Olinda Ferny Creek V Gembrook
Gembrook 4. 10. 34 def Olinda Ferny Creek 3. 10. 28
Goal kickers: Brendan Cooling, 1, Jayden Faull 1, Angus Smith 1
We had a much better build up this week, with everyone switched on early, two big milestones and a senior feel to it with senior club coach Mick Scott addressing the guys and going through a pre game warm up. (A really important lesson for the boys-seeing how its done at the higher level)Unfortunately the weather turned just as we ran out onto the ground, with constant rain for the rest of the day.

The first qtr saw us start much better, the intensity and commitment never waning. Only problem being Gembrook got scores on the board and we struggled to put on any scoreboard pressure.
The second qtr was much the same, with the wet weather starting to influence the game. Our pressure and commitment to the ball and the game was again second to none! Kicking 4 or 5 behinds didn't help our cause, but did show that we had plenty of the footy! Lachie was racking up heaps of possessions as to were Tommy R, Cam H and the Rankin twins. Heyden, Robbie and James were also solid down back. The 3rd qtr saw the rain continue and the ball resembled a bar of soap! We had a lot of the play and ended up kicking 1 goal 5 behinds for the qtr, which was great, but it was actually where we lost the game! In the trying conditions, points weren't going to win it for us. To all of the boys credit, their commitment, concentration and efforts were there for the 4 qtrs and that's all the coach and club can ask for!

The 4th qtr was a titanic struggle, with both teams realising the importance of the win. We worked hard as a team and were within a goal, with all the momentum, when Gembrook threw two extra players down back! We surged forward again and the unbelievable happened-the game being stopped with 7 minutes left on the clock due to a nasty head and body clash between two Gembrook players. (As I write this report we have just got word from Gembrook that the two boys are o-k)This of course left us a goal down when play stopped, and our big game in tatters!
After the game most of the boys were shattered, but they can all hold their heads up high knowing the fact that they gave 110% (as usual), showing heaps of character and playing the game out in a fashion that will hold them in good stead for the future!

Well done boys!

Congratulations to Jaydo and Cam on their 100 game milestones-as Mick Scott said before the game. It's a fantastic achievement at junior level to play 100 games with your mates. It's an even better achievement knowing that both the boys actually got there a bit quicker than most because of their dedication to the footy club, by helping out with numbers, and playing up a grade when asked to do so!

Last but not least, as its our last game (and record)for the season Id like to thank all the people/parents that help out each week. To Marty, your efforts in running the boys this season have been amazing! Your positive approach and the way you conduct yourself and your team is first class. To everyone else another big THANK YOU. (Gav as team manager, Mick as trainer, Dave as runner and mentor, Ingo as time keeper, Dave Hyde on stats, Dave R for boundary umpiring and running water, Lex for helping with time keeping and water and all the other parents for helping where needed! I'd also like to thank all the match day sponsors for their support throughout the year. And finally to the committee of the club-WELL DONE-Your running a great ship and steering it in the right direction!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!
G

Awards
Coaches Award =Jaydo
Encouragement Medal =Heyden
McDonalds Award =Dylan S
McDonalds Award =Gage
Pizza Award =Tom R
Fish and Chip Award =Josh R

Round 10 V Gembrook
Gembrook 12. 8. 80 def Olinda 2. 3. 15
Goalkickers:Jaydos 1, Tommy R 1

Well winter was here with all its glory today.
Wet, cold and generally miserable.
Turning up, the ground actually looked o-k but on closer inspection it was an absolute stinking bog hole!
Deep mud and very water-logged.

Unfortunately we were missing a few players today, but the guys still seemed keen.
Again, for some reason we slept through the first qtr, almost as if we just wait and see what kind of game the opposition are going to play. After the qtr time break the boys decided to pull their fingers out and start playing-and that they did!
They realised the other team were playing footy, they weren't going the man and we could match it with them man on man!
Everyone was putting in and going in hard all over the ground. The small, but vocal cheer squad cheered on the boys and weren't disappointed with their efforts. B. C was having a great game down back, Jay R was in and under every pack, Jaydos was up and about on the forward line and putting on some good forward pressure as well. Dyl was having a crack, Brodes was again tireless in the ruck and Ryan, Conn and Josh were really trying hard to get into the game. Pat's efforts at the footy didn't go unnoticed either.

