The season ended for three sides on the weekend with some instant classics across the board. The Ressies and Stormers pushed their matchups to extra time, with both falling agonisingly short. The League side unfortunately went out of the finals in straight sets after a great run to end the season.
The Laurie Keene and Phil Scott Colts both prevailed, qualifying for grand finals with the A-Colts having the week of this coming weekend.
On Saturday, the Laurie Keene will be playing in their decider at Claremont oval while the Brett Jones Colts and Dingoes will be up at Kingsway Reserve with supporters invited to spectate from Dave’s Deck.
Steinepreis Paganin A-Grade
University 4.6 30 defeated by North Beach 8.10 58
A disappointing finish to the A Grade season as the side went down by 4 goals to a red hot North Beach.
The coaching staff had to make 4 forced changes, with injuries rearing their head once again in season 2022. Nonetheless, we went in with a really strong side and were confident we could get the job done.
In trying conditions, we got off to a relatively slow start, missing key opportunities in front of goal as we headed into the main break 4 goals down. The first half wasn’t without headaches though as key players in Ryan Murphy and Quinn Donaldson were shut down for the game.
The third quarter started horribly for the side as hard nosed defender Max Mussared went back with the flight and collided with an opponent, forcing him out of the game. Midfield trio, Nathan Blakely, Ben Miller and Ben Harding were the shining lights for Uni in the second half as they were individually keeping us in the game.
Although Uni had a crack for the whole game, North Beach proved to be better for longer as they advanced through to a prelim final.
The side needs to be commended for their efforts to flip their season after being 2-5, but evidently ran out of legs when the finals arrived. We will be bigger and better in 2023.
Goals: Kohlman 2, Alforque, Blakely
Best: Miller, Harding, Blakely, Kohlman, Harris
4 Pines A-Reserves
University 4.3 27 defeated by Trinity Aquinas 5.8 38
“When you go into extra time, we’re talking about drama.”
Drama would be an understatement as the Reserves have gone down by 11 points in a heartbreaking extra time loss against Trinity Aquinas on Saturday afternoon. The game was played in difficult conditions with a howling westerly towards the bench making life hard for the players from the outset.
The team had a few forced changes given injuries from the weekend prior, but welcomed back Nifty Evans, Ollie O’Meehan and doing his best Marlion Pickett impression for his first game of ressies for the year, Tom Vellios. These inclusions, sprinkled in with an exciting rev-up from Coach McAuliffe had the boys raring to go for the contest. Coach McAuliffe primarily spoke about having been in an elimination situation the entire back half of the season and to match the physicality TAs would inevitably bring to the contest.
As expected, the game was tough from the outset with both midfield groups going toe-to-toe. The great extractor Ryan Williamson and the Greek God Manha were going to work, leading the line in hitting the contest. A goal for each side saw the game level going into the first break.
The second quarter was mostly uneventful, with TAs having a few chances to our one. However, tensions somewhat boiled over with a bit of push and shove on the cusp of half time bringing the game to life going into the main break. The always tenacious Harry Don and up-and-coming superstar Kurt Crudeli being in the thick of things.
At half time, the message from Coaches Shine and McAuliffe was to continue bringing the pressure and not get flustered by TAs. However, to their credit, TAs came out the more assertive side in the third quarter, kicking a couple goals and giving them a 2-goal lead going into the last.
From there, all the coaches insisted the boys throw everything at this final quarter and leave nothing in the tank. Troy Culloton led the charge in the ruck, as he did all day, and gave our midfield first use. Gaj continued his run of form and found more footy as the game wore on and Con was playing the role of a 5th midfielder throwing himself at the contest every chance he got. Off the back of this, the entire team lifted with Vel kicking a goal off the back of a sharp chance to bring the margin back to six. Then, looking like James Hird vs West Coast in 2004, Ollie O’Meehan burst out of a pack, got on that trusty left of his and completed a remarkable finish to level things up.
From there, TAs forced the issue, placing the Uni defence under immense pressure. However, Ben Fitzgerald and Jacob Orr were nothing short of remarkable with a series of efforts not allowing TAs to get any score on the board for the final 3 minutes of the game. As a result, the game remained a draw at full time.
