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Seniors vs Parkdale Vultures
Following last week’s second semi-final loss we were looking for an immediate response in the do-or-die Preliminary Final against Parkdale. Conditions at Trevor Barker Oval could not have better, although the unseasonally warm conditions were likely to take a toll on players from both sides.
We expected a physical and fast game, and Parkdale were out of the blocks early, kicking the first two goals of the game. Harry Veitch and Jay Kennedy-Harris responded, but we trailed by 21-points at the first break.
Kicking with a slight breeze in the second quarter, Old Camberwell started to take control of the game. Our defence was outstanding, restricting Parkdale to a solitary point for the quarter, with Tom Oliver, Kellan Percy and Harry McColl blanketing their opponents, and Will Dalrymple and Josh Holding providing plenty of run. Sam Veitch and Riley Verbi both kicked majors, and were it not for inaccuracy in front of goal we would have taken a lead into halftime. As it was we trailed by five points.
The boys continued to ramp up the pressure in the third term, with Harry Veitch and Jay Kennedy-Harris laying some massive tackles and winning plenty of the ball. The game was being played in our half, and we were finally rewarded with a snapped goal by Liam Thomas, and set shot goals from Caleb Finlayson and Harry Laukens.
Taking a three-point lead into the last quarter, there was everything to play for. It was tense – no goals for the first 14 minutes. Eventually our pressure told and Dave McColl snapped a goal to give us some breathing space. After a string of behinds, Riley Verbi won a free kick, and with the aid of a 50m penalty kicked the sealer from the goal square.
After a 33-minute last quarter the siren finally rang. A well-deserved victory by 19 points. We had great contributions all over the ground. Our pressure and team defence was outstanding, allowing Parkdale only two goals after quarter time. A special mention to Tom Oliver who held the division’s leading goalkicker goalless on the day – unbelievable.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers on the day. Simmo, our runner, Latta and Louie for running water, Cohen Fraser for the iced water and cold towels for the interchange bench, Tim Cottrell as stand-in team manager and Hookey for his scoring prowess. Every contribution makes a huge difference!
So now one game to go. Boys, you have earnt the right to have a crack at winning a premiership, let’s go out and get the job done.
Final scores: Old Camberwell: 9.14.68 Parkdale: 7.7.49
Goal Kickers: R. Verbi 2, S. Veitch, C. Finlayson, D. McColl, L. Thomas, H. Laukens, H. Veitch, J. Kennedy-Harris
Best Players: T. Oliver, H. Veitch, K. Percy , J. Kennedy-Harris, R. Verbi, H. McColl
Anson Brownless
Senior Coach
U19 vs Old Carey
Goal Kickers: T. Beechey, H. Kimmitt
Best Players: J. Spalding, S. Woods, J. Schreuder, B. Joy, B. Carlisle, C. Robertson
Matt Beechly
U19 Coach
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