St. Bernard's OC Football Club - VAFA - Melbourne

_THE LATEST

Bernards Boys WRFL Under 16 Premiers! St Bernards took out the WRFL Under 16A Premiership Cup on Sunday after beating previously undefeated Weribbee. Thomas Liberatore capped off a great fortnight, after gaining State selection young Tom took out the medal for best afield. The 16's side included seven younger brothers of our Senior players. Matt Stapleton, Jordan Schroder, Thomas Liberatore, Issac Madden, Harry Overman, Luke Mitchell and Simon Caven and lets not forget 'our man' Jack Wheeler son of Senior trainer Ian. Well done boys! Unfortunately the U12 boys ran into stiff opposition earlier in the day and lost their Prelim final to Willi Jnrs. Itwas a great effort to get this far and the boys will get a lot from the experience. Pictures and Full Match Reports below:		Tom Liberatore BOG
U16A 2008 Premiers Go Bernards!

U16A GRAND FINAL

Final Scores: St Bernards 9.17 (71) def Weribbee 4.5 (29)

St Bernards 0.1 7.6    7.6    9.17.71
Werribee     2.4 3.5    4.5    4.5.29

Goal Kickers: J. Schroder 2, L. Mitchell 2, M. Wallis 2, J. Wheeler, T. Liberatore, A. Grosso
Best Players: T. Liberatore, J. Schroder, J. Saundry, L. Madden, M. Borzillo, J. Wheeler

After 2 nailbiting finals classics the 16As headed to Burbank Oval in Willi for the 3rd week in a row. In freezing cold conditions with at least a 5 goal breeze blowing to the city end and the ground muddy and slushy after the recent rain, 3 earlier games and a TAC Cup game on the Saturday our match hardened boys faced up to an ultra confident undefeated Werribee. They had beaten us twice during the year but the Grand Final finally saw us with full team. Pre-match there was a quiet confidence amongst the team there was no hoopla in the rooms and Coach Steve kept the message very simple. We lost the toss and Werribee kicked with the breeze. They had an extra man on the backline and obviously had done planning around both Mitches and Gross on our forward line. Even into the breeze we were able to take the ball forward on a couple of occasions. We were playing well, Werribee lifted and a couple of goals made them look dangerous, however our attack on the ball and defence were holding us in good stead. Coaching staff and fans were pleased at Qtr time W’bee 2.4 SB 0.1.

Early in the second qtr big Luke Mitchell took a solid pack mark and kicked truly, an ominous sign for Werribee, the first half of the quarter was a real struggle as we managed to kick a couple and hit the front. Jack Wheeler was doing a great job on their star #16 who had kicked 6 and 5 against us during the year. He gave Wheels a 50 metre penalty and another goal resulted. Our confidence lifted and we took complete control of the match and SLAMMED on another 4 goals in the last 10 minutes, they looked hesitant on the back line and no one wanted to kick in from those behinds into the wind. They kicked the only goal into the breeze against the run of play but after a great 7 goal quarter we went into the long break with a handy 25 point lead. Coaching staff had concerns about backslapping in the rooms at half time but all the parents and relatives were in there because it was absolutely freezing (reminded the parents of the old days at VFL Park Waverley!) It was great for the Juniors to see a number of Club Legends in the rooms. ½ Time SB 7.6 W’bee 3.5.

There was an expectation that they would hit us with everything in the 3rd qtr and they did, however the boys in Gold and Black stuck firm and continued their attack on the ball , our harassing and tackling and defensive play was great. We continually thwarted their attacks and ran the ball into the breeze brilliantly. It took to the 10 minute mark for W’bee to kick their first goal for the qtr, it was to be their only score with the 5 goal breeze. Our boys were great as they never gave an inch, it was one of their best quarters of footy ever. ¾ qtr score SB 7.6 W’bee 4.5. Once again Coach Steve kept things calm and simple, the fans were getting excited (although some had lost all feeling in their body parts due to the onset of hypothermia) surely starting the last qtr 19 pts up kicking with a 5 goal breeze we had to hang on!

Any worries proved unfounded, after the last 2 weeks of edge of the seat heart-stoppers, the last quarter was one way traffic, our boys once again were first in for the ball and continued to chase harass and tackle, but we couldn’t kick straight (although at times the wind looked like it would blow the ball across Port Phillip Bay), we kicked 2.11 to nil for the qtr including 2 posters, we ran away in the end to an comfortable and emphatic 42point win (it easily could have been 10 or 12 goals we had 17 more scoring shots) Final Score: SB 9.17 W’bee 4.5.

