ROUND 11 Saturday's games are against Old Carey and I reckon we owe them. We are building some momentum and so it is important we continue on our winning ways. We are starting to get a few back from injuries and there is certainly a more confident air around the place.
Congratulations to Paul Silberer who plays his 50th game for the Bloods. more -->

BIG V REPRESENTATION Congratulations to Ed Limon and Al Johnston who have been invited to train with the U/19s State Squad. Similar sentiments are extended to Brett Voss who will train with the senior squad. Well Done Guys. more -->

BLOODS GET UP IN A THRILLER The magnificant Marles Playing Fields hosted the Mighty Bloods yesterday and the improved conditions allowed the boys to turn on a great, gutsy win. The boys played with confidence for the full 120 minutes. Vossy and Browny were brilliant, but all the "kids" (Limon, Case, Schoey) showed they can mix it at senior level. more -->

ROUND 10 REVIEW - TRINITY and De La The seniors take on Trinity on Saturday at Marles Playing Fields(32 E8).The home side have been in pretty good form over the last few weeks so we will have to bring our best game to take the points.But of course a repeat of last weekend's efforts will make that a greater possibility.
The U/19's play De La on Saturday. Note this is an early start at 9.30am at Waverley Park (Wav/Malvern Rds) more -->

BLOODS DOWN SNOWDOGS The Mighty Bloods returned to the winners circle with a resounding 25 point victory over top side St Bernards. It was a great team effort that ensures we still have an outside chance of making the finals. The U/19s were defeated by Ormond while the Reserves also went down. Next weekend we take on Trinity and De La. more -->

ROUND 9 REVIEW We return to McKinnon to take on top of the table St Bernards this weekend in the Seniors while the U/19s play Ormond.
All three are big big games as we attempt to get the season back on track. We are due for a change of luck, especially with injuries so why shouldn't it start this weekend. A couple of wins and we are right back in the mix. more -->

SCHOOL 1ST XV111 SUFFER FIRST LOSS The Haileybury 1st XVIII suffered their first loss for the season when defeated by St Kevins. St Kevins are a very competitive team and have won all games this year except for one. Missing 2 players on state duties we were simply outplayed by a better team on the day. See the Corda Club Tab for a full report. more -->

ROUND 8 RESULTS The Seniors went down to Hampton Rovers on the weekend. After leading for most of the day, injuries took their toll and the home side was able to get on top.We kicked the first four goals of the game in our most promising start for a long time. But the game then became an arm wrestle and we were unable to hold them out.
The Reserves went down narrowly while the U/19s were beaten by Old Brighton. more -->

Round 8 The Bloods return to Boss James Reserve on the 13th of June to take on Hampton Rovers. After the break we will be looking to get a win on the board and press for finals positions. The U/19s willbe playing Old Brighton at the Beach Rd Oval....See Ya There more -->

Murray Ponsford I wanted to let those associated with the Old Haileyburians AFC know about the passing away of Life Member, David Murray Ponsford. A number of people have contacted me with fond memories which I have tried to capture here. more -->

SCHOOL DOWNS CAREY The School side continued on its winning way with an 80 point thrashing of Carey. Great to see Brodie Seccull, OHAFC statistician and stalwart play his first game in the 'ones' - the first of many and continuing a fine tradition.
A full report will be available shortly. more -->

BLOODS GO DOWN TO ORMOND It was great to see so many past players there on Saturday reminiscing about former glories both on and off the field. While the Premierships were 20 years apart,the exploits of the players were all the same! Some things don't change with a number of partners coming to collect their better halves after the game - just like the old days!
Unfortunately the good times didn't extend to the paddock... more -->

ROUND 7 COMING UP Ormond venture back to McKinnon for the first time since 1995 this weekend in what is a crucial game for both sides. Traditional rivals, this should be a ripper. more -->

BLOODS GO DOWN TO OLD CAREY The Bloods - seniors and Reserves - went down to Old Carey on the weekend, while the U/19s were defeated by Collegians. more -->

