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200 Games Milestone Celebration – Simon Bennett
Last Saturday, whilst playing Old Haileybury at GBO we saw another Club milestone achieved by Club great, Simon “Simo” Bennett playing his 200th game for the mighty Wellers. Returning late in the season to ensure that this magnificent milestone was achieved, he topped off a 14 season career, leading the Reserves to a massive, come from behind win, and collecting a 4 goal haul along the way, showing us all that his talent has not waned in any way.
Simo followed his older brother Phil to the club in 2009 and enjoyed immediate success with the Under 19s that year playing in a premiership. The following year, playing in the U19s Premier division, he won the team’s Best & Fairest award and was promoted to the Senior XV111 to play his first senior match in the First Semi Final that year, as a key position player.
Returning in 2011, he became an integral part of our senior teams playing up until 2022 when he was forced to stop playing due to work commitments. In that time, he was a multiple award winner, notably winning the Club’s Best & Fairest awards in 2014, (shared with Rohan Kapoor), 2018 and was Runner Up in 2019. He also won the Club’s Ron Wotton Award twice for significant contributions to the Club, both on field and off field. Simo also represented the VAFA in a representative match played against the Eastern Footy League in 2013.
Simo captained the Club in 2019 – 2022, leading by example, voice and presence. His deeds led to a significant improvement in building a strong culture at the club, with his on-field direction, bravery and deeds. It would have been a fairy tale ending to report that his time as Senior Captain was topped off with a premiership, however, the team finished as runners up, going down to old rival PEGS in that day in September.
A father now, with a beautiful baby girl and a new career ahead of him, he successfully marked the big day in front of his family and many of his past playing mates and still showed that he hasn’t lost it with a magnificent late game “screamer” flying for the ball 4 deep to mark and goal late match.
Congratulations Simo, you are a Club great, and on behalf of the entire Old Camberwell community, we wish you and your family well for the future and we are all so proud of knowing and playing with you.
Seniors vs Old Haileybury
Wellers' Finals Hopes End with Loss to Haileybury
The stakes were high at GBO as the Wellers faced a must-win match to keep their finals aspirations alive. A loss would mean saying goodbye to any chance of playing in the finals this year. The team welcomed back key defender Lachie Powell and celebrated milestone games for Fraser Wells (100 games) and Dave McColl (50 games).
The game plan was straightforward: deny the opposition possession with precise short kicks and pressure their ball carriers at every opportunity. Kelan Percy was thrust into the ruck and competed admirably against Haileybury's talls, while our midfielders Allen, Veitch & Verbi capitalized on early opportunities to drive the ball forward.
Ben Hart continued his outstanding form, this time in the backline, while Liam Thomas proved to be a significant threat early on. At half-time, the Wellers led 4 goals to 2, playing a tough, disciplined brand of football that filled them with confidence heading into the second half.
However, after the break, Haileybury came out with a relentless running game and clinical finishing that turned the tide. Despite the Wellers' unwavering effort, the intense pressure from a side destined for A-grade proved too much, and Haileybury ultimately ran away with a well-deserved 45 point win.
Although the loss marks the end of the Wellers' finals hopes, the team's effort and determination were evident until the final siren. This has been a consistent trait all year with the Wellers never giving up until the final siren.
We will regroup for a last game against Caulfield this week to finish off a very successful return to B grade.
A heartfelt thank you to all the supporters and helpers who contributed on the day.
Best Players: Ben Hart, Harry Veitch, Thomas Oliver, Jay Kennedy harris, Patrick Blew, Harry McColl
Goal Kickers: Harry Laukens 2, Caleb Finlayson 1, Ben Hart 1, Jay Kennedy harris 1, David McColl 1, Harry McColl 1
Anson Brownless
Senior Coach
 
 
Photos courtesy of David Frearson
More on Google
Reserves vs Old Haileybury
Best Players: Simon Bennett, Flynn Chable, Sam Boyce, Patrick Boakes, Oscar Cirulis, Angus Warburton
Goal Kickers: Simon Bennett 4, Sam Boyce 3, Patrick Boakes 1, Flynn Chable 1, Sam Garrard 1, Lucas Noack 1, Angus Warburton 1
Steve Warr
Reserves Coach
 
 
 
Photos courtesy of David Frearson
More on Google
U19 vs St Kevins
Check out the video reviews from coach Alistair: VIDEO
Best Players: Darcy Albert, Samuel Woods, George Commons, Owen Henderson, Joshua Davidson, Lachie Ross
Goal Kickers: Brodie Carswell 3, Joshua Blew 2, Matthieu Gibert 2, Lachie Ross 2, Charlie Chun 1, Luke Davidson 1, Harrison Haintz 1, William Stamper 1
Final Ladder for the Season
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