Suddenly it was round 6, and our under 16's headed bayside for our clash with perennially strong, Williamstown. Suddenly it was school holidays too, and with that a curse of absenteeism gripped the squad. Only 14 players were available for our bayside stoush, those away lounging bayside in much warmer pastures.

Fortunately, Willy were appreciative of our challenges and we would play a 14 v 14 first half before a group of heroic under 14's would join us following their own games in Werribee.

It had been an exhausting build up to the game logistically, the first bounce was a welcomed relief!

Willy started well, having two goals up within minutes, our sluggish start curse continued even with the speaker back in action!

With so many players unavailable there was scope to try new things, we threw Jonesy into the ruck from half back, and suddenly he turned the game with two running goals from the centre. 

For much of the first half, without rest, the team kept within striking distance. But for a couple of poor forward entries at our end and some accurate goalkicking at the other we might have been closer than 4 goals by the half.

Footy is an ever changing storyline, often ironic in the way it unfolds. 

Willy had picked up a few injuries through the half and suddenly they were requesting a 15 v 15 second half. We went with that, our under 14 cavalry got to experience some top level under 16's footy but we suddenly had a bench.

It was a cracking second half, both teams fighting through adversity and playing to a high level. We eventually succumbed, a 35 point defeat, but maybe the proudest I had been all season.

It was an heroic effort, the 14 were spent, but they did not stop. The coming week off, as timely as it was deserving.

U14G Team Roach

Disappointing 31 point loss for the under 14 girls today against Werribee Centrals.

After controlling play in the first quarter for just one goal we fell asleep and just weren’t executing the fundamentals giving up 3 goals in the second Q and 3 more in the second half, with only a single point in the last for us.

Lack of effort after quarter time, standing 20m away from their forwards and poor skill execution. We can play much better than that.

Alice ‘Fingers’ Healy got leather poisoning and Macy ‘Big Chook’ Roach battled hard against a 6ft monster ruck and at least showed them we can kick a footy. Tara ‘The Glove’ Lawther led by example with repeat efforts and didn’t lose a contest. 

Got out coached today by a couple of teenage girls, full coaching review incoming!

U14 Team Bloomfield

Today, the team headed down the highway for a top-four clash against a strong Werribee Districts side.

A slow start saw us trail 4 goals to 1 at quarter time, putting us under pressure early. To the boys’ credit, they responded well and lifted their intensity over the next three quarters. We created plenty of opportunities going forward, but unfortunately, we couldn’t make them count on the scoreboard and that proved costly.

In the end, we couldn’t really cut into Werribee’s early lead and were never able to apply enough scoreboard pressure to truly challenge them. Watching the game, it seemed like we really had to fight harder to kick our goals compared to Werribee, who were able to convert their chances much more easily.

With no training this week due to the school holiday break, the boys will get the chance to rest and recharge. We’ll come back fresh and ready to attack the final four games with a chance to cement a spot in the finals

U14 Team Sacco

The team travelled out to Yarraville oval today to take on YSE. A great warm-up, and the boys seemed to be "on." We had the ascendancy in the first quarter but failed to convert kicking 1.4 to YSE 1 straight. The 2nd quarter much the same, looking the much better side, but only putting 1.2 on the board to YSE 1 straight.

The 3rd was a worry as a trend was forming this year where YSE kicked 2 very quick goals in what seemed like a few short minutes to take the lead and they seemed to have a greater desire to win the ball than us. But something clicked, and we kicked 3 straight very soon after to wrestle back the lead. We kicked 3 straight in the 4th to YSE 1 straight to win by 26 points. We kicked 8.8 (16) scoring shots to YSE 5 straight. (Mental note) - Goal kicking practice next session.

Standout performance from Jacob Calleja. I asked him to play on ball against the YSE inter-league player, and he had the kid taken out of the midfield in the 2nd half, such was Jakes influence in addition to his 2 goals. Tommy Hickey at 60% health after a week in bed was huge for us.

AJ Lizio was a beacon at Full Forward, kicking 2 goals in a display of brute strength. Joey Monaco, marking cleanly and very good by foot when his opportunities came and Big "Harro"  Harrison Doyle impressed immensely in some massive moments for us when it counted. Our back 6 were awesome, and Maxy Vescio getting smarter by the week with his positioning means he is finding so much more of the ball.

I could go on naming players today. Super proud after a soul soothing win. To all sides, enjoy the well-deserved break. Stay safe.

U12G Team Zucco

The girls faced off against Williamstown Juniors for the second time this year. We were down a few key players due to the holidays but the reserves were called up to help. Maisie Smith, Willow Cameron and Zoe Groves all played up and did not look out of place. 

After conceding the first goal we hit back in Q2 with just a point in it at half time. Eva McManus slotted her second in the third term pushing forward from the backline. Scores were again locked at 3 quarter time. We hit the lead early in the last with Mila Kyriacou rebounding straight from a kick out but we could not hold them up going down by just 2 points 3.6.24 to 3.4.22. A very brave effort against a good side.

