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Waverley Hoodoo
April 19th, 2008
A week is a long time in football. Unfortunately this week will seem a lot longer than last week after our Waverley hoodoo continued on Saturday! The Under 18s again started slowly but gradually came together as a team and although having the same amount of scoring shots went down by 30 points. The reserves played well and with several new faces in the side controlled most of the game. However, Waverley's second quarter was the difference where they kicked four goals to nil. Despite a late fight back time elapsed leaving Warrandyte five points down. The less said about the Seniors the better. An embarrassing performance saw Waverley Blues win by 174 points. Whilst there is a very long injury list (which grew early on Saturday) that is testing the club's depth the lacklustre performance was inexcusable. The Fleet Street ground continues to be a hoodoo for the Bloods winning there on only one occasion back in 2003. The comments from the Waverley reserves and crowd have been noted and stored in the memory bank.
Round 1 Triumph
April 12th, 2008
The Bloods have started 2008 with a bang, registering three strong wins over Mitcham at home on Saturday. The Colts demolished an undermanned opposition by almost 30 goals, while the Reserves were in front from start to finish and recorded a five goal victory. The Seniors got off to a shaky start before storming home in the second half to win by 50 points, with Magic Morello booting 7 goals and first-gamer Adam Gamble kicking 5 from the wing.
The Wait is Over
April 7th, 2008
As the players take the field for the first time in 2008 it will mark the end of the preseason. A preparation that commenced some 154 days earlier. Whilst again being interrupted by the ongoing drought, the club is happy with the committment of the playing group averaging 50 players at training. Our recruits have settled in, returning players restablished and young blood improving. All indications that it will be a much stronger unit this season. Nobody is quite sure what to expect from Mitcham in 2008, however it doesn't really matter as if coach Hocking's game plan is followed correctly and the Bloods play to the potential shown in periods of the preseason, then Warrandyte should prevail. The first win of what is expected to be many at the 'graveyard', and the start of restablishing one of the more difficult road trips in 3rd division.
Season Launched
March 7th, 2008
The 2008 Season was kicked off in style at the clubrooms on March 7th. MC Adam White was exceptional with guests Nathan Thompson, David Walls and David Schwartz. The Ox did a wonderful job in promoting the Punters Club! The players in attendance can certainly take a lot from Robert Walls' wise words and look towards a successful future at the Bloods. The '2008 Season Guide' which has been two months in the making was launched and is now available for purchase. It is a fantastic publication and a must have for all Warrandyte players and supporters. The Club thanks all of our valued sponsors who attended and contributed to the evening. Winners of the sponsors raffle were;
Scoreboard banner - AC&CH Auto Repairs - 9873 0046
Scoreboard boundary banner - Grand Hotel - 9844 3202
Goal boundary banner tennis court end - Beasley's Nursery - 9844 3335
Goal boundary banner IGA end - Parkworks Environmental Contractors - 9722 0944
Home coaches box - Thinking Printing - 9879 8722
Away coaches box - John Roberts & Associates - 9844 2661
Bar fridge advertising - Locksolid Australia
Canteen fridge advertising - Warrandyte Retreat - 9844 0325
Fresh Blood
January 29th, 2008
Warrandyte's list for 2008 has seen a transfusion of new blood with more recruits expected in the coming weeks. The club is determined to again be a successful Division 3 side and lay the foundations for another tilt at second division in the near future. Just as positive for the Bloods in '08 is the return of several experienced Senior players from overseas and interstate work committments. Junior and Under 18 players will be the main focus whilst attracting experienced players to fill any voids. Up from the Under 18s and showing a lot of potential include Evan Jones, Jason khouri, Pat Nichol and Daniel Large who all tasted senior football last year. With a horror injury run last season, Luke Naughtin, Adam Tsapasaris and Tom Roberts could also be viewed as recruits. Todd Holman who has been battling hamstring problems will look to ease into the season. There are a lot of positives to be taken from training so early in the season.
