the Eagles,although it did finish sourly . This year does how-ever look to be a better one for them . After consis-tently finishing in the finals, only to be beaten onegame away from the big one, the Eagles surely willbe the most driven side in the competition and aresure to be a force this year .

Thomastown, after last years fine showing,have also gone with changes at the top . Long-timecaptain Tony Fellows has taken the reins and will

look to steer theBears towards thefinals . After beingrunners up toHampton in D Section in '95, they came out withall guns blazing last year, taking it up to all teamsand finishing just one game out of the finals . Theyare strong at home and fight when away, and withtheir inspirational captain now their coach, theywill have another good year this year.

The St Bedes/Mentone Tigers have retainedthe services of coach Paul Beddoe for his thirdyear of service . After a poor first half of the yearlast year the Tigers powered home to make a latefinals run, only to falter in the final few steps . Witha talented list of young players and some goodestablished senior players, it looks to be a promis-ing years for the Tigers.

Hampton Rovers are another team going withlast years line up . Don Scarlett would have beenpleased at best with the Rovers year last year . Theymanaged to scramble a few wins here and therebut were only just competitive with those teamsabove them . After a premiership in '95, and havingfound their feet in C Section in '96, they will thisyear be looking to consolidate themselves as a win-ning team, however hard it might be .

Old Mentonians were a big disappointment in'96. After coming down from B Section they strug-gled to be competitive and were lucky to avoid rel-egation for the second season in a row. Coach BertCalvert bore the brunt of responsibility and sowas replaced this year by Peter Murphy . Theyhave a lot of experienced players on their list andif they can push some of their young talentthrough they may, like Hampton, go some way toimproving on last years poor showing .

Now to last years D Section Grand Finalists .Premiers Monash Blues spent just the one year inthat section, and will look to consolidate in '97 .Guided by David Rogers as coach, the Bluesshould provide a good showing this year, to provetheir worth as a C Section side .

St Leos Emmaus Wattle Park are one of theteams that might struggle with the jump in class .Coach Mark Flack though would not agree andwill therefore look to put together a highly compet-itive side that is also deserving of its place in CSection .

Now to my predictions for Round 1 . 1 wouldexpect AJAX to start off '97 with a win overThomastown in a close affair. No rth Old Boys

should be too strong for a competitive MonashBlues at the University. Hampton Rovers to beatunderdone St Leos Emmaus at Wattle Park . StBedes/Mentone Tigers to capitalise on good pre-season form and beat Old Mentonians in the localderby at Mentone . And finally, in what could becalled the match of the round, Marcellin to defeatBu lleen/Templestowe in a cracker of a first upclash .

Reserves winners should be AJAX, Monash,Tlampton, St Bedes/Mentone and Marcellin.

X4'•,y'~I . }(. `

APRIL 19 - ROUND 2NORTH OLD BOYS v. A J A XHAMPTON ROVERS v. MONASH BLUESOLD MENTONIANS v . ST LEOS EMMAUS WPBULLEEN T'STOWE v . ST B'S MENT . TIGERSTHOMASTOWN v . MARCELLIN

AJAX v THOMASTOWN Field: A . Chapman P.

Buchanan MONASH BLUES v NORTH OLD BOYS

Field: D . Anderson P. Coe Boundary: C. Nash ST

LEOS v EMMAUS HAMPTON ROVERS Field : T .

Ovadia B . Tamblyn ST. BEDES MENTONE TGS v

OLD MENTONIANS Field : B . Scmidt C . Keeton

Boundary : R. Binding J . Binding MARCELLIN v

BULLEEN-TEMPLESTOWE: Field : G . Curran C .

Bratjberg

MELEES - BEWAR EA melee is 'Where an incident takes place

involving players pushing, scragging, jumpinginto packs, throwing each other to the ground o r

other or other similar such conduct "

(presented by Quit)

C ` ~ m [ ~ ~~ 0(50 cents per min .)

Information services available :Monday to Wednesday : Information for ClubsWed. evening to Thurs . evening : Permits processe dFriday (only) : VAFA umpire appointments

& weekend match detailsSaturday evening (after 5 .30 pm) : Final siren VAFA score s

Advance Personal BankingSpecialists in Residential and Investment Lending

Contact V.A.F.A.'s own Mobile Lending Manager Marc Bullard- 0411 427 638

SECTIONby Peter Kelly& David Cook

T his week sees the start of another Amateurseason . D Section boasts what would appear

to be the most even of all sections. 1996 saw thre esides just miss a finals berth and at the same timeavoid relegation . 1997 promises to be no different.Wins will be sought by all clubs early in the seasonto establish momentum and gain an early advan-tage over competitors . From 1996 it boasts threepremiership sides, five clubs who each won 10 ormore games in D Section and two C Section clubsrelegated with four wins each . Every club has hadfinals experience and tasted success in the lastthree years .

Recently contact was made with all clubs andhere is a brief profile on each.

AQUINAS : Finished 3rd in 1995 narrowly missing

promotion that season but atoned for that lastyear with a 6 goal win in the E East Grand Final togain entry to D Section for 1997 . Coached byAndrew CROSBY who has a long association withthe club and previous premiership coaching expe-rience, the club is looking forward to great successthis season. With great drive expected from thecentre by Tarull i, Dunn and Coll iver another cen-tury of goals to Jason Livingstone is somethingrival clubs will hope does not recur. Jason is alsothe first 300 gamer at the Club which is a greateffort . Although their past captain and ruckmanhave moved on recruiting has been good with a loton the shoulders of Under 19 ruckman GarryBurch. The clubs pre season has been rewardingand their first match against a fellow E sectionpremiership team at Old Essendon will be a goodmeasuring stick for the season . The 'Captain'selects Old Essendon and 'Chocolate' Aquinas

BEAUMARIS : A new senior coach in BrettMARCHANT will see a wealth of experiencebrought to the club . Brett has seven club B & F'swith another local club Mentone and was also aninter league rep . in that comp . He spent time withMelbourne and moved to Maffra to finish his play-ing career. The disappointment of last years finalscampaign will be the first target they seek to recti-fy. The club expects their best players Quinn,Riely, Rowbury and the Hanrahan brothers toagain be match winners . Coupled with notable

recruits Drew Johnson and the emergence fromtheir juniors of some great young talent in DavidEamauson and Paul McManus they eagerly lookforward to the match of the day against Caulfield.The 'Captain' selects Caulfield and 'Chocolate'Beaumaris in a very close game .

CAULFIELD : This club have decided that threeyears in the one section is long enough and theyare more than ever desirous of returning to CSection . They have recruited very well over sum-mer and with no significant player losses and theappointment of an experienced ex A Section coachin Geoff REILLEY are looking to a most success-ful season . Their practice match form has beenvery satisfying. The club have been a little guard-ed about most things in the off season however thespies report this is the club to watch out for. Theirfirst game against Beaumaris being played atGlenhuntly is tipped as the match of the day. The'Captain' picks Caulfield whilst 'Chocolate' selectsBeaumaris.

OLD CAMBERWELL: Finalists in D Section in1995 they were then one of three clubs who fin-ished 1996 with ten wins, half a game out of thefour and a game clear of relegation . Rod ALLISON,35 years, has been appointed non playing coachcoming from experience with the Ringwood andthe Boronia clubs in the E .D .F.L . The club willmiss their captain from last season AdamKyriacou who has announced his retirement atthis stage [?] . With Lethlean and Gladman tran s-ferring to Xavier, the club have worked hard torecruit and welcome Mick Free, U/ 19 competitionB & F in 1993 back to the club and star recruitPeter Lodge from Forest Hill . First up game isaway against Old Geelong with both the 'Captain'and 'Chocolate' going for OGS with the C Sectionexperience being a deciding factor.

OLD ESSENDON : Have re-appointed Alex FRAS-ER, 42, for his 4th year as non playing coach . Theclub are very pleased with the influx of a largenumber of ex students but will miss their tworovers McGee an d Capodiferro . The loss of thePresident to Western Australia also leaves a holewhich the Club believes it has adequately filled .Tipped to be continued improvers after theirPremiership in E Central in 1996 they are at hometo Aquinas in a battle against the premiers of E

East. The scribes are divided with the 'Captain' tip-ping Old Essendon and 'Chocolate' Aquinas in

what promises to be a most entertaining match .

OLD GEELONG: Mark NEELD has a wealth of AFLexperience having played 90 games with Geelong

and Richmond and is the only playing coach in the

,tion . A teacher a on o D Section to,J tile club expect their relegation., ""ry short. With only two players not returning

last year the clubs' recruits, their coach and

,tc return of Grammar and Vdellsby, see themh a very experienced line up. Their first game is

agauist old Camberwell and should see them off tog-iod start to the season with a win first up . Both

scribes predict Old Geelong to be too strong for OldCamberwell at Como Park .

gARKSIDE: Have re-appointed their coach LaurieiARAFA, 33, for his third season as non playing

coach . With good practice match form they go intothe season confidently looking to avoid the 1996disappointment of missing a finals berth by half a

game . An ex A Section side who arrested their slidein 1994 and have now consolidated in D Sectionthey will miss 200 club gamer Sansonetti who has

retired and Sherlock who is in "temporary" retire-

ment. The club are very pleased with some bigname recruits Duncan Tilley from West Gambier,

Ian Gray and Mick Yandel from Fairfield and

Mark Vita from Preston . They host St Johns intheir first game, two clubs who have established avery friendly rivalry in a short time and look for-ward to kicking the season off with a win. Thescribes are not as sure and both select St Johns ina very close game .

