"Eastrn Loins"??? - June 24th, 2006

It has been many years since we played at the old Fairpark ground and on arrival we were slightly confused as to exactly which team we were playing as the line marker had proudly painted the grass with a big "Eastrn Loins" message.
The Lions had been in good touch winning their last three and making a mid season bid for finals contention. Although Warrandyte had all of the play, goal kicking was ordinary to say the least and Eastern capatalised on the majority of their opportunities. Not a good ground for full forwards, Morello was forced up the ground to present different avenues to goal. Gordon and Logan stepped up kicking truly, whilst Lee Evans continued his marking prowess in kicking range. Usually a good shot for goal, Lee has had the yips recently kicking three goals 12 in two weeeks. He wasn't the only one and at half time 4.13 played 6.3. Centre clearances were not going our way although Wood and Holman dominated around the ground with the assistance of Reid. The backline settled and gave plenty of drive for Morello and Ezbery who took charge in the third term and kicked an improving Warrandyte into a commanding position. The Bloods kicked the first two goals of the final stanza and the game was played at a lower intencity as a result. With the game beyond doubt Eastern Lions started to pepper the goals and the final margin could of been closer if accurate goal kicking prevailed. Morello left the field with seconds remaining and handed his sixth goal to Flash Gordon after a strong leading mark. McAdam, Reid, Opteynde, Holman and Wood were amongst the best and it was a pleasing return to form for Adian Davey. Warrandyte's underpraised backline also deserves mention for it's continued methodical approach and drive.

Eastern Lions 9.12 - 66
Warrandyte 14.17 - 101

Reserve's
The Reserve's have steadied the ship and continued good form has the season back on track. With some challenging weeks ahead the game against Eastern Lions was a must win. Unfortunately the Lions second 18 were up to their round one tricks with another king hit from behind which is doing nothing for their sides reputation.
Despite the dewy conditions it was a good game early with Warrandyte doing most of the attacking and Eastern Lions rebounding well out of defence. Veteran Dale Vitiritti was outstanding with his attack on the ball and accurate disposal. When Holland left the field with a suspect elbow the avenue to goal seemed to dry up and mixed with wayward kicking the Bloods rued lost opportunities at the first break.The second quarter was played in much the same vein and with Holland back on the field kicking truly a margin of 21 points was managed. 18 scoring shots to 10 probably should have put the game well out of Eastern Lions' reach. With fluctuating fortunes in the second half, Warrandyte maintained a similar margin until the final siren, running out 19 point winners. Holland was again a focal point up forward kicking 6 to lead the reserve's divsion goal kicking. Vitts was best on with Haskings, Boyce, Truno, Donovan and McKellar solid contributors. Knocking on the door of the four only two points from second and a game behind top spot, it is critical that the wins continue and a finals birth for all three sides is likely.

Eastern Lions 8.11 - 59
Warrandyte 11.12 - 78


Under 18's
The Colts had another week off and through match ratio have retained third spot on the ladder. They have had a good break to regroup for this weeks important clash against Whitehorse Pioneers.

469 to 104! - June 17th, 2006

All season we have just 'done enough' and not managed to bury our opposition, often taking the foot off the pedal, especially late in the game. This was a good chance to rectify that against a winless Glen Waverley Hawks. However early on it certainly wasn't the one way traffic that we expected and Glen Waverley took their opportunities when in attack to kick five goals in the first quarter. Unfortunately this wasn't the case for the Bloods with an inaccurate seven goals eight. Still lacking a first class ruckmen the brains trust threw young Mullett-Treloar into the mix and he rose to the challenge jumping over the top of his taller opponents. The contest around the ground was scrappy and goals not as easy to come by for either team in comparison to the first quarter. It wasn't until the third quarter that Warrandyte gained real ascendency moving the ball well and applying pressure to the opposition. Morello was again a focal point, with Wood and Holman also contributing several majors. Lee Evans was getting plenty of the pill in the forward fifty which he was not able to convert. Seven goals to two behinds stretched the lead to 85 points at the last break. Coach Green called for a ten goal last quarter and a boost to our lagging percentage. Another seven was all that could be managed and to the Hawks credit they battled on kicking four of their own with Darren Hill using his size and experience well. Morello's 10 goals moves him to 57 for the season, Wood kicked 6 and Holman 4. They were joined in the best by Reid and Templeton. However it was 17 year old Mullett-Treloar awarded BOG and the Players Award.
Thursday selection will be watched closely with Holland dominating and the anticipated return of Naughtin, Grybas and Dick. It is pleasing to be seven and two at the halfway mark with key players missing for many of our games. It is time to build on the foundation that has been laid and build up to a strong finals campaign.

