Warrandyte FC - Home of the Bloods

Warrandyte have started the 2010 season with a convincing win against Whitehorse Pioneers on Saturday. In front of a sizeable crowd at Warrandyte Reserve, the Bloods led from start to finish, eventually recording a 58 point victory. The Pioneers have become something of an arch-rival in recent years, and the Bloods have generally had the upper hand, winning the 2006 Division Four Premiership and more recently the 2009 First Semi-Final. Despite having the wood over the Pioneers, Warrandyte’s recent disappointing form in practice matches against Tarwin and Glen Waverley meant the Bloods were very conscious not to underestimate their Round One opponents.

The Bloods received a rousing reception from the parochial Warrandyte crowd as they took to the field for the first time in 2010, but it was a rather lacklustre first quarter, with neither side particularly clean with their ball movement in the opening minutes. As play settled Warrandyte were able to break forward through quick hands from Matt Wood and a penetrating kick from Ben Reid and first gamer Glenn Archer marked strongly in the forward pocket before calmly slotting through Warrandyte’s first goal. Later in the quarter goals to livewire forward pocket Steve Christopher and Mick Morello took Warrandyte to a handy twenty point quarter time lead.

The second quarter saw Warrandyte slip back into some old habits, with poor decision making causing several unnecessary turnovers. Through the midfield, young gun Ross Ansaldi was mopping up at ground level and Adam Tsapatsaris and Grant McAdam were both racking up possessions floating across half back, however some basic mistakes hampered Warrandyte’s entry into the forward line. Fortunately, Whitehorse failed to fully capitalise on Warrandyte’s sloppy second term, with inaccurate kicking in blustery conditions. Whitehorse registered 3.6 for the quarter, to Warrandyte’s equally inaccurate 2.4, giving the Bloods a two goal half time margin.

At half time Warrandyte coach Michael Tout reminded his players of the hard work they had all put in over pre-season and asked them to commit to overrunning Whitehorse in the second half. “Keep running, keep taking risks, just make sure you use the ball properly” said Tout.

In the third quarter Warrandyte were able to gain the ascendancy as the game started to open up. Whitehorse players were struggling to stay accountable against a fitter Warrandyte side, with Warrandyte backs such as Dion Mullet-Treloar and Matt Feben regularly running off their opponents to provide uncontested options further up the ground. The Warrandyte ball movement also became sharper, with less unforced errors and more run from behind. Goals to Dan Large and Steve Christopher widened the Warrandyte lead, then Archer marked strongly in the square and duly kicked his second. Two quick goals to Whitehorse kept them in the contest before late goals from Lee Evans and veteran Matt Wood gave Warrandyte a 34 point break going into the last quarter.

The final term saw Warrandyte further increase their lead, with many forays forward starting from the Warrandyte’s dominant backline – one of the features of the side’s success in 2009 and once again looking to be a strength in 2010. The last quarter saw the Bloods kick seven goals to the Pioneers’ three, with Christopher bobbing up for another two opportunistic goals to take his tally to six for the day. Archer kicked his third and fourth out of the goal square before diving full length across a Whitehorse boot in a desperate smother attempt and receiving an inadvertent kick to the head. Stretchered from the ground in front of a concerned crowd, Archer thankfully was not seriously injured and was soon up and about celebrating the Warrandyte victory. Dan Large calmly slotted through the resultant free kick and the Bloods ran out victors to the tune of 58 points.

After a solid pre-season training campaign, and with the inclusion of several new players to the Warrandyte side that reached a preliminary final in 2009, hopes are high amongst supporters for further a successful 2010. First gamers Cam Van Florestein, from Croydon, and Clint Kennedy, from Rye, showed plenty of promise on Saturday, while Flynn Jarvis, Paul Burgoyne and Justin Khouri also impressed after stepping up from Warrandyte’s Reserves and Under 18 sides. Jarvis provides a secondary ruck option while Burgoyne is an in and under player, and Khouri a stocky leading forward. Van Florestein is a ruckman or centre half forward with strong hands, while Kennedy is a strong marking forward who provides valuable experience to a young Warrandyte side.

Coach Michael Tout was pleased with the improvement shown in his side after disappointing practice match performances in recent weeks. “I’m happy with the result today” said Tout after the game, “but there is still a long way to go if we want to match it with the top sides in this division. This is a good start but that’s all it is, a start.”

