Ben Harffey report – Hawks Action in 2023

This 2023 season is looking very promising for the Hawks, who remain undefeated and are  sitting on top of the HFA ladder.

We  trust you will enjoy our blow by blow descriptions of the rounds leading up to the final series and hope you will continue to sponsor and support the management, committee and great players in our club.

Round 11,  Mt Helena V’s Pickering Brook at Mt Helena

A sunny Sunday saw the Pickers boys drive up the hill to play Mounties on their dung heap.

With the dry week and some drainage work the oval was in better nick than previous years, despite a lot of sandy spots and the small dimensions.

Struggling to field a side with the Outy boys AWOL and resident boundary ump BBQ on master’s duties, we mixed the team up with a couple on the bench and one boundary umpiring.

Q1 and Mounties came out with way more pressure than you would expect from a team 2nd last on the ladder, the Hawks repelled their multiple forward forays thanks to AB, Tom, Rooster, Cody, Milky and Rhys.

We could only muster a couple of points before Mounties got the first goal of the game at the 10 min mark.

We finally goaled at the 15min mark thanks to Jetts, followed by a couple to Armie and one to Micky B who after rolling an ankle and using up a kg of Elastoplast had returned to the field.

The quarter ended with Pickers in front 4:4 to 2:1

Q2 – after a brilliant switch across the ground from Mitch Schilling, Milky drilled one deep into the forward line for Jetts to crumb a goal. AB was on fire in the guts and hit Jetts lace up for his 2nd in 2 minutes, then GIO snagged one as the boys settled into their work.

Tom and Steve Chetts were getting leather poisoning and following a scrappy period where Cody dominated the half back line with multiple intercept marks, we finished the quarter with late goals to Armie and Micky B.

Half time had Pickers in front 9:8 to 4:2

Q3 – Mounties came out fired up and goaled after 5 min, but with Tom killing it in the middle we hit back with goals to Jetts, Armie, Angelo and a couple to Micky B.

At the ¾ time break Pickers were in front 14:14 to 5:2 which should have been more but for our wayward shots at goal resulting in more points than goals for the quarter.

Q4 – the Mounties were cooked and the Pickers boys cashed in with an 8-goal last quarter, winning comfortably 22:19 to 5:5

Tim had a 5-minute purple patch with a smorgasboard of marking, dodging, weaving, passing and even a trademark flour bag goal.

The wingman – Ryno, Gio and Cory Mac were lacing up the forwards Armie and Angelo kicking multiple and C Mac dribbling one through.

A real team performance but special mentions to Jacko in the ruck, Cody across half back, Armie, Angelo, Jetts & Micky B forward and Tom, Jetts, Chetts and AB in the mids.

Enjoy the break lads, rest up and treat your injuries.

We’ll see you in Bullsbrook and let’s finish the season strong.

Round 10, Pickering Brook V’s Warwick Greenwood at Pickering Brook

With only 17 players available for them, quickly became 16 when someone broke their finger during the warm-up, we started with a 5-6-5 field and an extended bench. This didn’t seem to dampen their spirits, as their huddle right before the game had a lot of passion and it seemed like they came to play. Jacko was basically sole ruck again and still a bit sore, the opposition ruckmen kept making sure his knee hit the same spot every time. It was a bit of a scramble to get it forward and they were dropping an extra player back asap. This meant our forwards were leading higher up to get a clear grab and our first few shots were from 35m+, usually not an issue for our lads but the new REECE’S EVENT HIRE game ball was a bit shiny and needed a bit of scuffing up. This was evident when the ever reliable Steve O shanked one, only to have Micky B take a nice grab and then snap it out on the full from 5m out. Half way through the qtr and a valiant effort from Vallo got us on the board, with a snap out of the pack. The flood gates started opening and we somehow finished with 6 goals in 10 minutes.

The 2nd was even more of a scramble and the pressure meant our mids really had to step it up. Mitch came to give Jacko a chop out, we’ve had to use a few ‘backup’ ruckmen this season, and although they usually don’t win the taps, the extra ground midfielder seems to work for us. Jetts and old mate Woodsy were having a bit of school yard fun, looking for each other any chance they had. Woodsy was killing it and seemed untouchable for most the game. In all honesty our lads were looking a bit flat and he kept us moving while we got out of 2nd gear. We were again taking shots from a distance, very difficult not to when they always seemed to have a spare on the goal line. The only time we could get a close shot was thanks to quick ball movement and 1-on-1 strength from Mick and Johnny. The ‘stand’ rule claimed a new victim and obviously we didn’t learn quickly, giving them 2 x 50’s in a row to score their only goal. It wasn’t our best qtr, persistent pressure and lack of discipline meant we kicked 4.6 to 1 goal.