SALESIAN: Peter TURLEY enters his second yearas coach after a successful assault on the pre-miership in E South from fourth . A non-playingcoach at 28 with experience in the AFL (Richmond)and with the ex VFA club Oakleigh they look for-ward to continued success . Salesian report that noplayer has left the club and with a general influx ofgood recruits are looking forward to the influenceon the ground of Club B & F Mick Hazel and reg-ular stars Aaron Stevens and Simon Sutherland .Their practice match form has been very good andwill go into their home match against Whitefriarsin a confident and determined manner . The'naptain' selects them at home but 'Chocolate '

Jf 7

APRIL 19 - ROUND 2OLD C;,4IBERWELL v . CAULFIELD GR .WHITEFRAIRS v . OLD GEELONG

ST JOHNS 0 C v. SALESIAN 0 C

AgUINAS 0 B v. PARKSIDE

BEAUMARIS AFC v. OLD ESSENDON OR.

prefers ex C Grade side Whitefriars to win easily .

ST JOHNS: St Johns have re-appointedStephen MOONEY and know the experience in justmissing finals last year and two recent GrandFinal losses have given everyone associated withthe club a sense of direction for 1997 . This grow-ing club, who have over the summer negotiated apartnership with a well administered junior club inSt Gerards, will give the finals a shake this seasonif the same disciplined approach that saw themfinish last season is carried into this year . The clubhas picked up some very notable recruits from theGippsland league and coupled with accomplishedperformers "Dicky, Platto, Kouta, Booka . Lardyand Bear" (like Caulfield didn't want to give tomuch away did they) are looking to their continuedimprovement . Still, with the determined playersthey have the club will miss competition B & FMark Koppens who has moved with his job to thecountry and last years captain Dean Higgins whohas been forced to retire due to a knee injury .Dean has not been totally lost as he is now thereserves coach . First up is against Parkside withboth scribes predicting a St Johns win in a torridopening .WHITEFRIARS : Des MEAGHER is in his third

year and will be determined to return the club to

C Section . His experience as a determined player,

as most will know he played 190 VFL games withHawthorn, should see the on field determinationand improvement required to return quickly . The

influx of Under 19 players from last years pre-miership team will add a touch of youthful enthu-siasm and class to the club . The clubs first game

is against Salesian with the scribes a little unde-cided when Whitefriars played all cards very closeto their chest and provided no news on practice

matches . The 'Captain' sticks his neck out andpicks Salesian whilst 'Chocolate' decidesWhitefriars' experience will be too great for the

visit to Chadstone .

Continued on Page 1 1

J 1,4 ,

CAULFIELD GRAMM v BEAUMARIS Field : G .

Moore A . Ladd OLD GEELONG v OLD CAMBER-WELL Field : D . Lane J . Stoppa SALESIAN OC vWHITEFRIARS Field, C . Stevens T . Foley PARK-

SIDE v ST. JOHNS Field : P. Simpson D . Kramer

OLD ESSENDON v AQUINAS Field: V. Vescovi B .

McKe e

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E EAST SECTIONby Barry Hickey

he between season machinations, plottings,skuilduggeries, inticings, and hopefully imag-

inings are done, the chickens are about to roos tand be counted . The longships of A & B SectionVikings have returned to their winter fastnesses,laden with treasure from yet another successfulsummer by their raiding parties . I'm beginning towonder about the 'meek inheriting the earth' bit ofthe greatest speech of all time, maybe it's time forus lower level fleas to do some serious burn biting.

So, seven of last years E Easterners remain todo battle with three new arrivals ; welcome toSyndal Ta lly-Ho, Kew and Hawthorn Citizens ;farewell to Aquinas (D Section), St Mary's (ESouth), and Swinburne University (E Central) .Here's hoping 1997 is a good year for everybody onand off the field .

Based on information received from club con-tacts recently, the following are incontestablefacts, (a) the 500 or so registered in E East areeither now overseas, or about to go, (b) the few whowill be playing the odd game this season will some-how lift their club's performance relative to 1996results, (c) most clubs will have more numbers ontheir committees than on the field, and (d) on noaccount was any of the information given to bedivulged for any reason whatsoever .

Notwithstanding the above, some predictionscan be attempted . Yarra Valley, Old Carey,Chirnside Park, and Richmond Central shouldall be final four contenders . Eley Park won't be faraway, and something would have to be seriouslywrong for Kew not to start to turn things around .Syndal Tally-Ho is the big smokey. so the result oftheir clash today with the Sharks will be awaitedwith anxious expectation by the whole of E East .Bulleen Cobras could have been anything lastyear had they been more consistent, and there'sno reason why they won't give a lot of cheek thisseason . All in all, it looks like a very even, veryinteresting time ahead for everybody . And the nodon the big mover for '97 Chirnside Park?

Eley Park play Syndal Ta lly-Ho at the Sharks'new home at Whitehorse Reserve . With a newground and a new coach ( Graham Mullenger) theSharks are looking forward to a good season, andbelieve they can improve on last year's creditableperformance . Syndal Tally-Ho join us from theSouthern League and are looking forward to a suc-cessful first year in the amateurs . Syndal's coach,

Daniel O'Donahue,is also new to thatposition and will b eanxious to make hi smark. I'll go for the Sharks to win by 10p .

Yarra Valley host Old Carey at DomeneyReserve, in what is becoming a traditional firstround fixture . Numbers and practice matchresults have been reasonable for both clubs, bothof whom have new coaches, David Kyle at Yarraand Glenn Taylor at the C's . Sadly for the C's,many of the younger players they expected to havethis year are pursuing their careers elsewhere . TheC's have also yet to beat Yarra, so to tip them towin by 5 goals seems stupid, but them I am, andindiscretions are permissible this early in the yearin what will be a very good game to watch .

Richmond Central are at home to KewAmateurs and there's a strong probability thelights won't go out in the 2nd quarter today, theway they did during their aborted practice matchlast Thursday week . Both sides are confident of agood year ahead, the Central's have consolidated,Kew have some useful returnees to bolster them . Ifthe weather's dodgy, Kew's running players shouldbring them in by a couple of goals, but reverse thetip if it's a calm, dry day . Both these teams willhave a big say in the final four composition .

Eltham Co llegians play Hawthorn Citizens inan interesting encounter. The Collegians have avery young side and a new coach, Peter Slacik,and may take a while to settle in . Hawthorn Citsare hoping to do at least as well as Eley Park didlast year coming out of Club VXIII's, and should beable to open their account by a few points margin .

Chirnside Park welcome Bulleen Cobras atKimberley Reserve, and the Parkers are the tip tobe the 1997 big improvers . Confidence is sky highunder new coach Stephen Jones, and the Parkershave every club's dream, lots of numbers at train-ing. The Cobras have also been blessed with astrong training contingent, and are confident thatthey will be less of an enigma than they were in1996 . This will be a ripsnorter of a game, and I'llgo for the home side by 2 goals .

Reserves winners should be Eley Park, YarraValley, Kew, Hawthorn Citizens, and RichmondCentral .

Correspondents: the Monday contact num-bers are 9547 9144, and fax 9547 7764 .

APRIL 19 - ROUND 2

ULD CAREY v. ELEY PARK AFC

1011v. YARRA VALLEY OB

rj,,~yTgpRN CITIZENS v . RICHMOND CENTRAL

BULLEEN COBRAS v . ELTHAM 0 C

CHIRNSIDE PARK (BYE)

ELEY PARK has a bye YARRA VALLEY v OLD

CAREY Field. G . Waldron RICHMOND CENTRAL

v KEW Field : R . Sneddon ELTHAM HAWTHORN v

CITIZENS Field : C . Cimoli CHIRNSIDE PARK v

BULLEEN COBRAS Field : K . Walker

Congratulations to big'Swervin' on joining older (and wiser) brother Chief'Running Bear Bear' todayin the illustrious 200 gainers club at Richmond Central. Well done Merv, next stop 150 .

D$eetion - Continued from Page 9

pS: To all clubs this weekly column is your chance to provide match reports to promote both your club and

provide information on the high standard of Amateur Football . Use it to enthuse players and your club but

keep the information up to your scribes . For all those D Section clubs - are you able to identify by name BOTH

scribes 'Captain' and ' Chocolate'? A prize for the winning club which will be judged on the fax time and date

suchfax is received at Elsternwick. Please include club name and senders details on fax. Watch for a clue

each week. Each club was asked to predict their finalists for the season - here they are with all in alphabet-

ical order.

AQUINAS BEAUMARIS CAULFIELD OLD CAMB. OLD ESSDN.

