The much loved long trip to Coldstream was, for a change, made in bright sunshine. Although greeted by a sodden ground it was a good day for football.

With a finals birth all but assured the Senior side appeared to have expected victory without having to do the hard work we all knew was required. A quick centre break, long kick and great roving goal to Vinnie Jones within a minute probably didn't help that mental focus. Although the Bloods had plenty of the ball, poor kicking resulted in numerous turnovers and missed scoring opportunities.

Tsapastaris and Ansaldi were injured early and not seen after quarter time. With Torney and Dunn rested, Ansaldi now missing accross half forward there was a greater reliance on McIntosh. A-Mac stood up in probably his best performance since arriving at the Bloodery earlier this year.

Coldstream's determination was obvious as they battled to keep their slim finals chance alive. Denbraber and Dale were particularly good and a handful for Warrandyte's stoppers. The wind blowing to the grandstand pocket had picked up and was used to advantage well by the Cougars who kicked five goals to nil in the second term.

Warrandyte's term kicking with the wind was again wasted. Simple scoring opportunities were missed and again field kicking was deplorable. Two goals six and a deficit of 28 points at three quarter time set a huge task for the Bloods to snatch an unlikely victory.

Two good goals from Morello and Wood were not enough to enspire the side and Coldstream soon extended their lead with constant football and the ability to find space in attacking positions. The job was left for too few Warrandyte players and without solid contributions from McAdam, Mullet-Treloar, Wood and McIntosh the margin could well have been more than 35 points. The Bloods third biggest loss for the season.

Perhaps a positive can be taken from a lacklustre performance that Warrandyte were far from their best, have a number of players to return and were still competitive for the most part. Moving forward conversion in front of goal will certainly need to improve.

Seniors: 7.12-54 def. by Coldstream 13.11-89

Reserves: 14.7-91 def. Coldstream 10.7-67

U18s: 22.8-140 def. Coldstream 6.6-42

With Nunawading's season virtually over, the Bloods headed to the postage stamp that is Koonung Reserve as favourites for the first time in many years.

After handing the Lions an 86 point thrashing in 2008 expectations were high to repeat the dosage. Early indications indicated that would be exactly the case with Warrandyte peppering the goals and storming away to a 49 point lead at quarter time. Solid defence held Nunawading goalless and midfield domination resulted in numerous inside '30s'. To the opposition backmens credit the margin could have been a lot higher.

The school end seemed to be sheltered from the very evident wind blowing Nunawading's way in the second term. How much of factor that was in Warrandyte's domination would soon be known.

Ex-pats Liam Riley and Andrew Brown, now at Nunawading, had been working well together and when Riley took two good marks and converted truly some seeds of doubt were sewn amongst the Warrandyte faithful. Only after another two goals went against the Bloods was a reply posted to steady the ship. Two late goals stretched the margin back out to 37 points however there was a big enough jolt for Warrandyte to realise they were going to have to fight hard for the win.

The dangerous Sam McCallum, who had kicked 28 goals in the last five weeks, was being well held by Dion Mullet-Treloar. Matt Feben kicked his first goal in football and every Warrandyte player ran to congratulate him. A positive sign of the team’s strong bond. Tom Naughtin continued his stellar season however it was Nunawading's Joel Anderson who dominated the third quarter and was controlling proceedings through the middle of the ground.

Although the wind had dropped Warrandyte did not take advantage of the breeze and at three quarter time had been outscored nine goals to five since the first break. Inaccurate kicking certainly didn't help and Bloods supporters were growing concerned that poor conversion may again cost us the four points.

An impassioned plea from Tout at the last break reminded the players how important the game was with so much to play for. The intended response was evident early into the last quarter as the tempo lifted.

Ben Reid was shifted to Joel Anderson and quickly shut the ball winner down. Tom Naughtin showed Riley a clean pair of heals on the wing to setup Morello and with clever goals from deep in the pocket to both Ansaldi and Christopher and the result was put beyond doubt.

An uninspiring performance but with so many key players having relatively quiet afternoons there is certainly positives to be taken out of the game. Obviously the four points, and with other results going Warrandyte's way, one more win will assure a finals berth.

Ressies Rolling On

The Reserves continued on their winning way last Saturday, knocking off a strong Nunawading side who sat level with them on the ladder. The game was always going to be hotly contested as both teams looked to forth spot on the very tight reserves ladder.

With the aid of the breeze, the Bloods posted a formidable quarter time score and showed why they’ve enjoyed prolonged success over the last two months. A Nunawading fight back was always on the cards and the bloods were aware that a fight was on their hands.