It was a great victory for the boys completing the trifecta, 2004 U/12A 2006 U/14A and now 2008 U/16A. A fantastic achievement and great team effort. The song was sung with great gusto and pride, parents and supporters knew they had witnessed some special under age footy over the last 3 weeks. It was so cold the official presentation was in the rooms. Tom Liberatore crowned a great season of footy with Best on Ground honours. The co-captains Luke Mitchell & Mitch Wallis assisted in presenting the medals to all the boys. Coach Steve spoke well outlining the boys journey since U/9s and the great team effort on the biggest day of the year. There was some footy truisms confirmed, a winning centre-line (okay now its midfield) a backline playing in front and continued attack on the ball combined with our running, tackling, harassing and pressure. A lesson for all junior footballers being tough is putting your head over the ball, contesting and running all day!

As suggested last week the boys were back in town and they proved it on Sunday. It will be a fond memory for them to look back on! IT WAS A TEAM EFFORT, every player went for it when it was their turn. As they say in the classics
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!

U12 D Prelim Final:

St Bernards 0.0 (0) def by Willi 4.17 (41)

Best: The whole team

The boys went out today like true warriors they never gave up all day. Williamstown rated themselves a big chance to try and beat us and by giving themselves the best chance they included 4 of the U12A side players to do this…and yes they were tall players!
Congratulations to Willy, they were just too big, too strong and skilful on the day.
Our players did themselves proud to get themselves in the preliminary final, and I’m sure we as parents are just as proud.
It was quite emotional in the clubrooms after the game…not by the coach!!! But from a few boys who know that they will not be playing with their team mates again…due to moving suburbs and not being eligible to be playing under 12’s next year. It was great to see the bond within these boys. A lot of the boys were already talking about next year, it shows just how passionate they are of their footy and playing with their mates and for the SBOC FC.

There are many positive memories about this year, but what stands out is, not only were the boys competitive against older and taller opposition but they had fun during the season, they developed into fine young footy players and they were playing with their mates.

Thanks to Ambroise Attard and Lachlan Perryman both boys were very sick but still wanted to play for their team, eventually from shear exhaustion and succumbing to the effects of their illnesses they could not continue into the 4th quarter. Thanks to Alex Tsmbardas’ mum, for allowing Alex to play on the same day his sister’s christening…and yes Alex made it to church on time. To Ben McNamara’s mum and dad for allowing Ben to leave his surfboard at home on Sunday’s so he could play out the season with his mates.

As the players themselves will know, that putting the most into their training and preparation before game day has seen those players improve and play their best football….You get out of football what you put in!!!
A special thanks to those parents who put up their hands up each week to volunteer with the various duties and therefore allow game days to run smoothly, again many, many thanks.

Last but not least, Darren Attard and John Williams these guys have worked hard during the footy season, we have the same passion… footy!!! We love doing what we did and all we had fun as well. Also thanks to SBOC Football Club for all their support and to captains: Ben McNamara and Alex Tsmbardas, well done boys!

See you all at presentation night.

Results from week two of finals:

U16A: Prelim Final

St Bernards 11.11.77 def Williamstown 11.7.73
Goals: Andrew Grosso 4, Mitch Wallis 4,Matthew Stapleton, Jack Wheeler, Kieran Farrell.
Best: Mitch Wallis, Kieran Farrell, Andrew Grosso,Tom Sullivan,Matthew Stapleton,Jordan Schroder Jack Wheeler,Luke Madden

What a match! Another nailbiting classic that see sawed all day. Burbank Oval in Willi had recovered remarkably well from last week. Bernards hit the ground running and lead 5.4 to 1.1 at qtr time and looked the goods. Mitch and Gross were looking dangerous and Stapo was killing them in the ruck and the onballers were getting plenty of it. We still looked the better team until about ½ way thru the 2nd qtr when Willi’s big marking forwards started to really give us trouble their marking and kicking for goal was incredible they couldn’t miss! They slammed on 7 goals to our 3. At ½ time it was 8.5 to 8.1 and Willi were pumped.

It was players only in the coach’s room and Coach Steve banged a locker so hard at half time even the support staff were trembling! (X rays on the way home revealed only severe bruising).He certainly revved the boys up they flew out of the blocks in the 3rd qtr but couldn’t convert our chances and only managed 3 behinds for the qtr! The 3rd qtr was an arm wrestle and Willi bottled up play on the beach side a total of 1.8 was kicked for the qtr. ¾ qtr time they lead 9.6 to 8.8 and were coming home to the scoring end we looked in more trouble than a Collingwood footballer after a night out! Calm and calculating instructions from the coach at the last break to stick to what we know and do best. Both teams settled down for a classic last qtr.

