MATCH REPORTS - Round 14/15

MEN’S SENIORS

Following the news of relaxed restrictions, the Senior team set their sight on the inaugural #CHUBBOWL; the first time the team would face off against their former coach Bernie Dineen. Despite some confusion on when and where the game would be played, and with only one training session following the break, the mighty T’s would go into #CHUBBOWL ready to take on the Snow Dogs.

Charlie Beasley and Alex Polidoros returned to the side after strong VFL performances, Anthony Larkey also returned after a stint on the sideline with a knee injury. Felix Curtis made his debut for the senior side and he looked right at home, kicking his first goal in senior footy from the boundary, only to have it counted to his best mates goal tally, Dobby Emery who kicked 4 (if you include Felix’s).

With a clear wind at blowing towards St Bernards end, the first term got underway. The first five minutes were an even battle until St Bernards locked the foopy in their forward half for the remainder of the quarter, kicking 5 goals in the process. The BSB (Back Six Brotherhood) were under enormous pressure and exiting out of the back half was an issue. Charlie Beasley and the Prince of Perth (Duncan Moore) were solid as ever, whilst Cal Pohl provided some real run and solid 1v1 work.

Following a real rev-up from Jimmy Francis at the quarter time break, the teams execution of our desired system was much improved. Hugo McGlashan found the ball with ease while also hitting the scoreboard, Stoss was again instrumental in the engine room, extracting the ball from the contest and giving it to the outside runners in the Scott brothers, who were again in great form. The T’s went into half time down by 30 points, but certainly not out of the game.

Trinity’s second half showed glimpses of what the team can do going forward with our system in place, yet, our inability to maintain our brand for a long period of time was where the game was lost. St Bernards held their width and worked the ball out of stoppages too easily at times in the second half. Xav Fry’s run and dash created some real opportunities going forward, as did Alex Polidoros making a contest each time the ball came to him.

Much of the mistakes made during #CHUBBOWL are easy fixes and with a young team ready to learn, the sky is the limit.

A massive thanks to all the volunteers as always, Jane Robertson and Layne Stretton who continuously give up their Saturdays to ensure everything runs smoothly, we love and appreciate your work!

A massive challenge ahead this coming weekend against Old Xavs, but my goodness are we ready for it.

Go T’s 

Ant Larkey

wOMEN’S SENIORS

MEN’s Reserves

The wind was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli. 

Construction sounds on one side and violent gusts of wind on the other, we knew we were in for a hard-fought battle. As the clouds cleared and the warm sun shone down, Chris Riggs ran back down to the huddle to deliver his last message:

“We’re kicking against the wind in the first quarter boys, but remember...snowdogs can’t run on grass!”. 

The opening bounce saw Satur use his impressive girth to deliver the first clearance of the game - a trend that would continue throughout the first term as Trinity’s midfield gained the ascendancy. The inclusion of Brodie Tonkin was proving to be important, with his clean hands and lateral vision setting the table for our outside runners like Gerwing and Davey. With strong defensive pressure from the boys, Trinity led at the first break 2.2-14 to 1.1-7.

Unfortunately, the wind didn’t provide any real advantage on the scoreboard for Trinity in the second quarter despite possessing plenty of the footy. Wonderful Will Cooper was nice enough to take on running duties for Terry and Andy before his own game later in the afternoon, although whispers of ulterior motives began to circulate after he was heard encouraging some players to get vaccinated after the game and post a photo on the socials. “Come on boys, it’s not that bad. Don’t listen to what they’re saying about AZ - more chance of getting hurt on the car ride on the way there!”

The third quarter was tough for the Ts as St Bernard’s applied unrelenting pressure around the contest. On the back of some of their senior leaders, the boys from Essendon began to take control of the game. It was at this time that we came to the sad conclusion that snowdogs can in fact run on grass. 

Despite this epiphany the Ts weren’t ready to give up easily, with typically strong performances down back from Oli Stella and Fraser Robertson helping Trinity to slow the tempo, control the footy and stem the bleeding. A cheeky late goal from Will Macafee provided a much needed spark, seeing us enter the last break with a bit of energy and momentum.