In a show of new found maturity and confidence, the reserves endured all that their opposition threw at them and came back stronger, running out the game to ensure the whispers about their great form get louder as they march in towards the end of the year.

The usual suspects were good again last week and will hope to continue their form. Troy “Mooch” Konrad continues to have the ball on a string and is being supported well by level heads such as Glen Carle and Ryan Cullen down back.

The boys have found form at the right end of the season and are starting to really gel as a team, enjoying success on the field and the camaraderie that comes with watching the seniors play in the afternoon. Mitcham will prove to be the next big test in the boys’ bid to play finals and we wish them all the best as they look to turn around a disappointing start to the year into a fairy tale ending. Go Bloods!

Seniors: 16.20-116 def. Nunawading 11.7-73

Reserves: 16.11-107 def. Nunawading 9.5-59

At 1 and 3, the Round 5 Heathmont clash was significant. A win would keep the Bloods in touch, whilst a loss would set the senior side well behind the eight ball. After two 'what could have been' games, excuses were wearing thin and would not be accepted against opposition Warrandyte were expected to beat. Jones replaced Luke Naughtin (suspended) and had a major impact along with Tsapasaris and Wood. After a slow start Warrandyte controlled the game and took the 4 points despite further inaccurate kicking.

Seniors: 11.14-80 def. Heathmont 10.6-66

Reserves: 6.12-48 def. by Heathmont 11.10-76

Under 18s: 14.10-94 def. Heathmont 4.7-31

After another intense performance the senior side let a game they should have won slip through their fingers with atrocious goal kicking. This time it was the ANZAC Day clash against 2008 Division Two side North Ringwood. The Saints well organised tribute to our ANZACS was well respected by all and provided great motivation for the players of both sides I'm sure.

Coming out of the blocks hard, Warrandyte looked to have the early ascendency despite kicking into a five goal wind. However, North Ringwood soon settled and made full use of the wind with accurate kicking. The Bloods were five goals down at quarter time and had lost Vinnie Jones for the day after a knee to the kidneys.

At quarter time a livid Michael Tout took his troops to the far side of the ground to remind them of the game plan as he ripped through the group. It was a quick response as the Bloods kicked six unanswered goals. Some poor disposal and conversion curtailed the lead from being built further. An undisciplined free kick given to North Ringwood saw a goal to the Saints right on the half-time siren.

Warrandyte again controlled the play in the third quarter only to let themselves down with poor conversion. With very kickable shots, the Bloods kicked a deplorable two goals eight to North Ringwood's five goals one. The game should have been put beyond doubt by three quarter time. However only seven points down and with a five goal wind behind their backs Warrandyte looked to have the points.

North Ringwood didn't see it that way and battled every step of the way. Although coming home with the wind Warrandyte dropped ruckman David Hand and Grant McAdam behind the contest. The Bloods midfield, led all day by Adam Tsapastaris and Matt Wood, continued to win plenty of the ball.

Despite eighteen inside 50's the conversion was a megre two goals four after continually kicking it on opponent David Wall's head. North Ringwood's loose players ran the ball out of their backline and when they broke Warrandyte's half-backline managed to make the most of their opportunites to win by five points.

Perhaps a sustained attack in the fourth quarter would have provided a different result, but too the many supporters who turned up, it was poor decision making by the playing group that cost Warrandyte the game. 29 scoring shots to 19 should result in a win and perhaps should have resulted in the club's third win for the season after a last quarter fade out against Boronia in Round 1. Taking four points at every opportunity is a must if we are to see the Bloods compete in the 2009 finals series.

Seniors: 11.18-84 def. by Nth Ringwood 14.5-89

Reserves: 4.13-37 def. by Nth Ringwood 12.10-82

Under 18s: 5.3-33 def. by Nth Ringwood 21.17-143

Season 2009 got off to a promising start on Saturday for the Warrandyte Football Club. Having shown potential in three practice matches, the playing roup were desperate to get out and into some real football. A swelling group of available players that saw over one hundred individuals train over the summer was put through the process of selection in a bid to try and field an improved Warrandyte side for the new season.

A new focus and newfound sense of determination had been fostered in the boys, coming from an encouraging pre season training program and spirited leadership by new coach Michael Tout. Travelling out to Boronia, the under eighteen boys got the season off to a winning start, easily overcoming their opponents by five goals.