With the game in the bag, it was time to start shuffling some magnets around. Both the Shilling brothers were off with corkies, leaving really only 1 option, Bomber. Obviously Outy reads the write-up and noticed I mentioned it might be the only position he hasn’t played. As they tired, we started moving it cleaner and clinically, hitting Steveo and Micky B lace out in front. Mick kicked 5 and was stealing goals of John so sensing the occasion, Milky was given a crack up forward in his 100th. There was a bit of mucking around, but after considering passing it to John, who had about 6.6 to this point, 2m from the goal line he dribbled it home and bagged 1 for the occasion. Not long after, he took a mark on the goal line and snapped his 2nd, only to be denied by goal umpire GIO!

We decided the last term was a good chance to rest some of our older players and give some lads a run through the middle. Chetta, Jetts and Bissel were still running a clinic, blokes like Rhys, Jono and Lindley were having a crack and providing the outlets. Even the Skip was back in the guts and took a ripper contested mark, love it when the short guys take a big overhead grab. Cody was an absolute beast all day, he must have taken at least 10 intercept marks and even pushed forward to kick a big goal from 40m out. The best part was a 20m fist right at the end to stop a goal. BANG! Love that sound. Another man who again was unstoppable, John was to strong man on man and even though last time his 20 goals were impressive, I feel he had to work harder for his 11.9 this time. A lot of kicks to him were 1-on-1 and he was too strong nearly every time. The banter between him, them and the crowd is always entertaining, especially when he missed a dribbler from 5m out.

In the end it was another big win, but not one without a fight, we love seeing teams have a crack and the more pressure they apply, the better it will be for our lads come finals. Pretty sure we can’t statistically miss finals now, so lads make sure you look after those bodies and get down to training because spots are hot. If you think you aren’t in the best 22, don’t think your opportunity isn’t there, because anything can happen. Remember, it takes 30+ to win a flag!

Round 8, Pickering Brook V’s Chidlow at Pickering Brook. 

After a week off, we prepared for a fired up Chidlow on a chilly and wet afternoon. Thanks to the rain, GM and Macca only managed to get the lines marked just that morning! There was dramas with the line marker but they were determined and at least there was a break in the weather for the start of the game.

With a moderate to heavy track and more rain forecast, we really needed to get off to a good start. Within a few minutes we had our 1st via Stevos, with a bullet from Tom, back in after a 6 week break. Jetts was also back after a 6 week break and looking lively up forward. Jacko was well on top with some nice taps down to Chetta, Tommy and co. With some quick ball movement, we got the footy wide to Gio on the wing hitting Richo in the pocket with a nicely weighted kick. Richo with deadly accuracy kicked his 1st from a tight angle. Ryno kicked our 3rd after a 50m penalty and sent it flying over the net, Tom also received a free kick 15m out and shanked it. They managed to get a couple back, but Richo with his 2nd meant we went into the break 4 goals up.

With the rain coming down at qtr time, the game tightened right up. The pill was starting to get slippery and the play Became more congested. Jamie and Johnston were rebounding off the half back line with some accurate short kicking. We kept our eyes low, but the conditions meant even chest marks were becoming difficult. The conditions didn’t seem to bother Timmy, taking a nice contested grab to open up his account. They were starting to get back in it and our backmen had to step up their game. Bomber was playing on the last line of defence and took several big grabs. A nice transition from the backline and through the guts saw Jetts get out the back and slam one home. Wasting a good few minutes while we recovered the footy from the bush. We went into the break with a 3 goal lead.

I don’t know what Outy said at halftime, but the lads were half asleep for this one. As the conditions stabilised, still average, they started to get on top. Jacko was battling hard but with Arnie touring pubs in Ireland, Ethan unfortunately suffering a career ending concussion against Swan View, and nursing Mitch back from injury, he had no backup all day. Even when he was winning the taps they managed to shark them this qtr. It could have been the Antarctic winds or the pressure Chidlow supplied, whatever it was, nothing seemed to be going our way. Cody was having his own battle against their no.9, who fair to say was starting to rip us a new one. To be fair, not only was the delivery to him a little easy, but not many or anyone in our league could have stopped Luke. After kicking 3 in a row we needed someone to kick a stabiliser, and young gun Jamie pops up just in time to kick a nice snap and keep us in the lead on the 3 qtr siren.

De ja vu was kicking in and the lads knew they had to dig deep again. After so far a massive game, big bro Mitch gave Jacko a much needed chop out in the ruck. Naturally, Chetta in his 50th found another gear and was at the bottom of most packs, willing the footy out. New bloke Rhys was battling hard and took a few good marks and won some crucial one on one’s down back. Gio got off the leash and went for a run before slamming home a ripper from 50m. He probably could have kept running, but let’s face it, he loves a long goal and he certainly got the crowd up and about. Only a couple of goals up and they were still pressing, Lukey Gava saved the day twice in 5 minutes with a smother that would have seen them out and a huge tackle that stopped another forward entry. Love a big tackle and considering the umps weren’t paying holding the ball very often, shows you how big a tackle it was. Gotta give a shout out to Steveos, love seeing a forward who is out of position work hard to fist the ball away and this fist was very timely. Again they kept pressing and a few skill errors turned the ball over and put our backline

under huge pressure. But time and time again this man has been called upon in every position, except ruck maybe, Bomber with 2 BIG grabs on the last line of defence. That’s why he’s a club legend folks, no matter where he plays he still manages to save the day.

