Round 5 Match Report

Friday 22 May 2026
FROM THE PRESIDENT · GAVIN POWELL

Weekly Update

Round 5 kicked off for Old Camberwell at 11.30am at GBO with both the Under 19’s and Thirds in action.  A strong northerly wind assisted teams kicking to the southern end of both the top and bottom oval.
 
After being regraded to Division 2 the Under 19’s were far more competitive and went on to record their first win of the season, 115 to 72.  Clearly the boys (and the parents and officials) had a far more enjoyable experience playing against more reasonable opposition.  Whether we win or lose going forward, games are likely to be more even – a good thing.
 
The Thirds were also involved in a competitive game, eventually falling to Old Melbourne by 21 points.  Injuries to senior and reserves players is impacting the thirds, with our depth being sorely tested.
 
The Women followed on the GBO top oval and were again involved in a dour struggle.  The ¾ time score of six points to two points (in favour of De La Salle) resembled a soccer score more than an AFL football score.  Both teams were able to register a major in the last term, but we fell short by 3 points.  Results to date indicate it is likely to be a very even season.
 
Our depleted Reserves team had another tough day, going down to Old Carey by 133 points.  Although completely outplayed, a bit more intensity and pressure on our behalf might have lessened the damage somewhat.  This week we take on the second bottom side, so a chance to snag a win awaits.
 
An even game for three quarters ended in a 54-point loss to Old Carey for the Seniorsafter a disappointing last quarter.  Our weekly review highlighted a number of instances where greater effort was required.  We expect a much improved showing this week.
 
This weekend the senior men’s teams host Beaumaris in a must win game.  The women play Richmond Central at GBO at 2.00pm, the Under 19’s have a 9.40am away game at Kew, while the Third XVIII play Old Geelong at 9.20am at Como Park. 
 
I just want to give a shout out to our wonderful women’s team who rolled up early on Saturday to support our Thirds.  Their vocal support from the boundary fence was very encouraging and I am sure it was greatly appreciated by all players.
 
We are now over a quarter of the way through the season, with the ladders starting to take shape.  It’s time to get a few wins on the board!  Three teams at home this weekend represents a great opportunity to get down and support the club, I look forward to seeing you there.
 
Good luck to all teams this weekend.

Go Wellers!

— Gavin Powell, President

 
FROM THE COACHES’ BOX  
SENIORS  
OCGFC
7.8.50
vs
OLD CAREY
15.14.104

Let's focus on next week

It was a challenging afternoon on the road as we went down to Old Carey by 54 points, 104 to 50. The final margin showed we need to bring effort and intensity for four quarters

We started the game matching Old Carey with two goals apiece in the opening term to trail by just one point at quarter time. Our midfield intensity was a major positive early, with the side leading disposals and contested ball in the first quarter. Fraser Wells provided an excellent presence down in defence, collecting four marks in a strong opening term performance.

The second quarter continued in a similar fashion, with the team competing fiercely at stoppages and winning the clearance battle 13–8 for the term. Our effort and work rate around the contest allowed us to remain right in the game, heading into half-time trailing by only a single point, 29–28.

Old Carey gradually began to gain momentum during the third quarter, extending their lead to 10 points by the final break. However, there were still some positives for our side, particularly our ability to compete at stoppages, recording another strong clearance quarter and continuing to pressure the opposition around the ball.
Unfortunately, the final term proved costly as Old Carey broke the game open with eight goals to one. Despite our earlier resilience and effort, we were unable to halt their momentum as the game slipped away late.

While the result was disappointing, there were some positives to take from the performance. We finished ahead in both clearances (47–38) and contested possessions (154–151), showing our ability to compete strongly in key areas of the game.

The challenge now is to maintain that intensity and effort across four quarters. Addressing our late game fade outs will be an important focus moving forward.
As a group, the message is simple: get the basics right, bring consistent effort, and the rest will follow from there.

 
BEST PLAYERS
Fraser Wells, James Allen, Liam Thomas, Lachlan McGowan, Josh Gale, Thomas Oliver
GOAL KICKERS
Liam Thomas 4, Garnet Brennan 1, Caleb Finlayson 1, Hamish Wild 1
— Neil Connell, Senior Coach
RESERVES  
OCGFC
1.4.10
vs
OLD CAREY
21.17.143

Better luck next week

Looking to bounce back next week against Beaumaris.