The younger contingent of the club are vital not only as a source of future talent but also through the enthusiasm and energy they bring with them. A winning start will hopefully motivate the boys to work even harder to try and see finals action this year, a feat that is well within reach if their current efforts and determined attitude continue.

The efforts of the under eighteens spurred on the reserves who came out fighting in their bid for a more successful season. The early signs were encouraging as former captain Chris Chapman booted a goal that awoke the crowd and inspired his team mates who found themselves with an early lead. Unfortunately this lead would not last long as Boronia fought back and took advantage of some small skill errors to go into quarter time leading by two goals.

New reserves coach Adam Hinds was positive in his quarter time address, pointing out that Warrandyte’s aggression and hardness at the ball would lead to further scoring opportunities. However, the desperation and want for the football were not quite enough in the second quarter, which saw Boronia stretch their lead even further, going into half time leading by some thirty seven points. It was a scene all to familiar with Warrandyte, trying hard early but being overrun by slightly better opposition.

The challenge was put to the boys to either let this season play out like the two previous, or show some character and fight back. The challenge was taken up by the boys in the third quarter, looking like a new team in the red and white and showcasing the fitness that months of training had provided.

In a spirited comeback, Warrandyte showed a new sense of character and strength that pleased both supporters and coaching staff. First-gamer Jake Bentley showed grit and determination in a tagging role against one of the oppositions key midfielders, effectively shutting him out of the match in the second half, and newcomers to the club Daniel Bryant and Ryan Bethune were imposing themselves and gathering plenty of hard ball possessions. Co-Captain Grant Godwin and club veteran Stewart Rough were also proving valuable and providing physical presence across half-back.

Unfortunately, this new attitude and work ethic was not enough to overcome Boronia who simply played better in the phases of the match that really mattered. Warrandyte eventually went down by twenty three points, winning the second half as well as the respect of the opposition through their fighting attitude.

Although a loss was not the ideal beginning to season 2009, the foundations are in place for a strong year. With many players unable to grasp a playing spot, internal competition will be fierce in the bid to find a place in the starting team. If the reserves can continue to play the style of football that it showed on the weekend then success is bound to follow.

A mix of nerves, excitement and anticipation filled the change rooms before the Warrandyte seniors ran out on to the ground on Saturday. Months of preparation had lead to this game and the boys were quietly confident of causing an upset win over last years finalists, Boronia. A playing group that saw some new faces were eager to play together for the first time and test out all their plans and efforts of the preseason.

The game started in the expected fashion, with both teams fighting hard for the ball and tackling in a ferocious manner. The pressure around the ball was intense and the courage shown by Warrandyte’s onballers was inspiring to their team mates.

Warrandyte staved off Boronia’s initial attack and kept their heads up after conceding the first two goals. Eventually Warrandyte’s tackling and pressure around the ball were too much for their opposition as they kicked five first quarter goals; four coming from the boot of Michael Morello and one from inspiring captain Tom Naughtin.

The frustration was evident from a shocked Boronia, who resorted to a small melee at quarter time which did nothing but further inspire the courageous Warrandyte outfit.

The second quarter saw Warrandyte controlling the ball but failing to capitalise on the scoreboard. Those who came ready for an easy contest would be disappointed as both teams showed unrelenting attack at the ball. Warrandyte’s attack was led by the courageous Ben Reid and Luke Naughtin who set an example for younger players such as Tim Beasley, who showed commitment and courage well beyond his years.

The struggle on the field could also be seen on the scoreboard with just one goal separating the teams at the half time break. The players had been in this position before; showing they could match it with the opposition but them falling away in the second half. But that was the previous Warrandyte side and the new attitude of this group were determined to play this game out to an eventual victory. Tout pleaded with his players to stay positive and continue their first half effort. The efforts of the pre season were now going to be exposed.

The third quarter played out in much the same fashion as the first two with both teams fighting but neither breaking away. Warrandyte held a lead of just two points as they gathered at the three quarter time huddle. The boys were tired and sore, yet determined to not let the game slip. They had already proven themselves to each other and to the supporters but had one finals task of finishing off strongly and taking the points home from Boronia.

Unfortunately for the Bloods, some inaccurate kicking and poor luck led to a nineteen point loss. In the end it was a simple case of Boronia playing out the game better and finishing stronger. There was to be no doubt about the effort and desire to win shown by the bloods. No supporter or coach left upset by the spirit shown by the boys and no player in the red and white left the ground wondering if they’d done enough.

Coach Michael Tout addressed the boys on the field and praised the efforts. For every negative about the game there were five or six positives to be taken away. If Warrandyte’s quest for season 2009 is to earn respect and push themselves to be better then round one was a step in the right direction. Boronia are never an easy opponent, particularly on their home ground.