Warrandyte 26.17 - 173
Glen Waverley 10.6 - 66

Reserve's
They were like two gazelles gracefully and effortlessly bounding around the forwardline, able to twist and turn on a six pence and thread the Sherrin through the eye of a needle.... well perhaps not so gracious and with Holland's late night preparation it was perhaps not a Sherrin he could get through the eye of a needle! Dutchy kicked 11 goals in three quarters taking his tally to 21 from four games in the forwardline and would certainly be pressing for senior selection.

Thud! - June 3rd, 2006

Those in football circles suggest that 90% of the game is played between the shoulders. Well we hope this is true after an embarrassing performance against Surrey Park. After a high of the previous weeks well fought victory against The Basin, it was suprisingly very flat on the track and during the pre-game warm up. This was soon evident on the paddock as Surrey were first to the ball and had many loose options available. The backline did well to hold up and repell so many inside fifties. Although the margin was only four points at quarter time the Bloods could not manage another goal until mid way through the third quarter. Morello was being double and triple teamed, whilst not unusual, our deliver to him was appalling and played into Surrey's hands. Other forward options were presenting on occasion however our ball carriers could not find them with any effectiveness.
A margin of 54 points at the last change meant that the game was all but over and it was about respectability. Holman and Wood who were solid contributors showed their class in defence and Haskings proved he was a worthy selection for senior footy. Mullett-Treloar and McAdam continued their good form, however as a team it was an unacceptable performance. Morello winning a loose ball, breaking a tackle and strolling into an open goal only to be tackled and penalised summed up the teams mindset and performance. Let's hope it was 'one of those days' that we can be put behind us and ensure it doesn't happen again.

Surrey Park 15.9 - 99
Warrandyte 5.10 - 40

Reserve's
Surrey Parks ground was in great nick and it was a perfect day for football. The Reserve's got off to a flyer winning the ball from the middle and linking well around the ground with fantastic foot skills. Archie Bourke was dominating the half back line and providing plenty of run with Bruno Elliott. The supply to our forward line was plentiful and scoring opportunites came from several marking contests. Unfortunately our forwards looked a little sluggish when the pill was on the deck and Surrey Park repelled many forward thrusts. A three goal quarter time lead was reduced to two goals at the main break but the ascendency was still with the Bloods.
It is yet to be determined whether the disappointing third term could be attributed to the usual lapse in concentration or that Surrey Park were on the juice at half time. Either way six goals to two saw us battling to stay in the contest. It was a ripping final quarter with both sides hard at the footy desperate to edge ahead and each goal was celebrated with much gusto. After kicking five goals to wrestle back the lead, it wasn't going to be relinquished without a fight. With only minutes left the Bloods were two points ahead before a couple of behinds were rushed through...could we have our second draw in as many weeks!? No, a four point win was the final margin. Archie Bourke, Jarrod Boyce, Leigh Giampietro and Bruno Elliott starred as did club's fastest man competitor Campbell Holland who kicked another 4 goals.

Warrandyte 11.9 - 75
Surrey Park 12.7 - 79

The Under 18's had a bye which could not come soon enough. The rest will hopefully see a few of the boys again available for selection.

Another 3 Reasons to Party... - May 6th, 2006

We made the long trip to Ferntree Gully on an important day for the club, celebrating our 100th year at the Centenary Dinner later that evening. The seniors have not been great starters in 06 and with 5 forced changes round 4 was to be no different.
With Moose out Gully had early dominance out of the middle and the backline were under constant pressure. Our opposition kicked the first 4 goals before we were able to peg one back. Treeby and Logan settled the half back line down and McAdam was presenting well across the half forward line. Another goal prior to quarter time kept us in touch however it was far from acceptable.
An expected Green spray had the desired affect and the tempo lifted. Holman began to dominate and Reid was at the bottom of every pack. Ferntree Gully’s onballers probably had us on points and were better suited to the conditions.
A strong third term with good run from the backline and a number of targets up forward including Lee Evans took us to the last change with a 23 point lead. However we finished poorly and only a late steadying goal from Morello allowed us to sneak in by 10 points. Not putting together 4 quarters is hurting our percentage and needs to be rectified. Holman, Logan, Reid, Davey and Treeby were of the better players.