The start of the last term saw those with superior fitness come to the fore. Gliding on the far wing of the Daley was Max Curtis, running his opponent ragged and looking like Rosie Ruiz racing to the finish line. Macafee lifted again in the last kicking two goals in as many minutes to well and truly bring the Ts within striking distance, while milestone man Chas Roberts belied his stick-name as he man-handled his opponent to snap a magnificent goal out of the ruck....or so we thought. A somewhat questionable goal umpiring decision of touched on the line was the final nail in Trinity's comeback chances, but the side took plenty of confidence out of a tough, uncompromising four-quarter performance.

James Spassopoulos

WOMEN’S RESERVES

MEN’S THIRDS

Straight out of lockdown and straight into your hearts. The Trinity Thirds put together arguably its strongest team for its most vital game of the season.

A win and we’re in control. A loss and it was up to Monash to knock off AJAX on Sunday.

With Co-Skipper Nick Pearce coming straight from the maternity ward, and into the thick of things. The Hornets welcomed a young Jack Pearce, and have a spot in the midfield ready in 2040. 

Trinity brought the heat early, with a miraculous snap/mongrel from our star midfielder Shiels. As his moustache and mullet flourishes, so too does his ability and confidence. It’s been a real highlight watching Tom grow week to week. Another highlight was the incredible sunkissed skin Bull Padou gathered over the lockdown.

With scores level at the 1st break, T Beas preached calmness and clarity. Our back six was rock solid as ever, with Fergus Stewart tunnelling his opponent with the utmost experience and N Emery throwing himself at every contest. Steve Lawrence once again preached ‘I live to go back with the flight’. Tom Pryor fought to get the ball forward at every stoppage, and had a strong presence with Ted Mitchell providing a target all day. His crocodile claws we’re as vice like as ever.

Half time came and went, the energy was palpable. What was noticeable were the many calves that were bursting after a what seemed heavy lockdown on the Reds and chips.

De La came out and kicked an early one to wrestle momentum back with the wind. Our back six were under siege. The Coaching group asked VC Hall to do a job for his team by following around their most dominant player. And what a job he did – with Hally ending up as BOG for the last game of the normal season. At the 3qtr break, the game was poised with De La up by 22points.

Enter Brendan Iezzi. His laser shoe and booming voice stepped up and showed these De La boys how to play footy. Slicing and dicing his way through the guts, delivering to our forwards, Oz Fairweather and Diesel each gave Iezzi 5 stars with no complaints on their orders. However, it wasn’t enough to get us over the line with the final score being 7.8.50 DEF by 10.06.66.

With the season out of our hands and into the Footy Gods, we needed a miracle. And a miracle we got. With Monash defeating Ajax, it has launched the Hornets into a finals tilt. Watch this space.

Ed Beasley

MEN’S U23s

After a month away from the game, amidst scheduled byes, an opposition forfeit, and a two-week lockdown, the u23s were finally back in action for their round 15 clash against cellar dwellers St Bernards. Just a win behind Scotch in fourth place, the team was looking to kickstart a run towards a finals berth, hoping to recapture the form that saw them overcome Collegians to the tune of 52 points in their last outing. A mix of players returning from injury and coming down from the reserves made for some Thursday night headaches at the selection table, and a couple of dedicated boys were unlucky to miss out on a run, though the 23s welcomed Jake Purcell and Jack Stewart for their first games in the side. 

Making a sluggish start, the boys quickly found that a win against Bernards wouldn’t come as easy as it had earlier in the season, with the visitors outworking Trinity at the contest and around the ground from the opening minutes. The 23s found their way into the game as the quarter drew on, but ultimately failed to capitalise on what was a significant breeze blowing to their advantage, holding a tenuous 1-point lead at the first break.

In the second term, St Bernards’ superior effort and willingness to compete saw them start to assert some dominance on the scoreboard, but wayward kicking from the visitors kept the damage to a minimum. Nonetheless, the 23s headed into the sheds 11 points down and with plenty of work to do in the second half.