By half time the Gembrook team were well on top on the scoreboard but we were matching them all over the ground. We just fell down at our forward line again and failed to score enough!

The 3rd qtr saw us step up again and actually put on some scoreboard pressure, kicking 2 goals. B. Cs continued to put his body on the line and show all the small guys just how it's done!

I think with a bit of luck and a few guys coming back, when we play Gembrook again in a few weeks time we could see a different and well deserved result!

Keep training hard and I'm sure a win is just around the corner!
Keep up the good work guys.
G

Coaches Award=Hydey
Encouragement Medal=Mitch
McDonalds Award=Macca
Fish and Chip Award=Dyl
Olinda Pizza Award=Guss

Round 9
Olinda Ferny Creek V Upwey Tecoma
Upwey Tecoma 10.14.74 def Olinda Ferny Creek 0.1.1
Goalkickers: Nil

Well-what a day! Lots of early rain, lots of mud and playing another top team.

For once I think the weather actually helped us! At least it was going to be low scoring! And low scoring it was.
The first qtr again saw us start very slowly and Upwey banged on 4 quick goals, while the ball was relatively dry. We were sluggish and happy to run second for the footy.
At qtr time everyone seemed surprised at the physicality and each and everyone set about having a red hot go.
And that they did!
In the most difficult conditions, every single player that pulled on an Olinda jumper did us all proud.(and yourselves) It was fantastic to see the likes of B.C, Gage, Dyl and Cammo B all pulling their weight and putting in. It was such a great effort by each and every one of you. Desperate for the footy, tackling and smothering-all the 1 percenters. Again we failed to get the ball to our full forward line to score but by geez it was great to see all the play down back and in the middle.
We constantly put pressure on Upwey, to the point of them getting very frustrated. We not only took it up to them, we matched them with our intensity at the footy! I thought it was great to see everyone play great team footy, looking after each other and push the ball forward rugby style at all costs. The back six (or seven) were under the pump all day and teamed well together, while the onballers and half fwd line really did put in.
Very encouraging to see how all you guys represented your club today. Fantastic to see!

Keep up the good work guys.

G
Awards:
Coaches Award=B.C
Encouragement Award=Gage
McDonalds Award=Macca
McDonalds Award=Jaydos
Fish and Chips=Cammo B
Olinda Pizza=Cam Dixon

Round 8
Healesville V Olinda Ferny Creek
Healesville 19.20.134 def Olinda Ferny Creek2.0.12
Goal kickers: Paddy T 1,Dylan Sw 1
Today was always going to be a tough day, as Healesville were on top of the ladder and the weather was a little wintery!
For the first time this season it was cold and wet and the Don Rd ground was very heavy. The first qtr saw Healesville come out firing and bang on 8 goals, 11 behinds before we actually realised we out on the ground playing!!
The opposition were a lot bigger and used the footy very well. We fell back into our old habits of being second to the footy and were happy to chase tail and play timid footy. The second qtr saw much of the same, when half way through the term something clicked, the boys started to get their hands on the footy and use it well. All of a sudden we weren't second to the footy, we were putting pressure on Healesville and our heads were over the footy! Maybe the guys realised that the bigger Healesville bodies were tiring with the heavy conditions!! The half time siren came and the break saw us very positive and talking up the third. We started well and had heaps of the footy and only butchered the ball deep in our forward line. We even stopped Healesville's scoring opportunities by playing tight contested ball and looking after one another.
By the fourth qtr we were up and about and matching it with the best-again. When we're playing well we look good-our only problem being goal kicking power-we seem to fall down constantly at half forward. It was good to see Jaydos sacrifice his own game and drift down to the last line of defence and repel many forward attacks, using the footy well going our way. The highlight for Marty and myself was when Conner used the footy well on the wing and handballed to a running Dylan who in turn ran his full quota and drilled a great 40 m goal! Great reward for two of the hardest working guys in the team! Well done. Brodie was fantastic again in the ruck and Gus and Heyden were great in the last 3 qtrs down back. Little Macca , Cammo B , Conner and Brendan all tried hard against much bigger opposition. All in all it ended up being a great 2nd half of footy by all of you guys. Another very positive afternoon guys -- well done!
G
Awards:
Coaches Award = Luke P
Encouragement Medal = Conner B
McDonalds Award = Heyden T
McDonalds Award = Josh R
Fish and Chip Award = Jay R
Olinda Pizza Award = Cam H