Some of the new players wearing the red & white in '08 include:
John Eldridge - Big Jack. A hard hitting, power forward making the journey down from the frost bitten hills of Seville. With a reliable set of dukes and sturdy shot for goal the Warrandyte forwardline is looking very potent.
Grant Godwin – A Warrandyte junior who has been around the club for a number of years, Grant has finally decided to pull the boots back on and hasn’t missed a beat during preseason.
Michael Hallam – A slightly built tap ruckman who is fleet of foot and will add some much needed height to the reserves list. What he lacks in experience, Mick makes up with enthusiasm.
Adam Hinds – After a long career with East Ringwood, Beans has left the Roos to find a new home at the Bloods. He has immediately fitted in and will look to kick a few bags from the forward pocket.
Vinnie Jones – Coming across from Ringwood, the nimble onballer will add some pace to the midfield. His polished skills will have the forwardline grinning in anticipation of improved delivery.
Jarrod Loughnam – Reserves coach at Seville in 2007, Joffa is no longer fleet of foot but will be a great acquisition for the twos. A wingman that enjoys receiving and parading his great skills on both sides of body. He could play senior football if motivated.
Daniel Rowe - From way of Ringwood, Gerry picked up the TW Sherrin for the first time only a few years ago and is blossoming into a proficient footballer. Loves to party and will fit in well at the Bloods.
Mase Rushgrove - A hard at it back flanker, Mase played with North Ringwood before moving to Silvan. He knows how to find the footy and will give much needed depth to Warrandyte’s list.
Darren Thorne – Darren showed huge potential as a junior and with the Eastern Ranges until his hamstrings hampered his progression. Starting his career at Nth Ringwood before a short stint at Ringwood, Darren is looking forward to a big year at the Bloodery.
Ben Torney – A big, tall forward, the Chief most recently played with Whitefriars in B Grade Amateurs. Great set of hands and raking left foot kick to match he will be a handful for opposition backmen.
Mike Townsend – In only a handful of training sessions the big Kiwi has shown he can quickly adapt to Aussie Rules. We look forward to Mike imposing his big frame on the opposition as if he was still in the front row.
Twenty20
January 27th, 2008
In the 3rd annual Australia Day Twenty20 match against Warrandyte Cricket Club, the footballers thought they were in with a big chance to record their first win. Unfortunately this would not be the case after some late team changes and a less than ideal preparation it quickly became evident that the WCC was far too serious for the Bloods.
A crowd of around fifty gathered on the hill to watch the Naughtin brothers kick of WFC's innings. Luke was probably a little optimistic taking two stubbies out to bat and was brilliantly caught in the deep Fatty Vaughtin style for a golden duck. Tom Naughtin and Morello steadied the ship before a small collapse left the footballers looking at posting a small total. A rotational batting order put some respectibility back into the innings with some big hitting late in the piece getting the score up to 192.
When WFC took the field there was gauranteed to be some fireworks. An entertaining fielding display made the batting look first rate, though unlucky not to get a couple of early catches, the ball just falling short at fouth and sixth slip. The cricketers started to get on top and when their opening batsmen failed to walk after being 'run out' (stumped) the game was getting away from the Bloods.
The wickets slowly began to fall and at each impromptu mid pitch meeting there was plenty of inspiration to spur the boys onto another breakthrough. With only a few overs remaining in stepped one G. Hocking to bowl some cheeky left arm swing bowling. A couple of quick wickets brought the footballers back into contention and left Hocko in desperate need of a shower. Alas, the cricketers managed to get the runs with an over to spare but the jury is still out on who the winners were. It certainly wasn't the game of cricket. Or Luke Naughtin.
Time Trial
December 17th, 2007
There was certainly a buzz in the air at the last training session before the Christmas break. With Josh 'Killer' Eyre giving the nod of approval, 42 players attacked the 3.2km river course in a time trial that has set the benchmark for the rest of the playing group to strive for. Optyende led the pack with an impressive AFL standard 10:55. Each player will complete the time trial on at least two occasions during the preseason to monitor fitness levels and give the coaching staff an indication of individuals aerobic capacity.
