Ladder leaders St Bernards, playing at home against Old Carey, were expected to record another victory against the bottom of the ladder team, but no one told them!
After an even first half the visitors kicked away in the third term to have a handy 20 point lead going at the final break. Despite the goal of the year from Lachy McLeod, a fantastic crumbing goal from Bomber Cave and continuous attack on the goals from the home side, Carey were in front with less than 2 minutes remaining. Enter Libba, who recieved a hanball from Schrodes, took off on a run, bounced, kicked-and the home side hit the lead with 40 seconds remaining.
Other good contributors on the day were Joey Indo, Lossa Buckets and Andy Stapo who showed a great return to form following an injury plagued first half of the year.

Two's win again.
The ressies got away to a good start and led by 22 points at the first break, and slightly less at the main break. The second half saw us gradually creep further ahead to record a 42 point victory.
Simon Chatfield was great all day and finished with 4 majors, one less than Paddy Harris with 5. Jake Foulds played well again and David Blunt continues to show good form after being absent for most of the first half of the season. The highlight of the game came when big Al Mdehwa marked in the goal square with just 30 seconds remaining, and kicked truly to record his first goal in Aussie Rules.

.
The stakes were high ... top spot on the ladder and the coveted Justin 'Joc' O'Connor trophy up for grabs. In a high standard game with scores close all day it seemed that Bernards pace might break the game open but St Kevs kept coming and led by two goals 10 mins into the final stanza. But with 20 mins to play Bernards finally clicked into gear slamming on 7 goals and in the end storming away to a memorable victory at 'the Pit'!

Star veteran Ben Jordan and young veteran and acting Captain Chris Liberatore led the way but the kids followed with thunderous pace and passion. Luke O'Sullivan was in vintage form and capped off a great game with an 82 metre torpedo goal that thrilled 'the Pit' faithful. Joey Indomenico, Alex Singleton, Tom Overman,  Ryan Schroder, Steve Mitchell all did well as did Bocca and Clang with 5 majors. Debutant Chris Hoban kicked a goal with his first kick and aquited himself well as did Mick Malone who provided terrific physical presence.

Libba raises the 'JOC' to Bernards legend (late) Tubby Atkinson

Above: Raff Surrounded ... Tim Raffle weaves some magic through St Kevs on Saturday
Below: Tired but happy crew ... the Ressies after their big win over St Kevs

Pete van Meel had a few in the 1s and a couple missing but still had enough winners to overcome the Manningham Sharks by 51 pts at home on Saturday.

Brenton Cooper led the way with a BOG performance and was well supported by captain Dean Bergin along with Wil Overman, Damien Cribbin, James Molony and David Kavanagh

Best: Brenton Cooper, Wil Overman, Dean Bergin, Damien Cribbin, James Molony, David Kavanagh Goals: Kickers: J. Reid 3, J. Molony 2, D. Cribbin 2, D. Bergin, J. Liddle, D. Kavanagh, D. Lamanna

 

Brenton Cooper                                   Wil Overman

The Pups wer a little undermanned as well and faced up to a strong ladder leader Northern Bullants at the Pit Sat morning.

The boys showed some real pluck before going down by 5 straight goals. Coach Damien Sullivan was pleased with the endevour showed all day against strong opposition.

The Hordes were in it up to their ears at 3/4 time trailing by only 3 points but could not contain Old Melburnians in the final stanza before losing by 33 points.

Best and Goals to come

With 100 inside 50s the margin could have been anything but for inaccurate kicking for goal. In any case the Under 17s continued on their merry way with an emphatic 93 point victory and served notice to the rest of the competition that 'Bernards are going to be hard to toss as the season progresses

Our Best: Nick Shultz, Jack Wheeler, Luke Larson, Isaac Madden, Simon Caven, Keiren Farrell, Thomas Mason, James DeLeur, Jarrod Bye and Michael Turner. Multiple Goalkickers: Larson 4, Jones 2

.

Lachy McLeod, Tom Caven, Tom Overman

Bookings can be made via email to: pholland@transurban.com

Full Player Sposorhip details are outlined below Round 6 match reports ... If you can help call Snake Pearson on 0403 311533 or Dorianna Cooper on 0412 906144

Josh Madden leads the song after St Bernards big win over Old Camberwell

.

Pieter van meel's youngsters ran into a formidable Old Camberwell outfit at 'the Pit' on Saturday and suffered our first loss for the season.

After an even first quarter Old Camberwell shot out to a 7 goal lead at the main break, however the boys did not give up and fought back within striking distance in the third stanza, however, Old Camberwell simply proved too strong on the day running out 51 point winners at the final siren.

Our Best: Matt Soccio, Damien Cribbin, Jamie Liddle, Pat Gamwell, Dean Bergin, Rhys Lonergan

The hordes have been finding the jump to Division 1 this year is a big leap with one tough game after another and none tougher than the reigning premier Uni Blues.

After a poor start and trailing by 12 goals at the main break the Warriors rallied a little in the second half but could not convert forward thrusts onto the scoreboard. The early damage was severe and the hordes ended up 14 goals down at the siren.

