Our Season 2019 is progressing nicely and I hope that everyone enjoyed a well-earned break over the holidays.  The YJFl has asked for our support to help raise awareness for the impact of the North East Link on our league.  Here is an excerpt from a letter from the CEO of the YJFL, Tim Murray:

Dear Presidents,

I write to you today regarding the current situation with North East Link. As you know, all our facilities at Bulleen Park will be lost forever to allow for the construction of the North East Link road.

Recent discussions with the government haven’t progressed. This means that as of the end of next season:

• We will not have anywhere for our umpires to train before the season starts, including new umpires, of which we have 100+ each year.
• There will be no rep team trials or training/matches before the season.
• No Summer Development Program.
• No 'community hub' that all clubs can attend, for Coach training, Season kick-off’s, League Meetings, Auskick training, etc.

We will be making a post on our Facebook page. Please like and share the  post to raise awareness of this issue.

I am pleased to report that we have received funding from the City of Darebin to install a fence at HP Zwar Reserve and upgrade the kitchen. Thank you to Councillors Julie Williams and Lina Messina for their continued support of our club. The fence will be installed between the changeover of the AFl and cricket seasons.

Our electronic scoreboard has been ordered and will be installed by the end of September this year. Thank you to John Pappas for all his hard work to ensure that we have a scoreboard for next season.

Make sure that you keep an eye out on Team App for details regarding our events for the rest of the season. We have locked in a date for our Round 14 Pizza Night, Bullants Bash, Colts Presentation Night and Presentation/Family Day.

Go Bullants

Suki
President
Preston Bullants JFC

It was great to be back down at Zwar on Sunday morning to host St Mary’s. I’d like to tell you which St Mary’s team it was but there are three in our league and I can’t keep track of them all.

Anyway, once they turned up we remembered them from last time recalling what a good team they were, with some big, quick and skilful players. Truth be told, they got the better of us last game. So, this time around we decided to play our guys in position for most of the game rather than shifting them across zones. Our captains Asher and Joey Wood won a crucial toss and kicked with a good stiff northerly. We had a nice tough group in the middle to match St Mary’s size, with Tom C taking the ruck, Taj and Louis on hard ball gets and Harry and Spencer on outside run. It worked a treat from the get go, with those boys winning the ball and going long in the first quarter. Our forward line was packed with class, with Jett, Jayden and Andrew ready to pounce. Caden was there to creating pressure and getting the ball to his mates. We got out to a good break early. Joe Wood was working hard, tackling and giving Jayden and opportunity to goal which, of course he did. Jett has been working on his marking and he too got rewarded for getting his big mitts up in the air and pulling down marks. One goal to Jett. So, with the wind, the first term was a success.

Against the wind in the second term the aim was to score one goal into the wind…something St Mary’s couldn’t do. Within 1 minutes our midfield had pumped the ball long and given Jayden a chance to snap. Nailed it! 2 goals for Jayden. Our backline had a bit more to do in the second term, with Sammy Hef enormous at centre half back tackling repeatedly and winning the ball back for the Bullants. Benny P was put down back for his speed and good decision making and both were on show in the second term as he dodged through players to hit up his teammates. Zac H also put in a great effort, putting his body on the line to stop an almost certain St Mary’s mark in the forward line. A great effort Zac. So, at half time we were well up, having pretty much squared the second term. Come the third term it was all Bullants. Taj was putting in a massive effort and Louis was busting out of packs and creating opportunities for his teammates. Well done both of you guys. Jett got rewarded with another goal – that’s two for Jett and a personal best…maybe your best game for the club mate. Joey Wood also kicked a cracker around his body, using the wind to perfection. Things were getting tough out there as St Marys felt the game slipping from their grasp, but our blokes were up to it. Joey Wood coped a cheap shot behind the play, but the Bullants keep their eyes on the ball and on the prize and we weren’t going to let it slip from here.

Come the last quarter, the backline tightened up, Asher was great running the ball out and Percy kept laying tackles and using his excellent foot skills to get the ball out of trouble. Harry was superb in the middle, taking a beautiful mark and then wheeling around to hit Tommy C on the chest. Pure class. Harry kept running to, wave after wave of midfield grunt wore St Mary’s down. In a more amusing passage Jayden and Andrew kicked the ball to each other across the face a few time s before Andrew pulled out the party tricks, kicking a goal while he was lying down…great highlight and goal of the day contender!

All in all, a really good day for our guys. That St Mary’s team were as tough as we’ve played and in the end, we were just a bit too good. All the boys should be really proud of themselves.

Next week….another St Marys!