Having done some soul searching, the side regrouped and headed out for the third term, instructed by Coach Ammers to take the game on and make the most of the wind at our backs. Moments of individual brilliance from the likes of Pat Kendall and Charles Curran injected some much-needed energy into the 23s side, and an improved team performance saw them cut the deficit to just 2 points at the final break.

The boys brought the same endeavour into the final term, and a go-ahead goal early in quarter gave them hope of escaping with the four points, though a swift counterpunch from St Bernards soured any premature celebrations. An arm wrestle ensued for the majority of the fourth term, and although some desperate defending from Ollie Arrowsmith and Matt Walker kept the door ajar, it was St Bernards who put in the more complete performance, kicking away in the final minutes to secure a 17-point win, their first of the season.

Speaking after the loss, Ammers noted how the match served as a testament to the fact that sheer effort can bridge any gap in skill, a lesson the u23s boys would be wise to take into next week against ladder leaders St Kevins.

Jordon Moshopolus

MEN’S U19s

Following another forced interruption to the VAFA football season, the Old Trinity team were thrilled to be back playing football (and for many, out of quarantine). Coming up against Fitzroy FC for the third and final time, more than bragging rights were on the line as both sides needed to win to have any hope of breaking into the top four.

Ramsden street Reserve was the location of this game, with many of the boys breathing a sigh of relief that the ground was small given the last two weeks of lockdown. A strong breeze meant the game would be a battle of two halves, and both sides knew the team that could capitalise while kicking with the wind would prevail.

Winning the toss and electing to go with the breeze, Old Trinity got off to fast start. Sam Heaton, Tim Rasdell and Paul Lindsay set the game up in the first quarter with their run from behind. All excellent defenders and attacking kicks, they used the wind to gain important territory and keep the ball in Old Trinity’s front half. An early goal to Tom Stewart set the tone, however, from then on in Trinity were a touch wasteful, with perhaps their lack of training coming to the fore. Old Trinity kicked 1.5 for the quarter to lead Fitzroy 1.2, who managed to kick a goal against the run of play.

The second quarter called for defence, defence, and more defence. Knowing that Fitzroy would have the upper hand kicking with the wind, Trinity knew that they had to employ a defensive attitude to thwart any Fitzroy attacks. Setting up with what felt like 9 defenders behind the ball, Trinity managed to quash Fitzroy’s attack, limiting them to one fortuitous goal for the quarter. Our back six again were sublime, while co-captain Jack Cooper stood up in the contest and led from the front and enabled Old Trinity to use some fast and attractive ball movement on counter attacks. The zippy Henry Brown didn’t stop running, delivering the ball to the forwards, while Tom Stewart and Louis Davidson used their foot skills to capitalise on the scoreboard. Outscoring Fitzroy in the second term, Old Trinity led by a slender five-point margin going into the main break.

The second half was make or break. Both sides knew what was on the line and the game felt like it could easily swing either way. With the magnets flipped around and Louis Davidson coming out of the goal-square at Full Forward, Trinity were able to extend their lead thanks to a delightful on-the-run goal to Henry Brown. Our midfielders were able to use the ball with precision, as Matt Moran and the like worked hard to ensure that the premiership quarter was Old Trinity’s quarter. Sam Heaton, too, got some frequent flyer points, taking an absolute hanger in defensive 50. He leapt early and hung in the air for what felt like an eternity, before completing the mark. Coming into the final term, Old Trinity had extended their lead to 13 points.

After a passionate and emotional three-quarter time rev up from coach Dean Peters, Old Trinity came out looking to hold off Fitzroy and keep their season alive. This was tight football at its best. The quarter ebbed and flowed, with both sides gaining momentum. Neither team took a backwards step as the intensity went up a notch. Fitzroy managed to gain the ascendency, kicking two goals, making it a one-point game. Old Trinity, then, answered the call with a goal of their own. Some wayward kicking before another goal to Fitzroy meant the scores were level. Then, enter Joel Teal. Teal takes a mark just inside 50 after some slick counter attacking play. With the wind blowing strongly away from the goals, you would be forgiven for thinking the journey was beyond him. However, Teal trotted in and flushed the ball five metres over the line, kicking an enormous goal to put the T’s six points up.