Our Best: Adam Palmer, Tristan McGlade, Dane Evans, David Blunt, Gary Joseph, Justin Fistrovic

Sully's Pups ran into a rampant Oakleigh side at Oakleigh on Saturday and never quite recovered from the initial onslaught before copping a bit of a hiding at Scammel Reserve.

With such a young side form is always going to be mixed so hopefully the pups can bounce back after the break and score a few more wins. The important thing is the boys are getting valuable VAFA experience which will in the long run stand them in good stead as they progress into Under 19 and senior footy.

Our Best: Young Schultzy did well all day, Aaron Helenius was again terrific down back, Michael Kelly, B. Cooper, Michael Kavanagh and our man 'Pigga' Joe Pignataro made another strong contribution.

Our game against Braeside was played in perfect conditions at Walter Galt reserve Braeside. The Braeside boys whom were winless really came to play & kicked the first goal of the game within 8 second. They were fierce and put the Bernards boys under heaps of pressure. To our credit we did settle a lot better in the first quarter & led 6 goals to 3
 
Wil Sullivan whom I have coached previously was outstanding and gathered plenty of possessions Wil who suffered injury after injury last year is hopefully & finally over those niggles which brought his season to a massive halt last year (Well done Wil a super effort) Matthew Sargeant who played on ball & across half back was at his best stopping many forward entries. Sam Jones was super & took 8 great marks down forward when resting from his ruck duties, Andrew Mizzi just keeps on getting bettter & really reads the play well, Kieran Farrell racked up another 33 possessions playing a blinder in the centre, Kieran has plenty of stamina & runs all day.
 
Luke Larsen who has been getting plenty of it in previous weeks stood tall at centre half forward taking six marks & giving us a target up forward. Isaac Madden had plenty of it & his goal on quarter time was a 40 metre drop punt which left the boot beautifully. Keep concentrating Isaac & have the belief that you are a good kick.
 
Others to impress were Nick Schultz, Brad Cooper & Thomas Lynch whom all displayed great footy skills with hand & foot.Matthew Turner & Jack Saundry won plenty of the footy whilst rotating from the bench as well
 
Best: Will Sullivan, Matthew Sargeant, Sam Jones, Andrew Mizzi, Kieran Farrell, Luke, Larsen, Isaac Madden, Nick Schultz, Brad Cooper & Thomas Lynch. Goals: Sam Jones 4, Luke Larsen 2, Luke Sullivan 2, Andrew Mizzi, Sean Whyte, Isaac Madden, James Weir, Simon Caven, Will Sullivan, Jack Saundry & Jake van Meel all 1
 
As I have said before lets keep that winning feeling going as we have now won 3 on the trot & starting to play great team football. Its not often an opposition coach comes over & congratulates the team for the way we played. This week we play St-Kilda City please be at ground 11-15 for a 12-30 kick off - Mel Beyer

The football club provides over 400 boys and young men with an opportunity to play football every week.

Our players do not get paid, playing for the love of the game and the enjoyment of representing St Bernards in the prestigious VAFA competition. There is a fantastic atmosphere about the place which can be enjoyed on Thursday nights and match day luncheons and it is this environment that keeps our boys at Bernards.

Ex Players, Old Boys, Supporters ... your support is vital!
We have a young list with many players studying and looking for assistance on player subs via our player sponsorship packages.

St Bernards has a broad community base that recognises and supports our sponsors' businesses. With over 400 players this equates to exposure to 2500 plus locals who use the clubs facilities every week and thousands more who visit the high traffic St Bernards website. (Highest number of website visits in the VAFA)

All Sponsorship packages are tax deductible for businesses and feature cost effective advertising opportunities for local companies. For individuals it’s simply a great way to show you support the club.

Get on board by contacting a member of our player sponsor sub committee: Luke Gollant 0419 502 588, Peter Pearson 0403 311 533 , Paul Kavanagh 0403 065 565 , Terry Davis 0413 602 359

Go to PLAYERS page to view the listing of all Senior, U19 players and those seeking sponsors

SHOW YOU ARE GENUINE ABOUT YOUR SUPPORT!

32

Tom Caven

Sponsored by
Bernie Comerford
Essendon Foot Clinic

Under 19
Jackson Bell

.

Wayne Bell
Prostart Constructions

Chris Mitchell

Coming off a terrific win over Fitzroy last week there was no easing off by the undefeated 19's as they travelled out to Banyule on Saturday. With spots in this side at a premium players have to continue to perform and Pete van Meel was happy with the pressure the boys applied all day.

Andrew van Meel was best afield and bagged six majors while Daniel Lamana chimed in with three in an othewise even team performance.

Best Players: Andrew van Meel, Matt Trim, Dean Bergin, Tom Gleeson, Chris Hoban, Jamie Liddle

 

Sully addresses the Pups after their win over Therry

Owen McIntyre

One of the VAFA and VCFL most decorated players BJ led St Bernards to our last Grand Final victory in 2002 and is now leading the way for the young Bernards group ... well done BJ!

