Footy Manager’s Report – Semi Finals

In the words of the famous narrator Robin, “Holy Toledo Batman, the Under 12 Girls are the real deal”.

Meet Olivia Gregoriades, or Batman to her team mates and coach. As there was already an Olivia in the team, Batman was asked what nickname she might like and she chose Batman. At each huddle yesterday during the do or die semi the words of encouragement were directed at the stealth like movement of the key position ball magnet, you were fantastic yesterday Batman.

Not to be outdone, Mia Kennedy and Olivia Reynolds showed the older boys present the art of tackling. I feel these two young ladies join in with the Under 13 lads during preseason so their head down approach rubs off – clearly both have older brothers. Daisy Flockart and Georgia Morison had the jets on and dominated the midfield.

On the final siren yesterday I saw unbridled joy from several girls who did cartwheels onto the ground, speeches from Super coach Leigh Witney then something I have never seen in football, these little beauties handed to the girls instead of the bag of snakes, PURE GENIUS!!

Following the Girls game, word filtered back that the Under 17 boys had also booked themselves into the grand final, after some tense minutes with only 17 on the ground due to a yellow card. The lads fell across the line to win in a classic over Waverley Hawks. They will need to wait until next week to see who they play in the Granny, well done to Andy, Scotty and a great young group of boys.

With a smile on my face I went along to Princes Park to watch the Under 11 D5 team tear up the grass. These lads would be formidable in Div 1; they never take a backward step and link well beyond their years. Midfield gun, Josh Cameron, hit a left foot pass that any AFL player would have been proud of, 35 meters on the run. Not surprising his midfield mates got on the express to the Grand Final and made sure anyone in their way had to earn the right to touch the ball.

The Caulfield Bears had no answer to the likes of big Josh Haine at CHF and Angus Hill. Between them they kicked 10 goals. Paddy McConville mopping up across half back, Jonty McKimm on the wing, Fletcher Hall in the pivot with Harry Hill leading the charge. Well done to every boy, we look forward to seeing you run around next week.

I then went back to the Boss and watched some Under 17 Div 1 footy. It was fast and entertaining, ideal conditions for a great Melbourne day. The smell of cut grass and the sun shining and our youth doing what they love.

The League has given us all a treat next Sunday. The Girls play their final at 8.45am at King George Reserve, Bentleigh. This will be followed by the Under 11 lads at the same venue the very next game at 10.45am.

Let’s hope for a 2 from 2 approach and the boys and girls get to sing the song like never before.

Always remember…

PASSION – TEAMWORK- FUN – RESPECT

Have a great week all.

GO ROVERS
Caggs