Top 12 time results
EFL acknowledges Vitiritti
November 29th, 2007
The league this year paid tribute to the careers of five EFL footballers who have played more than 300 EFL / EDFL games. This included Warrandyte's very own Dale Vitiritti. Vitters has received many accolades over recent years including the 2007 club celebrations of his great career climaxing in his 300th game for the Bloods. The EFL awarded Vitters with Player Life Membership at the AGM at the Karralyka Centre. Congratulations Dale!
Vitiritti & Bowen Appointed
November, 2007
WFC has appointed Dale Vitiritti as Reserves Coach for 2008. Vitters showed his coaching prowess with the Under 18s in '07, narrowly missing a finals berth. Dale will concentrate on developing individual players skills at training and impart the knowledge he has gained in his 306 senior games. WFC is also pleased to announce Jason Bowen as Under 18 coach for '08. AFL Victoria recognised Plugger's coaching last year and he is looking forward to taking the squad into the EFL.
Fiji Mission
October, 2007
Warrandyte Football Club donates to charity annually and contributes to various community groups. This positivity has now been taken overseas to Fiji through the work of Peter Cole's civilian mission "The Spirit Of Sharing". Fiji, one of our closest neighbours, is an underpriviledged country. Children do not have access to the things we take for granted everyday included sports equipment and clothing. Peter Cole appealed to local sports clubs and organisations to supply equipment and sports apparel. WFC donated two dozen footballs and jumpers to the cause.
The mission was supported in Fiji by Rotary Club of North Suva by covering the Vat Tax charges and taking delivery of the container. After several delays by red tape Peter and his team commenced distributed the goods to more than 60 schools. The most common comment from the schools was praise the lord for
these gifts that we have been given, they are very much needed and will enhance the lives of our kids.
Mr Greenall a builder from Olinda and a leading figure in community football flew for his first time to Fiji to experience the difference Cole's mission is making. Greenall said "This trip has been the most amazing experience of my life. I have never felt so good and so helpful. I cannot believe that a bunch of brand new & second hand sporting equipment would be so needed anywhere in the world today. I am so impressed by Cole's mission that I am joining his quest and going to help gather a heap of equipment for next years trip."
Mr Cole has been running his mission now for 7 years building up from a few boxes each year to a full container for the past two years. Cole said on his arrival back in Melbourne "I am so happy with the result of this years mission. After all the complications with clearing the container the real benefits were felt when we arrived at each school. The Fijian people are just so wonderful in nature. They
appreciate what we have done. People across Fiji are starting to know us and that's great for what I am trying to do. We need to be connected to get into all the rural villages in the interior and on the islands. I am very thankful that I had Andrew Greenall & Stephen Longham along this year to assist as they worked very hard in trying conditions without complaint."
Warrandyte Football Club will again be increasing our contribution in 2008 and we are proud to be a small part of such an important mission.
Hocking at the Helm
October 24th, 2007
Warrandyte Football Club welcomes Graeme Hocking as Senior Coach for Season 2008 (non-playing). After consideration of several applicants, Graeme was a stand out and committee believes he is a great fit for the Bloods. In 2007 Graeme was involved with the Eastern Ranges as a specialist coach and will be fantastic for the development of our young list. Brian Cartwright, also from the Ranges, will be assisting the Bloods in 08 with Leon Jones. The club will ensure that our players get all the coaching assistance they require with further appointments to be announced shortly.
Graeme will bring with him professionalism, dedication, discipline and leadership to the playing group. He has vast football experience and his philosophies are not too disimilar from the fundamentals developed over recent years. We expect 'Hocko' to be well received by the players.
Starting his playing career with Oakleigh Districts, Graeme was recruited to South Melbourne where he played under coaches such as Norm Smith and Ian Thorogood. Hocko lists representing Victoria and a Federal League B&F as his personal career highlights.
Knowing what is required to play football at a high level and how you can succeed or fail by the mind set that you bring to the game. Involved with football from Auskick right through to VFL/ AFL levels has rounded Graeme as a coach. His primary coaching role was as a colts coach for 6 seasons and was twice selected to coach EFL Colts interleague teams against the Diamond Valley Football League. Both teams were successful. A Level 2 coach and a passion for football means Hocko has remained at the cutting edge of coaching.
