Coaches Notes: Preliminary Final
U16 Team Tankey
There would be no losing today. A loss maybe, but no losing. Not if we gave our all, ferocious, tough, aggressive, disciplined. Finals footy, contested, brutal, not for the faint hearted, just how we like it.
Preliminary Finals, they are the hardest games to win they say, Williamstown would ensure that, they make Grand Finals for fun. Whatever the result, there would be no losing today.
It's 8pm Sunday night, the president had opened his doors to the famed Bar 12, an oasis of entertainment. The team had gathered, players only access to the man cave, laughter, frivolity, banter, mateship. They were united. They had carried their hearts off Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood a few hours earlier, a dream of a grand final berth denied, but there would be no losing today.
This was a special group. Specially dressed too, "nice fit" in teen tik tok parlance, a far cry from their training tops, footy shorts and smelly socks! There would be no losing today. Not dressed like this!
It was a breathtaking start. The boys were up and about early, a favourable coin toss providing first dibs on the slight Westgate Freeway bound breeze.
A four goal onslaught had Willy concerned. A late lapse offering them their first and only goal. 19 points up at the first change.
Our midfield was humming, our backs were relentless and our forwards busy. Non more so than Alex Moretti. He soared for marks, took opponents on with contempt, and kicked 4 miraculous first half goals, a 20 point half time buffer. Dont you dare start dreaming!
From all reports the Willy coach went old school at the main break, berating his beleaguered group of boys. Story has it, he stormed into the Spotswood canteen with a heavy wrench, ripped lose the kitchen sink and symbolically handed it to his captain Tom Miller, you boys better throw this at them this half. Could we sustain it, could we resist their attack, early scoring with the breeze a must.
It was a quarter of what might have been. Early near misses hurt. Dropped marks close to goal, handballs falling just short of running teammates, a series of moments time would rue. 14 points up with a quarter to go.
Williamstown played a fantastic last quarter. Their key play makers, particularly their tall marking guns, finally emerged. In the furnace, with a spot in a Grand Final up for grabs, their class and experience shone through, hopes extinguished. Credit to our boys, they tackled, chased and fought to the end. An 11 point loss, but there would be no losing today.
Back at Bar 12 and I build the courage to enter the man cave. There is some type of serious game being played.
I catch the eye of Jono and Crichto, they hope to be coached by me again they shout. I am quickly engulfed in a hug from Baz, he is starting training next week!
Suddenly I am recognised by the whole group. I expect to be evicted but rather, VIP status, smiles, laughter and appreciation all round. It's time to say goodbye.
Callum comes over and thanks me. He started the season in a moon boot, by seasons end he was a forward pressure tackling machine. He is keen for next year. Thankful.
As am I. There would be no losing today. It had only been a winning feeling since stumbling back into the St.Bernard's fold back in late November.
It has been the most wonderful experience since. There might not be a premiership cup, but my cup is full. Full of gratitude. Appreciation. Hope. Bring on 2026!!!
U12G Team Zucco
Week off - Grand Final this weekend!
U12 Team Fitzpatrick
Yarraville were unfortunately too good for us in the Preliminary final yesterday.
After missing several chances, we led narrowly at 1/4 time, before Yarraville edged ahead in the second before going on to win by about 6-7 goals. They have probably been the best team in our division all year to be fair, but what a great season it was with the on field highlights being - our victory over them down at the Snakepit a month ago to cement top spot and our win vs Truganina (who they will meet in the Grand Final) earlier in the season to ignite our big run of 8 wins in a row !
Of course, the on field outcomes in junior sport pale in significance to the off field outcomes where the true magic lies - kids learning the skills of the game, supporting eachother and building confidence and resilience as well as new friendships. To all of their credit, like many others down at St Bernard’s, this was a special team in all of those respects and they served the jumper superbly well this year !
It has been my great pleasure to coach these kids - most of which hadn’t played footy before this season.
As per the earlier messages from others, a massive thankyou to Luke and Hogi for the year and also for coming down - along with many others - to Truganina y’day for our game. We really appreciate it and it’s now our turn to get in behind those clubs left and join the volunteer brigade this weekend down at the Snakepit.
Finally - Our goal for this team at the start of the year was ‘to help kids develop skills, while fostering friendships and an overall love of footy in 2025 with additional focus on building confidence, teamwork and having fun. We wanted to rotate positions to ensure every boy got involved in the action in a year where they could learn the basics and develop their love of footy. I genuinely believe those things were achieved with every boy blossoming in his own way. I also think we unearthed a few rising stars who will play at higher grades and serve the club well in tbe years ahead !
Looking forward to the presentation night on September 12th and hope to see everyone on Sunday or at that event in a few weeks.
Cheers - Kieran Fitz