Go Bullants

The wind howled all Saturday night and our mighty Preston Bullants Under 11 Reds turned up to Zwar to face off against the Ashy Redbacks on a cold and windy morning.

For some reason it was hard to find a space in the car park… that was because Sonny’s Supporters had turned out in force to celebrate his milestone 50 games. The banner made by Sam and Kel was magnificent and the boys were excited to follow Sonny and tear through the crepe paper… Sonny had a headband on – he was focused and ready for a big game.

After the muddy, boggy pitch last week – it was great to be back at Zwar although as always with a windy day there was a definite advantage down the Bell Street end. Ashburton were kicking that way for the first quarter.

Within minutes of the starting bounce Ashburton had put a major score on the board and our boys had to quickly switch on. The first quarter was an awesome tussle between both sides. They kept us scoreless but there were ample ooooohs and aaaaahs as our boys defended strongly and absorbed their attacking pressure. Archie took a couple of spectacular marks and was well supported by Kade, Tom and Alex. Leo was continuing where he left off last week. It was hard contested footy as we went to the quarter break.

The second quarter started with a magnificent kick from the Milestone Man Sonny – the crowd all cheered in great excitement – we were also on the board! Shortly after Alex again stopped Ashy going forward and saw a play that again gave Sonny another goal – the crowd went wild! Archie was tackling strongly, Edwin was fierce and determined at the ball, Otis was helping with getting clearance and the tackling pressure was magnificent! Jack seemed to be everywhere and Zac was rucking beautifully. Ashburton managed to get a goal that was the result of beautiful play. All our team was working hard to play their role – it was a captivating game and Sonny finished the quarter with 3 goals – his supporters were bursting with pride. As we headed into the rooms for the half time break – no one could feel their toes but there was fire in the belly of these magnificent young men!! Ashy looked a bit rattled and there was a sense they were not enjoying the level of intensity that kept coming at them.

Our coaches praised the boys for their brilliant tackling pressure and asked that the team effort be continued as well as remembering that the wind was having an affect today. Keep talking and helping each other out. Ben summed up our efforts so far and encouraged the boys to keep it up! It was pointed out that Alex stopped a sure goal even if it was a falcon – great effort Alex! I think the team manager’s vocabulary may be rubbing off on the coaches as they described the second quarter as “glorious” to watch – it definitely was!!

Quarter 3 saw again a captivating tussle. Alex and Ben were dogged in defence and absorbed enormous attacking plays. Ashburton were peppering the goals but they were going through for minor scores. Again, we were kept scoreless this quarter but there was incredible team work and great displays of skill. Perfect hand passes that were quick and effective; smothers; marking; tackling and every single player made a contribution. The crowd were definitely captivated and it was great to have plenty of support from some older teams coaches and players – from the sidelines everyone was talking about the excellent efforts and contests – the determination and enjoyment that watching the boys play so well provided. The message at the ¾ break was – DO NOT LET GO – with a 2-point advantage it was time to bring it home!

The last quarter was tense and with Leon playing menacingly in the forward 50 he was unlucky not to score a goal as 2 shots were enticingly close to being goals but shaved the post. With a break in play whilst one of their players was assessed for injury it was time for the boys to catch their breath. The notes I wrote got a tiny bit sparse at this stage as I urged the team on and got just a bit excited!!! I have written words like fierce; effort; beautiful hands; hard at the ball. Ashburton weren’t quite able to get the ball to their end and our boys kept fighting for the ball to the end. We were all guessing there were about 3 minutes to go when Tom was able to mark, play on and slot the sealer for our team with a magnificent kick. It was a fabulous way for the boys to finish this match.

I remind myself that it is not the winning that matters – that is cream on top but what matters is that these kids are just getting better as a team and are growing in competence and confidence to try things they may not have previously. Their determination to keep working hard and for each other; their celebration of each other’s achievements and the support that is offered week in and week out. It was beautiful to have Paul present certificates to Zac and Sonny for their 50^th matches –as he has been a massive part of their football life. The song was sung with great gusto and Sonny loved being sprayed with water I’m sure! Another great morning of grass roots footy. Go the Mighty Preston Bullants.

Round 11 - Rosebank Cricket Club Bullants U12’s at home celebrating the 50 game milestones for Dom, Joe and Sam. Conditions were dry and sunny with a 4 goal north westerly sure to have a large impact on the game.
 
1st Quarter:
The Bullants were kicking against the wind in the first quarter. Every player on the field had an impact and we looked like a well-oiled machine. Our only goal for the quarter came from a passage of play that involved Callum, Malache, Sam, Jackson and Ziggy slotting it through the big sticks. Our positioning around the ground was spot on throughout. At quarter time there was praise for our structure, advice on the wind and guidance to drive the ball up the middle. Kes in the ruck had an enormous quarter, Billy was hard at the ball with 5 smothers. Coach Scott asked the boys to 'Keep doing what you have been doing'.
 
