Olinda Women’s team overcame the odds and a medley of farcical blunders to record their first win against Berwick Springs away in the late twilight game on Saturday.
Firstly. Berwick Springs is a new suburb in the Outer East and is a massive housing estate still under construction. Without warning, both the main roads leading to the ground were closed, and GPS directed the lost to the soccer club 5km away or the junior football club 10km away. Almost all of Olinda’s players and support staff, got to the game up to 45 minutes late and severely frazzled.
Secondly, upon arrival, Olinda was informed that there were no umpires present for the match. Australian Rules Football is one of the toughest games in the world, but without proper officiating, it becomes the most dangerous. Luckily no players from either side were hurt and credit to Olinda’s Ben Selby-Hele for donning the safety vest and training whistle to umpire the game.
Thirdly, and most comically, the first half of the game was played in the setting sun, and because of the orientation of the ground visibility was a challenge. Ironically, the darkness descended quickly late in the second quarter, and when the lights were switched on there was no response. The players stood around in the emerging darkness at half-time until the game was ultimately abandoned.
This would normally form the basis of an underwhelming match report, but in one half of football, Olinda played the best football they have for almost a year and possibly ever. The synergy within the team is exemplary, and every player on the field is contributing and playing their role.
Olinda started the game not having had a single centre clearance for the year. This had been pointed out to Olinda’s midfield, and at the first bounce Ruck maestro Chelsea Wilson thumped the ball to centre half forward. The resulting clearance went straight into Olinda’s deep forward line and Olivia (The Weapon!) Edwards swooped on the loose ball and ran into the open goal. This all took 30 seconds.
Berwick Springs forced the ball forward and peppered the goals but could only manage 1.3. A late goal to stalwart Emmalee Keegan for Olinda saw the Bloods go into the quarter-time break marginally in front on the scoreboard.
The second (and last) quarter saw Olinda playing their best football of the season, and arguably ever. The Bloods ran in waves to support, were ferocious in the contest, and precise with their movement and delivery. It was a joy for all present to watch. Olinda piled on 5 goals to no score in the quarter until the game was called off at half time because of the lights malfunction.
The beauty of Olinda’s season so far is that every player has contributed in all the 3 games. First-time player and junior-aged Claudia Pitts looked at home in senior football as did second gamer Chloe Kanally.
Ruck leviathan Chelsea (Big Kahuna) Wilson was back to her pre-injury best and was doing everything…, both thumping and deft taps, swooping on loose balls, bumping and tackling hard and kicking precisely with both feet.
Olivia (The Weapon!) Edwards was dominant all over the ground, and her cohesion with full forward (DJ) Ness Bateman is something to behold. A great moment in the first quarter came when a Berwick Springs player lined up for a goal just out of her range. As she ran around the mark to reduce the distance, Liv came as if from nowhere to affect the smother. Liv had run from the forward pocket to do this, and it showed an amazing work ethic and game awareness. Liv finished the game with 2 goals and had a hand in at least 2 others.
(DJ) Ness Bateman, or Mrs Curnow as she would prefer to be known, had an almost perfect game at full forward. Ness finished the half with 2 goals but had a hand in most of the others. Ness’ leading and willingness to bring her teammates into the game are first-rate. Lily(Laser)Carlin is a pure footballer and had great game-winning contests and delivered quality balls. Her break free from a contest and laser-like pass onto the chest of Ness Bateman in the second quarter was magnificent. Kyah (missile) Barry is a force of nature, and her contested work belies her small stature. Another great moment of the game came in the first quarter when Kyah was trapped on the boundary line by 2 Berwick Springs players. Rather than panicking, Kyah tucked the ball under her arm and sprinted clear of the danger, and delivered a quality entry into the forward line. Captain Courage Claire Hyett led the side brilliantly again, and her selflessness on and off the field is an inspiration.
The game’s best moment came in its last seconds when regular stingy defender Laura Clarke found herself in the forward pocket, swooping on a loose ball versus 2 Berwick Springs players and belting the ball through from the goal square. All Olinda players rushed from their positions to celebrate!
