Round 1 Match Review, 2023
Senior Men's Match Report
Brought to you by BDEL
Old Haileybury 07.11-53
St Kevin's 7.12-54
After a very successful 2022 and a hard pre-season our Senior Men played their first game in Premier A Grade since 2011.
First up for our group was the reigning premier in St Kevins. We were confident that if we played the footy that makes us a good team, we could come away with the 4 points. We received great support from all that gathered at Princess Park and hopefully we have the same turnout to all our games at Princess Park.
The game started with us kicking to the scoring end, but we were unable to convert the opportunities we created. Our opposition got us on the rebound a couple of times and went into quarter time with a lead of 12 points. Our workrate was acceptable but we needed to not cough the ball up and give it back to them. Pleasingly our pressure increased in the 2nd quarter and despite going into the breeze at half time the margin remained at 2 goals.
It was important that our group stayed locked in and concentrated on what had kept us in the game to this stage and that was our ability to put pressure on them and restrict their ball movement.
The start of the 3rd quarter and the predicted rain had arrived so it was going to be a slog and would be a territory battle.
Both teams could only manage 1 goal for the quarter and again St Kevins had remained in front by 12 points with a quarter to go.
Our aim heading into the last quarter was to increase our pressure and take our opportunities in front of goal.
In the end we finished 1 point short and missed out on grabbing the 4 points.
The effort from the entire group was fantastic and they performed well enough to get the win. If we keep that level of footy up week in week out, we will achieve what we are after in 2023.
Individually Durras Seccull was massive for us all day. With the unavailability of Bradtke and Trevo a late withdrawal we were short a recognised ruckman and he filled the role well. He was supported on the day by Will Gown and 1st gamer Harry Jones. Harry, Luke Bailey, and Charlie Sinclair all pulled the boots on for the Bloods for the first time and all showed that they a fantastic future with us.
Our backline held up all day against a dangerous forward line. Will Paul and Nathan Dowsett blanketed their opponents and won or halved crucial contests. Jimmy Paul and Brodie Steele showed great leadership and were both a constant threat with ball in hand. Liam Kirkwood Scott, Rayner Seccull and Rosey also competed hard and gave everything on the day.
As mentioned, our midfield was at a disadvantage less a recognised ruck but worked well to surge the ball forward at every opportunity.
Brede Seccull & Josh Gasparini set the standard in the middle for Luke Bailey, Corey Rich and Max Sievers to follow. On the wing Nick Gooda and Pete Gleadhill were great contributors. Our forward line performed great in tough conditions to bring the ball to ground and compete when outnumbered at times. Sam Loewe, Dre, Corey Connelly, and Jack Munro were a threat to our opposition all day.
Although we did not come away with the win the effort was sensational, and we look forward to getting our first win on the board when we take on Old Brighton away this Saturday.
Go Bloods.
See you at the footy.
Men's Reserves Match Report
Brought to you by William Buck
St Kevin's 11.07-73
Old Haileybury 4.5-29
Round 1 vs St Kevin’s: A Great Start for Old Haileybury Reserves
It feels great to be back! Old Haileybury started the season with a game against a strong St Kevin’s reserves side. Despite what the scoreboard says, we did not disappoint.
However, we faced unexpected challenges leading up to the game. Between Tuesday night and Saturday, eight of our reserves players were unable to play. So, we had to scramble, do the ring around and get a blokes in to give us a chop out. All three guys played a vital role and we are thankful. We want to thank these guys for their support.
The first quarter saw our reserves side start slowly, as they were obviously blowing out the cobwebs, which allowed St Kevin’s to score two quick goals. However, for the remainder of the quarter, we matched them, winning the ball at the coal face and putting some serious pressure on them.
In the second quarter, St Kevin’s had the wind advantage, which helped them capitalize on their opportunities. Despite a barrage of forward entries, our backline held up beautifully, led by Cooper Nolan.
The third quarter was when our reserves side really stepped up and showed the St Kevin’s crew what we're all about. Although we have room for improvement with our forward entries, we still played well.
The fourth quarter was a battle to the final siren, and it was great to see the boys play their first game of the season despite a shortened preseason for most.