2nd Quarter:
The second quarter saw more quality football and a close battle. Hawthorn drove the ball against the wind and made us work hard for our results. Again the Bullants had contributions from across the ground. A lovely rough and tumble sequence of play saw Patrick Bubbers gather the ball shrug a few tacklers and hand pass to a streaming Tom Maddison who shrugged a few and fended off another attempt to tackle, took the time to line up and slotted a goal.
 
The half time advice was to run at the footy and don't wait for it. Hawthorn get the ball and use it when we hold back and wait for the ball to come to us.
 
3rd Quarter:
Back against the wind in the 3rd and Hawthorn came at us full of run, with everything they had. Their relentless pressure has us struggling to get past half way. Their defenders scooped up the ball and launched into attack. Three straight goals and 1 behind turned the tables and gave Hawthorn a handy 7 point lead at 3 quarter time. Could they hold on or extend their lead in the final term against the wind? Was it enough?
 
Coach Scott was quietly confident but still asked the important questions of the team at three quarter time. Also taking the time to congratulate Jackson on a huge 3rd quarter.
 
4th Quarter:
Champion teams have another gear that sets them apart when it comes to the crunch and boy did Preston crunch. Our coaching staff consistently talk about wanting the ball, going in hard and enforcing yourself on the game. Ned Reid started out collecting the ball from the middle booting forward where Sage streamed into an open goal to fire up the team and pick up an important 6 points. 1 point ball game.

The next few minutes saw a seesaw tussle through the middle. Isaac Wood laid an important tackle to stem the advance of Hawthorn. Was this a pivotal moment?

Ned, Sam and Callum connected in a lovely passage of play, but the result was a behind. Scores Level! It wasn't long before Callum had another opportunity. Shrug would-be tackler, step, don't argue, snap, goal. Queue the celebration; Bullants hit the front. Next it was Sage's turn to command the ball, going in hard and delivering to Clem who snapped left footed and scored the sealer.

The team played a ferocious brand of footy until the final siren. Simon's fitness training clearly paying off. Ned driving the footy continually forward wearing his opposition like a glove. Jackson's multiple efforts kept the ball locked in tight to our 50. Every player lifted the energy and forced their way in front to win the next possession.
 
We have built skills, structures and an intentional approach to the game. What really sets us apart is the desire to win and own the possession. What a thriller! Seven game streak. Well done team you make us proud.

Thanks to Jim Bubbers for another great match report and to every Coach, Parent and supporter of this great team.

Proud Coach as always. Scott.

On Sunday, the Bullants travelled over to Templestowe in a match that had 3rd playing 4th. It was also Keelan's 50th game for the club - a great effort Keelan.

In an entertaining opening quarter, the Bullants kicked the first goal, only for Templestowe to reply just before quarter time. Scores at the first change were 1.1 .7 to 1.3 .9.

In the second term, the Bullants went into the forward fifty numerous times only to see Templestowe run the ball out and score themselves. The Bullants found themselves behind 4.5.29 to 2.2.14 at the half time break.
 
Hoping for a repeat of last week's third quarter, the Bullants went out hopeful to get the game back on equal terms, but unfortunately the Templestowe boys got on top around the ground and stoppages outscoring the Bullants 4 goals to nil, scores 8.5 53 to 2.2.14 at the last change.

In the last term, the Bullants worked much harder, running and supporting each other in the contests, resulting in us outscoring the opposition 2 goals to nil. This showed that this group can match it with the other sides in the top 4 when they believe in themselves as a team.

Final scores 8.6.54 to 4.4.28.
 
Samuel and Will continued to get plenty of the football around the middle of the ground.

Jaxyn and Tj tried hard all day against the opposition.

Asher and Rylan contested against bigger boys and kept their heads over the footy.

Ayden kicked 2 goals which will feature in goal of the week.

This week is Parkside who are second on the ladder, another good opportunity for the Bullants to show their skills off.

 Preston Bullants U14 Girls MATCH REPORT                        21/07/2019

Round 11 Preston Bullants v Warrandyte at Zwar Reserve:

Here are the facts going into round 11. We are 5th on the ladder and two games behind Warrandyte who are 4th. Our percentage is healthy but if we lose today we are zero chance of playing in the finals for 2019. A win today keeps us alive. With social media and the internet I did not have to tell the girls any of this information. We play our best footy when we have our backs to the wall and we love a challenge.