Warrandyte travel to Coldstream next week to take on a team that have reportedly recruited well over the pre-season and who traditionally have proved very hard to beat on their home turf.

Warrandyte 17.15-117 – def Whitehorse 8.11-59

Goal Kickers: S. Christopher 6, G. Archer 4, L. Evans 2, D. Large 2, M. Wood, M. Morello, A. Tsapatsaris
Best Players: R. Ansaldi, B. Reid, S. Christopher, D. Mullett Treloar, A. Tsapatsaris, G. McAdam

Reserves Start Strongly
April 12th, 2010 - Round 1

Warrandyte Reserves also registered a win in their Round One clash against Whitehorse. The Warrandyte side has been in good form in their pre-season matches, with a respectable loss against a higher ranked opposition in Eltham Panthers followed by convincing wins against Tarwin and Glen Waverley.

Warrandyte 200 game veteran and premiership player Ash Grybas took the reins of the Reserves side following the departure of ‘09 coach Adam Hinds, and with a long list of players to choose from, it was a strong Warrandyte side selected for Saturday’s game against the Pioneers.

The first quarter saw a sluggish start from the Bloods, winning a lot of the ball through the middle of the ground but unable to capitalise on the scoreboard. At quarter time the Bloods were in front by the narrowest of margins, 2.2 to Whitehorse 2.1.

In the second term, Warrandyte started to gain the ascendancy, with some quick ball movement and overlapping handballs creating some sharp passages of play from the backline through to the forward fifty. Clever use of the ball and clean skills saw the Warrandyte midfielders begin to dominate their Whitehorse opponents, and as the game began to open up, the delivery into the Warrandyte forward line also improved. Adam Gamble and James Logan were providing dual targets up forward, with seventeen year old Liam Whitfield also presenting strongly. Late quarter goals to ruckman Dave Hand and big centre half forward Hamish Hosking sent the Bloods to the half time break with a 19 point advantage.

A third quarter highlight saw Brendan Zach take a big ride on a Whitehorse opponent’s shoulders to take a sensational mark, while the Warrandyte backline continued to repel any Pioneer attacks. Tim Hookey, in his first game for the Bloods, took several strong contested marks at centre half back, while Caleb Atkinson, in his first game out of the Under 18s, was racking up possessions in the centre square. Further goals to Gamble, Hand and Hosking, and running goals to Opteynde and Konrad off each wing saw the bloods take a 48 point lead to three quarter time; 12.8 to Whitehorse 4.8.

The final term delivered more of the same, with a hard running Warrandyte side beating their Whitehorse opponents to the ball and then using it more effectively once in possession. A five goal to one final quarter resulted in a final score of Warrandyte 17.8-110 to Whitehorse 5.9-39.

Warrandyte 17.8-110 def. Whitehorse 5.9-39

Goal Kickers: A. Gamble 4, D. Hand 3, J. Logan 2, H. Hosking 2, L. Whitfield 2, G. Carle, T. Konrad, B. Opteynde, C. Atkinson
Best Players: T. Hookey, B. Zach, D. Hand, H. Hosking, C. Atkinson, A. Gamble

Bloods Back in Action
February 28th, 2010

Playing a practice match in February wasn't going to be a problem with the fitness regime that Warrandyte's coaches had invoked during the preseason. That said the players were grateful the weather had been kind and it wasn't nudging 40C. Both sides, and the crowd, paid their respects with a minutes silence followed by the National Anthem and when the Victorian Police helicopter took to the skies after dropping off the match ball it was game time.

After refusing to participate in the warmups including a jog around the square, big Monkhorst started in the ruck and was unmovable. The attack on the football early was eager to say the least. Not surprisingly Glenn Archer was leading the way hitting the packs hard and setting the example for his new teammates to follow.

Eltham who had more of the footy in the first quarter had many forward forays which were on the most part repelled by a new look defence. Warrandyte kicking with the aid of the wind took some time to get clear possession and squandered opportunities with poor disposal. The Bloods looked better when they didn't have the pill with constant pressure of the carrier and strong shepards. Of course with a number of new faces in the red and white this season it was always going to take some time for the Bloods to gel.

Trying to curtail Eltham's attack with the wind in the second term the team locked down well when required. As the match continued the game started to open up and it was a good spectacle for a 3,000 strong crowd. Good flowing passages of play which often included the past AFL 'Legends' was great for local footy.

