Seniors

Parade started the game extremely well with good movement forward and David Boundy kicking the first 2 goals in the first 3 minutes. However, Westbourne steadied and replied with two of it’s own. 2 goals from both teams during the second half of the quarter saw the game tied at the first change with 4 goals 1 behind apiece.

Westbourne took control of the game during the second quarter. The dominated the midfield and generated a lot of their attack from halfback. They kicked 6 unanswered goals until Pete Brabender kicked a major at the 29 minute mark.

Our intensity lifted after half time as we took the ball inside 50m on 16 occasions to 9; however, 7 scoring shots resulting in only 3 goals was disappointing. On the other hand, Westbourne’s 9 forward entries resulted in 2 goals, which saw a margin 22 points at the final change.

The Round 4 report concluded with,” We need to recover from that display and regain respect from the competition and play a brand of football that will allow us to hold our position in the top 4.”

A week is a long time in football, but Saturday vs Old Westbourne we came to play as evident by a 5 goal 1st quarter, our best start to a game so far. It was not the goals scored but the method of play that allowed us to kick the goals that showed we were up and about. Plenty of voice, plenty of running, many chases and many shepherds so early in the game was pleasing.

Although we only kicked 2 goals in the 2nd quarter our intensity was good and we worked hard but we need to acknowledge that our opponents stepped up their efforts and worked to shut us down. As the siren sounded for half time the question was are we able to lift our work rate to over come our opponents.

As the third quarter unfolded our performance lifted and the quarter produced 5 goals to 2 goals. This came about by players working with and for each other but with greater intensity and commitment. The Old Westbourne venue is a grave yard for many Clubs and winning becomes very difficult. Our attitude was to focus on the game and allow no other factors to be an influence.

The last quarter we needed to build on what was already achieved and this was done by a 4 goals to 2 goals. The players were very pleased with the performance that lead to a 45pt victory. Also very pleasing was our final score of 16goals 8 behinds, which showed good accuracy a part of our game we have struggled with this season. We now sit 3rd on the ladder and I believe the opening statement of this report, we have gone some way to rectifying. This Saturday we play Therry Penola who are always a formidable opponent and we need to continue the form displayed last Saturday.

Games of football cannot start without Umpires and I would like to thank young Michael Boundy who was asked to step up and be the central umpire. Also thank you to our water boys who shared running the boundary. Currently we are very lucky to have these young boys assist us on match days.

A 3 goal final term by Luke Varalla propelled the Third XVIII’s, 22 point victory over Whitefriars at Bulleen Park.
In a tight contest all day, OP’s led at every change only to see its lead pegged back to a 5 point deficit by the Friars in the last term.
Centre Half Back Andrew Tenson was dominant in a display that saw him haul in over twenty marks. Tenson continually thwarted the Donvale team’s forward surges with precision timing overhead and creative disposal.
Competition Sharpshooter Brett Dintinosante maintained his 4 goal per game average and provided passionate leadership for four quarters in a dogged affair.
With Tenson and Dintinosante controlling the back and front halves of the ground, midfielders Lomax, Guerra, Fraser and Strantzen provided continual body pressure around the ball and crumbed superbly to Ruckmen Nick Bryce and Varalla.
Notably Adam Baker, returning after an extended absence, courageously conjured three goals from the goalmouth while hampered by an ankle injury. 
Refusing to be beaten, OP’s responded with their backs to the wall and with several wounded, stole back the lead with hard running and numbers to each contest, to overrun the Friars for our second win for the season. An enjoyable lunch at the Manningham Hotel was a great way to cap off the win.
Going into Round 6 with a win-loss ratio of 2-3, we look forward to taking on the Fitzroy Football Club at the Garvey at 9.30am on Saturday, in the second Club Triple Header Fixture for the year.
Thanks to OP’s 293-game legend Kevin Jenkins who goal umpired superbly on a weekend when the club appreciates the involvement of all umpires in the game.