Although we have played really well for much of this year, our lapses in concentration have cost us dearly to this point, with 3 games lost by under 2 goals after leading at some stage in the last quarter in all of them. This week we were definitely boosted by the return of our much loved Sian ‘Sis’ Smith. We also had one of our superstars in Caitlin playing her 50th game for the club – a huge achievement, given that Caitlin is eligible to play under 12s if we had a side in that age bracket. The conditions at Zwar were typical for this time of year with a strong wind blowing from the north east, making scoring into it extremely difficult. Warrandyte were kicking into the wind in the first quarter and managed to kick their first goal within the first minute of general play. We did not touch the football. No need to panic, we just needed to implement our style of football. It was physical in the middle but we have, in my opinion, the best clearance player in the competition in the engine room, Ayva Bekki. She turned it on for the remainder of the first quarter and before we knew it we had three goals on the board in 7 minutes. Gabby snapped our first, Ayva herself booted the second, and our running machine Erin kicked our third. We kept the ball in our forward half for the majority of the quarter and made a decent claim on the football match. Scores at quarter time were Preston 3.3.21 to Warrandyte 1.1.7.

We knew we had to stop Warrandyte from scoring with the wind in the second, and if we could hold them this quarter it would go a long way towards securing our much needed 4 points. Charlotte and Ella led the backline into battle and gave us crucial run and carry into the wind. Zara and Ava mopped up at ground level while Ginger and Tahlia combined on numerous occasions and moved the ball quickly out of defence. Lauren in the ruck was working overtime in making sure Warrandyte had no easy forward entries, while Lucy and Freya were also giving them something to chase as they gathered many contested possessions. The quarter was ugly and scrappy but absolutely beautiful in terms of our game plan and our ambitions for half time. We kept them to 3 behinds for the quarter. Scores at the main break were Preston 3.3.21 to Warrandyte 1.4.10.

We decided to throw Olivia into the ruck for the first 5 minutes of the third quarter to do a demolition job on the opposition ruck. We decided a few weeks ago we would only use Olivia sparingly in this role as she is now undersized against the bigger girls in opposition teams, but few girls relish the role like our Liv. She did the job and by the time Charlotte went into the ruck to inject some pace and flare we had the game by the scruff of the neck. Marianne was carving it up through the middle and when Libby intercepted an incoming ball and hand balled to Ginger, we were away. Ginger went long into the forward line where Sis did some heavy lifting to create space for Erin to run in and boot a great goal. A few minutes later we scored again with another long ball marked by Victoria in the goal square. The best kick in the competition did not miss from there and we were 4 goals clear of the opposition with a few minutes remaining in the term. Scores at the last break were Preston 5.4.34 to Warrandyte 1.4.10.

The last quarter was simple: we needed to score into the wind to be guaranteed of the result. Warrandyte knew their season was in the balance and a win here would most likely have them playing finals as they play the top side next week. They came out with a renewed passion for the contest but we matched their intensity. The ball was played in Warrandyte’s forward fifty as they had the wind and it was inevitable they were going to score at some stage. They eventually broke through for a much needed goal but it was too late, and when Lauren, Erin and Freya combined to get the ball in the hands of Ayva she did the rest and booted the sealer into the wind. We were home in the end, comfortably accounting for a good Warrandyte team. We now need some luck above us in coming weeks and if we keep the passion and concentration levels up I truly believe we can sneak into the top four and do some serious damage in the finals. Final scores were Preston 6.5.41 to Warrandyte a hard fought 2.6.18. Special mention to Caitlin in her 50th for playing an outstanding four-quarter game. Freya does not often receive the accolades but is consistent in getting the hard ball. Ayva Bekki is fast becoming our most dangerous on baller and given she is two years younger than most of the other girls, hers is an amazing effort. Erin, Lauren and Ginger were terrific, and Olivia for doing the jobs no one else likes needs a special pat on the back.

Thanks to Emma and Jules for their coaching assistance and to Simon as runner. Thanks to Mish for taking on the role as Team Manager and Bek the role of Trainer. Thanks to Marc, Sean, Helen and Pauline also for your regular help. Thanks to Flip for his work behind the goals. Great to see you and Sis back. I know we have a great bunch of parent helpers and if I have not mentioned you I am sorry but you know who you are. It does not go unnoticed. We have another must-win game next week against Templestowe who beat us by a point last time, so hope to see you all there.

George Cotsonis

You could be forgiven for not turning up to this game as the weather, for late July, was absolutely the bee’s knees. And in Melbourne we do not take these fine days for granted. Witness the troop of David Attenborough devotees, wandering the designated walking trail between footy fields and the splendid bushland reserves.