Our Reserve’s continued their winning ways slowly wearing Gully down over four quarters. Kon Krios continued his form in front of goal booting six and Jimmy Riddell dominated in the ruck and around the ground. For the second week in a row conversion was poor, especially in the last kicking 3.9. Haskings and Boyce again starred through the middle. It is great to have so much depth pushing for senior selection and also searching for a game in the reserves.

U18’s by Brad Curtis;
On a heavy ground on a cold day at Ferntree Gully and with Stats, Hammer, Beaser, The Arab & Jibba out the 18's played 3 solid quarters but went to sleep in the last to o be out scored.
The first goal came via a great call on the wing from the Glove to Bres, then to Dunnie who goaled. Ollie was solid in the backline all day. A dubious umpire decision cost us the opposition's first goal. Another great pass from the Glove to Cal, to Mitch another goal. A great tap out from Tully and a rebound produced another goal. A solid mark on the flank saw Dunnie with another goal. 5.3.33 to 1.1.7
The second quarter saw Daniel tackling like Tony Liberatore and in getting in and under and wouldn't let the opposition near the ball. Zac was given a free for in the back which resulted in a goal. The back line of M.Dunnie and Ollie. Zac smothered a kick in from the opposition which produced another goal. Great ruck tap from Mullett and a follow up had him kicking for goal, but missed (how come you can kick them in the ones?). A good in and out in front of goal by Zac produced yet another goal. 9.5.59 to 2.3.15
A great snap by Dunnie one minute into the third quarter produced a goal before the scoreboard attendants could get into position. A 25m penalty gave Mitch a goal. Large hit Dunnie on the chest after a great lead who followed up with a goal. A good front and square by Scott to Large saw another goal on the board. A centering kick to the goal square by Dunnie say Tommie Wells kick a goal. 14.5.88 to 4.4.28
Kel kicked a good snap goal but the last quarter was very average with the opposition out scoring us. 15.9.99 to 6.8.44. Best: Dion, Ollie, Zac, Joe, Dunnies, Daniel, Cal & Rick

Threepeat - April 29th, 2006

After two big wins from the Colts and reserves, the pressure was on the firsts to make it a threepeat. A great start from on-ballers Wood, Eyre and McAdam provided the forwardline with pinpoint delivery took the Bloods to an early lead that we would hold for the remainder of the day. In contrast to last weeks ordinary conversion we made the most of our opportunities in front of goal to lead by 6 goals at the main break. In a disappointing third quarter Chirnside Park clawed their way back into the game with some poor Warrandyte decisions and lack of run. The chances in fron of goal that did arise were squandered. A three quarter time spray from Peter Green got the Bloods back into gear and the ball wa again going through the big sticks. The foot came off the pedal towards the siren however a four goal win was pleasing enough. Morello had the chance to kick his thenth on the siren but hit the post. The ones are still not putting four quarters together and are playing far from their best footy. This will need to be rectified sooner rather than later with some big games ahead. Better players on the day were Eyre, Dick, McAdam, Morello, Wood and under 18's Ebzery and Mullet-Treloar making his debut.
Warrandyte - 19.10.124
Chirnside Park - 15.10.100

Back to Earth - April 22nd, 2006

Last time we played Whitehorse back in 1998 we won by 176 points. It was certainly going to be a harder this time around with Whitehorse going in favourites. Having at least 70% of the ball in the first quarter did not bring results, in fact it was the Pioneers that led after kicking very accurately and making the most of their opportunities. This was a trend that would unfortunately continue throughout the day. The Bloods certainly didn't bring the 'A game' and were punished accordingly. Whitehorse ran the ball out of the middle well and capitalised on our mistakes which were all too frequent. Morello continued to provide a good marking target up forward and even when double teamed came up with a strong mark or brought the ball to ground. The third quarter saw Warrandyte with the run of play early however when Naughtin went off with a broken jaw and we were left without a bench, Whitehorse lifted and used their posession very well continuing to mount scoreboard pressure. In the final term the Pioneers midfield ran hard to give their forwards every chance to kick away. The fifty point margin was not a true indication of a competitive match around the ground. Davey, Wood, Gordon and Stewart were among our better players. We will certainly go into Round 11 confident of turning the tables.
Whitehorse Pioneers - 20-3-123
Warrandyte - 10-13-73

