CAS AFL Victory
From the Convenor of AFL, Alan Riordan
Waverley AFL First XVIII
Going into the final game of the season, the 1st XVIII went into the game knowing that a win against St Aloysius would ensure an undefeated CAS Premiership for Waverley. In what would also be Year 12 players Anthony Vassallo, Baxter Oleksyn and Isaac Bartholomaeus final game, Waverley had everything still to play for in the final game of the season.
Beginning the first quarter with two quick goals including a sensational goal from captain Harry Whittaker, Waverley’s early momentum was halted as St Aloysius put the pressure on but didn’t capitalise on their opportunities. Waverley went into the break with a three-point advantage. The second quarter began much like the first with Waverley taking control, kicking an early goal. However unlike the first, they continued to attack and kicked four goals in a row before a late Aloysius goal meant Waverley went into the half time break with a 30-point lead. Beginning the third quarter, St Aloysius used the wind to their advantage as they continuously put pressure on the Waverley defence. Despite holding on for a majority of the quarter, two late goals from St Aloysius meant Waverley’s 30-point lead would be reduced to just three-points going into the final quarter of the season. Beginning the final quarter, Waverley went out and kicked two goals early to put some distance between the two sides. Despite Aloysius pulling a goal back this did not stop Waverley’s momentum as they continued to attack. Kicking another two before what would go down as the miss of the season from Anthony Vassallo, he made up for it with the final goal of the game and season. Waverley won the final game of the season and finished as undefeated CAS premiers and second overall, sending the departing Year 12’s off with a memorable victory.
Best Players: Ashley Backlund, Noah Burgess, Harry Whittaker, Matt Higgins-Titisha, Charlie Longmire, Xavier Slezak
Goals: Ashley Backlund 5, Harry Whittaker 2, Anthony Vassallo 1, Darcy Mullins 1, Isaac Bartholomaeus 1, Will Durkin 1, Noah Burgess 1, Baxter Oleksyn 1
Final score: Waverley 12.10.82 defeated St Aloysius 6.10.46
Coach: Matthew Porter
Waverley AFL 9/10’s
The 9/10’s had a well-earned bye this week after completing the 2018 season as undefeated CAS champions. Well done.
Coach: Fred Pawle
Waverley AFL 7/8A’s
Waverley 7/8A’s v Knox
The final round of the Independent Schools season brought us down to Pioneers Park, to take on the 2nd place Knox College. This game was perfectly set up as we were coming 3rd and were tying with Knox on points, they had the advantage on percentage, meaning the winner took home the CAS premiership. The boys were fired up and were ready to put in their last efforts for the season.
Unfortunately, Knox were not prepared and only showed up with 13 players, meaning we would need to give them players every quarter. Their unpreparedness was capitalised by the boys from the opening bounce, our whole side was hungry for the footy and it showed on the scoreboard. The bigger and taller Knox side were torn apart by Waverley’s aggression, they were willed out of the contest and from what was meant to be a difficult game, proved quite easy for Waverley. The final message for the boys was to have fun, and that was reflected in their last quarter efforts, sharing the footy and playing for each over. Finn and myself had tonnes of fun this season coaching a very talented mob of boys. For such young players that are predominantly small in size, they are incredibly skilled and will go a long way in footy, I am sure their age groups will go on to win more premierships and help AFL continue to grow at Waverley.
A special thanks to all the parents too, whether it was cutting the oranges, putting their hands up to help goal umpire, letting us know Riverview are playing three extras or just their sheer support on the sidelines, it is all very helpful and we appreciate it. We hope to see you and the boys in future seasons.
Thank you! Billy & Finn
Final score: Waverley 64 defeated Knox 34
Best on ground: Louis Kitto, Freddy Hunt, Vasili Vertsonis, Aodan Byrne, Luke Higgins and Ben Dunkley
Coach: Billy Tyson
Waverley AFL 7/8B’s
The last game of the season saw the boys take on local rivals Cranbrook. This Cranbrook side hadn’t dropped a game since moving down to division 2, so the boys were really keen to give them a run for their money.
The first quarter was a cagey affair that was interrupted by many stoppages as both teams looked to apply the early pressure. The second quarter was one way traffic as Cranbrook’s pace and physicality looked too much for the Waverley boys to handle.
The game evened out in the second half, as Waverley started to use the ball much more efficiently. Switching kicks and sharp handballs allowed Waverley to breakdown the Cranbrook backline. Unfortunately Waverley’s intensity on the footy and around the ground went unrewarded as Cranbrook ran out 60 point victors.
The Waverley 7/8B’s had an outstanding season in which they finished with more wins than losses, and finished first out of the all the B teams in the competition.
Best on ground: Kai Jones, Campbell Groves, Ethan Petersen, Charley Roberts, Jay Palm, Jay Briggs
Final score: Cranbrook 61 defeated Waverley 1
Coach: Finn Mergler