Another gutsy win, admittedly by the lads, not our best one, but a win is a win and finals aren’t won in June. Although it’s fair to say lads that with injuries mounting, we need to step it up a level at training, but also seriously look after our bodies. I know I harp on about this but every year come finals, blokes are either unavailable or carrying injuries they haven’t seeked advice for. Get on top of it lads and go see the physio and get regular massages, I know these things cost money but your physical and mental health is THE most important thing in your life.

On that note, we celebrated MEN’S REGIONAL HEALTH RD and although we remind you to look after your physical health, mental health is equally, if not, more important. We all go through tough times, and young men/fathers have a lot of stress from society to be successful. Success is measured by your happiness, NOT what people want you to become, so look after yourself by seeking help when needed.

Remember, it isn’t weak to speak up!

Rd 7, Swan View V’s Pickering Brook at Brown Park

The team made the short trip down to Swan View to close out the last of the first games played against each club. After some brief battling with the mids Bomber slotted the first of the day to open the scoring. What thought to be an easy beat team based on last year was quickly washed away with the new look Swan View team this year looking to bring the pressure, and that they did with the Pickers boys not really being able to get much traction getting the ball cleanly forward. PB taking a slight advantage into the first break by 14 point (PB: 4.3 – 27 to SV: 2.1 – 13).

The second quarter the boys started to wake up finally and stringing a few more goals together, but not with ease as Swan View pressure was still above what we had offered on the day – Probably the best pressure we have had all year. Steve was working hard on the ball and linking up with Gio using that deadly kick to spot up Micky B who put another major on the board. When we did have the ball inside the 50 we needed to have more smalls at the feet to crumb the ball, and C Mac was there a few times and was rewarded with a clean pick up and snap goal to get another for the quarter. What felt like an even quarter, Pickers managed to tilt the scale and come into half time up 40 points (PB: 9.6 – 60 to SV: 3.2 – 20).

Googs was matched up with their key forward and managed to keep him under control with his well-timed spoiling – think Googs may need to run a class at the next training session. Daniel was tackling hard all day if he was within arms reach of the opposition. The boys needed to clean up some of the kicking and marking skills badly, and one thing we need to actually do more rather than saying is “get on the track”. Unfortunately Ethan took a stray foot to the face and after a moment had to come to the bench – rest that head up mate. Although a low scoring quarter, Swan View managed to get the edge in the third and outscore the lads, PB still leading but not where we wanted to be (PB 10.8 – 68 to SV 5.3 – 33).

Sean was one that worked hard all day and using that bigger body through the midfield was handy with their agile midfield. Steve was having a good battle with one of their small midfielders all day, not being biased but safe to say Steve had more leather poisoning than he did. The boys kept ticking the lads over but Swan View kept coming. Andy was working hard off the backline with his pace getting the ball forward, almost getting run down there once but his good awareness got the kick away before his man could catch him. Armie managed to top up the goal tally with 3 in the last to settle on 7 for the afternoon. Final winning margin was 40 points. It was good to get the 4 points and I think most of the lads looking forward to having the week off which is followed up by versing Chidlow at home (PB 13.10 – 88 to SV 7.6 – 48).

Rd 6, Sunday 21 May 2023 V’s Gidgegannup at Pickering Brook

What a glorious week of weather we had and Sunday afternoon was no exception. The lads look focused for the top of the table clash against an improved Bulldogs outfit, keen to maintain undefeated status.

It was awesome to have the Mazenod JFC playing a few games earlier in the day, the buzz they created early around the Sports Club was something we have been missing.

Unfortunately, another ambulance, this time for one of the juniors, thankfully didn’t look too serious, meant the game was slightly delayed with a 2:40 start. With Matty O MIA, Rooster and AG joined Chetta and Jacko in the middle. Birthday boy Rooster slotted the 1st with a hard-fought crumbing goal in the opening minutes. Not long after, Lindley had a flying shot at goal only for it to go out on the full, luckily a minute later he got another chance and slotted one on the run. AG was on a tear and was dominating early, his explosiveness and calmness is a thing of beauty. He had that many touches the BELT UP logo was imprinted on his palms. The debutante for Rd 6, solid lad Vallo was scrapping for it down in the forward line, his 1st kick for Pickering Brook wasn’t his greatest, out on the full, but he kept applying plenty of forward pressure. To be fair, even Steveo, one of our most reliable kicks had a set shot sail out on the full. After hardly seeing the ball in the first 24 minutes, our defence was a little flat footed and lack of talk meant Sean got pinged and they slotted their only goal right on the siren.