The reserves match was a great game to watch with the scoreboard regularly ticking over in a see-sawing affair. Holland and Krios being late inclusions certainly proved to be a good decision kicking nine goals between them. The Bloods let Whitehorse take the lead in the third kicking six goals to four. The Warrandyte midfield, led by Rowdy Holman and Sean Donovan, got back on top clawing the margin back to within a point. It was however, the Pioneers day winning by 7 points.Better players for the Bloods; Holman, Vitiritti, Krios, Zach, Holland and Haskings.
Whitehorse Pioneers - 12-7-79
Warrandyte - 11-6-72

Under 18's Match Report - Brad Curtis
Our first game was against the team put forward as the competition bench mark after kicking 153 points in their first game. The first quarter was an even affair with not one goal kicked, but the Bloods were getting the upper hand with Mullet, Tom Dlabik and Ezbery pushing the ball forward. In the second quarter we finally found the goals to kick 3-2 to nothing. The third stanza was totally dominated by the Bloods kicking 6-2 to one point. In the final quarter Diesel rang the changes with Mullet, Hammer, Mitch Canham and Yarren Bektash having a rest. Highlights from the game included Kelly Beaumont's first kick being a goal (great to see you back); Brendan Zach's third quarter; Tom's first half in the centre set it all up for the rest of the game; Dion Mullet & Ezbery killed them across the ground and Paul Burgoyne just burnt everybody. It was a great team effort and it's good to see Dan, Kelly, Jess, Steve & Tully back and debuts with the Bloods from Cal, Jake, Ben, Luke D, Matt D, Brendan and Tom.
Warrandyte - 11-14-80
Whitehorse Pioneers - 2-5-17

On Saturday May 6th over 450 people will celebrate 100 year's of the Warrandyte Football Club. Founded in 1906 there is an amazing history that has been captured and published in a Centenary History book to be launched at the dinner. The evening will be held at Manningham Function Centre who provide unrivalled service and attention to detail and one of Melbourne's most stunning views. Clinton Grybas of Foxtel & 3AW will be Master of Ceremonies and entertainment includes a traditional Aboriginal welcome, band, special presentations and AFL guest speaker. Tickets are $80, or $100 including a history book, includes a four course meal and open bar. Arrival time is 7pm for a 7:30pm start.

Festival Fizzer - April 8th, 2006

Off the field, what could go wrong, did go wrong! Our much anticpiated centenary celebrations didn't go to plan. The aboriginal involvement was a late withdrawl from the program due to political unrest in the Botanical Gardens, technical difficulties played havoc with our national anthem and the weather was not on our side. On the positive note a 'healthy' crowd watched 3 wins from 3 games and 2006 was off to a winning start.
Whilst it wasn't an official match the unders weren't holding back and had a great hit out with Chirnside Park. The late withdrawl of Eastern Lion's under 18 side would have left both teams sitting idle on Saturday morning so a last minute game was arranged. The boys slowy came together as a unit and ran away comfortable winners. Both sides had key players missing and we look forward to the rematch in three weeks.
The reserve's had an unsettled preparation with an uncertain line-up, Thursday night selection was no easy task. Kicking with the wind in the first quarter the Bloods squandered many opportunites and the Eastern Lions went into the first break in a good position. As Warrandyte was getting on top and kicking ahead against the wind, the second stanza was marred by a cowardly king hit behind play which developed into an 'all in' that temporarily stopped play. Both captains decided to bring half time forward and when the game resumed the Bloods continued to forge ahead. A good fight back saw the Lions come within a goal, however it was Warrandyte taking the points and will certainly look to improve in the coming rounds.
In the main game Eastern won the toss and kicked with a strong wind. A fast opening soon settled into an end to end contest which was hampered by the conditions. The Lions went into the break with a two goal lead and Warrandyte came out in the second term and 'blazed away'. Whilst kicking five goals to nil, if the ball was used properly this should of been more. A six goal to two third quarter had the Lions in front at three quarter time but it was never going to be a big enough lead with the wind still present. Two loose men in defence for both sides resulted in kick to kick between the half back lines and one wonders how this was ever going to win Eastern the game. The Bloods running out victors by 3 goals. First use Moose 'dicked' them in the ruck, Morrello bagged 6 and Green 5. Other good players for Warrandyte were Grybas, Treeby, Reid, Naughtin, Logan & Wood.

Just Enough - March 25th, 2006

After a solid performance against Templestowe, our second practice match against North Coburg, was uninspiring. Although it was another win, the attack on the ball dropped away and numbers to each contest not up to expectation. The merits of a simple game plan were highlighted when put into practice and it was our high fitness level that eventually saw us overrun North Coburg in 30 degree heat. Again missing ten regular firsts players the young Bloods, including Under 18's Luke Ezbery and Joe O'Mara, stepped up and showed they are able to more than hold their own at senior level.