The ball moved up and down the ground for much of the qtr Willi extended their lead and with about 10 minutes left they lead by 10 points and it looked like curtains for our boys. But somebody forgot to tell the boys in Gold and black! (and blue trim). They weren’t done with yet and a Grosso goal brought it back to 1 kick the difference, a couple of minutes later and another Grosso goal and we were in front, Willi wouldn’t be denied they got one back and were 2 points in front with 3 minutes to go. We surged forward Mitch Wallis marked and kicked truly Bernards were in front. The last couple of minutes were once again frantic both teams throwing themselves in to packs and for marks, they had one more snap shot that was out on the full and we were able to clear, once again the roar of the grandstand was deafening

The last quarter was full of highlights, Mitch’s marking and desperation, Sulla’s inspirational courage, Grosso’s strength and skill, Schultzie’s mark, Stapo’s tireless ruckwork, Kizza’s desperation, Luke’s run and carry, Wheels contesting, Jord’s clearing kicks, Borzi’s class, Cavo’s forward work and the backlines desperation and attack on the ball. EVERY PLAYER stood up when the chips were down! A great TEAM win!!
Look out Werribee the boys are back in town!!!!!!!!!! Congrats on making another Granny!! Well done boys!

The Phantom

U16D: Prelim Final

St Bernards 9.8.62 lost to Williamstown 16.14.110
Goals: Andrew Graham 3,Luke Larsen, Charles Connelly,Will Sullivan, Liam Jilla, Marcus Giansiracusa & Michael Smith.
Best: James Weir, Marcus Giansiracusa,Liam Jilla, Thomas Mason, Liam McIntyre, Charles Connelly.

Congratulations must go to Williamstown on showing us how to play football in the second half.
Just on 4 goals up at half time the St Bernards boys ran out of gas.Kicking only one goal in the second half
just goes to show the game is for 4 quarters.On the day we had some winners,James Weir rucked
all day and had a titanic struggle with his opponent to win the honours.Marcus Giansiracusa plugged away all day
as did Liam Jilla.Liam Mcintyre,Charlie Connally & Thomas Mason all contributed well.Luke Larsen,Andrew Graham & Will Sullivan all tried hard with the injuries they were carrying.Very happy to see Mad Dog Smith kick a goal coming off the bench. Just goes to show, everyone can contribute no matter where they are on the field

Overall thanks to all the parents who helped out with this side during the year & to the junior committee who gave
me the opportunity to coach this great side. Lets now rally behind the 16a side and cheer them home on
Sunday against Werribee

See you all on presentation night
Mel Beyer

U/12D: Second Semi Final

St Bernard’s 4.6.30 lost Werribee Juniors 6.9.45

Goals: Ambroise Attard 1, Hugh McLaughlin 1, Jordan Spinzolla 1, Tom Monaghan 1.
Best: The whole team

Week One Finals

U16A: First Semi Final

St Bernard’s 7.12.54 def Spotswood 7.11.53

Goals:
Mitch Wallis 2, Luke Madden, Jordan Schroder, Jack Wheeler, Matthew Borzillo, Jonathon Rose.
Best:
Kieran Farrell, Isaac Madden, Jack Wheeler, Luke Madden, Jordan Schroder & Mitch Wallis.

What a match! In the heavy boggy conditions at Burbank Oval in Willi these two teams played their third classic for the year. The game see-sawed both ways, early we looked good and were leading after kicking into the breeze, at 3 gls to 1 we looked like we were the better team, however Spotty started to run and move the ball and turned it on and before we knew it we went in at half time down by 2 goals. Spotty increased their lead and were up 6 goals to 3 however our boys weren’t done yet, Stapo into the ruck after half time, Kizza ,Wheels, Luke Madden & Jordy were getting plenty of the ball, Mitch providing a target, Isaac Madden plenty of run and the backline holding tight.

Down to 17 men after a send off we fought our way back, a great goal to Borzi and at ¾ time we were only 7 points down. A great battle in the last qtr, Jono Rose got his boot on one and not long after a Madden snapped goal put us in front. We were on top and had a few opportunities to put it beyond doubt but a poster meant we couldn’t, we still lead by 8 points, Spotty refused to die and kicked a goal, Bernards up by 2pts, a missed set shot by Spotty and there was only a point in it. The last few minutes were unbelievable, the grandstand was roaring and boys were diving in where angels feared to tread, their desperation fantastic, the turtle tackle a beauty, with 45 seconds to go a Spotty mark , he elected to pass it, it was short of its mark ! our defenders dived in and were able to bottle play up. They live to fight another day. Well done boys!