6 goals to 1 at qtr. time.

No Arnie and with Mitchy still a bit sore, we needed to give Jacko a chop out, and why not a guy who is 5’9 and 70 kegs. Ethan unleashed the beast, and although he wasn’t winning many taps, his competitiveness and 2nd effort was like having an extra mid. By this point you’re probably thinking, who’s been kicking the goals? It was an even spread, but with both last year’s leading goal kickers resting, we needed a new full forward. Enter Richo. Can’t say I’m surprised, tall, solid, can mark, just wish he knew how to hit the net behind the goals. The game had a slight delay as myself and a very helpful young fella had to retrieve the footy from the scrap yard. AG was starting to suffer from leather poisoning and probably had more touches then the entire backline by this point. But, whenever it did venture down back, you could guarantee it wouldn’t be there for long. Googs, with the best timed fist in the league, always looks like he’s going to run through someone, but manages to go extremely hard and still plays fair. Jamie provided the highlight and a very entertaining 5 minutes kicking 3 in a row with as much difficulty as possible. He took a ripping low mark, only to play on and luckily for him the ump called him back, also amongst all that he managed to kick one out on the full. The lads eyes were lighting up every time and our kicking for goal was a bit sloppy, except Gio, he and the punters love a long goal. 7.9 to zip!

With Jacko back in the ruck and dominating, Chetta was starting to hit the ball clean and AB was back in the side after a 6 week holiday. It was like he never left and although he had a few pings stray wide, he was moving well for a bloke with a sore knee. After a few behinds, Vallo slotted his 1st for the club and ended the day with 1.4 to his name. Not a bad debut, the pressure from him and our forwards made it very difficult for them to clear the 50. He nearly scored his 2nd, but Jamie was having none of that, stealing his 4th on the goal line. For a bloke who is barely 5’9, he had quite a few marks on the goal line. Timmy was playing like a man possessed, the whole game he dominated with big contested grabs and clean ground ball, and even though he was kicking mongrel flour bags, still managed a 5 bagger for the day.

Ethan was back in the ruck to give Jacko a chance of getting a bag, he took some big grabs and slotted a couple to take his tally to 5 as well. Seriously, if you had to use someones kicking style for an example on how to kick a footy, just watch the Shillings. By this point our half backs have had enough and were pushing up the ground. The wall of Black and Orange must of been a daunting sight as they were forced wide and long. Sean ‘The Bull’ must have had half a dozen marks and 10 kicks in the final qtr, everytime they tried to clear the 50 they managed to find him. He even got himself a well deserved goal. Richo was reading it like a librarian, precise and quietly going about his business on his way to 7! Honestly I thought he had 10, he was possibly robbed of an 8th by Outy, but not a bad day for a “fill-in” full forward. By this point it was basically a free for all and everyone was having a crack. I think even the big CC had a shot from the paint!

In the end it was an absolute clinic, a combination of them providing bugger all pressure and our lads possibly playing the best I’ve ever seen, meant it was a one-sided affair.

We ran out 197 point winners and fair to say are finals bound again. This is an important time to remind players to go see a physio, particularly our sponsor, Jason and the crew at Mead Physio in Kalamunda. Even if it seems minor or you are like myself and regularly need a “proper” massage, get it sorted now before it becomes an issue! You don’t want to be missing out on selection at the end of the year because you thought “She’ll be right mate”

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers for volunteer week. Thanks to these people we have not only managed to keep this club going, but we have also managed to improve it. This extends not only to the Footy club but also the Sports Club.

In saying that, we have had to out source some jobs, which costs money because no one wants to do anything for free these days. Even if it is only occasionally, please feel free to take the stress off our regular volunteers and offer to help. Don’t worry, we won’t rope you in every week, we know you are also there to enjoy the spectacle. Again, massive Thank you to all the volunteers out there.

Rd 5 V’s Chidlow – Sunday 14 May at Percy Cullen Oval

After spending the morning spoiling mum, we wandered out East to take on the Cougars in what was really our litmus test. As the clouds started to roll over, I kept thinking summer is long gone and would we need to turn the lights on with a 3pm start.

The game got underway without having to turn the lights on and a nice afternoon breeze kept the punters warm. The big dog combo of Jacko and Arnie was back on display, and another big dog who I heard took a week off just for us, probably his mum too, Plugger was also in the ruck. With their big forward stuck in the ruck, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to get on the board first, however, it was them who kicked the 1st and let the chasing begin. After losing AB, Gazza, Luke and Tommy to injuries in the first few rounds, Outy needed to move the magnets around to keep the mids firing. We gave young gun Jamie and opportunity through the guts and along with Chetta managed to get the ball forward to Army, no surprise got us back on even terms with our opening goal. Jono and Richo were back and poviding options off the half forward line. Although, the qtr did belong to them and it looked like we were going to be chasing tail all day.