Aquinas Beaumaris Beaumaris Beaumaris Beaumaris

Beaumaris Caulfield Caulfield Old Camberwell Old Essendon

Old Camberwell Old Geelong Old Camberwell Old Essendon Old Geelong

Whitefriars St Johns St Johns Salesian Whitefriar s

OLD GEEL'G PARKSIDE SALESIAN ST JOHNS WHITEFR'S

Beaumaris Beaumaris Beaumaris Beaumaris Beaumaris

Caulfield Old Geelong Old Essendon Caulfield Caulfield

Old Essendon Parkside Old Geelong St Johns Old Geelong

Old Geelong Whitefriars Salesian Whitefriars Whitefriar s

The Captain selects : - Beaumaris, Caulfield, Old Geelong, St Johns .

Chocolate selects :- Beaumaris, Caulfield, Old Geelong, Whitefriars .The total votes to each club selected to play in the finals series in D section results in the following table

(total possible votes per club 12) .

CLUB Votes

Beaumaris 1 2

Old Geelong 8

Caulfield . Whitefriars 7 each

Old Essendon, St Johns 4 each

Old Camberwell 3

Salesian 2

Aquinas, Parkside 1 each

The VAFA "Amateur Footballer"

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INTO ELSTERNWICK PARK OR INTO ANY VAFA VENUE

,` M E CENTRAL SECTIONby Mick James

Central has seen an array of off field machi-nations in the lead up to season '97 . Most rel-

evant to this column was the decision of DarrenBriggs to move on leaving me to fill the shoes ofthe last Reds scribe the inimitable Peter Hill e .Thanks for your efforts Darren and farewell also toOld Essendon who make the step up to D a movemany up Keilor way must think comes a year late .Better late than never. All the best to Alex Frazerand his charges who no doubt will do E Centralproud . Welcome back to Uni Reds whose premier-ship hangover lasted through a winless season inD and welcome to Swinburne Uni who make themove from E East after a fruitless first year out ofClub 18 .

Officials at every club are pretty coy at thistime of year, except of course Tony Boyce, andthey don't make grains of salt small enough to takeTony's comments with . So here goes a pretty illinformed guide for the season with teams in pre-dicted order .

Williamstown CYM SWith just one loss during the last regular sea-

son, Williamstown must be understandably disap-pointed to be in our company for another season .It's hard to go past the bayside boys for the flagand few doubt they will again be the pace setter .

Uni BlacksNear enough wasn't good enough in a year the

Blacks would have expected a quick return to D .The move to Ransford Oval shouldn't prove toodisconcerting and there's already talk that SimonCostello's up to his usual no good with movesunderway to rename the ground the Alan McleanMemorial Oval .

West BrunswickAfter a good start last year, the Magpies lost

their way mid season only coming good when thehorse had bolted . The lads from Western Oval willbe looking for a taste of finals action this timearound and they must be a chance to atone foropportunities lost .

Uni RedsWholesale changes at Brunswick St in the

wake of a pitiful '96 nearly saw a merger with oldfoe UHSOB . The abdication of premiership presi-dent Paul White and his fiscal consort Leo Dynessaw some of the younger lights rally together toforge a new committee and a new direction .Finalists in their last three seasons at this level, Iexpect the Reds to sneak into the August action in

a close fought battlefor the last finalsbirth .

North BrunswickThe Northerners will be knocking on the door

this year (a prospect that'll send a shiver down thespine of anyone who's had contact with the ladsfrom Allard Park) . For the purpose of this exerciseI've got them slipping another notch after beingfront runners in '95 but you'd be mad to take themlightly and even if they don't take part at the busi-ness end of the season they'll have a big say in whodoes and in what sort of condition .

Old WestbourneThe trip down the Geelong Rd should never be

taken lightly and many sides will limp home fromWerribee with lowered expectations . Hard times onthe road could be the Westerners undoing againalthough an improvement in that area could putthem in the running and turn the finals race on itshead .

UHSOBA difficult off season at zooland makes it hard

to tip big things from High but the palatial newrooms UHSOB will have all to themselves in '97might gel well with new coach David Nash and anumber of new faces at Brens Oval .

Whatever happens in the seniors the twos willbe a five goal better side with Boycey on the fieldand could well provide the only finals action for thegreen and tans .

La Trobe UniPerennial almost finalists the Trobers will have

to make better use of the expanses at Bundoora ifthey're to improve on a disappointing'96 . Slow outof the blocks last year a good start will be crucialto Mario Bakogianis' charges chances of surprisingthis pundit and earning that long sought taste ofthe August action .

Swinburne UniA tough time has been had since the move from

Club 18 but a change of company may just be thething for the other club from Glenferrie Oval . Thisscribe thinks not, but any improvement would bewelcome and may be forthcoming as they come togrips with the new competition .

Round 1The Reds slow pre-season has fallen together

pretty well in the final weeks for the dynamic newcoaching duo of Justin Doyle (Coach) and

;dichael Dexter Heenan (assistant) and I expectlfte boys from Brunswick Street to end that pre-

,n.iership hangover with a hard fought 9 pointa1vay victory over the Magpies .

in a make or break season for the once mightyUni Blacks the phoenix will rise again to the tuneof 20 points .

The Baysiders will prove six goals too strong athome for North Brunswick .

La Trobe will get the start they're looking forwith a 45 point win over UHSOB .

Swinburne have the bye .Club correspondants please contact me with

your reports by fax 9243 4920 (until 5 p .m .Monday), phone 9482 5492 (until 8 p .m . Monday)or email micj@netspace .net.au

APRIL 19 - ROUND 2

OLD WESTBOURNE AFC v. WEST BRUNSWICKNORTH BRUNSWICK v. UNIVERSITY BLACKSU H S O B v. WILLIAMSTOWN CYMSSWINBURNE UNI. v. LA TROBE UNI .UNIVERSITY REDS (BYE)

~%~ ~;e 0 ! 111 I °WEST BRUNSWICK v UNIVERSITY REDS Field :

M. Gilday P. Tuppen UNIVERSITY BLACKS v

OLD WESTBOURNE Field: R. Treverton L .

Gallagher WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS v NORTH

BRUNSWICK Field: M. Whitman K. Brewer LA

TROBE UNI v U.H .S .O .B . Field P . Leyden W.

Simmons SWINBURNE UNI has the bye

SOUTHERN FM88.3

Phil Stevens or Brett Connell chat toJohn Kelly during his program

"As the Mood Takes Me"

88 . 33 .30 p .m. Thursday

[ 11 1~-1 li Evcci

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BDF~', E SOUTH SECTIONby Ken Bremner

& Tom 9rai n

1~ -

BeiersdorfAustralia Ltd

~elcome to another "Bull Bursting", "LeatherKicking", "Air Conveyance" season . Thi s

year the section reports will be handled by myself(Ken Bremner) and that "Doyen" of "Scribes", yes,the most respected! Tom Brain . Also, now thatTom is in harness with the Southbank FootballClub you can be assured that our section willreceive a better than normal coverage on theSunday morning airwaves of radio stationSouthern FM, 88 .3 on your dial.

'Tis a pity that this report had to be in thehands of the VAFA Administration prior to theannual Members and Secretaries evening becauseit would have been a great opportunity to gaugethe pre-season form or otherwise of the competingclubs . Mind you, history shows that a lot ofPresidents and Secretaries tell 'Pork Pies' abouttheir respective clubs' fortunes and chances basedon trial games and form, let alone their new sign-ings or losses . Makes for a great evening thoughtrying to sift the 'Wheat' from the 'Chaff .

Forgetting all the hearsay and usual utterancesof rubbish around the traps I suggest for round 1Tom and I will just have a stab in the dark basedon our prior knowledge of the competing clubs inthe section . That way we can at least over the nextfew weeks let the 'ladder' sorts itself out and asthey say let the 'cream' come to the top .

Preview - Round 1 April 12St Mary's V ANZ Albert Park

Neither team set the world on fire in '96 andboth will be looking forward to a more prosperousseason . Whilst ANZ have been a traditionally hardteam to beat a their own 'dung hill their awayrecord isn't so flash . Down in the valley at Glen IrisI confidently predict a 5 goal win for the 'Sainters' .Now prove me wrong 'Zedders' .Peninsula V Oakleigh

Perennial finalists, Peninsula play host ~oOakleigh in what appeals as a good game . Basedpurely on '96 form and the fact that the 'Oaks'have to travel 1st up we're on the 'Pirates' band-wagon to salute comfortably by 5 'twins' even with-out Drew Warne-Smith who we believe has movedto higher places starting with an 'A' .

Elsternwick V Monash GryphonsYou can bet plenty that both these competing

clubs will be hell-bent on winning their openinggame for the season beacuse if they can't improvetheir stocks from the previous year then this mightbe their only chance . The 'Gryphons' improved as

the year rolled on in '96 and on the assumptionthat they will have improved further I'm gunnastick my noggin out and select them to 'cruise' onhome victors by 21 pts . Disagree here uncle, the'Wicks' pre-season has been one of their betterones and with Big Max at the helm again andLethal on track and fit they could be a dangerside .

St Pats Mentone V PowerhouseLooks a ripper game on paper and little

appears to be separating them, again based on lastyear . However, this ain't last year and I can't selecta draw (I suppose I could, but I won't) . Workingpurely on heresay, and yes I said previously Iwouldn't let that sway me (but I write the columnand you don't, so I can) I suggest that the hometeam St Pats will register win numero uno for sea-son'97 by 13 pts in a tight struggle. I hear KB bothhave lost plenty so we need to wait a few weeksbefore forming a firm opinion but you can bet theVultures will try and eat them dead .