Overall, there was a lot to like about our first performance. The boys were incredibly competitive and easily won the contested game on the day. We will work on tidying up our ball movement and making some minor adjustments, which will all come with time. There was a great feeling in the rooms post-game, and we think it's safe to say that the Magoo's have turned a new leaf this year.
We're looking forward to the challenge of playing Brighton this coming weekend!
Go Bloods!
Best Players: Jesse Laity, Liam Wood, Cooper Nolan, Keaton Law, Jacob Gown, and Jordan Johnston.
Goals: Ben O’Leary, Jacob Gown, Cooper Nolan, and Jack Hardeman.
Women's Match Report
Brought to you by 13CABS
Round 1 vs St Mary’s Salesian
Old Haileybury 16.07-103
St Mary's Salesian 04.01-25
After a very strong pre-season, the Hearts girls were full of enthusiasm for the round 1 home game against St Mary’s. Due to the injury of our captain, Junior ( Bridget Hanrahan ) , Tay stepped up as Captain for the day. It was extremely pleasing that 7 girls pulled on the Hearts jumper for the very first time. This included 5 players who are still at school which bodes really well for the future. The senior players got right around the young girls and made them all feel welcome and also looked after them throughout the day.
St Mary’s won the toss and elected to kick with the breeze. They kicked a goal in the first 90 seconds of the game to send a strong message to our group. If anything, this shook the Hearts into action and from that moment on our girls were sensational. Holly was winning the taps and giving first use to Tay, Mim, Eloise and Ella who were all hard at the contest and giving us lots of forward entries. Bella and Rache were presenting up forward and took strong marks as they were suited by our long and direct game style. Our backs, led by Hoy and Peta held up pleasingly to stop the attempts of St Mary’s to hit the scoreboard. We went into the first change 14 points in front.
With the use of the breeze in the second quarter, the Hearts continued with a determined attack at the contest. We had lots of run all over the ground and our girls were linking up and working together as a team. At half time we were in a solid position with a 27 point lead. Our girls knew that the 3rd quarter was about limiting opposition scoring attempts as they were aided by the wind. Our backs did a super job to nullify many St Mary’s forward entries and were well led by the experienced Peta, Loz, Gracie, Macca and Maddie who rebounded really well off the half back line. Our mids and wings were continuing to work together and run hard with strong tackling a highlight of the quarter.
We decided in our chat at ¾ time to go all out attack and play surge football in the last quarter. Our girls knew they had the fresh legs with 6 rotations on the interchange and wanted to hit the scoreboard with full force. What a pleasure it was to watch as the Hearts were playing a very exciting brand of football. Holly was putting it down the throats of our mids led by Mim, Tay, Ella and Eloise who were running hard and driving the ball deep into our forward line. Bella was marking everything within reach and Jemima and our other small forwards were playing the front and centre role to perfection. The Hearts banged on 8 goals for the quarter to take our score over 100 for the first time ever and ran away very comprehensive winners by 77 points.
This was a very impressive team performance with contributions from every single player that pulled on the Hearts jumper. Special mentions to Mim who played in the midfield and kicked 4 goals, Tay who also played in the middle and kicked 2. Bella was super up forward and kicked 3 goals for the day and 2 of our debutantes in Bridie and young Jemima ( in year 10 at Haileybury ! ) played great games and each kicked 2. Holly was also exceptional, positioning herself well around the ground and rucking without rotation all game. We all look forward to the twilight game vs Old Brighton next Saturday which is a special one for the Hearts group as it’s the Frawley-Grant game.
Go Hearts !
Under 19's Match Report
Brought to you by KPA Law
Round 1 vs Hampton Rovers
Old Haileybury 8.05-53
Hampton Rovers 17.15-117
The under 19’s played their first game of the season against a very strong Hampton Rovers side that had played finals in 2022. The signs were promising as we went into the first break with a slight lead. Unfortunately, we let Hampton Rovers off the chain in the second term and were unable to stop the flood of goals. They kicked 10 goals to 2 goals.
To the guy’s credit they came out after half time and had a real crack, turning their game around and halving the next 2 quarters. The positive is that for 3 quarters we matched a really strong outfit, and we now have a focus of making sure we are able to shut down a side if they get a run on going.
A big congratulations to all the young men who debuted for Old Haileybury on the weekend, I look forward to watching you guys become the senior stars of the future