From Coach, Matthew Porter
Waverley AFL First XVIII
After a disappointing loss in our last game against St Ignatius Riverview the Waverley boys knew they needed to put in a good performance against rivals Cranbrook. A poor start from the Waverley boys lead to Cranbrook kicking an early goal but soon after Waverley took control of the match kicking the next 4 goals to go into quarter time with a 4 goal lead despite some poor goal kicking from the Waverley boys. The second quarter started much like the first quarter ended with Waverley dominating the play with early goals pushing our lead out to 7 goals. After a Cranbrook goal Waverley went into half time with a 40 point lead with poor goal kicking the only thing keeping Cranbrook in the game.
The second half began and Waverley were determined to push on with early goals extending their lead to 50 points. By end the of a quarter which was dominated by Waverley, they extended their lead beyond 10 goals ensuring a victory. The final quarter, Waverley continued their dominance. Despite Cranbrook’s attempts to push on a solid defensive performance from the backline, Waverley were untested for the majority of the game. This meant Waverley won the game with a 72 point victory. This was a much needed victory for Waverley to boost their confidence after a disappointing loss the previous week and gives us momentum for when we play Knox.
Best on ground: Reid McNamara, Harry Whittaker, Max D’Agostino, Matthew Higgins-Titisha and Baxter Oleksyn
Goal kickers: Reid McNamara 5, Matthew Higgins-Titisha 2, Max Curry 2, Baxter Oleksyn 2, Darcy Mullins 1, Ash Backlund 1, Isaac Bartholomaeus 1, Harry Whittaker 1, Max D’Agostino 1
Final Score: Waverley 16-10-106 defeated Cranbrook 5-4-34
Waverley AFL 9/10’s
The Year 9/10 AFL side played once again at Pioneers Park in Malabar to challenge Knox in round four of the still early winter season. An early bright Saturday morning set the stage for a hard fought, and physical game. It was the toughest game yet and from the first bounce Waverley set the tempo. Launching into contests, carving Knox’s defence apart with clean skills, converting brilliantly at goal and not allowing Knox a single inside 50 in the first quarter. The smooth ball movement and suffocating pressure was all the same in the second quarter. However, the Knox’s defence held strong only allowing a small number of goals in the term, as they looked like they were coming back. The boys in blue and gold stormed out of the half, getting straight back into their first quarter groove, kicking 3 quick goals with incredible accuracy inside 50 kicking from the mids. The flow of the game stayed with Waverley going into the third quarter as they forced the mercy rule. Knox showed fight and determination in the second half but Waverley were way too strong in the end. Waverley again showed their strength this week, putting the rest of the competition on notice, as we’re are currently undefeated and hopefully we continue to do so. Excellent performances from Reid McNamara – who kicked a bag by end of the third quarter, Oliver Rinder and Zachariah Murphy – who controlled and dominated the centre clearances – and Will Mazor – who was the enforcer of the side, fearlessly stacking every contest.
Final Score: Waverley 73 defeated Knox 13
Waverley AFL 7/8A’s match report.
From Coach, Billy Tyson
Round 4 was a top half of the table clash. After another week of training, the boys were ready to take on the tall Riverview side. The first quarter was a tightly contested fight and Riverview led at the break by a few points. Second quarter was expected to be similar but the boys were not switched on, Riverview went on a scoring frenzy and left Waverley in their tracks. The tall and well skilled side cut through Waverley’s midfield and defence with plenty of support from their whole team, whenever we got the ball up forward their defenders were quick to rebound it straight back. The second half of the game had some impressive plays but it was simply not enough to make up for a slow start. We have plenty of work to do at training in order to match the skilled side we met on Saturday, but we know they can be beaten.
Best on ground: Louis Kitto, Leo Astridge, Maddox Grebert, Samuel and Thomas Stewart and Luke Higgins.
Final Score: Riverview 93 defeated Waverley 33
Waverley AFL 7/8B’s Match report
From Coach, Matthew Miller
After coming off two straight loses the Waverley 7/8 B’s were excited to get out on Saturday morning but knew it wouldn’t be easy against a tough opponent like Knox. The game was close throughout all four quarters with every goal from either team being very important. Even with some great defence from Campbell Groves and Kai Jones and the tackling from James Armstrong, Knox were able to get a three goal lead going into the fourth quarter. Two goals in as many minutes from Harry C was not enough to get Waverley over the line as their record comes to 1 win 3 losses and will look to play harder next week.
Best on ground: Campbell Groves, James Armstrong and Kai Jones.
Final Score: Knox – 28 defeated Waverley – 22