Southbank V GlenhuntlyWin 9, Lose 9 in 'D' grade and find yourself rel-

egated can tear the heart out of a club. I'm proudto report that as President of Southbank FootballClub it hasn't happened down 'Yarra' Park way .The determination and resolve of the players sincethe commencement of pre-season and with aninflux of new blood has made for a very strongcombination . Only time will tell, how strong?Glenhuntly from all accounts has awoken fromtheir sleeping lethargy and will prove to be a mea-suring stick within the comp. The ingredients arehere for a top showing, however loyalties sway meSouthbank's way to get home winning by 18points . Very conservative Mr Boss, I think my newand unknown to many original club (State SavingsBank) will win by a country mile and if we don't,you can dare me to do something .KB's Selections: St Mary's, Peninsula, MonashGryphons, St Pats Mentone & SouthbankTommy's Picks : St Mary's, Oakleigh . Elsternwick,St Pats Mentone & Southban kAll Club Press Correspondents : Please fax a briefmatch report with best players to me (KenBremner) on fax number (03) 9850 6964 by mid-day on the Monday following the game . (AnytimeSunday would be good!)

Sacials As Mentioned, 'E' South will get a bit of apush' over the airwaves this year through the dul-ceL tones of 88 .3FM with Brain and Goodman . Soit ~-ou have any events you want publicised, fax itLo KB with your match report(s) .

APRIL 19 - ROUND 2OAKLEIGH A F C v. ST MARYSMONASH BRYPHONS v. PENINSULA OBELSTERNWICK v. POWER HOUSEGLENHUNTLY v. ST PATRICKS MENTONEANZ ALBERT PARK v. SOUTHBANK CBA AFC

" il r:~~1 i! IST. MARYS ANZ v ALBERT PARK Field : I . Cayzer

At Burwood Reserve PENINSULA OB v OAK-

LEIGH Field: G. Wolter ELSTERNWICK v

MONASH GRYPHONS Field : A. Keil ST. PATS -

MENTONE v POWERHOUSE Field: P . Griffiths

SOUTHBANK v GLENHUNTLY Field : S. Davie

Flanagan

The main gate (Glenhuntly Rd)is open every match day .

The rear gate (off St Kilda St)will only be open when

Sunday matches are to be played .

en parking in the area behind the grand-stand please park in a manner that wouldallow cars around you to be able to leave .

Players and officials who do not producetickets at the gates will be counted and the

club invoiced accordingly .

Clubs are issued with an appropriate number

of tickets for players and officials .

Drop - ff Points "Amateur Frootballers ""Amateur Footballers" will be delivered to the following drop-off points for at least

the first 6 weeks of the season . Another opportunity will be given after this time torenominate a pick up point for "Amateur Footballers" . BEEHIVE HOTEL - ChirnsidePark; Kew; Mt. Lilydale; Old Geelong; Old Scotch; Old Trinity ; Old Xaverians ;Richmond Central; St Leos Emmaus; Swinburne Uni; Whitefriars . JOHN BELL'SHOME - Banyule ; Ivanhoe ; Old Ivanhoe ; Old Camberwell ; Parkside ; ThornburyCougars ; UHSOB ; Warringal . MELBOURNE SPORTS BOOKS - Bulleen Cobras ;Collegians ; De La Salle ; Eltham ; La Trobe Uni; North Brunswick; Old Paradians ; OldWestbourne ; Peninsula ; Southbank; Therry Penola; Thomastown ; Uni . Reds ; WestBrunswick ; Williamstown CYMS ; Yarra Valley.

All other clubs not listed above will have "Amateur Footballers" delivered toElsternwick Park during Friday afternoon . Please not that requests for changes indrop-off points will not be entertained until further notice .

PATRONS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING ALCOHOLINTO ELSTERNWICK PARK OR INTO ANY VAFA VENUE

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U19 SECTIONby Brett Connel l

elcome to the 1997 season to all (38) team swho will compete in the (4) U 19 sections thi s

year. This season the VAFA U19 competition willbe split into four sections namely 1, 2 and (2) Blueand (2) Red . With this new structure in place it isperceived that competition will be tight in eachgame and allow for great games of U 19 football totake place more readily than in the past . Goodluck to all teams today, and on with my predic-tions for Round 1 .

Section 1

Old Brighton the reigning Blue Premiers host St .Kevins the reigning White Premiers at the BeachOval . The Tonners in any conditions are a toughask at home and Leigh Bowes will be ensuringthat they begin their Section 1 season on a highnote . New SKOBS coach Brendan Mill er will nottake this match lightly but the Tonners at homewill win . De La Salle host the might of Uni. Bluesat home and despite all of Clay Waser's coachingguile the Blues will prove too strong. St . Bernardsplay host to Old Carey in what will be a fast andskilful game of football, the Bernards are tough tobeat at home, and although Peter Schiller's boyswill give it their all the Bernards will take thepoints . Old Melburnians and Mazenod clash atOval No. 1 Albert Park and both Mark Zuker(OM's) and Kevin King ( Mazenod) will be keen tosee their respective teams get off to a good start in1997 . For mine the OM's but only by a whisker . Inthe final match Old Xaverians travel to Bundoorawhere the Old Paradians will cause the upset ofthe round by knocking off the reigning Section 1Premiers .

Selections : Old Brighton, Uni . Blues, St .Bernards, Old Melburnians & Old Paradians .

Section 2Andrew Tsindos' Old Camberwe ll play host toWilliamstown CYMS and with both teams provingto be strong performers in 1996 the match shouldbe a beauty. Williamstown will prove the betterteam today and begin the season off on the rightfoot . Whitefriars and Warringal clash at Donvaleand although a fine side in 1996 Whitefriars willfind Warringal too strong today . Uni . Blacks andOld Scotch meet at the Crawford Oval and givenboth sides solid performances last season it wouldsuggest that nothing will separate them today . OldScotch but only just . Beaumaris host Co llegiansat Banksia Reserve in what will be a game worthwatching. the Sharks at home are a formidable

opponent, howeverthe Lions will get thepoints today. Marc ellinand Old Haileyburywill clash at Bulleen and my selection is the Eaglescomfortably.

Selections : Williamstown, Warringal, OldScotch, Collegians & Marcellin .

Section (2) BlueAJAX play host to the newly reinstated St . BedesMentone Tigers at the Gary Smorgon Oval AlbertPark . In a toss of the coin the Tigers should winand open their account for new coach BrianBourke . Hampton Rovers await Ormond atDavid Street and will be keen to open theiraccount against their local rivals. Paying at homeand under the guidance of new coach Edi Meinjakthe Rovers will take the points . De La Salle (2) an dOld Geelong clash at TH King Reserve in what willbe a battle of two even teams with two new coach-es at the helm Tony McNamara ( Old Geelong)and Rob Smith (De La Salle) . At home the D's tokick off their season with a good win . MHSOBanother new team in 1997 host the Old Xaverians(2) at South Yarra . MHSOB coming off a strongshowing in the U19 Lightning Premiership wherethey were the eventual winners will prove far toostrong for the Xavs today. Monash Blues have thebye due to Caulfield Grammarians late withdraw-al from the competition .

Selections : St. Bedes Mentone Tigers,Hampton Rovers, De La Salle ( 2) & MHSOB .

Section (2) RedTherry Penola open the season by hosting Old

Paradians (2) and will win comfortably setting atrend of winning early, which will no doubt pleasenew coach Paul Matton. St Leos Emmaus VIPhost Old Trinity at Bennettswood and in what willbe a fine game of U19 football the Combine willscrape home after an even first (3) quarters .Chirnside Park host Aquinas in the local derbyand with both sides expected to improve on lastyear this match will be close all day . In a toss ofth° coin the Parkers to prevail in a tight contest .No rth Old Boys host newcomers Old Ivanhoe atthe Alec Gillon Oval and although a new side in the'Hoers will prevail and begin Stuart McLean's U19coaching career off on the right foot. Yarra Va lleycool their heels with a bye .

Selections : Therry Penola, St . Leos EmmausWattle Park, Chirnside Park & Old Ivanhoe .

APRIL 1 9 - ROUND 2

SECTION 1UNIVERSITY BLUES v. OL

D D A SIAL EONOLD CAREY

MAZENOD 0 C v . ST BERNARDS

OLD XAVERIANS V. OLD MELBURNIANS

ST KEVINS v. OLD PARADIANS

SECTION 2WARRINGAL A F COLD SCOTCHCOLLEGIANS

OLD HAILEYBURYWILLIAMSTOWN CYMS

SECTION 2 (BLUE)AJAX(BYE)ORb40NDOLD GEELONGOLD XAVERIANS (2)ST BEDES MENT . TIG .

v . OLD CAMBERWELLv. WHITEFRIARSv. UNIVERSITY BLACKS

(venue to be advised)v . BEAUMARIS A F C

v. MARCELLIN

v. MONASH BLUES

v. HAMPTON ROVERSDE LA SALLE (2)

v . MHSO B

SECTION 2 (RED)OLD PARADIANS (2)OLD TRINITYAQUINAS 0 COLD IVANHOE OR.

v. YARRA VALLEYv . THERRY PENOLA OBv . ST LEO'S AMMAUS WPv. CHIRNSIDE PARK AFC

NORTH OLD BOYS (BYE)

SECTION 1OLD BRIGHTON v ST. KEVINS Field: D. Pieris

Leo Wilson Goal: S . Rolls David Murray DE LA

SALLE v UNIVERSITY BLUES Field: A . Stephen N

McCorquodale Boundary: P . Burg Goal : Robert

Seymour John Finn ST. BERNARDS v OLD

CAREY Field: S. Lugowski G . Gioras OLD MEL-

BURNIANS v MAZENOD Field : B . Allen D . Ischia

OLD PARADIANS v OLD XAVERIANS Field: K .