The 2nd started much like the 1st, not sure if the game plan was to let Plugger loose through the center, but a player as good as him shouldn’t be standing miles in the clear. Gio had his hands full on the wing trying to mind him and their no.9 at the same time, that was a great battle to watch with both lads showing some class. We needed some stopping power in the middle and none other than Rooster Brescacin provided it, his scrapping and composure on the ground really gave the lads a lift. At this point I’d say we were winning the midfield battle, but execution was letting us down a little. Either kicks were dropping short or blokes weren’t reading it well. The transition from both sides meant the forwards/backs didn’t have much time to rest. We seemed to be arresting the game back when some ill-discipline and a 100m penalty put them on the goal line. Lads, I know this sounds hypocritical and the game is passionate, but when Jim is umpiring, don’t give him a reason. Cody took some big grabs and his kicking from the square was elite, he got at least 13 touches from errant kicking, luckily this kept us in the game. Unfortunately, we lost Daniel to hopefully just a swollen knee after a big collision and Army to hamstring awareness. Thankfully he had already kicked 4 goals to keep us in it.

After no doubt a big rev up from Outy, the lads had to battle on with half a bench. We kept moving the magnets through the centre, AG, Tim, Fistee, Ethan, anyone not carrying an injury and who wasn’t a key back/forward had a go. Sean had a slight run but we needed him down back on the big fella, he was tackled hard after getting rid of it and fair to say he let him know about it. In fact, the entire back line was starting to get firey, fair to say they hadn’t seen the footy this much in the last 4 games combined. We were almost getting a little to fired-up, giving away another 50m penalty and another easy goal. Even Fistee, who hurt his ankle and was pushed while injured on the ground, was very angry and for a couple of minutes seemed like it was going to be ‘on like donkey Kong’. Eventually, he hobbled off the field and we were down to 1 on the bench. Steveos was working hard all day to be the link-up, his leading/marking was elite and key to us getting a score. We won the qtr and went into the 3 qtr break less than 3 goals down.

By this point things were looking dyer for the punters, they had to watch us chase tail all day and were wondering how we would run over the top with only 1 on the bench. Enter, ‘The Steve Caccetta show’, now everyone knows how good he is, but you seriously have to watch it, to believe it. With some sublime ruck taps from Arnie, Chetts swept in without the ball hitting the ground and laced out Timmy, and then Richo the very next center bounce. Timmy was solid as usual, taking some big contested grabs and slotting 3 goals for the day. Richo was another big in, slotting 2 for the day. Even when Jacko chopped Arnie out, nearly all the taps were to our advantage, a beautifully weighted kick to Arnie and the game was all squared up with half a qtr left. They weren’t giving up that easily though, the battle of the midfield raged on and our defenders, like they had done all day, really needed to go hard. Googs was marshelling the troops and getting the big fists in there while Big D with no regards for his body was going hard. By this point it was anyone’s game, but when Chetta went down behind the play and Jacko slotted his 2nd, we hit the lead. It wasn’t over yet though, with both teams playing like it was the GF, it was going down to the wire. They had 2 chances to hit the lead in the dying minutes, but they were cooked and accuracy in the end was their undoing. Hawks won 81-74

I’ve been involved in some great wins over the years at this club, but that was one of the gutsiest. No bench, 3 goals down, missing 5 of our starting mids, what an effort by the lads!  The belief to come from no where really and win an epic game like that, should encourage them to know they have the capability of beating any side with any side. In saying that lads, we still have a long season ahead of us and with already quite a few injuries, it’s time to really take recovery seriously.

Rd 4 V’s Mt Helena at Pickering Brook

Well, well, well, winter has finally arrived. Luckily no rain, but the wind was constant and icey. With a wood heater and a patio heater out of action, the punters still showed up in droves and huddled together for warmth. Don’t worry though, the club has a new patio heater on the way and reverse cycle at some point.

By this point you’re probably wondering when I’ll stop waffling and get to the Footy? Well, yours truly decided to have lunch with the old man in Rockingham and forgot that Perth has some of the WORST drivers. After being stuck in a traffic jam all the way to the city, for what reason I am still unsure, the pub seemed very tempting by the time I hit Cockburn. Why Rockingham? The Masters, with a few ring-ins and a whole 16 players available, had another impressive draw against Jandakot at 9:30am. Driving to Chidlow via Bullsbrook seems to be quicker!

Long story, but basically, I missed the 1st half of the Hawks game and now will proceed to make up what happened with the little info I have.