Coaching Summary:
* Level 1 Coach 1997
* Level 2 Coach 2000
* EFL Colts Coach 2000 - 2005 (East Ringwood & Mooroolbark)
* 6 Finals appearances
* 2 Premierships
* EFL Colts Interleague Coach 2003/04
Bloods Bolstered
October 9th, 2007
Even though the Vote Count has only just been held, there are already a number of players eager to get into the 2008 preseason. For many at the Bloodery, 2007 was a non-event either through injury or overseas travel after the Premiership success of the previous season.
The Bloods lineup will be bolstered with the pending return of proven senior players such as Mick Stewart, Sugars McAdam, Rick Templeton, Aidan Davey and Mark Spiliotocopolous. Also coming back to the fray after season ending injuries are Tanka Powell and Joe O'Mara, who as an under 18 showed a lot of promise in his only senior game in Round 18 of Season '06.
Four players who were expected to help Warrandyte cement a spot in Division 3 only managed a handful of games between them; Holman (6), Luke Naughtin (6), Roberts (9) & Tsapatsaris (4). Throw into the mix Garrett (4) and Logan (7) and there is plenty of experience and class ready to have a tilt at 3rd divi in 2008.
With only two likely retirements in Brown and Schaffer, the depth appears to be far beyond that of 2007. And it will need to be if progress is to be made. With an average age of less than 22 this season, returning experienced players will help the young Bloods prosper in their maturing careers. Under 18s such as Large, Beasley, Matt Dunn and Fitzgerald will most likely feature in the Senior line-up at some stage during the year. Jones and Khouri have already proven they are up to it.
The club is also actively recruiting key position players to compliment those who have recently progressed through junior ranks. The importance of retaining the 'Warrandyte' feeling will certainly be paramount.
Things are boding well for a much more competitive season ahead and making the most of our Division 3 reprieve. A preseason of last years ilk will not suffice and the playing group need to drive each other for a committed team effort.
South Belgrave Voted In
October 2nd, 2007
At tonight's Special General Meeting the EFL member clubs and board voted overwhelmingly to accept South Belgrave as an affiliate club with the EFL. The application still needs to be ratified by AFL Victoria.
Sth Belgrave will field a senior, reserve and a colts team for season 2008. During the week prior to the vote, SBFC distributed a presentation outlining their reasons for applying, a brief club overview and the minimal impact it would have on the other club's in the EFL.
The Warrandyte committee is concerned about the lack of geographical boundaries of the league however could see the benefits of alleviating a bye in fourth division. The fourth division clubs all appeared to vote for accepting South Belgrave.
At this stage the club, along with most other clubs spoken to, are still unsure of the EFL's plans to initiate a fifth division and how this will come about. The problem identified by the EFL board of too many junior footballers for too few senior clubs doesn't appear to be any closer to a resolution by accepting clubs from other league's into the EFL. Time will tell.
Warrandyte Remain in Division 3 in 2008
September 3rd, 2007
The EFL board this week met formally with representatives from Sth Belgrave
Football Club who's members recently voted to seek affiliation with the EFL
for season 2008.
Today we received their formal application to join the EFL. They seek to
enter senior, reserve and a colts team for season 2008. Changes to the
geographic nature of the Yarra Valley and Mountain District Football League
have stimulated Sth Belgrave's application to join the EFL.
The EFL board intends to support the application together with a
recommendation that they enter the EFL in fourth division. The affiliation
will require a majority vote at a league meeting to be scheduled later this
year.
The league has previously stated that its preferred position for any bye is
in division four and so has determined that no side will be relegated from
division three for season 2008. Accepting the entry of Sth Belgrave FC will
alleviate the need for a bye in the 2008 season.
It is not planned for any further applications from clubs to be considered
for affiliation for the 2008 season and I can confirm that it is the
league's intention to promote the premiers from second, third and fourth
division and relegate Ringwood from division one and Mitcham from division
two.
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