McMahon A. Flack

SECTION 2OLD CAMBERWELL v WILLIAMSTOWN CYMSField : G . Kelly G . Brereton Goal : Robert DunstanBernie Dix WHITEFRIARS v WARRINGAL Field:

L . Barnett P . Bailey UNIVERSITY BLACKS v OLD

SCOTCH Field: M . Allen T . Moore BEAUMARIS VCOLLEGIANS Field: N . Evans R . Divine MAR-CELLIN v OLD HAILEYBURY Field : J . McGauranA. ScheriniSECTION 2 (BLUE)AJAX ST BEDES v MENTONE TGS Field: S .

Mannix A. Harris MONASH BLUES has the bye

HAMPTON ROVERS v ORMOND Field: R. Marlyn

D . Blackburn DE LA SALLE (2) v OLD GEELONGField : S . Harrison G . Skandamura MHSOB v

OLD XAVERIANS (2) Field R. Love

SECTION 2 (RED)THERRY PENOLA v OLD PARADIANS (2) Field M .

Forde ST. LEOS EMMAUS v OLD TRINITY AT1 .00 p .m. Field B . Corcoran CHIRNSIDE PARK vAQUINAS at 1 .30 p.m Field F. Karabelas NORTHOLD BOYS v OLD IVANHOE Field A. Carrick T.Carrick YARRA VALLEY has the bye .

fr`d PATRONS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING ALCOHOL

INTO ELSTERNWICK PARK OR INTO ANY VAFA VENUE

17

MEWinning EdgePresentations

CLUB XVIII SECTIONby Norm Nugent

~nother season dawns with each club opti-mistic of success at Elsternwick Park i n

August. Today we welcome Mt Lilydale to theVAFA as well as Monash Whites and ThornburyCougars to Club XVIII . They join fourteen oldfriends in the new Club XVIII format which willinvolve some sides in more travel than they haveexperienced in seasons past. Sadly WT, OldIvanhoe and North Old Boys will not participatein Club XVIII in 1997 while Hawthorn Citizenshave joined E East .

SECTION 1 .

Old Brighton Bloods should be able to com-mence their second season under hyphenatedbanner, with victory over St Kevins, who, eventhough their club is on a high, may lack the talentto match Old Brighton Bloods who play BrightonBeach Oval so much better than do most of theirvisitors .

Last season's South Preliminary finalists Be LaSalle and Old Scotch meet at Malvern. AlthoughOld Scotch are notoriously slow starters I sensethey will field the more settled side and therefore Iexpect Old Scotch to win narrowly .

Mazenod must make the long journey to meetSt Bernards, at West Essendon . The Saints will bebuoyant as their 1996 North Premiership pennantis unfurled . Added to this adrenalin rush will betheir enormous home ground advantage which Iexpect will give St Bernards a decisive victory .Albert Park neighbours Old Melburnians andCollegians meet on the former's ground . Successin Amateur Football is often ephemeral so the bet-ter success rate of Collegians in 1996 may notbenefit the Lions in 1997 . Nevertheless Collegiansremain my selection today .

Reigning Southern Premiers Old Xaveri anshave the bye .

SECTION 2

Amateur Footbal lspreads further easttoday when Mt Lilydale debut . Their visitorstoday, Kew, experienced their worst ever season in1996 and given the difficulties the less successfu lclubs have recruiting players I believe the enthusi-astic debutants, in front of their home crowd, willcommence in the VAFA with a victory .

Therry Penola, who have always proven hardto defeat at home, host Old EssendonGrammarians who failed to win a match in 1996,their first in the section - although I expect OldEssendon to show improvement in the wake oftheir club's rise to D section, Therry Penola are myselection to win today.

Old Geelong travel to new territory when theyvisit Thornbury Cougars, who join the Club XVIIIfrom E Central Section . Last season although theCougars suffered some heavy defeats, they didproduce some excellent pieces of play. Over theyears Old Geelong have remained an enigmaticteam whose form has revealed marked fluctua-tions . As I am unsure of comparative playerstrength, I am following my hunch by selectingThornbury Cougars to win .

Monash Whites, who rejoin the section today,face a "long march" to Bulleen to play Marce ll in,who performed so admirably during 1996 . 1 feelconfident Marcellin, under their new management,will again prove a force in the competition .Conversely Monash players' thoughts will havebeen far from football as they settled into theiracademic year . Greater fitness, plus home groundadvantage leads me to select Marcellin.

SECTION (1 )

OLD SCOTCH

MAZENOD 0 C

COLLEGIANS

v . OLD BRIGHTON BLOODSv. DE LA SALLE

v. ST BERNARDS(venue to be advised )

OLD XAVERIANS v. OLD MELBURNIANS

ST KEVI NS (BYE )

SECTION (2 )

OLD ESSENDON v . SYNDAL TALLY HOMT LILYDALE THERRY PENOLA OB

OLD GEELONG v. KEW A F C

MONASH WHITES v . THORNBURY COUGARS

MARCELLIN (BYE )

dire dvith 7 0~ Lra'~9~~ ~

9.45 a.m. Saturday

the anu acturer C O P I E R S® F A XWe MAKEWe SELLWe SERVICEWe FINANCE

OUR OWN COPIERS

Federal GovernmentContract

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N.O.M .D.A .

Konica Australia Pty Ltd171-183 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne, Vic 3205 Telephone : 699 4955 Facsimile: 699 2207

OFFICES IN ALL STATES

3 I " ' 31" 1 . GEvery second Saturday

morningPhil Stevens talks toLarry Stephens and

Adrian Hook

MELBOURNE

SPORTS BOOKS

COACHES' CLIPBOARDAFC AFA

YOUR COACHES ASSOCIATION - IT'S AIMS AND ROLESBrief Histo ry

Some years ago Australian Football saw theneed to develop a Coaches Association known asAFCA (Australian Football Coaches Association) .

Amongst AFCA's aims was not only to have apowerful voice at the AFL elite level but to promotecoaches associations at the various lower grades offootball in all states . The VAFA formed its ownCoaches Association in 1991 known asAFCA/VAFA .

Aims of AFCA/VAFAThe main aims of your Coaches Association is

to assist VAFA coaches by supplying informationand support in various forms and to also representyour views to the controlling AFCA body . TheAFCA/VAFA now also have an active role in theVAFA onfield Rules Review sub-committee so thatcoaches views are put forth along with the views ofumpires and football administrators .Structure of AFCA/VAFA

President: Mike McArthur-AllenVice President : Kevin McLeanSecretary: Brett ConnellSectional RepresentativesA Section : Nick Bourke (Old Xaverians)B Section: Harry Harisiou (Banyule)C Section: Don Scarlett (Hampton Rovers)D Section : Geoff Reilley (Caulfield Grammarians)E East Section : Glenn Taylor (Old Carey)E Central Section : Garry Connolly (Uni. Blacks)E South Section : Gary Ryan (Monash Gryphons)U19 Sections : Tim Killworth (Collegians) &

Brett Connell (VAFA )Co-opted members : Barry Aleaxander, Dave

McCormack, John Simpson, George Voyage &John Keenan

What AFCA/VAFA can offer youCoaches SupportCoach Aide : This service is offered to clubs whomay because of various reasons require ; (1) A tem-porary fill-in coach during the season because ofillness, work commitments etc . (2) An experiencedex-VAFA Coach to assist the club with specialisttraining sessions, coach assessment, trainingdrills etc . (3) Coaches Development Seminars :During 1995 and 1996 AFCA/VAFA have hostedsome extremely well run and organised coachesdevelopment seminars at Richmond . Essendon

and Carlton Football Clubs . These were greatevenings and well supported by VAFA coaches .During 1997 at least (3) development seminars willbe conducted and clubs will be advised aboutthese in due course .Coaches Library

VAFA coaches can contact Brett Connell atVAFA Administration to borrow books and videosto assist with coaching and training techniques .Although our stocks of these resources are stilllimited our library is expanding constantly .Coach Accreditation

The VAFA currently runs a very successfulLevel 1 Coach Accreditation course on an annualbasis . We can also assist with Level 2 and 3 coachaccreditation enrolments . The AFCA/VAFA has anexcellent "Guidelines for conducting a CoachingInterview" and "Performance Planing Review" pub-lication available to club administrators as well .This is invaluable to clubs when appointing a newcoach .