In the first period of OT, we were the better side and created a couple of chances which unfortunately weren’t converted. Five minutes flew by, and we had a two point lead with the second period coming up. From there though, TAs surged the ball forward and were rewarded with a late goal to put them up 4 with two minutes to go. They added a sealer and ran out 11-point winners in the end.
It was a remarkable game of football and almost felt, in this season, that there could not have been a more appropriate way to go out. The tight nature of this Reserves competition has been demonstrated constantly throughout this season and this game was no exception.
Before I wrap up this match report though, there are a few people who must be given thanks.
Firstly, to the boys, what an amazing year this was. From the lock-in post-Scarborough, to Turtleneck Uncle Billy’s, Thirsty Merc and everything in between it was great to watch it all come together throughout the course of the season. Captain Hoppo, you were a major part in doing this and grew into the captaincy role throughout the season so congratulations to you.
Secondly, to Coach Shine, the acronym king of this group. His passion for the Ressies was on full display post-game on Saturday and his work every week is appreciated by all. He remains as invested in the club as anyone and having already re-committed for 2023 there are only exciting times ahead. Simply put, using a famous acronym for the 2s Shiney is a B(Bluebagger) U(Upbeat) S(Successful) H(Helpful) P(Passionate) I(Ingenious) G(Gumption).
Finally, to the incomparable Coach McAuliffe. When speaking with other people, they talk about Lou’s enthusiasm and attitude for any team he coaches. Having now seen that firsthand, I can absolutely confirm all those words/stories remain true. There is nothing quite like a McAuliffe rev-up – win the first quarter, win the first five minutes, win your first contest all the while foaming at the mouth. His words permeated through the group at all stages during this campaign and his attitude was unwavering. Simply Lou, thanks for the year and congratulations to you and Shiney for building this team into what it has become over the past 2 years.
On reflection, the season has been an incredible one for the 2s who had to fight tooth and nail for everything it got. From starting 2-4 and then only losing two more games for the rest of the season, the group met every challenge on the journey. With a significant colts group about to graduate the depth of the club will only get greater from here and it’s fair to say the 2023 season is already shaping up as a massive one for these Poodles.
Goals – Garstone, Ollie, Vel & Harry Don (1).
Votes – Fitz (5); Gaj & Con (4); Cullo & Orry (3); Willo and Harry Don (2); Manta & Hoppo (1).
Leading Goalkickers for the year:
- Leighton Howard (24)
- Kurt Crudeli & Sam Garstone (15)
- Jarryd McPhee, Charlie Mitchell, Giles Dent, Troy Culloton & Con Angelkov (7)
Come on you Poodles.
Phil Scott A-Colts
University 8.5 53 defeated Trinity Aquinas 3.6 24
Crossing Law A-Grade Women Stormers
University 4.2 26 defeated by Warnbro 5.2 32
It wasn’t the result they wanted, but the Stormers have had their say in one of the most epic grand finals ever witnessed in the Perth Football League.
The decider had it all, going to double over time after UWA and Warnrbro couldn’t be separated at full-time.
But after 10 minutes of extra time, neither side had scored, forcing officials to issue more overtime.
And just when it looked a third dose could be on the agenda, Warnbro kicked a miraculous goal to go ahead and defended their 5.2 (32) to 4.2 (26) lead for the final two minutes.
It was an epic UWA unfortunately fell on the wrong side of, giving the Stormers immense motivation to avenge their heartbreak in 2023.
There wasn’t much else to ask of UWA, the Stormers overcoming a goalless first quarter to kick two against a ferocious breeze in the second.
UWA added a third and then a fourth early in the final quarter to surge ahead before some individual brilliance saw Warnbro square the score ahead of the final siren.
Midfielders Tash Anderson, who just capped off her season finishing second place in the A-Grade league best and fairest, and Adele Arnup battled hard all day.
BDO C4-Reserves Dingoes
Bye
Subi Hotel Laurie Keene Colts C-Gulls
University 8.2 50 defeated Quinns District 1.5 11
Brett Jones Colts
Bye