Wow, what a weekend! They say a week is a long time in football. Don’t worry about a week, our Club evolves every day.
Firstly, when Carlton go back to back, it is a great weekend, but when they beat Collingwood, that is a Bl…dy GREAT weekend.
I had many highlights this past 4 days, none better than Ava Hales (below with coach Gareth Adams) securing the ball at a hotly contested centre clearance, bursting through the pack, calmly taking two bounces and slotting one post high from 40 on the move. I’m talking stealth-like movement. 100+ game type stuff! The Under 16 ladies are here and they are hungry to learn. This is not kick and giggle as it was in the past, they see this sport as something mainstream and very much alive. The crowd appreciated the efforts, the skill was raw and on the improve by the day.
400+ at The Boss on Friday night to witness the 2 x Under 15 Div 1 teams face off for the first time. 40+ lads from within the neighbourhood, Mate V Mate with funds raised going to the Will Murray Foundation. Will continues to inspire the community and his army of friends turned up to see a high spirited game played in the best possible way, hard at it, skilled and fast. Every boy wearing a Rovers jumper or a Zebbies one played for the front of the jumper and not the back.
Daniel’s Under 15 Div 4 team had a large win against Ajax with many lads posting names on the goal kickers list, great stuff guys. Very happy you are all loving your footy no matter what colour shorts you wear.
The Under 9 Pie night last Thursday was great fun. Castlefield is bursting at the seams with Under 8s and 9s on the track at the same time. The Under 9 teams sang the song loud and proud, both coaches in Al and Michael love the challenge and the lads are responding.
Under 10 squad keep moving forward and the enjoyment is plain and simple; well coached, great support from parents who understand what’s necessary to keep the status quo in check and keep the kids turning up and loving their sport, very simple really. Beside the seaside, beside the sea x 2 was sung!!
The Mighty Under 8 Squad had a mixed bag but all scoreboards showed 2 teams making major inroads. I saw Yellow and Blue play with Orange having a bye. This came at a good time as several members from an Under 9 teams were unavailable so the lads from Under 8 Orange played up and loved the new team environment.
Meet Gun young player, Tom Strickland from Under 8 Blue and his coach Andrew Kollmorgan. I asked Tom what he like about footy and he said, “I just love to run”. What a great answer. Andrew is doing a stirling job and all parents are invested in the game plan and equal game time that Andrew is meticulous in offering.
The Under 11 Crew went 1:1 – 1 win and 1 loss. Tim in Div 2 had a hard fought match against Bentleigh and Dave got the better of the Zebs at Chisholm. These lads are on a steep learning curve and the fast brand they play is great to watch.
The Under 12 Div 1 team were beaten by a very hungry and disciplined Zebbies team today. All good life lessons for the boys early in the year. Mike’s lads also went down but a close game was experienced and the lads enjoyed the day.
Under 13 Div 1 saluted the judge against Chelt. These lads have some spunk, plenty of multi colour boots and several sporting the head band. Growing up in the 70s and 80s only one player was allowed to wear a head band and he was my hero, Mr Bruce Doull. When Bruce pulled on his head band he became mythical, somewhat a plain man transforming into a Super hero. If the 15+ lads that have the fine multi-colour head bands from Under 12-16 can play like Mr Doull, Rovers will be in great shape.
Mr Doull
The Under 13 Crew
Under 13 Div 4 went down at Wattie Watson in an arm wrestle, Martin has these guys playing with plenty of spirit.
Angus’ lads had a day that you just put down to being out numbered and outclassed. The Under 14 lads can take plenty from this and no doubt never gave up.
Ralph’s lads struggled to get it together. The Great man was wondering what time a few got home from the party and a few looked like they were still at the party at the quarter time huddle. Sharp lesson for the Under 16 Div 1 team, come prepared or you will chase tail. The Div 3 team played their hearts out and rolled South Melbourne by plenty, well done guys.
I hope the parents of the Under 17 team haven’t paid for the airfares to Bali in September. Nick’s team only had 10 members 3 weeks ago but on Sunday they had 6 on the bench and rolled their prey in gravy and mopped it up with a seeded bun, medium well, a little pink inside.
What a great weekend. Rovers are at 423 members; we are on the build and we will be the club of choice within a year or two.
PASSION, TEAMWORK, FUN and RESPECT are they key drivers for our children’s development. Our coaches are empowered to not only educate on team football but be very strong on day to day life skills also.
Enjoy your week everyone.
Cheers Caggs
PS: Don’t forget Monday night Aths sessions starting at 4.00pm (U8 to U12) and 4.30pm (U13 to U17) at Sandy Aths track.
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