If you did turn up to this game you would not be disappointed … once the team cranked up the work-rate, following a rev up from coach at the main break. We’ll get there in good time.

The pre-match coaches’ message was plain and simple, our modus operandi is measure the pressure. We’re counting tackles per quarter and inside 50s. Hit these KPIs and you’ll take the four points. The boys looked switched on.

When the boys gathered at the quarter break they were 3 points down, having had two more shots on goal than Ashburton. They seemed to be playing a colour by numbers game. Stats might show that they were on top but it all felt like it was just barely being held together. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t some players giving it their all and some terrific footy. Of course there was. Alistair was excellent, Brodie a hunting machine. Our one goal came courtesy of Johnny, cool as a cucumber, on a tight as angle deep in the pocket neatly slotting it through the big sticks.

Josh and Billy held their own. Max, in a second effort applied a crunch tackle. Terry was on song. Jack E was dominant. Anton worked his way into the game. Ben T was dynamite. Beating several players at a time, finding space to lead into and the tackle of the quarter!

Ashburton could have taken control of the game if not for our backline working overtime. But the good work down back was not translating into reward for effort on the scoreboard. When the siren sounded it was a chance for the Bullants to reset.

We actually won the second quarter (by one point) but that was not good enough. Measure for measure, the Bullants are the better side. However, Ashburton took it up to us and looked like they might even start to sense they could over-run us. The second was another quarter of standard footy. The thing is, the Bullants have this season consistently produced a much higher standard than “standard” footy. Where was that hiding we wondered?

Ashburton increased their lead with a goal. Anton continued his excellent game. Jackson was working his way into the game. He pulled out a torpedo to break the rhythm of a game being played between the two half forward lines. Sam was getting his hands on the ball. Ben D stepped up, adding firepower to our defence. Josh and Billy maintained their high standard and intensity. Ben T was having a day out. Including saving a definite goal with his mark on the line. Lucas, putting his body on the line, was rewarded with a free. Terry is inspiring, the complete package. When Billy weaved through the pack and set up our second goal you could almost feel the team rev its engine. Almost. Zac, likewise, was lifting the team with his committed hard at it, runs.

Then the long break. Then Marty ripped into the team’s effort. It was a deserved attack and it was measured. And he put to them the question: Where does the spark come from? We need something more than what is going on out there! Leadership is not for four or five players. Leadership is in each of you. And leadership is needed now. If I could feel the sting in his words I wondered what effect it had on his players. Would they be the spark?

A three goal to one third quarter spoke volumes for this Bullants Colts team and the shared expectations between coaches and players. The spark came. From a dozen players.

It came pretty soon into the quarter with a classic Bullants run involving Punter and Jackson moving the ball to Johnny on the lead. He took a great mark and followed it with a goal. We had the lead. We would not surrender it.

Ashburton could feel the Bullants lift in energy and intensity and they took it on. The game was alive. But the Bullants would not be denied. A centring kick found Punter and he made no mistake.

The next play (possibly best play of the day) cannot be recounted. Sorry. All I wrote was this: what a run, too much to take in, I’m too excited but many involved, someone dummies and a neat little pass to Johnny and he’s off and it’s a running goal.

Then there was another classic Bullants run (and we move the ball quickly when we get these going) involving Josh, Al, Johnny back to Josh and Sam. The backline (best on ground that lot) was holding Ashburton to account. This was the Bullants, maybe not at their best, but showing clear signs of how they can take a game apart quickly when they get their mojo on. I swear Ashburton probably wondered “what the hell was that” when they went into the three quarter huddle.

After a scraggly start to the last Ashburton goal and it’s a three point game. That was the last time they saw flags wave at their end save for two late gaols in junk time. Lucas was working hard and the Bullants were starting to roar again. Josh got that needed goal to steady the ship. Then the next great run, from the wing and Zac to Hamilton to Jackson and inside 50 Johnny took the contest on and produced another great goal. Broadie was terrific (as usual). Bullants were in control.

Jackson’s sprint to tackle a player who literally was running down the wing into an open forward line must have sapped Ashburton of their flickering hope to beak the Ants. From his free Jackson booted it to the centre where Sam was waiting and he hurried it on to Leo who passed it to Billy and he put the final nail in Ashburton’s chances.

The thirteen point win does not tell the story well enough. Ashburton played as good as they could to get that close. Credit too them. For the Bullants, from here on in they must play four quarter footy every week if they want to go all the way. Next week’s game against ladder leaders Brunswick is the test they need heading into the pointy end of the season. I’d back them to pass the test.