Dragons Slayed - March 19th, 2006

It's always good to get the first hit out underway and playing on a surface like Arden Street makes it even better. The Under 18's teamed up well and showed some fantastic passages of play with quick hands and good skills. They will certainly give it a shake this year. Games traffic didn't help the numbers in the reserve's but a solid performance by the experienced faces and good signs from the new brigade will take some confidence into the coming weeks. The seniors dominated Templestowe in the centre with clean hands and good delivery to the forwardline. Both sides were missing their ruckmen which no doubt added to the scrappy football displayed. Solid performances by our recruits and players returning to the club has provided a confidence lacking over recent years. Granted Templestowe were missing 4 or 5 regular senior players but we also went in without some of our best; Wood, Holman, Dick, Dart, Kearney, Wheatley, Templeton, Gordon, McAdam, Bourke, Richardson, Potter & Ellis. An exciting season lays ahead.

The Old Firm - March 5th, 2006

Unfortunately too many of our past players drift away after hanging up their boots. In 2006 the club has endeavoured to right this wrong. McCartin, Quinlan and Valentine, names synonymous with Warrandyte Football Club during the 90's have all been appointed to coaching roles for the coming season.
Glen McCartin (Conan), a 1993 premiership player, will be assistant coach to Peter Green focusing on specialist training and skills development. Chris Quinlan (Boot), a premiership player in '99 and our leading goalkicker of that year, has been appointed Chairman of Selectors calling the shots on match day. As announced earlier Brad "Diesel" Valentine is at the helm of our Under 18 squad.
With the return of premiership players Ash Grybas and Aaron Woolley, a winning culture is being bred into the young playing list. In the hands of the 'old firm' we can expect big things from the Bloods in '06.

Tribute to Tindale - February 8th, 2006

More than 150 friends and colleagues filled the WFC Social Rooms to pay their respects to Lee Tindale. Junior President Dennis Hoiberg and Warrandyte Diary editor Cliff Green reflected on the life and career of Lee who came to Melbourne and Warrandyte from Western Australia. Lee's coverage of the football, cricket, netball, basketball and tennis clubs in Warrandyte was extraordinary and always hot off the press. Lee, who also wrote the Smokey Joe column, will be sorely missed around the club and the community. We bid farewell to a friend.

25 enthusiastic Bloods players headed into Punt Road oval on Friday to make use of the Richmond Football Club's facilities. Under the tutelage of Tiger's boxing and weights trainer, John Vickery, the boys were put through a rigorous 70 minute boxing circuit and 20 minute swim recovery. It is fair to say that the recovery session has continued over the weekend. The Club would like to thank Stephen Bell for his assistance in bringing the session to fruition.

Under 18 Coach Appointed - January 2006

We are pleased to annouce Brad Valentine as our Under 18's coach for season 2006. A distinguished player with the Bloods, "Sweetpea" debuted in 1991 at age 16 and continued to play regular senior football in 1992. At the ripe age of 18 he was a key member of the 1993 premiership team. After a short stint at Bacchus Marsh, Brad returned to the Bloods in 1996 playing until he retired after the 1999 premiership win. Pea's football experience and knowledge will be fantastic for this year's Under 18's and Colts sides. Aided by his assistant coach Mark Watson it should be an exciting year ahead for the young Bloods!

42 degree's, the eskies stacked and the barbie fired up. The scene was set for the innaugural Twenty20 Cup between WFC & WCC. The cricket club batted first and scoring at almost ten an over set the footy club 198 for the loss of 8 wickets. Dropping 16 catches certainly didn't help our cause. Digby and Tuckers set a solid platform but a middle order collapse made the run chase out of our reach. Bluey Bourke helped make the score look respectable - 14/172.
Congratulations to the Cricket Club who helped put on a great day. Unfortunately the skipper broke the trophy within minutes of the presentation! We look forward to next year which is sure to be bigger and better than 06.

Season 2006 Begins - November 2005

It seems like only a couple of weeks since our last training run yet preseason has already commenced. Last Monday, the 28th, 38 players hit the track to kick off the 2006 campaign. It was great to see so many young fresh faces which generated good enthusiasm. The lack of 'senior' faces was notable and with the sessions Greeny has planned in the new year the boys will need to do some work over Christmas in preparation.

There are six training sessions before the break, culminating in a joint session, BBQ and Xmas drinks with the cricket club on Thursday December 14th. All supporters are welcome.