This Week - White Shorts:

U16D: First Semi Final

St Bernards 12.9.81 def Werribee Juniors 5.1.31

Goals: Andrew Graham 6,Luke Larsen 4, Marcus Giansiracusa & Jake Van Meel.
Best: Andre Graham, Alex Horton, James Weir, Jarrod Bye, Michele Iannello & Will Sullivan.

The under 16 side showed what it was capable of doing when they brought the season to a close for Werribee.
A very sluggish start saw Werribee a goal up at quarter time. With a few stern words to the boys in the break, they came out and slammed on 5 second quarter goals to nothing. Andrew Graham who declared himself fit kicked 3 for the term and with Luke Larsen 2 set up a great team victory. Alex Horton who played a major role in the middle was at his magical best,along with James Weir,Liam Utri & Liam Jilla.

Our backs really showed great character by playing to instruction & defending well. Matthew Stevenson & Thomas Mason really showed the way.Liam Mcintyre who replaced Michael Hughes in the first minute showed he can mix it with anyone when his mind is on the job.
Michelle Ianello who played up forward used his strength all day bringing the ball to ground & fighting to keep it in our forward fifty. James DeLeur showed he has a bit of class when he concentrates & plays football. With many players to rotate on the bench, it was good to see Jake Van Meel & Adrian Dixon come off & advise they were not well. This honesty helps with all rotations & makes sure we have fit players on the ground.

Well here we go again against Williamstown.This year we have played them 3 times for 3 losses.the first two by 40 pts & the last one by 10 points.I feel we are closing in on a win against Willy, so lets be alert & have a red hot go & see if we can beat them.
Be at Burbank oval 11-30 for 12-30 kick-off

This Week - White Shorts:

U14C First Semi Final

North Footscray 14.16.100 def St Bernard’s 2.3.15

Best: C Utri, S Woods, Z O’Halloran
Goals: D O’Connell, C Utri

No match report received

U12D Qualifying Final

St Bernard’s 2.7.19 def Williamstown Juniors 1.6.12

Goals: Tom Monaghan 2
Best: The whole team,

In cold wet slippery conditions big ground and big occasion to the boy’s credit stuck to our game plan. Our 2nd efforts, constant hard running, strong tackling, chasing and determination allowed us to get over the line in another hard fought game. Highlights: Every player continually put pressure on the opposition, took chances and the dividends paid off. This was a TEAM EFFORT!!!

We could have been further in front if we didn’t hit the post a couple of times, but that’s football!!! Previous games against Willy this year we lost both of them, once by 5pts and second time by 6pts, third time lucky we got up by 7pts. Well done to all the boys. The boys sung the song with gusto, nothing made me feel better than seeing the smiling faces of players, parents and coaching staff after the win on the weekend. There are some areas we can improve on, which we will work on at training this week.

Today was a great reward for the efforts of both our players and supporters.
Thanks to our guest speaker Simon Madden at Friday’s training, also Scott Burns donating DVD highlights.
Next week we play in the second semi-final against Werribee Juniors venue TBC
Captains: Christopher Williams and Lachlan Perryman, well done boys!

Go to ROUND BY ROUND page for weekly Match Reports and Fixtures

Essendon Night and Lexus Centre visit allow the boys to see their AFL heroes up close

Pics from the Lexus Centre visit

Presidents Message Round 5

Thanks again to all the players, coaches and parents who turned up at the Essendon Night.

Pic Below: The boys enjoyed meeting their heroes Jobe Watson and Leroy Jetta

SPECIAL NOTE FOR TEAM MANAGERS:

To assist in determining a figure for the number of people that attended Community Football Weekend across the country, all clubs have been requested to provide an attendance figure which reflects the total number of players, officials, volunteers and supporters that attend each of our matches this Sunday.
Could all team managers please enter an attendance figure on the top of their teamsheet

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

All teams are responsible for leaving the rooms clean after their game. Please ensure that all rubbish is placed in bins after your match. It is unreasonable to expect the last team playing for the day to have to clean up for everyone. This also applies at away games.

Reminder to Coaches and Team Managers:

Preparation of Team selections and rotations prior to the match can save you time and effort.

Congratulations to our players being invited to interleague training:

U/15: Harry Overman, Daniel Riley & Andrew Graham
U/14: Max Paoli, Taylor Bisognano, Nick Madden, Tony Plazinic, Alex Turner & Adam Bevanda
NB: The club has NOTHING to do with these selections.

Tops and caps are available for sale to parents and supporters:

Tops $30 Caps $15 as a pair $40 - Special thank you for the continued support of ESSENDON TOYOTA & RAPIDO CYCLES for sponsoring our jackets & caps.

SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE WRFL:

ONLY MATCH OFFICIALS ARE PERMITTED INSIDE THE FENCE WHILST MATCHES ARE IN PROGRESS