Attrition was a factor for most of the players over thirty. Grant and Wood the exceptions. The scoreboard was close all day and although trailing at three quarter time Warrandyte had no doubt surprised a few against a Division One club. Tout was almost apathetic about the result and asked Mick Martyn to address the players at the break. A humorous speech that gave anyone but a defender a spray was received well.

A potential blow out to Eltham in the last quarter did not eventuate with a tenacious Warrandyte playing some good football and certainly holding their own. A late goal to the Panthers saw them victorious by two goals. Both coaches would have surely been happy with the hit out.

Although missing four seasoned senior players the Bloods unveiled some new talent which is certain to make an impression on Third Division this season. Holman and Wheatley performed well along with Large and Feben who were at the club in '09. The recent recruit who had the Warrandyte faithful talking was strong marking Clint Kennedy who played a solid game. Glenn Archer who required four stitches will certainly have some sides second guessing as he doesn't know how to take a backward step.

Great Day for a Great Cause
February 28th, 2010

More than 3,000 people flocked to Eltham's Central Park to watch Warrandyte take on Eltham in the first practice match of 2010. The ground was in magnificent condition and with Nathan Thompson, Damian Monkhorst, Adam Simpson, Shannon Grant and Glenn Archer taking the field, the scene was set for a fantastic day.

But the footy was really a sideshow. The real reason we were there was for Maddison. The Black Saturday fires that ravaged Victoria in 2009 had sadly orphaned Maddison at age 12. Not only had she lost both parents and her young sister, Maddy suffered burns to 50% of her body. Frequent visits to hospital and surgery are already something Maddison has had to come to terms with as she requires regular skin grafts and treatment.

Warrandyte coach Michael Tout heard of Maddison's plight and made contact with Paul Kemenzsy's, the police officer who rescued Maddison on that horrific day. Touty wanted to make a significant contribution to Maddy's future and suggested Warrandyte play a practice match with Eltham. From this point the idea became a reality and snowballed to become a major community event.

With fantastic support from local businesses and volunteers, Victoria Police, Eltham Football Club and Eltham Cricket Club, we ran a very successful day raising more than $50,000. Further to this a swimming pool, landscaping and various other donations have taken the total passed $110,000. A contribution that is sure to make a positive difference to Maddison's future.

Warrandyte Football Club would like to thank all businesses and personel who donated their produce and time to this wonderful cause. A very rewarding event that we look forward to in 2011.

AGP OAM
February 16th, 2010 - from the Warrandyte Diary

Warrandyte resident Anthony Giles-Peters (pictured) has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his services to people with a physical disability, working through the Australian Ventilator Users Network (AVUN).

"I am surprised and honoured by this award, and also take it as recognition of AVUN and the many people who have contributed to the organisation over the years," Mr Giles-Peters co-founded the network in 1989 to provide a self-help and advocacy group for people who rely on ventilators for life support. He has been president since 1991.

While self-help remain the core of the network's functions, it has undertaken a strong advocacy role, contributing to government reviews and working to ensure that ventilator users receive medical and community support.

In the early 1990s, AVUN worked alongside the HIV/AIDS lobby in a campaign to save the Fairfield Hospital, concerned that if the hospital were closed, the multi-disciplinary team supporting ventilator users would be lost. "When Fairfield Hospital eventually closed, AVUN represented the interests of ventilator users in their move from Fairfield to the Bowen Centre at the Austin Hospital," Mr Giles-Peters said.

Since 1996, much of the network's energies have been focused on developing community based, supported accommodation for ventilator users. "After more than 10 years work, the Ventilator Accommodation Support Service opened in 2007 in Thornbury," Mr Giles-Peters said.

The support service comprises four houses providing long-term accommodation and respite. "A number of the people who use the service came from the Fairfield Hospital. They had been living in institutions for decades.

"The service provides a real home where residents direct the support they need," Mr Giles-Peters said. Residents have a role in the direction of the service and can participate in the life of the broader community.

Mr Giles-Peters remains chairman on the Support Service steering committee, allowing him to oversee the initiative. The service is funded by state government and staffed by Yooralla.

Anthony has lived in Warrandyte since 1978 and is a life member of the Warrandyte Football Club. He was secretary of the club for eight years. "My experience with the Warrandyte Football Club later helped me in setting up AVUN and applying for incorporation," he said.

In addition to his voluntary work with AVUN, Mr Giles-Peters is employed part-time as a disability advocate. He still manages to attend most of the football club's senior games.

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