After several floggings of this mob last season, it would be interesting to see if they had improved. Based on the 1st qtr, I’d say either the kicking for goal was average, or the pressure was alright. It was pretty windy and I can comfortably say it was hard to drop the footy on the boot, let alone guide it through the big ones. I can back this up with some very average kicking by myself and the fellow masters players. Except Fieldsy, who I grudgingly handed the GOAT jumper to this week. Seriously never thought I’d be a midfielder, but injuries have hit the Masters hard and is starting to rear its ugly head in the seniors. Seriously, anyone who is 35+ and wants to enjoy the footy, without the heavy knocks, come join us. We DON’T even care if you have never played before.

The lads must have got use to the wind in the 2nd, with the conversion rate vastly improving. I can only assume Mick B had most of the shots in the 1st. Had to look twice when I noticed he was wearing the #17 jumper and Mitch doing the running. Sorry about any confusion this may cause the punters, but with 25+ blokes to choose from and different sized jumpers, having players wear the same number every week is a juggling act. That was clearly noticeable when I looked at the team sheet and quite a few numbers didn’t match. Seriously though, thanks to everyone who took charge earlier in the day and Googs/MG for running boundary/goals. It gives me great comfort and less stress to know when I’m not there, people still manage to get the pre-game requirements sorted.

I arrived just before half time to the sounds of frustrated punters and 3 umpires, good to see a couple of new umps coming through the Hills. A 10-goal lead and a pint is a nice way to enjoy the halftime break.

Jacko rightfully took his spot as the #1 ruckman and seemed well in charge, some nice tap work down to Matty and Chetts, as usual running rings around the midfield. Dishing it out to Gio, who was having a blinder, he kicked a ripping goal from outside 50m on the run. Not uncommon to see from him as he has one of the best kicks in the team and amazes me how those skinny legs can get so much power. But it was Cory Mac who lit it up, slotting 2 goals in a row with a couple of nice snaps and sneaking a 3rd home in the 4th.

With the game in the bag, it was time to move some magnets around. Caleb was in for his 1st game and worked hard in the forward and back line. Sean again did as he pleased, along with AG who was never far from the action, in the same qtr he had 3 bounces through the middle, got pinged for holding the ball and managed to get a red card. Luckily after the game, it was downgraded to a yellow due to the ump not taking the insult personally. As we know, Andy is a fair player, but lads, the umps have had enough and as we can see after the first 4 rounds, they are serious about misconduct and abuse. Up until this point, I believe he was toe to toe with Gio for BOG. Army kicked his 8th, we had a little chuckle over a beer when I mentioned he only kicked 8, his words “Yeh sorry about that.” Unfortunately, with less than 10 minutes to go, the injury curse struck again. Gazza went down with what looked to be a serious knee injury, requiring a stretcher and an ambo. In 10 years I reckon this is the 1st time I’ve seen 2 ambos in a season! Hopefully it isn’t to serious and we are wishing him a speedy recovery.

This is an important time to remind everyone that our insurance is basic and only really covers death and disability. It is up to each person to have their own private health or income protection. Insurance for 90+ players is expensive and although it seems we have money, we are trying to improve the grounds, change rooms, lighting etc. This stuff requires big dollars and funding for these projects is hard to secure.

Accidents do happen, especially off the footy field, so do yourself a favour and get/update your health insurance. Not to mention you’re more likely to go to the physio and other specialists, trust me I’ve looked into it many times and it is worth it!

This week we finally get to test where the boys are at and take on Chidlow for a 3pm start!

Happy Mother’s Day to all our beautiful women. Although I think mums should be celebrated more than once a year, should be at least once a month, the late start should give everyone plenty of time to spoil mum and then impress her with a big win!

 Rd 3 V’s Warwick/Greenwood at Percy Doyle Reserve

Round 3 provided another mint day for footy and a great way to see April out.

We travelled down to Duncraig to take on the Bulls and enjoy the sea breeze, but it wasn’t a great start as both Gio and Bainesy went from emergencies to playing, with Tom and Kade pulling up a bit sore. Also, a mishap with the Overall number of footies meant we had to borrow one from the opposition. Lucky they’re a good bunch of blokes.

There were quite a few debutantes for this game and after being managed for the first 2 rounds and all pre-season, Arnold was back and feeding it straight down Chetts throat who swiftly handballed out to Jetts, breaking the line and delivering to John. He opened our account and kick-started a goal hungry day. On the wing playing his 1st game was young Daniel, at first, he looked a little lost out there but it didn’t take long for him to work into the game and start impacting with his run. It wasn’t going all our way though, there was some scrappy contested footy and missed targets. They even scored their first of 2 for the day. After having several shots at goal via Tim, Bainsey, Jetts and Army, we lacked a bit of accuracy, kicking 6.6

As we got use to the conditions, perfect with a slight sea breeze, the game really started to open up. Jetts was streaming out of the middle and hitting our forwards lace out. He even got sick of them having all the shots and pinched a goal after running on for the handball and slotting it, finishing with 5. One forward he kept hitting lace out was Travis, debuting at CHF he looked right at home slotting his 1st of 4 for the day. When they scored their 2nd, you could see the backline getting fired up. None more than Googs, along with Sean were running the ball from half back, through the guts and delivering. Mostly to Army, who was nailing them and kicked #10 just before half time.