Scarlett Calleja and Ruby Bayliss put their bodies on the line setting a great example. Alyssa Galle ran the opposition ragged all day and Ella McGowan repelled many attacks. Lily Davison was our SLAY Queen.

U12 Team Farrugia

Today our boys travelled to Werribee districts for the first time to the beach front ground and the first quarter looked like we were sunbathing on the beach as they jumped to a 5gl lead at qrtr time.To the boys credit the effort got better for the rest of the game and we went head to head but the first quarter cost us the loss. Truly proud effort against the 2nd on the ladder Werribee. Congrats to Finn McManus Domenic Ionnidis 50 games today and thanks to 3 fillins from Team Trewin due to sicknesses. We battle on again.

U12 Team Trewin

We were invited by Spotswood to play under lights on Friday night and thought it was an exciting opportunity to mix things up and kick off the school holidays. Unfortunately, it was a tough outing for our boys. Spotswood came out firing and dominated the first quarter, kicking 9 goals and putting us on the back foot early.

Despite the challenging start, our team showed resilience and managed to slow their scoring for the remainder of the game. We fought hard and were able to register a single point late in the final quarter.

There were some great patches of play from the team, with moments of strong ball movement and determined defence that showed the boys’ spirit and teamwork. Special mentions to: Harrison Cunningham and Louis Duray for filling in to help with numbers. Our best this week included Axe, Spicer, Croydo, Bam Bam, Harvey and Sammy Hill. 
In the end, it was a tough result and while the scoreboard wasn’t in our favour, we know these kinds of games can be challenging for the boys.

That said, every match brings valuable lessons, and we’re confident the break will give them the reset and energy boost they need to come back refreshed and ready to finish the season strong.

Thanks again to Spotswood for hosting us under the lights—it was a great experience for the team. And a big thank you to all the parents for coming out on a Friday night to get behind the boys!

Enjoy the school holidays, boys, and we’ll see you back at training on Wednesday the 16th of July, ready and raring!

U12 Team Fitzpatrick

Our team had a strong win against Wyndhamvale today.

After an arm wrestle in the first quarter, we were able to gain the ascendancy to lead by 24 points at half time. The boys then flicked the switch in the second half, breaking the game open to run away victors by a commanding 72 points and cementing ourselves in the top 4 with some big games ahead - particularly the game against our nemesis Yarraville (there is a big red circle around that looming battle on August 3 at the snakepit with a potential top 2 spot on the line). 

An outstanding achievement from the boys today and indeed season to date - noting many of the kids didn’t know rules, positions or general techniques 3-4 months ago, but I am confident we have a few that will work their way through the grades and be fantastic contributors to St Bernard’s for many years to come !

Today, the leaders got it done with Skipper General Van Zuiden and Vice Captains Rolls Basilone and Silk Calandro all booting 2. Jedi Kobe1 Farrugia also returned from his broken mit in style also dominating the forward arch with 3 majors.
 
4 games to go in the season proper with finals looming large !

U10G Team Smith

We welcomed two new mid season debutants Adeline Romeo and Scarlett Vittorio, who joined the 1st kick/goal in footy.

Zoe Groves had the ball on a string from the opening bounce. The senior girls, led by Ivy Johnson, all played outstanding games and looked after the young pups. 

Final Score St Bernards 11.2.68 def Newport 1.1.7 

BOG- IJohnson &ZGroves

U10 Team Biggs

Visited Williamstown in near perfect conditions for Footy. A special day with one of our big guns Billy Vernon playing his 50th Game. A great effort from an under 10 player.

From the 1st bounce, it was clear we were going to be challenged, as the well-drilled Willy team skipped ahead.

St Bernard’s increased the intensity in the second quarter with a couple of quick goals to to AJ Barbaro, but again our lack of accountability let Willy score too easily. 

There was was some tired looking boys at half time but we committed to “dig in” for the sake of the team. We created opportunities for ourselves through solo efforts from Toby Runnalls, Sam Sankovich and Benji Kernich, but our forwards found themselves behind or out of position and Willy were able to rebound and score.

In the last Ethan Marcina got our game style going. The linking up and quick ball movement through the middle produced multiple scoring opportunities. But it was a case of too little too late and to go down to the undefeated Williamstown 1 team by 12 points shows that our side has the ability to match it with the best, particularly when didn’t play all that well today. 

BOG went to Toby Runnalls for his best game of the year and after reflecting on today I give my coaches award to Benji Kernich for willingness to tackle and chase all day.

U10 Team Manley

Round 10 took us out to Werribee Central’s on a perfectly still and sunny morning. With some boys away, it was 16 a side and the space that provided was only going to be a positive for us. 

A helpful Team Biggsy scouting report had us prepared for a strong and big bodied opponent.  The directive for the day was to fight hard to deny them first use, with quick disposal to our runners. 