Legal position of VAFA Coache sYour AFCA/VAFA committee are currently

investigating this important issue and have gath-ered some excellent advice on this subject . In thenear future AFCA/VAFA will release an informa-tion sheet for coaches and clubs on this topic .Coach-of-the-Month / Coach-of-the-Year

AFCA/VAFA evaluate on a monthly basis theperformance of VAFA coaches over all grades andnominate a Senior and U19 Coach-of-the-Month.At the end of the season AFCA/VAFA nominate theAFCA/VAFA Senior and U19 Coach-of-the-Year,and winners of these awards are then nominatedto AFCA Vic . for the state awards in each category .

Annual AFCA/VAFA Coaches Dinne rIn 1996 we hosted our first AFCA/VAFA

Coaches Dinner with Michael Malthouse our spe-cial guest speaker. We intend to hold our 1997 din-ner mid season and you will be advised in duecourse on this.

Coaches ClipboardA weekly article appears in the Amateur

Footballer written by both AFL and VAFA coaches .Excellent motivational and informative articlesappear and it is informative reading for clubadministrators and coaches .

20 6Ti

SummaryThe AFCA/VAFA committee offer invaluable

services an d advice to club administrators and

coaches . Please have no hesitation in contacting

your sectional representative or Brett Connell if

6 .25 p.m. Saturday

Hugh LyonKnitwear

you have any queries regarding AFCA/VAFAresources or services . The more knowledge weexchange will make the VAFA a better coached andstronger association .

Don Scarlett, Senior CoachHampton Rovers, C Section Representative

Ci1u' 10 1

~4~lJOi7~s3'~504 BRIDGE ROAD .

RICHMOND. 312 1

PH: 9425944FAX: 9427 1974

MELEES - BEWAR EA melee is "Where an incident takes place

involving players pushing, scragging, jumpinginto packs, throwing each other to the ground

or other or other similar such conduct"

RUNNERS, TRAINERS, WATER CARRIER SThe Chairman of the Umpires Committee addressed all umpires on Thursday night in relation

to the correct attire and expected behaviour of all water carriers and runners on the fieldUmpires have been instructed to inspect all runners and water carriers uniforms before matchesand if not up to standard the official is to be told he/she is not able to take the field until attiredcorrectly .

Behaviour - Runners . To deliver message from coach only and immediately leave thearena. Water Carriers . Not to deliver messages from coaches . Not to linger on the field of play.To deliver water only during a break in play or to players behind the passage of play . Trainers.May carry water if team short of water carriers . Otherwise can only enter field when a playerrequires medical assistance . Cannot deliver message from coach .

Att ire - Runners. VAFA jade top and VAFA club white shorts .Track pants if worn to be navyonly. Water Carriers . VAFA gold top and VAFA white club shorts .Track pants if worn to be navyonly. If runners or water carriers wear bike shorts they must be VAFA flesh colored tights only. Noother garment is to be worn under the green or gold top . Trainers . VAFA white/blue top with navyblue track pants . If not VAFA top a plain white top only .

Caps - if worn must be purchased VAFA Properties only .

MARKETING NEWSby Phil Steven s

wo exciting competitions this year will give VAFA clubs an opportunity toearn cash or products .

Firstly the BLADES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE . $1500 will be paid t oand the club who wins this championship . Points are awarded each week for wins by each of a club'steams ; bonus points are awarded toward the end of the season depending on the number of players wear-ing Blades boots . As a bonus should all teams of one club register wins in the one round (NB a club mustfield at least 3 VAFA teams) the player named as the senior team's best player in the "Amateur Footballer"will receive a complimentary pair of Blades football boots - if a player has previously won a prize next timethe prize goes to the player named second best etc . )

Points will accumulate in the following way -

8 points - senior team win ; 2 points - reserve team win; 5 points - U 19 team win ; 2 points - Club XVIIIteam win ; 6 bonus points - if 4/4 teams win; 4 bonus points - if 3/3 teams win ; 2 bonus points - if 2/2teams wi n

A table will appear each week in the "Amateur Footballer' showing the leading 20 clubs . The table will

s BLADES CLUB CHAMPIONSHI P

CLUB TOTAL SEN RES U19 C1S B 4/4

~

B 3/3 B 2/ 2

As a result of the following clubs teams all winning last round the following players have won a pair ofBlades football boots :-

< NAMES OF PLAYERS >

ADVANCE BANK "HIT THESIGN" COMPETITIO N

A tall sign has been erected behind one ofthe goals at Elsternwick Park. The number oftimes that this sign is hit when a goal is scoredin senior games will be ta ll ied by the score-board operator. The prize for the club that hits thesign the most number of times during the seasonwi ll receive 25 pair of team shorts complimentsof Advance Bank for the 1998 season .

TOTALLY INDEPENDENT FINANCIALPLANNING "LUCKY $$$ NOTE "

All present at the Sponsors' Night were givenan original $1 note . The serial number on thisnote if chosen entitled the bearer to a $500investment portfolio with TIFF. The winning notefor round 1 is DBL 496 590. The next lucky num-ber will be drawn and advertised in the "AmateurFootballer" round 12 July 5.

This season the VAFA and the Blood Bank have joined forces in an attempt to raise awareness andincrease donors from within the VAFA network . "Captain Bloods" will be appointed at each club to helpliaise with the Blood Bank . The "Captain Blood" registration forms received by April 4th went into a drawfor a $100 voucher from Rebel Sports . The winner is Gerard Roche from Monash Gryphons . The VAFAlooks forward to every club's support of this community oriented venture during season 1997 .

NEXT WEEK 'S MARKETING NEWS "HOW YOUR CLUB CAN WIN$10,000 THROUGH THE SPORTSCOVER/ADVANCE BANK PICK THE

PREMIERS COMPETITION.

~ ® ? t ®al a LtdProduct Informatio n

(03) 9764 SM

LOOKING BACKby Noel Rundle

17 L

ROUND 1- 5YEAFaS AGO - 1992

fl~Aelebrations . The Centenary Year of theAssociation commenced in the Long Room at

the Melbourne Cricket Ground with the new GreatSouthern Stand providing the perfect backdrop .MCC President Dr. Don Cordner and AFLPresident Ross Oakley combined to launch theAssociation's history, "For The Love Of TheGame" written by Joseph Johnson, a magnificentrecord of the 100 years of Amateur Football and itsrole in Melbourne life.

It was the year of The Premier's Cup whichended on the Saturday prior to the season openingwhen VFA's Werribee defeated the VCFL's NorthBallarat. De La Salle represented the VAFA andthose present at Frankston witnessed a superbgame in which De La went away to a long leadagainst VFA's Dandenong only to see that team getup in the last minutes of an incredibly long quar-ter.

Major changes to our rules for the season werethe change of the 50 metre penalty to a 25 metrepenalty and the abolition of the line across thecentre circle .

We welcomed three new representative coach-es : Barry Richardson (senior coach), KenBremner (C-G Section coach) and John Simpson(U19 coach) .

To recognise our Centenary Year and to putAmateur Football on show before the local footballpublic, the VAFA Senior Team would play SouthAustralia on Queens Birthday at Waverley Park asa curtain raiser to the AFL game Hawthorn versusAdelaide.

Melbourne University Football Club hon-oured the loss of Harry Sharpe, life member, RedsOfficial and ever present supporter.

VAFAUA office bearers for the season :President Mike Murray: Secretary AndrewBelcher ; Treasurer Stephen Hopper .

Welcome to new Umpires' Advisor, former VFLumpire . Brian Bull uss .

10 YEARS AGO-198 7It was a new coaches' year in "A" Section, Don

Davenport (Old Scotch), Danny Corcoran (OldXaverians), Graeme Jacobs (Bulleen-Temp),Stephen Rae (De La Salle), and a return for formercoaches Peter Chisnall (Caul . Grammarians),Alan Salter (Uni . Blues) and Don Martin (NorthOld Boys) .

1986 "A" Sectionpremiers Co ll egiansand "B" Section pre-miers Old Paradiansmet in the opening game with Old Paradians pow-ering away in a final 11 goal quarter to win 24 .13(157) to 12 .8 (80) .

Their 1986 premiership teams were as follows :COLLEGIANSB :Laussen, Pollock, IrvineHB :G . Parsons, Schober, S . Hinchen (C)C :Tregear, Kahn, A . IngletonHF:Hoyle, Newman, RobertsF :Lemon, R . Herman, S . BickfordR:S. Williams (VC), I . Herman, K. ParsonsIC :Baum, WolfCoach :Bruce FergusonOLD PARADIANSB :S. Exton (C), Pritchard, NelsonHB :Wood (VC), McCann, M. ConsidineC:B . Exton, P. Fahey, BuschHF:Powick, Skerritt, P. ConsidineF :Heffernan, Way, Corcora nR :Grills, Spillane, RaeIC :Atta, PowellCoach :Gerard Sholly

Next week I will let readers know how many ofthe 1986 premiership players lined up in the firstround of 1992 . Just to sharpen your wits :1 . What are the 1986 coaches doing in football in

1992?2 . How many of the 40 footballers went on to play

VFL football?3 . How many had previously played VFL football?

New clubs admitted were Aquinas OC (F) ,Bloods and Port Colts (G) and Richmond Central(H) .