Round 7
Olinda V Wandin
Wandin26.17.172 def Olinda 1.6.12

Goalkicker:Cam H

With the last few weeks being full of improvement, we were expecting some more of the same. Pre-game was as good as it's been and the boys seemed switched on. But the first qtr was all one way traffic, with Wandin taking full control of the game during the first 20 minutes. Five goals to nil and Wandin were showing us how to play football.

To our guys credit, we didn't give in or stop trying but we were outclassed all game.

Once again the backline were under the pump with another 6 goals being scored by Wandin in the second. Brodes was tireless all day while Paddy and James were trying hard. The Rankin boys were again racking up possessions, but we were falling down badly at half forward. For some reason we were getting beaten to the ball. Being second to the ball means we were excepting the Wandin boys domination, which was disappointing. Every now and then we were stringing some play together and looking good, but just not often enough.
Our onballers were o-k when attacking, but defensively we were letting Wandin run forward unopposed, and we can't afford this to happen. When we don't man up, the pressure on our backs is too great and scoring is too common. We just can't afford to let opposing onballers to run free. By 3qtr time we couldn't buy a goal, but again each and every one of the players kept battling on. Marty asked for more and the boys responded in typical fashion. The boys pushed forward and we put 1goal, 3 behinds on the board. The tackle count of Paddy and James was good, but this just means we were constantly second to the ball! Brodie's 12 handballs and 14 knockouts, James' 12 tackles and the Rankin's possession count were really the only highlights to what was a pretty disappointing day.

Get to training and keep working hard -we need to get our game back on track and keep improving! Great to see Cam H push forward and kick a well deserved goal too!

Awards:
Coaches Award=James G
Encouragement Medal=Brodie L
McDonalds Award=Tom R
McDonalds Award=Paddy T
Fish and Chip Award=Robbie C
Olinda Pizza Award=Ryan H
Canteen Award=Conner B
Canteen Award=Heyden T

*Well done to Robbie on his 50 games*

R 6 Woori Yallock V Olinda Ferny Creek

Woori Yallock 11.15.81 def Olinda 4.5.29

Goal kickers: Jay R 1, Mitch D 1, Pat T 1, and RYAN H 1

Well - could we keep up the good work?
Another glorious day for footy and a drive through the valley and near perfect conditions.

The task was huge coming up against the true ladder leaders and we needed to switch on early. Who would have guessed that we'd be in front at qtr time?? The WHOLE team were fantastic, hitting the packs hard with heads over the footy. Jay R and Lachie M were again leading from the front with outstanding 1st qtrs and everyone else weren't far behind. Our skills were up and we were running to support each other. All of a sudden everyone realised we were in the game and everyone had a spring in their steps. Our ball use was good and we spotted up players at will, even the smallest guys on the ground were influential. With Lachie M in the middle giving us some much needed drive, the backline had to stand up. Gus, James and Cam H were fantastic and were well supported by all in the back half. Although Woori were getting their hands on the footy more, we still held firm and put our heads over the footy, keeping possession more often than not. It was good to see young Macca and Heydon getting their hands on the footy and Ryan was racking up the stats.
Apart from butchering the ball a few times, we were still on top of Woori and playing the better footy. Our rotations off the bench were good and we kept fresh legs at all times-I think the boys are realising that the bench is just another position .Knowing your stint on the bench won't be for long, coming off for a spell isn't a huge issue! So could we keep it up for four qtrs? We fell down at half forward again, but when we got the ball deep we seemed to work hard at keeping the ball locked in for longer. This means we were working harder and listening to instructions. Brodes was getting crucified by the whistlers and the opposition, but never gave in and Joshy R was catching brother Jay on the stats sheet! Hydy relished his time on the ball and put in the best game I've seen him play, Pats 1st and 2nd efforts certainly didn't go unnoticed and Owey seemed to be finding his feet. The last qtr saw us stick to our guns and not get blown out of the water, going down by 52 pts. Guys-I was personally wrapt to see you play the way you did today. Withstanding pressure from the opposition and actually putting a heap on them too was fantastic to see.