Centrals had a strong start with their strong boys owning the contest and they took an early lead. Pushing the boys to compete strongly turned the tide in the second quarter and the scoreboard started ticking over. “Crippa” Attenborough with two great goals and Citta chipping in with another had us taking the lead at half time. 

The second half was a bit of an arm wrestle but our ability to win the ball and beat them on the outside meant we had much more control of the game. 

Best on ground “Storm” Colthurst was racking them up at a rapid pace, feeding our forward half all day, helping “Wiz” Vasih find an open ball deep forward and with a little ducking and weaving, snapped a great goal. “Rage” Cooper, “Razor” Robinson and “Bull” Falzon showed some real determination when the ball was in dispute. 

A two goal win was a great reward for the boys and a validation on how we want to win the ball and move it forward.

U9 Team Round

Round 10 saw Team Round travel well up the highway to take on the Aintree Giants. We arrived to find perfect footy conditions — bright sunshine and not a breath of wind.
Despite a few boys unavailable and, for the first time this season, not taking the field with a full team, the message was clear: win it out of the middle and create as many scoring opportunities as possible.

You wouldn’t have known we were down on numbers. The boys ran hard all day, using their handball with purpose to find space and carry the ball forward. The team spirit was sensational — numbers at every contest, constant voice, and selfless shepherds set the tone.

A genuine team-first approach was on display from start to finish, with relentless gang tackling creating turnovers and opening up scoring chances. After a strong start, we gradually pulled away from Aintree and finished with a convincing win to cap off a fantastic team performance.

Best on Ground went to Lenny “Lightning” Marcina for his tireless repeat efforts, hard running, precise kicking to targets, and unselfish team play.

Coaches’ Award went to Darcy “Duke” Round for a brilliant five-goal performance, breaking lines with powerful runs, swinging onto his left foot in space, and finishing strongly.
Valentino “Rossi” Orlando also took home a Coaches’ Award for his courageous efforts sitting under high balls, strong marking, accurate kicking, fierce tackling, and smart use of the handball.

The Heartland Award was awarded to Charlie “Stoj” Stojanovski, who consistently put his head over the footy, showed off his penetrating left foot, and jagged his first goal for the Club with a crafty left-foot snap in heavy traffic after jumping on a loose ball.

Next up, we welcome Caroline Springs to the Pit — always a tough battle, but this group will be primed and ready to go!

Have a great break everyone!

U8 Team Ryan

We were greeted with a magnificent morning for football down the snake pit.

Our captain for the week James “Rowdy” Croydon gave the boys a stirring pregame speech to ensure we were ready for action.

After a closely fought first quarter we had a slender 1 goal lead. The boys were asked to focus on centre clearances and playing more team oriented football.
It was a great response with a commanding second quarter. PJ Kapiris was everywhere and was well supported by Harry Lancashire and Gus Franze.

We had a dominant third quarter with lots of excellent team work but hadn’t quite put Newport away.

In the last quarter they came hard and even hit the lead by a point before Josh Smith stepped up to slot the match winner. This capped off a great game for Josh finishing with a game high 3 goals.

It was a superb win before the well earned week off.

U8 Team Cameron 

We hosted a strong Newport side with the main focus points of the week being defence, fighting for the ball and getting our handball game going. 

Newport started well with successive forward 50 entries however our backline stood firm, particularly Jonah Kolokithas taking some great marks and setting up his teammates. Our midfield then began to win more of the ball and the lethal combination of Jack Cameron in the midfield kicking to Will Liberatore up forward earned us two quick goals and we went into quarter time in front by 11 points.

After quarter time it was an old fashioned shootout with both sides linking up well with some great passages of play. Each time we kicked goals, Newport responded quickly. 

Noah Perkins stood tall with two important goals in the third quarter including a courageous mark running back into a pack. Darcy Langford and Rory Byrne were winning the ball with ease and we went into the final break only 9 points up, looking to hold on for our second win of the season. 

Newport kicked two early goals in the final quarter to hit the front however Will Liberatore slotted his third with a great snap to put us back in front. Both teams then traded behinds as we waited for the siren and finally it sounded with the snowdogs on top by 4 points! 

No best players, a real team effort with every player contributing.

U8 Team Mirtsis 

Today playing again at our home ground, U8s Team Mirtsis defeated PEGs in a close contest scoring 8.9.57 to PEGS 8.4.52.

We took care of business in what was our best win for the year against an undefeated PEGS. Our rivals didn't know what hit them at the final siren.

The T- Train Thomas had the ball on the boundary line in the final 10 seconds, snapping true to put the game to bed. Led by the Rock of Gibraltar captain Rocco Marando who is unmatched in his eagerness and toughness around the ball.

Our BOG today with his goal sneak was Charlie M, well deserved. The team was instructed to leave nothing in the tank in the final term and to come off exhausted and give it their all. They didn't let us down.

A massive win to go into the break full of heart. Well done boys. Proud effort.