In the first issue of 1987 the following articleappeared to describe the birth of RichmondCentral:RICHMOND CENTRAL FOOTBALL CLUB(How it started )

Talk of a proposed Football Club was held atCricketer's Arms Hotel in Richmond by GeorgeParas and Doug Egerton on Wednesday June 251986 .

Nothing really eventuated until a meeting withthe VAFA new clubs committee was organised forWednesday August 13 at Elsternwick Park attend-ed by George Paras and Mike Coulsell . After dis-cussions with the new clubs committee it wasdecided to name the side Richmond Central as the

majority of the players are Richmond supportersand have been attending Richmond matches forseveral seasons; also Richmond Central is the pri-mary school attended by George Paras from 1967

to 1972. To get this side off the ground it wasdecided that the three main tasks were players,money and having a ground .

For the next couple of months RichmondCentral rennseveral players, and also got a$1400 by delivering yellow pages gground, being Swinburne Technical Junior

Campus .On Wednesday, February 11, George Paras

(President), Steven Regester (Secretary) and MickAlevras and David Jiggins (Selectors) met withVAFA General Manager Peter French and newclubs committee John Miles and Ray Walsh andwas admitted to the VAFA competing in "H"Section .

The first training run was on Tuesday January13 held at Burwood Heights High School . Threepractice 'matches held so far have been againstEltham College, GTV9 and Monash Whites .

On Friday March 27 it was decided that theRichmond Central Football Club be incorporated .

Hopefully by the year 1997 you will be pub-lishing in the "Amateur Footballer" that theRichmond Central Football Club Inc . is ten yearsold fielding a side in " Section .

George ParasPresident

~ Well, George, you haven't made it to "A" Sectionbut your club has been a credit to the Association .

15 YEARS AGO-198 2North Brunswick hosted a Lightning

Premiership which was won by the host club whodefeated West Brunswick in the final 8 .4 (52) to

3 .6 (24) . Senior umpires Cliff Mead and BrianGoodman officiated .' Collegians signalled their return to "A" Section

with a very easy victory against Old Xaverians19 .17 (131) to 8 .16 (64) . Best were Hoyle,Wi lliams, Hinchen (Coll.) and Atkinson, ThomasCall (Old Xav .) Hannah kicked 5 goals for thewinners .

Old Melburnians welcomed Laurie Aghan assenior and reserves coach for 1982 .

Simon Williams and Chris Warner playedtheir 50th games for Collegians and 150 games toDick Clarke (Parkside) .

Quoting for the Old Ivanhoe Press Corres-pondent, the club congratulated All an "Snapper"Haug on playing his 250th game joining DougCuttriss as the only Old Ivanhoe player to havereached that magnificent milestone .

"A" Section umpires for the opening game wereJ. Segota, W. Henry, C . Mead, T. Flannery, B.Goodman, W. Hinton, J . Horwood, R . Morganand J. Smith .

Closest game for the day was in "B" Sectionwhere St Bernards defeated Alphington 12 .24 to

12 .23 with the best A. O'Brien (5 goals), Angel,Mulckearns (St Bernards) and Hockins, Pickett,Bradley (Alphington) .

20 YEARS AGO-197 7De La Salle won the Lyon Bros . Perpetual

Trophy at the Inaugural Amateur Olympics spon-sored by Ivanhoe Amateur Football Club on

Sunday 6 March. 13 clubs were represented . Wasthis age or fitness? The umpires team finished12th .

Kevin "Dad" Drinan (St Kilda CBCOC) finallyreached 150 games-spread over 9 seasons inwhich Kevin has won 3 club Best and Fairests .

200 games to Max Johnston at UHSOB-a clubBest and Fairest and also "C" Section Best andFairest when he scored 10 first votes!

Marcellin OC, having won "B" Section pre-miership in 1976 from fourth position, made theirfirst appearance in "A" Section when they played"A" Section 1976 four team Uni Blues and were ontop all day to win by 19 points . Best were Dillon,Crimmins, Car rucan, Cullinan (6 goals) for thewinners while veterans Standish, Church and

Hager starred for the Blues .Old Xaverians celebrated their promotion to

"C" Section with a 73 point win over Hampton

Rovers .Commonwealth Bank player Tony Borrack

completed an unusual feat by having now playedin every section of Amateur football as well as rep-resenting Victoria in Amateur football . (Can read-ers give me names and details of others with com-parable records?) .

25 YEARS AGO-1972Mrs Norma Fu ll e rton was honoured with life

membership of the Association .Ormond who reversed their second semi-fmal

defeat by University Blues to triumph by 4 goalsin the Grand Final unfurled the "A" Section flag,their first since 1950 .

"A" Section Umpires were Hagarty, D. R.Dodds, Kolimorgan, Rowe and Marshall .

Executive of the Umpires' Association wer eGraham Simpson, Norman Sharpe, KenJorgensen, Lindsay Thomas and Phillip Rowell,

with B ri an Nicholls in charge of social activities.

Beverley Hills made their entry into theAssociation in Junior Section 2 .

30 YEARS AGO-1967The Association moved to Elsternwick Park as

its permanent home .It was the Association's third "central" ground.

The first was Olympic Park, 1957 to 1961, and StKilda Cricket Ground, 1965, the second .

President of the Umpires' Association wasKevin McKay, with John Posetti as secretary.

Geoff Hibbins returned to the Amateur sceneas coach of Collegians .

Missing from the Executive was prominentidentity, Mac Tolliday, former secretary of

Commonwealth Bank (in 1997 a director of theBrisbane Lions) , who had been transferred toSydney.

Old Ivanhoe welcomed former Richmond fullforward Bob Dummett as coach .

It was a great thrill for AJAX to unfurl theirfirst premiership flag with "Bunty" Davis, wife ofPresident Harold Davis, unfurling the flag.

Young Coburg Juniors ruckman, RodMacFarlane, 16, made a spectacular debut, kick-ing 9 goals and was best afield .

45 YEARS AGO-1952Hampton Rovers unfurled their first ever "A"

Section pennant . Captain was Sam Birtles withsuccessful coach, Doug Arnold .

Old Paradians reappeared in "A" Section-firsttime since 1933 .

Present test cricket selector Sam Loxton hadtaken over as coach of Collegians .

"A" Section captains were : Perc Adams(Alphington), Evan Macgregor (Ormond), SamBirtles (Hampton Rovers), Jack Thomas(Commonwealth B ank), Keith Lewis (Collegians),Peter Cox (Old Melburnians), Phil McLaughlin(Old Paradians), Harry Meredith (UniversityBlacks), Geoff Sinclair (University Blues), JimLillie (Old Scotch) .

• Sports Medicine

• Sports Nutrition

• Fitness Testing

• Weekend Casualty

• Physiothrapy

• Podiatry

• Massage

• X-Ray

SCOTT DWYER McCAN NC H A R T E R E D A C C O U N T A N T SGround Floor, 77 Station Street, Malvern 3144 Victoria AustraliaTelephone : (03) 9500 0511 Facsimile : ( 03) 9509 2379

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:J

UMPIRES CORNERby Rachel Miller

& Leah Gallagher

Telcome back as we begin our 1997 season .As you can see from the above photos there

), .,s been a slight change in the physical appear-ance to the previous scribes : we have more hairand plenty up front! To introduce ourselves, LeahGallagher has umpired over 150 games on theboundary and lately on the field . Rachel Millerhas umpired in the goal for just under 100 games .We must thank Anthony Damon and SteveMcCarthy for relinquishing their esteemed and attimes controversial but witty weekly adaption ofour game .

Not only has there been a change to thescribes, 1997 has brought a major change to ouradvisory panel. To start from the top :

Advisor-Michael Sneddon; Skill s-Ron LippoldObserver-Geoff Ridd ; Goal Advisor-John HallField and boundary fitness-Jim VanbeekGoal fitness-Christine Lincowsk iWe welcome the new panel and hope that they

have rubber backs! But seriously, we wish themall the best and look forward to their new direc-tions .

The first game of the season, after spending along off season on 299 games, sees SteveMcCarthy celebrating a huge milestone in umpir-ing by reaching 300 games . He will no doubt becelebrating his milestone and if any umpires arenear him, they should partake in this celebration .Following is a brief glimpse of the man that is :

Name : Steve McCarthy; VAFA Games : 300today (Round 1) ; Nickname : Macca ; Memories offirst VAFA game : St Kevins v Fawkner at Righettiin 1984 . Pretty uneventful . ; Occupation : HumanResources Consultant ; Car : Ford Meteor ; Personalmotivation : I love being involved in amateur footy .It's also a reason for me to keep fit and not get fat .Words of advice to youngsters : Listen to youradvisors and the more experienced umpires . Andmost of all, don't be impatient . Suggestedimprovement to football : We'll need the threeumpire system in A section finals soon . Thesegames definitely lift a cog and if the umpires areplaced under so much physical pressure, the gamesuffers, and players and spectators become frus-trated . Pet football hates : Players who have noidea about basic rules . I have no problem withplayers/ supporters who give us a hard time-I'm ashocker when I go to league footy . I abuse theumpires just as much as anyone . Hobbies/othersports : In summer all I do is run, I prefer to spend

t i in ewith thefamily .