The last 3 wks have been pivotal in your development as footballers and its been a pleasure to witness it, but now that you've lifted the bar to this acceptable level, you all have to work even harder to sustain it! Real hard work will bring even more development and a win isn't too far away boys! I hope you ALL felt good after your efforts today-you deserved it .You were all fantastic.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Awards:
Coaches Award=Dylan Sw
Encouragement Award=B.C (great game today mate)
McDonalds Award=Lachie M (36 possessions!!)
McDonalds Award=Gus
Olinda Pizza Award=Mitch D
Fish and Chip Award=Gage
A very happy G

Round 5
Wesburn V Olinda Ferny Creek

Wesburn 15.13.103 def Olinda 5.0.30

Goalkickers:Jay R 2, Jayden F 1, Mitch D 1, Brendan C 1

Well what a beautiful day for footy and a drive out through the valley. The boys didn't seem to confident pre-game, coming up against top of the table, Wesburn, who were on top having two byes! Already this season!!As the boys warmed up, it was evident their minds were on the job and I had a feeling they were going to have a good game! I personally wasn't expecting what I saw for the next 80 minutes of football.

The turn around was quite amazing from the previous weeks. We actually held Wesburn to 3 goals in the first qtr and looked really good when we had the footy. The backline was under a fair bit of fire and stood up magnificently. Led by Lachie M and Gus the whole backline worked really well together and used the footy with good skills. We fell down at half forward again and I think we're just a couple of big bodies short. When we did get it past half forward we looked o-k, but we didn't keep the ball locked in well enough". Could we keep it up"was the big question.

The second qtr was much the same with us not only keeping Wesburn's score down but getting on the scoreboard ourselves. Jay R was on fire as the on-ballers were getting into the game as well. After half time a few others started getting a bit more of the ball as well. James G, Tom R, B.C and Josh R were all getting more of the ball and using the ball when they got their hands on it. The longer the game went on the better our guys worked, everyone was having a crack, which was great to see. With Marty emphasising the need for everyone to get their possession count up-they all seemed to be up to the task.

Looking on from the sidelines it seemed like the penny had dropped for everyone out on the ground. We were linking handballs and kicks together and looking really good when we had the footy. Apart from a short lapse of concentration in the tail-end of the last qtr,where Wesburn kicked 3 or 4 goals in junktime ,all the guys should hold their heads high. Something happened today fellas-you all took a massive step forward in your development as footballers.

Now for the big challenge-CAN WE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. From what I saw i think we can. Great effort today guys-you did the club and yourselves proud.

Awards:
Coaches Award=Patty T
Encouragement Medal=Owen Sch
McDonalds Award=Cam B
McDonalds Award=Brodie Let
Olinda Pizza Award=Robbie C
Fish and Chip Award=James G
G

R 4 Olinda V Seville
Seville 24.27.171 def Olinda1.1.7
Goalkicker:J Faull

Well, what a day!
Seven senior players missing, playing a top four side and celebrating two major milestones. In what was a fitting tribute to two fantastic young men, the Seville Football Club lined up along side our U 16s and paid their respects as Jay and Josh ran through their 100 game banner. A fantastic gesture by the club in which Jay and Josh R played their first 60 games with. But the celebrations didn't last too long when Seville unleashed with all their might! We were under the pump in a huge way, with our young backline under seige. Although we could never doubt the whole teams effort in trying, we have to accept a little more responsability in our performances!

Marty and I expect a bit more from each and every one of you guys. With a little bit of luck everyone can get to training and work hard as a team to improve our performances.

Tom did well down back,Jayden did well when he got his hands on it and both the Rankin boys put in a great game on their big day. James also showed glimpses of his form of a few years ago. I think we were lucky Seville missed their shots on goal. Cam H also tried his guts out in the ruck.