Another bloke who’s been managed through the pre-season and first 2 rounds, Micky B was back and playing on a wing. AY, another debutante, was having a crack at everything up forward. Mitchy J was on the board after receiving a 50m penalty for holding the ball. Bomber was back and after starting at full back, found his way forward and wobbled one through. Although, the 2nd half was really all about getting it to John. I thought 15 wasn’t unrealistic, but with that amount to his name by 3 qtr time, something special was brewing.

The midfield and backline were ruthless in the 2nd half. I’m not sure if they even had an inside 50 during the half. Gio and Jamie were breaking the lines while Ethan and Cozza, back after extended lay-offs, were a little off but worked into the game. Steve was again having a field day, as he enjoyed some midfield time with Marky, who managed to get in on the fun with a goal. By this point though we were all cheering on Army, as he slotted goal after goal, their backmen had no answers and the kicking to John was elite. Right up to the last minute he was on 19, another solid mark and bang, straight through the middle for goal #20. An individual performance for the ages and a great team performance to win by more than 200.

Rd 2 V’s Mundaring at Pickering Brook

Another great weekend of weather for playing footy, or a Sunday sesh for the punters, depending on how you look at it? Either way you gotta love footy in April.

After a decent win to start the season, we had a few forced changes with Richo and AB nursing injuries and couple of FIFO lads home. With a list of 35 so far, it’s a weekly headache for Outy to make sure everyone gets plenty of game time. Trust me it’s a long season and injuries, holidays and work are always a factor.

Jacko got us under way with a nice tap down to Steve Chetts, swiftly handballing to Tom Martin and out to Matty Outridge for his first touch, definitely not his last in a Pickers jumper. He kicked it forward after being crunched and the resulting free kick was squared to Timmy, slotting the 1st of the game. Not long after Matty was crunched again after a disposal, resulting in a down field free kick and an easy goal for Army. A bit of spite started to creep into the game and there was a small melee showing the Mundaring lads’ that late hits would not be tolerated. Unfortunately, a good start was overshadowed by the scene of an ambo taking Luke Outy away with a broken collarbone. Shame as I think we were all excited to see the 4 Outy boys linking up.

They obviously got a rev up at qtr time as their mids started winning more clearances, resulting in their 1st for the game. Up until this point our backline had been ruthless, with Rooster Brescacin linking up with AG to keep repelling it forward. Seems these Brescacins know how to play footy. Army was looking dangerous, kicking his 4th after many strong leads, but Timmy with the snap from the pocket reminded everyone who is still the King. Bainey was back in the team and looking very ‘Bainegerous’ wearing the famous 13. In traditional Bainey style, we know he knows how to get the Footy, but what is he going to do with it? He and Jetts rotated through the guts and gave Tommy and Chetta a chance to recover from leather poisoning. Alex, another new young player, who now knows how exactly the ‘stand’ rule works, after giving away 2 x 50m penalties in a row. Lucky he redeemed himself by winning some hard ball and provided good support along the backline. After a bit of a shootout earlier, the lads finished with a 6-3 goal qtr and handy halftime lead.

A traditional halftime pump up from Outy and the lads came out ready to pump.

Blooding another youngster Luke, son of Wally, adding another cog to this well-oiled machine. He worked himself into the game and after a 7-year hiatus, fitted in seamlessly.

Just when you thought Matty O hadn’t had enough late hits, a dangerous sling tackle saw the Mundaring player hit the showers early. Just in case you have crawled out of a cave recently, they are very serious about concussion. Lads be very careful with those tackles. A red card is an automatic week off. Naturally, he shook it off and slotted his 1st for the club. Another late hit on Matt, which he later admitted he milked, saw Jetts end up with a down field kick, adding himself to the goal kickers list. Mitchy and Jacko were changing through the ruck all day, with the elder statesman showing his class with a traditional side step around and hitting the target. In fact, besides Googs not having the best day on his left, can’t remember to many times we missed our targets. Actually, I think I saw Chetta miss a couple, to be fair he probably had 30 touches before 3 qtr time.