Entering red time, it was now a matter of defence at all costs. Then, with a little over two minutes to go, Fitzroy got the ball in the centre. A long kick came into a large pack that had formed (think dying seconds 2005 grand final) and it looked like Fitzroy were primed for a scoring opportunity. However, deep within the pack, the outstretched hands of Paul Lindsay managed to trap the ball, taking an enormous, contested mark that immediately drew comparisons to Leo Barry and securing the victory for Old Trinity.

A hard-fought win for the ages following two weeks off, Old Trinity ought to be extremely proud of their efforts as they look to the last three rounds. 

Dan McNab

MEN’S U19s RESERVES

Lockdown 5.0 comes and goes with Trinity up against Old Camberwell away at Gordon Barnard Reserve. A temperate morning turning into a mild day with a 4 to 5 goal wind blowing straight down the ground. The T’s welcomed back the skipper, Colonel Sanders along with Ned Davey and Jack Stewart from the Division 1 side.

Moving Iron Fist Bateman into the centre to capitalise on his marking and long kicking, the T’s started with the wind and everyone around the ground winning the contests, leading to goals to the Ibis, Jack Stewart, a long bomb from the iron Fist outside 50 on the far wing, Tom Mullins from in front and Attitude Apos with two very smart goals from the near wing using the wind to advantage to bring it back through the big sticks. Camberwell are a quality side though and managed two goals against the wind with strong running play. 1st quarter scores: T’s 5.3.33 leading OC 2.1.13.

The second quarter was a different story however. The back six were magnificent, repelling plenty of OC forays into our forwards however the mids and the forwards did not keep up our intensity from the first quarter, allowing easy run through and goals to the opposition. The T’s worked the ball forward a number of times but just couldn’t register on the scoreboard. Luckily OC couldn’t kick straight with 6 points from positions that could easily have been goals. Half time: OC with a slight lead 5.7.37 to a scoreless Trinity 5.3.33.

Half-time chat revolved around taking advantage of the wind and playing smart footy, the T’s came out full of fire but solid Old Camberwell. OC ran the ball very well into the wind but were unable to score a major. The T’s though were only able to score one goal with the wind with a smart mark and goal by Swami Bennett who had moved into the ball in the third quarter. Other than the 1st quarter it seems that we really have a problem playing with the wind, allowing ourselves to be fooled that the wind will do the job for us as opposed to working extra hard. Last break: OC with a 2 point lead 5.11.41 to Trinity 6.3.39.

Imploring the T’s to dig deep and take the game by the scruff of the neck, we started the last quarter full of effort and we worked really hard in lowering the eyes and hitting up targets, moving the ball smoothly through the centre of the ground. We awere able to get two goals through smart play Chuck Yeater but we let OC get an easy goal through their half back running through and getting a handball receive and straight kick. We also let an easy goal through by not closing down on elf their tall’s who ran around in a circle for 10 seconds or so with a glove being laid on him before dishing out a handball for another straight kick and goal to OC. We had our moments in the last two minutes wit a kick over the top running towards goal but the wind just held it up and OC pushed it through for a point. Time ran out on us as we defended the kick out and we lost by less than one kick.

A brave effort by the boys though we let ourselves down in the second quarter with manning up in the mids and defensive efforts from the forwards. Failure to capitalise with the wind in the 3rd quarter also made it had to chase down the margin. Old Camberwell are a quality side as said before and there is a reason they a in second spot on the ladder.

Pleasing to see some players step up to the mark with Flynn Braden (needs a nickname) having his best game of the year along with the Sage, Sejune Park. Notable performances also by Gus Scott 5.0, Wongy, Iron Fist Bateman, Colonel Sanders, Chuck Yeater and Attitude Apos.

Three games to go and we are still a serious chance of playing finals, especially given that one of the teams in the mix we play in the second last round in Brunswick. Let’s go T’s.

Goals: Apos 2, Yeats 2, Bateman, Mullins, J.Stewart, Bennett

Coach Poss