Prelim Final Match Report

Thursday 21 September 2023

B grade here we come!  Sunday’s preliminary final win secured the club’s promotion to Premier B for only the third time in the club’s 63-year history.  A fantastic achievement, but this team craves one thing this year – a premiership.


Warm and sunny conditions prevailed at Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham on Sunday, and unusually, games were unaffected by the light southerly zephyr.  Our Under 19’s kicked off proceedings at 9.20am and took a two-point lead into halftime in a low scoring affair.  The floodgates opened in the second half – unfortunately for Old Camberwell the tide was running in the wrong direction, and we were beaten by 39 points.

Whilst a disappointing end, the boys can be immensely proud of their efforts.  With five of their best players in the senior side, and several more either injured or on holidays, it was mighty performance to get that far, particularly after going up a grade part way through the season.  A huge congratulations to coach Matt Beechey and his helpers for everything you have done.

At 2.20 the senior side took to the field against Parkdale, who we had beaten by one and three points respectively in our earlier meetings this year.  We were prepared for a fierce contest, and after a slow start, the boys gradually wore the opposition down.  Despite some nervous moments for the spectators, we got the chocolates by 19 points.

This sets up our second grand final appearance in two years, as we take on Old Ivanhoe at Trevor Barker Oval at 2.30pm on Saturday.  The teams are evenly matched, but we have a 2-1 winning record against them this year.  Our best will be good enough, we just need to produce it on the day.

Our supporters were unbelievable last Sunday, and hopefully you can get out in large numbers again.  Old Ivanhoe have three teams playing in grand finals on Saturday – Under 19’s, reserves, and seniors, so we will need all the support we can get to quell their noise.

For those of you who can’t get there, the game will be live-streamed.  A link will be available through the VAFA and Old Camberwell websites.

I look forward to seeing you there for our biggest day in 15 years.

Go Wellers,
 
Gavin Powell
President

Reminder -  the club will be holding its Best & Fairest presentation at Leonda on Thursday 28 September.  We would love as many family and supporters as possible to join us there.  Tickets can be purchased through the website.

        

Weekend Results

 
MEN SENIORS   9.14.68
Parkdale   7.7.49
 
U19   2.4.16
Old Carey   7.13.55
 


-- GRAND FINAL --
 

 

Saturday 23rd September 


 

Men Seniors
2:30pm vs Old Ivanhoe
Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham

 


Club Memberships Available

 

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

Prelim Final Match Report

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