With the game in the bag, it was time for the party tricks. Chetta, Tommy and Matt clearly weren’t feeling any symptoms from leather poisoning and kept on their merry way. Gazza and Kadeos were never far away, ready to receive the wide handball/kick, they also got plenty of hardball as well. Army was getting a bit bored and the stirring started, he clearly didn’t think much of AG’s dropped chest mark and let him know. Obviously, he knows his house mate well and this fired him right up. In typical AG style, took 3 bounces through the guts and slotted a ripper from 50m out. The kick was so good, that the umps decided Marky deserved another shot at goal straight after, resulting in the old ’12’ point play. Steveos slotted his 4th with pin-point accuracy, I’ll admit I had a bit of trouble telling him, Kade and Matt apart from the other end. I had him down for 2 and Matt for 3. We moved Sean ‘The Fridge’ through the forward and midfield, unsurprisingly he was unstoppable and provided another headache for their backline. Even Milky went for a run up forward in unfamiliar territory, remember you’re a backman son, never forget!

Ah, it’s always a nice luxury to be able to spin the magnets by choice, not like the Masters game where we had start playing anyone with a pulse. With such a big list this year, anyone who isn’t feeling right, don’t risk it! Any niggles, let Outy know and most of all go get something done about it. Preparation is the key to success and that means addressing any issues early.

This week we head to the beach and play Warwick/Greenwood. If you haven’t been there before, it’s a great venue, Percy Doyle Reserve, and thankfully a soft ground.

Rd 1 – Hawks V’s Bullsbrook at Pickering Brook

Footy is back!! It was perfect conditions to start the 2023 season with Pickering Brook hosting Bullsbrook. The lads couldn’t wait to hit the ground running this season after working hard through the pre-season. It was great to see some old faces return and new ones pull on the jumper for Pickers over the weekend.

The game got off to a flyer with Army kicking the first goal for 2023. The next clean passage of play came from Jetts linking up with Marky who quickly got the ball across to Timmy and A.Brescacin who let Army finish with the 6 points for Pickers – can’t wait to see more plays like that this season. Another new bloke to pull on the jumper this year Cody, was spoiling most of the ball that Bullsbrook tried to send into their forward line. Tom Martin was picking out some clean possessions in the midfield and Jamie with some tidy handwork to keep the ball moving Pickers way – both some tidy additions to the side this year. Pickers held a lead of 25 points to head into the first break (34 to 9).

The second quarter looked like the lads had blown out the majority of the cob webs in the first and came out firing! A.B came from no where to tackle a Bullsbrook player, stopping a certain goal, with the ball running back Pickers way to get the ball into Jetts hands to snap another goal for Hawks. Cory Mac was busy working out his dicky shoulder changing the scoreboard moments later after the Hawks forward ball movement pressure gave Army plenty of supply getting him his third for the day. Steve Caccetta back in the Hawks jumper for 2023 was music to most people’s ears and didn’t disappoint after having the ball on a string and what looked like 100% kicking efficiency for the day. Timmy was darting around avoiding all the Bullsbrook players helping Fisty to get his first for the day. The boys hard work paid off pushing ahead to become 70 points clear heading into the main break (85 to 15).

The third didn’t start the way Mitchy, aka “Cheatah boots” wanted after unfortunately getting pinged holding the ball in the Bully’s forward line to give them the first goal of the quarter. Gio was another player working hard all day and after getting slung to the ground got involved linking up with Tim to send it up to Jetta which slid the ball between the 2 middle posts. Big Jacko was working around the ground and spotting up Garrick in the forward line for another new player to slot his first for the Hawks. Play of the day goes to Andy for taking 3 bounces and then handpassing it straight to the opposition, who fortunately dribbled the ball through for a behind, that’s a Carton Andy! M.Shilling was giving his big little brother a chop out in the ruck all day, I can’t wait to watch more of that this year with him effectively become a 4th midfielder when he lands back on the ground after trying to jump over the other rucks head! The boys still pushed forward kicking 4 goals to their 3 for the qtr (113 to 34).

The fourth quarter provided a few moments that had everyone laughing and questioning? There was a Bullsbrook yellow card for what looked like to be a minor trip, and then a few minutes later Bullsbrook pulled out the old “7 point play” after a behind went through there somehow ended up being a free kick in the square, which the Bullsbrook player decided to try and kick the ball out to Karragullen, this sent the new boundary umpire on a search. A funny moment was when a Bully’s defender tried to shepherd the man or something, and then missed both player and ball with Lindley walking it in for his first of the season. Another new 2023 player Sean was intercepting marks with ease and will be handy for some quick rebounds this year. The lads closing out the game to win by 96 points (139 to 43).

The team looks promising based on their first game and can only continue to get better as time goes on playing together. Thanks to Izzy/Danielle for minding the gate with a last minute call out and everyone who helped make the day run smoothly. Thanks to all that attended the jumper presentation and player auction last Friday, it was an Awesome night. Special mention goes to Micky B, didn’t even need a run sheet and still kept the punters well entertained. Also Dante for the auction presentation and this week’s write-up. Great work lads!

CARN THE HAWKS!

This page is dedicated to KRG Contracting and Western Truck Sales, proud sponsors of the Pickering Brook ‘Hawks’ Football club.