We hope our reports will remind everyone of the ‘Footy Focus’ the official publication of the HFA now defunct. The publication enabled each club to publish it’s weekly match reports and fundraising efforts to support worthy causes such as cancer research, mental health issues and other social events. The ‘Focus’ also displayed the outstanding support of club sponsors and their contribution to the strength and future of the HFA.
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 and the Hills Football Association.
The first HFA game of the year saw the Hawks up against the reigning premiers Swan View at Brown Park.
Stretched for fit & available players, Ben still managed to scrape up a team of 22.
Brutal conditions at the start with little wind and a sunny 30 plus degrees day meant it was always going to be a tough day out.
Swan View burst out of the blocks and caught the Hawks off-guard, piling on 7 goals to nil in the first quarter.
Despite Ben imploring the players to give a bit more, the floodgates remained open and at half time Swan View led 17:12 to 0:3.
The second quarter was also when the injuries started piling up.
First Scroopy, with what is probably an ACL, quickly followed by Josh Vellinga who copped a massive cut above his right eye courtesy of some friendly fire from Jono’s head.
With the heat and the area of the wound, there was claret everywhere as he made his way to the bench.
Our new strapper Wixie was under the pump but remained unflustered throughout – kudos to her.
While strapping up Joshie’s head so he looked like an extra in an ANZAC movie, off hopped Milky who had badly rolled an ankle.
Milky’s other ankle was awesome, never seen anyone hop from a half back flank to the interchange before – we weren’t winning the game but lots of nominations for bravery awards.
Once more to the fray for Wixie as she taped him up and sent him back out into battle.
Compounding the injury avalanche, she also didn’t have a full medical box, no rub down table and no ice.
Teething problems for game one, which I’m sure will be rectified asap.
That’s it for injuries – surely!!
Not on your nelly – as Micky B limped off with a calf strain just before half time.
The oval was quite patchy with some large sandy areas and large divots, which may have added to our injury woes, it certainly got a mention post-game from some of our more passionate supporters – haha !!
We sent Josh off to the ED to get some more medical attention and iced Scroopy & Mick’s injuries. Milky returned for a re strap but played out the game and Ben was left with a single rotation to handle the heat exhaustion some of the lads were feeling.
Second half – while the heat and injuries were taking their toll, don’t write off the spirit of the Hawks.
Even with only 18 fit players, the boys lifted as a westerly wind cooled things down a bit.
Steve Caccetta & Jacko started to win some centre clearances and Bomber was getting down and dirty, kicking our first goal.
Marky was getting in their faces and suddenly Swan View had a game on their hands.
With renewed enthusiasm we peppered the forward 50 giving Longy multiple looks which he converted – the Hawks had a 5 goal quarter – go you good thing!!
A rousing ¾ time speech from new skipper Micky B and with Googs at centre half forward blasting the ball inside the 50m arc the Hawks continued on where they left off.
Longy who was unbeatable one on one – and added a few more to his tally in the last quarter as the Hawks finished with an 8 goal second half.
While I’ve singled out a few players, let me tell you that was one of the tougher games of footy I’ve seen the Hawks play in and there were heroics on every line – the veterans and the newbys, the old & the young, there was selfless team footy on display all over the ground.
The supporters who turned up, left knowing the boys had given their all – a brave effort in really trying conditions with no subs against a team that will be hard to beat this season – great second half lads!!
As always, a shout out to the helpers – Kerryn as manager and Richie Della as Goal Umpire and Harry who ran water all day but had to drink half of it given how hot it was and how far he ran.
Its club legend Mark Caccetta’s 200th game next week.
A home game against Mount Helena, so come on out to the best ground in the league and cheer the boys on – full bar and food available.
PS – Bullsbrook have pulled out so the original fixtures are incorrect if you look on the HFA website.
Final score 29:12 to 8:5
This report is dedicated to Della’s Electrical Services, proud sponsors of the Pickering Brook Football Club.