Evo bled a nice shade of claret for the
club at Elsternwick Park

Many thanks to Ascot Vale Leisure Centre for helping out with their generous donation of two gym bikes to be used in ‘the Kennel’

Alex Jolley organized the bikes with the Centre’s management last week. Jossa is one of a number of players who have worked at AVLC in recent years. We now have 4 bikes in the kennel so injured players can do rehab etc to keep up fitness levels when they are off the track.

D Mac is also looking to procure three heart rate monitors to add to the gym shortly. If you know someone that could help out let D Mac know this week.

 

Have you seen Zali?

If you see a 13 week old golden Labrador puppy walking along, please ask some questions. if you think its Zali,
call Snaz. There is a reward offered upon her return.
Please call Steve Iannazzo 0412 220
Mell's email:  635mjharper38@gmail.com

We always thought Dutchy was ok at reading the play but this time he may have been a bit slow … Zoe soon to be ‘Holland’ revealed the SNAG side of the Dutchman on Saturday night following the big win over Old Trinity.

After a romantic harbour cruise in Sin City last week Dutch summoned up the courage to pop the question and after asking Zoe if she was ready to take the plunge … got the affirmative reply … “I was ready four years ago”!

Congrats from all at Bernards to Zoe and Dutchy

Strathmore Community Bank® Branch

337 Napier Street
 Strathmore
Phone: 03 9374 2607 
Fax: 03 9374 3542



Strathmore Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank are committed to building strong, successful communities. The Bank returns a portion of profits to the local community so far contributing $1 million to local clubs, schools, town fairs, community organisations and festivals.

Chairman Mark Burgin says "We’re keen to increase this amount and that’s where you come in. You see the amount we’re able to give back depends on the amount of banking the community does with Strathmore Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank.

Of course, we are much like any other bank – with loans, branches, ATMs, credit cards, interest bearing accounts, all the usual stuff. The one blinding difference between us and our competitors is our local insight.

A long time ago we recognised that successful individuals are the living heart of successful communities. So we have built a bank service stocked with products designed for individuals, then placed this resource at the heart of communities across Australia.

We deliver great service and competitive banking products equal to those of our competitors, but with one important difference. We recognise U, as in us, as in community. We invite U to find out more. Call in and compare the difference today"

St Bernards is the biggest and most successful VAFA club in the region and is on the look out for new recruits for the 2009 season ...

St Bernards have appointed its first female Director for some years with Doriana Cooper accepting nomination to the St Bernards board for season 2009.
.
Doriana joins fellow new directors, current player Andrew Smith and former captain Luke Gollant who replace outgoing Directors James Hughes and Joel Egan.
.
The Full Board for 2009 was elected at the AGM
.
Michael Overman (President), Glenn Scarborough (Secretary) John Hughes (Finance Director) Paul Garth (Football Director) Terry Davis, Peter Pearson, Mel Beyer, Bernard Comerford, Paul Madden, Paul Kavanagh, Paul Holland, Doriana Cooper, Andrew Smith and Luke Gollant.

Andrew Smith

2008 was a big year for a couple of our young guns Tom Liberatore and Luke Mitchell. After representing the Big V at the U16 National titles, the boys capped off the season as part of St Bernards Under 16 premiership side with Tom winning the BOG medal.

Since then both boys have represented Calder in the TAC Cup and they played on the MCG in the curtain raiser to the Geelong v Hawthorn AFL Grand Final.

Both boys were key players for Victoria in their win over Western Australia. Well done to Tommy and Luke!

.
Tom Liberatore

.
Luke Mitchell

Basketball Captain Lauren Jackson and Chicka

'Miracle' Mel Beyer celebrated his 50th birthday at the Snakepit in style on Sunday after he coached the U16's to a win earlier in the day. Aside from coaching the 16's Mel is Team Manager of the Reserves and Statistician for the Seniors and of course drives the famous Bernards van with all the gear every Saturday ... what would we do without Mel on the weekends? In a great tribute to Mel's popularity amongst his players twelve of Mel's Captains starting from Luke Rogers (1992) through to Luke Larsen (2008) donned the Bernards colours for the pic below.

From left Will Overman, Kyle Dalmau, Steve Harris, Tim Harvey, Luke Rogers, Adriano Mastropasqua, Mel, Sinclair Johansen, Luke Larsen, Shaun Matthews, Frank Staltaro, Ben Loughlin and James Mount

Congrats to Trevor Lancaster who was recently asked to officiate at the VAFA State game. Trev has had his hand on the button at 'the Pit' for years doing both Reserves and Senior games every Saturday.

If you've ever wondered why Bernards quarters seem to go a bit longer its because Trevor is ever the perfectionist adding every milli second of time on something his AFL counterparts could learn from. Its blokes like Trev that make Bernards match days operate so professionally.

A familiar sight at every St Bernards game is Barry McAntee. Barry is one of a number of characters at 'the Pit' that do more than just turn up at games.
.
Whether its filling the water bottles, jumping in as interchange steward or escorting the umpires Barry does every job with an enthusiastic smile.
.
Each game Bazz arrives early with master timekeeper Trevor Lancaster and reports straight to Garthy to ask “what do you need me to do first boss?”
.
Theres a lot to be done on match days and its blokes like Barry McAntree that make it happen.

Keep up the great work Baz!

.