One things for sure~we have a lot of work to do!

Coaches Award=Tom R
Encouragement Medal=Josh R
McDonalds Award=Jay R
McDonalds Award=Conner B
Fish and Chip Award=Cam H
Olinda Pizza Award=Heyden T
Fish and Chip Award=Jaydos

Come on boys -work hard!
G

Final scores:Monbulk 22.14.146 def Olinda 4.5.29

Well the boys seemed to be really switched on for what is always a huge game against our old rivals Monbulk.
Everyone focussed, pumped and ready for battle.
Unfortunately that was where the boys left it!-up in the change rooms!
We were out played and shocked at the way Monbulk played tough uncompromising footy. They did everything we have been trying to get you guys doing! They played great team footy, ran in numbers and used the footy to perfection. We were shell shocked from the first qtr onwards and given a real football lesson. At times we looked good, with good use of the football and scores on the board followed. We must understand that we have to focus on the football, put our heads over it and GO IN HARD FOR THE FOOTBALL!
Unfortunately the way we're playing shows we aren't following the coaches' instructions and /or not listening!
We have to turn this around and we must do it quickly. The only way we can do this is by turning up to training and working on all of our skills together.

TOGETHER boys, we're in this together. We as coaches believe you are ALL better than your performing at the moment, we ask that you believe in yourselves too.

Gus played well down back, with Lachie trying hard all day too. Cam Horner tried and pushed himself all day in the ruck and Jaydos showed his skills all over the ground and all game. These guys need the help of all of you to push forward as a team.

I will say it again-95% of football is played above the shoulders!!!

G
Awards:
Encouragement Medal:Angus S
Coaches Award:Dylan McD
McDonalds Award:Cam D
McDonalds Award:Ryan Hyde
Olinda Pizza Award:Dylan Sw

Round 2 - 18 April
Mt Evelyn v OFCJFC

Final Scores: 21.10.136 defeated 12.4.76

Goal Kickers: J Faull 6, Jay Rankin 2, A Policha, Josh Rankin, H Taylor, P Truesdale 1.
This week we started with 23 players ,which was great and the boys were pretty pumped for a good game.It was a glorious day for football with a slight breeze and plenty of sunshine.The first qtr was another shock with the boys left wanting and chasing tail again.We showed glimpses of good footy but we were basically outplayed.Mt Ev were bigger bodies and alot harder at the footy!The second and third qtrs were much the same,again with a few glimpses of good play.WE rotated players on and off the interchange due to the warm weather and it also gave everyone good game time.The highlight so far being Brodie's fantastic effort in the ruck.Rucking ALLday and competing in the air as well as on the ground-a close to a perfect ruckmans game-well done Brodie .The other highlight so far was Jaydens goalkicking.Making the most of his opportunities and kicking accurately-great to watch Jayd.Marty tried to keep the boys positive at the 3qtr time break and his encouraging words must have hit the right spot,with the turn around quite amazing.We started in the middle and ran the ball with confidence and the results showed on the scoreboard.We set a goal to kick4 goals and keep Mt Ev to under 25.Not only did we more than achieve our 3qtr time goal-we out scored them 6goals to 3!Over running Mt Ev and playing some inspiring football was a fantastic way to finish the game and go into the Anzac Day break.Every player deserves a pat on the back for the way they applied themselves in that last qtr.Like Marty said,we've now raised the bar to an excepted level of performance!NOW LETS SEE IF WE CAN MAINTAIN IT.The other good performers were Lachie at chb,Jay Rankin,Poly and Pat Truesdale in his first game for the club.A special mention to Heydon Taylor coming back from a nasty head injury,cracking his jaw in the practice match at Monbulk.We eased Heydon into the game off the bench and he played down back and forward and he even kicked a great goal.Lets keep improving and enjoying our footy!

G

Awards:
Coaches award:GageF
Encouragement Award:Jayden F
McDonalds Award:Brendan C
McDonalds Award:James G
Fish and chip Award:Lachie M
Olinda Pizza:Josh R