Favourite food : Fish and chips . Drink: I like theoccasional beer. Favourite movies : Rocky, Star

Wars, The Deer Hunter-nothing recent . Last

movie seen: 101 Dalmations (I have young kids) .

Boyhood sporting idol : Bobby Skilton . Last bookread : Plugger and the Mighty Swans by Jim Main .

Best Amateur footballers seen: Terry Young

(Fawkner) stands out, and I also admired thecourageous play of Russell Barnes (Ormond) .

Most memorable match: St Bedes/MentoneTigers V Old Geelong, D grand final in '93, StBedes by 2 points after the most exciting last quar-ter I've ever umpired.Biggest influence on career :Jack Irving, Neville Nash . Best umpires : PeterGersch, Peter Wiseman, Robert Bell. With the cur-

rent list I enjoy running with Anthony Damen andMark Gibson . Your ultimate non-footy fantasy :To open the batting for Australia on Boxing Day at

the G . Dream guests at a dinner party : PrincessDi, Madonna, Bruce Ruxton, Carl Lewis, RonBarassi, and Kramer. I'd bring in Idi Amin to cleanup the leftovers . Ambition in football : It's still toget a higher grand final than C grade . (I've had

four) . There's still a little bit left in this old body .Love to see you for a beer tonight .The end of the 1996 season saw the departures

of many experienced umpires . To name a fewPeter Gersch, Jeffrey Wright, Richard Simon,Ken Pitcher, Robe rt Be ll , Wayne Henry , Bill andDavid Fowler and Frank Martinez . We wish youevery success for what ever you plan to do onSaturday afternoons . We hope to see you aroundthe traps . We also take this opportunity to wel-come all new umpires and we will endeavour toname you next week when we front up for trainingagain . We wish the best of luck for your first gameswith the VAFA . A special mention to ShaneMannix who is umpiring in the field for the firsttime .

To all umpires, officials and players we wel-come any news or information, especially gossip,that you think will aid the further understandingof the umpires . While we cannot promise that itwill get printed, we can assure you we will use it tothe best of our ability.

Continued on Page 3 0

M TNF 6t,AATFIIR FlXITRGI I FR iQ 07 29

Continued from Page 29

A couple of exciting evens took place over sum-mer. Our best regards go to Andrea Flack andGraham Thwaites who got engaged and play tomarry next year. On the very quiet, Peter Keoghtied the knot with long time partner Kate .Congratulations to the both of you . Next time wewould like an invite and Andrea, we would makethe perfect bridesmaids .

The new executive panel was voted in at theend of last season .

Justin Toohey - PresidentColin Segota - SecretaryWayne Hinton - Vice Presiden tRichard Simon - Immediate Past PresidentPeter Harris - Assistant SecretaryMichael Lentini - Treasure rJohn Kelly - Assistant TreasurerGraham Thwaites - Social SecretaryRichard Eastwood and Rachel Miller -

Executive MembersKevin Segota - VAFAUA DelegateMany things are planned for this season espe-

cially seeing the completion of our building andfrom what we hear a huge social calendar .

The pre season aquathon was held down at

Elwood beach as usual . We will advise you nextweek of the winner and the jelly fish situation .

The End of Season trip for the umpires tookthem down on a"DRY" train (thanks Jerker) toWarnambool . Unfortunately due to censorship,what goes on the trip stays on the trip . You knowwhat we are talking about Gilligan . . . . . .

The upcoming social event is a Casino trip tobe held 27 April. The cost will be $20.00 per per-son . This includes a 2 course dinner and someCasino chips. Please see Andrea or Graham if youwould like to come along and try your luck . Theinfamous Lygon Street Bounce Down will soonbe starting. Please see Bushy to register in thenext couple of weeks . Last year saw Wayne Hintontake out the prestigious trophy .

Our congratulations go out to those who haveprogressed to the next level of umpiring : the VFL.These include Brad Nash, Michael Richardsonand Jonathan Stevenson. Hopefully we will seeyou on day run onto the hallowed turf of the MCG .

In closing, good luck to all involved for the firstgame of the season as we leave you wish thesethoughts : may your balls bounce high, your throwins far and long and your flags wave without flair!! !

ELLE and CLAUDIA

MOVING ~ 'T ? ?

If so then you are invited to come and joinMacquarie Uni AFC, Sydney's friendliestfootball club . We are currently experienc-ing a revival on the field and welcome newplayers and officials from interstate .

® Competitive Teams

• Great Facilities

® Heavy Social Calenda r

For further information please call :• Paul Morgan (02) 9957 6685 (h),

(02) 9236 6927 (w)

• Ross Hinscliff (02) 9413 3584 (h)

• Terence Turton (02) 9412 1453 (h )

30 h% T4lF GAAATGI I D CflnTOnI I co inn-.

;%

0

f

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Traditional football boots with stops can be quiteunstable

. They can make turning difficult and increasethe risk of knee and ankle injuries .

So an Australian footballer and scientist pulled out

all the stops to give you a boot with superior comfort,greater stability and surer grip when turning

.The boot is Blades, with unique angled rubber ribs

and a distinctive X-shaped heel support.Australian Design Award winners, Blades have won

over the entire team at AFL side Footscray, the Victorian

State Football League umpires, Socceroo captain Paul

Wade and top Rugby League internationals.

Also approved by the Australian Rugby FootballUnion, Blades offer a broader last

.for Australian feet,an internal EVA wedge to lessen achilles strain and 3 soletypes to suit any playing surface .

So try a pair of Blades. And take the greatest step

forward in football boot technology for 2S years.

Thomas tk Zaetta. ULDUO

/I

A SECTION

COLLEGIANSOLD XAVERIANSOLD MELBURNIANSUNIVERSITY BLUESOLD SCTOC HDE LA SALLEOLD HAILEYBURYST BARNARDSOLD PARADIANS (from B)OLD TRINITY (from B)

B SECTIONORMOND (from A)MAZENOD (from A)THERRY CCOBOLD BRIGHTONIVANHO EBANYULEOLD IVANHOEMHSOBST KILDA STH CAUL. (from C)ST KEVINS (from C)

C SECTIO NNORTH OLD BOYS (from B)MARCELLI NBULLEEN-TEMP. (from B)AJA XTHOMASTOWNST BEDES/MENTONE TIGERSOLD MENTONIANSHAMPTON ROVER SST LEOS EMMAUS (from D)MONASH BLUES (from D)

D SECTIONCAULFIELD GRAMMAROLD GEELONG (from C)BEAUMARIS AFCWHITEFRIARS (from C)PARKSID EOLD CAMBERWELLST JOHNS 0 CSOUTHBANK AF COLD ESSENDON (from E)AQUINAS (from E)SALESIAN CC (from E)

11

E EAST SECTIONKEW (from D)YARRA VALLEY 0 BOLD CAREYCHIRNSIDE PARKRICHMOND CENTRALHAWTHORN CITIZENS

(from Club XVIII)ELEY PARK AFCBULLEEN COBRASELTHAM 0 C

E CENTRALWILLIAMSTOWNUNIVERSITY REDS (from D )UNIVERSITY BLACKSNORTH BRUNSWICKWEST BRUNSWIC KLA TROBE UNIVERSITYUHSO BOLD WESTBOURNE A F CSWINBURNE UNIVERSITY

E SOUTHPENINSULA 0 BPOWER HOUSESOUTHBANK (from D)ST PATRICKS MENTONEOAKLEIGH A F CA N Z ALBERT PARKMONASH GRYPHONSELSTERNWICKGLENHUNTLYST MARY S

U19 SECTIO N 1OLD BRIGHTONDE LA SALL EST BERNARD SOLD MELBURNIANSOLD PARADIANSOLD XAVERIANSMAZENODOLD CAREYUNIVERSITY BLUESST KEVINS

U19 SECTION 2OLD CAMBERWELLWHITEFRIARSUNIVERSITY BLACKSBEAUMARISMARCELLINOLD HAILEYBURYCOLLEGIANSOLD SCOTCHWARRINGALWILLIAMSTOWN CYMS

U19 SECTIO N 2 (RED)YARRA VALLE YTHERRY PENOLAST LEOS EMMAUSCHIRNSIDE PARKNORTH OLD BOYSOLD IVANHOE (New)AQUINASOLD TRINITYOLD PARADIANS (2)

U19 SECTION 2 (BLUE)AJAXMONASH BLUESHAMPTON ROVERSDE LA SALLE (2)MHSOB(New)OLD XAVERIANS (2) (New)OLD GEELON GORMONDST BEDES/

MENTONE TIGERS (New)

CLUB XVIII/1OLD BRIGHTON BLOODSST KEVINSDE LA SALLEOLD SCOTCHST BERNARDSMAZENODOLD MELBURNIANSCOLLEGIANSOLD XAVERIANS

CLUB XVIII/2MT LILYDALE OC (New)KE WTHERRY-PENOLAOLD ESSENDONTHORNBURY COUGARS (New )OLD GEELONGMARCELLINMONASH WHITES (from E)SYNDAL TALLY HO (New)

M THF AMATFUR FOOTRAL I FR 19A7

AUSTRAL