Olinda has finally reached the brand of football they have been training for and hopefully will replicate it versus Monbulk at home next week.
Juniors
U9s v Wesburn
In slippery wet Wesburn conditions the mighty 9’s came to play. They continued on from last week showcasing incredible teamwork and sportsmanship.
In the end, they were able to outlast their opponents and come away with some more memorable moments.
U11s v Wandin
On a slightly chilly and foggy morning, the u11 headed to Wandin for our round 3 clash.
The first half was the toughest test yet, with Wandin playing in front of their home crowd, throwing everything they had at the Titans from the mountain, including the kitchen sink, leading to a goalless first term for both teams. A 2-goal to none 2nd quarter somewhat eased the nerves of parents and coaches, with our boys starting to find their groove.
In the second half, Olinda really clicked into gear, gaining control of the play and giving ourselves many scoring opportunities with some great passages of team footy. A little inaccuracy was the only blemish in the end, in a great display against quality opposition.
Final score – Olinda 5.12.42 def Wandin 1.0.6
U12 Girls
As the fog parted on a sunny autumn morning the Olinda U12 girls were full of Energy ready to take on Wandin. After 4 quarters of fast and furious football, the teams drew, making that our second draw in a row. These efforts have left the team hungry for a win and looking forward to next week to build on these awesome matches.
U12 Boys
The boys faced really tough opposition and the boys never gave up, even when the scoreboard didn’t look great. Liam and Gus played in the middle all day and didn’t give up. Harry and Asher as young 8 and 9-year-olds playing aging much bigger opposition were inspirational for the players and coaches.
Well done boys on a tough outing.
U13 Boys
An impressive performance by our Under 13 boys in beautiful conditions down at Talaskia Reserve.
The key focus areas this week were set up around stoppages and the contest along with our overall competitiveness.
The team delivered in spades with our first-class teamwork and ball movement with lots of “handball received” creating run and space.
Al Deering had his best game for the season as did both Kaden and Nate Johnston. Ned Monkhorst was dangerous up forward kicking two classy goals and Fletcher Brown showed great leadership all day.
Final Score OFCJFC 12.20.92 def Upwey Tecoma 1.0.6
U14 Girls
The u14s travelled out to Yarra Junction on Sunday to take on a strong Seville side. Topped up with U12s, there was a significant size difference but that didn’t stop the intensity at which the girls hit the contest. Seeing the development of the girls’ game each week, they put on some classy football at times to create scoring opportunities. Whilst Olinda didn’t get the W, it isn’t the focus at this point of the season as the team develops its game. The wins will come in time. Standouts were Lola Gardner for her workmate and leadership, Mae Barry for her tireless running, Lili Denovan and Maeve Gilson for their toughness at the contest and Reagan Seamer and Lucy Cremean for their skill around the ground. U12 guns Tahlia Dawson, Frank Edquist and Indi Gardner also deserve special mention for their attack on the game despite the size differences.
Great game girls!
U15 Boys
Another dominant display by the boys, bookended by 7 goals straight in the 1st and 12.2 in the last.
Kael Johnston gave us 1st use with his leap and strength in the ruck and our midfielders went to work with Aden Bate’s (7 goals) unselfish, precision passing to the forwards, setting the tone early.
Forwards River Bellemo and Luke Windfaull kicked 4 goals each while midfielder Tom Ford’s 10 goals and hard work around the ground stood out, winning the opposition’s Best on Ground award.
Lachie Tonkin’s powerful running from Halfback continually set up chances and Khevin Chumber gets a special mention for putting his body on the line all day.
Final scores. Olinda 30.7.187 d Emerald 0.2.2
U17 Boys v Wandin
Olinda travelled out to Wandin to take on a team that we knew was going to be physical and compete all day. The boys started off strongly and continued that momentum throughout the game to come away with a good win. It was good to see the improvement in teamwork and the process we have been working on at training. The boys are really starting to gel and play quality team football.