BEST PLAYERS
Benjamin Gale, Liam Visser, Ben Joy, Benjamin Grlj, Angus Warburton, Nicholas Graves
GOAL KICKERS
Nicholas Graves 1
— Fraser Masciatelli, Reserves Coach
U19  
OCGFC
17.13.155
vs
OLD XAVS
10.12.72

Winners!

The Under 19’s finally broke through for a well‑earned victory, snapping a run of 3 heavy losses and showing the Div 2 competition exactly what the Wellers spirit looks like. It was the kind of 4 quarter performance we pride ourselves on — hard working, spirited, and driven by a team‑first attitude.

The game didn’t start on our terms, with Old Xavs jumping out to a 9 point lead at quarter time. But from that moment on, the Wellers took control. The 2nd quarter was the turning point: 6 unanswered goals, relentless pressure, and a midfield that refused to give an inch. By half‑time, the boys had turned the deficit into a commanding 32‑point lead.

James Webb was the heartbeat of the resurgence. He was unstoppable all day, gathering possessions at will and finishing with 3 goals to cap off a best‑on‑ground performance. His work set the tone for a midfield group that dominated clearances and gave our forwards silver‑service delivery all day. The forward line thrived on the supply, presenting strongly, competing in the air, and finishing off their work. The defence stood tall under pressure, led brilliantly by Oli Lowe and Jacob Lewis, who controlled the air and repeatedly turned defence into attack.

The belief is back, the system is working, and the season ahead suddenly looks very promising.

BEST PLAYERS
James Webb, Jacob Lewis, Oliver Lowe, Harry Taylor, Zac Matters, Luca Tassone
GOAL KICKERS
Zac Matters 3, James Webb 3, Joshua Day 3, Harry Taylor 2, Ben Horskins 1, Darcy Merritt 1, Oscar Stambanis 1, Darren Li 1, Will Joy 1, Declan McCabe 1
— Troy Stambanis, U19s Coaching Staff
WOMEN  
OCGFC
1.3.9
vs
DE LA SALLE
1.6.12

Close one!

Scoring was at a premium in our game against De La Salle and our first and only goal was answered by them within minutes midway through the last quarter. Time ran out with the ball in our forward line. 

Close games are going to be a regular thing in Division 2 this season with all of the teams so evenly matched. 

Liv McArdle scored our only goal under extreme pressure; Ali Winstanley did a great job in the ruck and Izzy Dedoncker led our defensive unit very well all day. Back to back three point results indicate that we are very competitive in Division 2 and the grils are to be congratulated for the way they have a crack for four quarters.

BEST PLAYERS
Alison Winstanley, Eliza Hynes, Grace Deane, Amelia Standfield, Jess Humphries, Isabel Dedoncker
GOAL KICKERS
Olivia McArdle 1
— Nick Hooper, Women’s Coach
THIRDS  
OCGFC
5.4.34
vs
OLD MELBURNIANS
7.13.55

Valiant effort by the People's XVIII

Looks promising for this weekend.

BEST PLAYERS
Jez Alexeyeff, Jonathan Bingley, Nicholas Curwen, Cohen Frazer, Josh Hu, Tyler Waugh
GOAL KICKERS
Matt Cottrell 2, Max Kearsley 1, Mitchell Barnard-Brown 1, Max Hughes 1
— Dom Rossetti, Thirds Coach
 
NEXT UP · ROUND 6

Saturday 23rd May

 
U19 vs Kew (A) Victoria Park 9:20 AM
WOMEN vs Richmond Central  (H)  2:00 PM
THIRDS vs Old Geelong (A) Como Park  9:20 AM
RESERVES vs Beaumaris (H) 11:40 AM
SENIORS vs Beaumaris (H) 2:00 PM
SOCIAL & FUNCTIONS

Mark the diary

JUNE 27th
11:30 AM
Wellsmen Lunch - The “Brownless Years”
Save the date! Details to come
 
Other Social Events to be posted soon as dates are locked in
Round 5 Match Report

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