Round 16 Match Report

The Wellsmen held their annual lunch on Saturday, and as per usual, it was a cracking event.  Club Life Memberships were awarded to 200 game players – Brett Cottrell, Harry Crothers and Rob Deev, together with 1993 premiership player, senior team captain and former club president, Adam Kyriacou.  Congratulations to all recipients - very well deserved.  I would also like to thank Warren Earl for providing me with an extensive list of statistics and achievements for each of them.
 
Guest speaker Simon Dalrymple and interviewer Rod Heath were outstanding, giving an in-depth account of some of the behind-the-scenes activities at AFL level; insights that are rarely heard.  Our thanks to Simon and Rod for their contribution, and to members of the Wellsmen committee – Dancey, Eags, Gibbsy, Tez, Mattiand Ad for the time and effort they put into organising the event.  A big thanks also to Craig Sampson and Alan and Alex Vickery who manned the bar throughout a long day.
 
On field, the Seniors took advantage of the huge level of support to record a comfortable 34- point victory against third-placed Old Caulfield.  The win lifted us into fourth position on percentage with two rounds remaining.  Our destiny is in our own hands as we prepare to play two other contenders, Old Geelong and Williamstown, over the next fortnight.
 
It was a fitting way for Tom Oliver (100 games) and Lachie Purcell (50 games) to celebrate milestone games.  We are very glad Tom has returned to the fray after a concussion enforced lay-off, his determination and ability to completely nullify an opponent has added a missing piece to the team.  And Lachie has become a very consistent contributor also, with his pace, smart ball use and tackling a feature of his game.  Well done lads, looking forward to many more great games for the club.
 
Unfortunately, the Ressies could not repeat last week’s win and went down by 23 points.
 
Earlier in the morning the Under 19’s season concluded with a 73-point loss to Uni Blues.  It has been a challenging season for all involved, not helped by the fact that we were probably a division 2 side playing in division 1, but unfortunately that is one of the quirks of under 19 football.  A big thanks to Al Rodrigues for his coaching efforts throughout the year, and to all the boys for fighting the year out admirably.
 
The Women’s team finished the home and away season with a 29-point win over North Brunswick, holding the opposition scoreless in the process.  It has been a great season to date for the women after the challenges faced in 2024, we look forward to a strong showing in the knockout semi-final against Albert Park.
 
This week the seniors and reserves visit Como Park to play Old Geelong in a season-defining game for the First XVIII.  The women face Albert Park at Moorleigh Reserve, East Bentleigh at 9.20am Saturday morning, with the winner to advance to the preliminary final.
 
A big thank you to everyone who came down to support last Saturday, all sides need you again this week to cheer us home.




Go Wellers!

Gavin Powell
President