I have held off 24 hours this week so I could add a little at the end, I needed to see the outcome prior to a mention of a Rover or two that played yesterday.
Let’s have a look at the week and how it unfolded.
I dropped down to the Boss Thursday night to deliver something and the U15 lads had just finished training, Paul Golding was laying out an extension cord, I was intrigued what he was doing, he told me he had said to the D1 team they could shave his head if they beat Beaumaris the week before, always a man of his word, the 15s got to and gave the coach a buzz with the #2.
Not something I would recommend to the girls U10 coach Sean Brady, nice one Goldy.
After that the coaches and several TMs had dinner at Hobsons in Sandy. We invited Lance Pacione, ex AFL player to give us an insight to his background and the anxiety and mental health issues he faced. Lance, as mentioned last week, is the founder of Love Me Love You and they have several experts working with groups nationwide, Lance has programs that are aimed at clubs like ours that help children feel far better about themselves and help parents/coaches/TMs identify warning signs of members doing it tough.
Stand by for more news about the program as will be looking into this in 2020.
Following Lance, each Coach or Age Group squad manager got up and gave an overview of the year thus far starting with U8 and ending with U18 Girls, time well spent and the changing face from one year to another was evident for all present to see the challenges associated.
On Saturday I popped down and watched some history in the making, the VAFA Rovers Ladies won a semi-final, I loved the spirit that only the girls bring with the club song. Paul Curry has done a super job in only 2 years to get the ladies to play finals. A highlight of mine already in 2020 will see some of our junior girls progress to play VAFA, this will be a milestone for the junior/senior connection that has never been experienced.
Rovers Senior Women
Around the grounds
Firstly, a huge congratulations to the U8 teams as they embark on their first Lightning Carnival this Sunday, what a great success the season has been. Our U9 teams also play their LC this week and being veterans of one year understand the thrill of the day, we wish all 5 teams the best.
The mighty U10s went about their Sunday last week and loved every second, Steve and Michael once again showed what the Rover spirit is all about playing against each other in the battle of Ludstone, mark 2.
Sean’s Under 10 Roses had another great day.
The U11 D3 had a good win, Ben’s team went down but left nothing in the tank.
U12 Girls also had a game against each other, plenty of respect shown although the scoreboard indicated otherwise. Keep up the grand spirits, great to see the girls train at Trevor Barker Reserve and enjoy a meal on Tuesday night.
U12 boys in D1 and D6 had good wins, these teams are going along nicely. With both inside the top 4 and finals bound.
U13 D2 fell just short on Ormond and D5 went down to Sth Melb by 4-5 goals in a hard fought encounter.
U14 Girls in D2 went down to Port by several goals and the D5 team played the Sharks and lost by 3 goals, well done girls.
U14 D1 drew with Sharks in what was a war like zone, fast, hard, competitive, good thing the Author didn’t drop dead with 20 seconds to go. D5 purring along nicely, sitting 2 games clear.
U15 lads in D1 understand what footy is about after playing St Kilda City (mind you we had a few handy soldiers out), D3 went down but D4 got up in a great boost for the lads.
U16 Girls at Zebs had a great win in D1 over the Waverley Hawks.
U16 D3 lads had a huge win over the Beena, Andy has these guys primed even though half the team is on BGS camp this Sunday.
U17 Lads went down to Mordi Brae in a game the lads needed to win to play finals.
U18 Girls had a day of reflection, they reflected why they bothered to get outta bed! Never mind girls, the exercise was worth it.
U19 Lads kept the winning vibe going, great to see them beat Pegs away.
OK, the last thing that I was happy to see was several SMJFL lads that go to St Bede’s Collage, Mentone win the Herald Shield Yesterday the first time in the colleges history. 420 schools across the state enter for the right to play off and the Beda beat St Pats, Ballarat at Trevor Barker Oval yesterday by 14 pts.
Yes, there was 1 or 2 Rovers amongst them, Miles Bergman (Rover) won the Norm Smith, well done to everyone.
Great week had, good luck everyone this weekend.
Cheers
Caggs
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