The boys have now seen what it takes to better themselves and the loss can only further motivate them to get to training to ensure that narrow losses such as Saturdays are turned around into wins for the club. With a long season ahead, Warrandyte are in good stead to make a few waves in division three and shake off any preconceived tags of being the “easybeats” of the competition.

Seniors: 8.15-63 def. by Boronia 12.10-82

Reserves: 7.4-46 def. by Boronia 10.9-69

Under 18s: 9.10-64 def. Boronia 5.3-33

The whispers from Warrandyte Football Club are getting louder. A logical and consistent message is being delivered by the new look coaching group which has bred an infectious positivity amongst the players.

This air of excitement has led to unprecedented numbers on the track and an atmosphere that many of the mature age players compare to that of 2006 -- a premiership year.

More than 100 players have participated in pre-season training, and an average of more than 50 players per session has provided some logistical headaches for coach Michael Tout.

Sessions have regularly been split into groups for anaerobic, skills and boxing circuits to accommodate the big numbers.

In pleasing signs for the future of the young Bloods side, the vast majority of the 2008 playing group has returned in 2009 while the list has been supplemented by some handy additions.

According to secretary James Logan there have been some significant developments to the playing list in the last fortnight.

"After last year's demoralising run with injuries, it is great to see the long term injured and the overseas travellers returning to preseason in '09. We had some quality players such as Tsapatsaris, Holman, Rough and Bellofiore who did not make the field last year which hurt us.

"Add to that a return from retirement by former club champion Ben Reid and the return of junior stars Steve Christopher and Hamish Hoskings and all is boding well. "Many of our young players have clearly taken the next step both physically and in football ability, adding much needed depth, which will put pressure on the 'regular' senior list."

Traditionally strong starters, the Bloods started the 2008 season with a bang, registering a big win at home against Mitcham before suffering a couple of heavy defeats at the hands of Waverley and Coldstream. Wins against Templestowe, Nunawading and Upper Ferntree Gully saw the inform Bloods sitting inside the top four after six rounds with four wins and two losses.

From there, Warrandyte hit a mid-season slump from which they were never able to fully recover, winning just one of their remaining 12 games to finish the season in 8th place, above only Mitcham and the Division Four bound Templestowe.

Despite the disappointment of the 2008 season, Logan is excited when discussing the Bloods prospects in 2009.

"Our recruitment has been targeted and the perseverance undertaken is starting to pay off. In 2008 we conceded more goals than any other side after being forced to play key forwards in the backline.

"Some quality inclusions from higher divisions will bolster our backline, ruck divisions and general depth. We also hope to make some exciting announcements in the next fortnight. We are certainly aiming for finals in 2009 and expect to give it a real shake."

An influx of players at the Bloods also bodes well for the Reserves who were in the top five for all of 2008, missing finals by eight points.

Reserves playing coach Adam Hinds is excited about the season ahead and what the side will be able to achieve. With a more settled side a certainty in 2009, Hinds will expect nothing less than a full tilt at the flag. There may be some long nights ahead at the selection table.

The future is also looking bright for the Under 18 side, to be led in 2009 by coaches Tony Biggs and Barry Williams, with consistent numbers attending pre-season training alongside their senior counterparts.

Training reverts to Tuesday and Thursday nights on March 17 in the lead up to two practice matches on March 22 against Tarwin Lower and March 28 taking on Murchison. Both games are away due to ground availability.

In what is becoming a perennial problem for local football clubs, Warrandyte players have been unable to train on the oval to date, and Manningham Council have only this week extended their ground closure to winter tenants until March 31. This only allows the football club one training session on the main oval before Round One.

Far from an ideal situation for the club, but unfortunately one that has become an ongoing issue in recent years due to the ongoing drought.

The current ground condition however, is encouraging. Although council chose to allocate water resources to Stintons Reserve instead of Warrandyte Reserve throughout summer, the drought resistant grass laid in September 2007 has established on most of the oval. With some expected rain in March the winter ground cover should be the most abundant in many years.

Manningham City Council have recently held meetings with tenant clubs of the Warrandyte Reserve and groups who are interested in developing and using the sporting precinct. The meetings were to ascertain general information and requirements of current and potential user groups. A survey was also mailed to local residents and members of the tennis, cricket, netball and football clubs. Council representatives have assured the football club that we will receive regular updates of planning progress and have opportunity to be involved in any discussion groups.