ROUND 6 COMING UP The seniors and Reserves take on Old Carey this weekend at the Carey Playing Fields Bulleen (32 C10). A couple of must win games if we are going to play finals football for either side. The O/19s take on Old Wesley (Collegians?) at the Harry Trott (58 A8). After winning their last two games the lads will be keen on the trifecta. All are normal start times. more -->

SILENT AUCTION - TRIP FOR TWO IN EUROPE APT have made available to the football club and broader Haileybury community, the chance to buy a magnificent European cruise for two. It is a 15 Day tour down the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers taking in Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest. It would normally retail for $16,000. See here for further Auction details. more -->

BLOODS WIN AGAIN It was tight, tough encounter on Saturday but the Mighty Bloods knocked off the top side, St Kevins,racing away with the game in the last quarter.Harvs was sensational, as was Spencer Roberts, while Thommo continued his fine form in the ruck. Special mention should be made of the defence which did a great job of restricting the former top side of the competition to only seven goals. Well Done Boys more -->

BLOODBATH BALL The Bloodbath Ball is happening again. Get in early as tickets are going fast and are limited. more -->

ROUND 5 REVIEW We return to McKinnon this weekend when we take on top side St Kevins. This is a BIG game but I have a good vibe and I reckon we are ready to win a few. The U/19's can make it two in a row when they take on Mazenod. It is normal kick off times.
This Saturday we have our School and Sponsors Day Luncheon where we formally acknowledge the contributions that the sponsors make to the club. more -->

LUNCHEON THIS WEEKEND The School and Sponsors Lucheon will be taking place this Saturday (16th) when we take on SKOBS and Mazenod. It is only $20ph with festivities commencing at 12noon. Haileybury school students FREE!! more -->

SCHOOL WINS AGAIN - Now 2 Nil Haileybury College recorded its second win for the season with a hard fought but assured victory over Geelong College. Mick Meehan kicked 11 goals in a fine forward display. That's two from two now. Go to the Corda Club link for details. more -->

ROUND FOUR RESULTS The Junction Oval and indeed the whole St Kilda district brings back a lot of memories. Unfortunately those from Saturday wont be so pleasant as a couple of winnable football games went missing. While the opposition are good, they are certainly beatable which only adds to the disappointment. But of course the great thing about football is that there isn't a lot of time before redemption. more -->

HAILEYBURY 1ST XVIII SEASON OFF TO A FLYING START The Haileybury 1st XVIII started the season well with a win against Xavs at Xavier. Click on the "Corda Club" drop down each week to follow them through their quest to atone for last years (unlucky) disappointment. This years team might be missing a couple of big names but there is still a nucleus of a very strong team joined by some enthusiastic young guns. more -->

ROUND THREE It was only the second time that we have played Uni Blacks in any form of competition so they were a bit of an unknown commodity. It was a close tussle all day (scores were level at half time) and while we got the ascendancy early in the last quarter, the visitors came home with the proverbial wet sail to clinch victory. The Oracle's version is now available.... more -->

ROUND THREE PREVIEW Round Three takes place at McKinnon this weekend (2nd May) at McKinnon where the Seniors (2pm)and Reserves (11.40am) look to make it 2 out of 3 while the U/19s (2pm)will be keen to register their first win. See you there. more -->

PADDY REACHES ANOTHER MILESTONE Peter "Paddy" O'Donnell plays his 200th game for the club this weekend and earns Life membership. Paddy first played in 1994 and has won...... more -->

BLOODS DRAW FIRST BLOOD Both the Seniors and Reserves returned to form with wins on the weekend, over Old Camberwell, while the U/19s again came up against stronger opposition in St Kevins. For a complete rundown of the senior game check out the Oracle more -->

ROUND TWO Well the seniors head off to Gordon Barnard Reserve on Saturday to take on Old Camberwell. The hosts apparently have a number of ex AFL Players also so it should make for a quality game. We beat them both times last year so it would be great to think that we can do it again. The U/19s take on St Kevins at Righetti. more -->

ANOTHER ARTICLE IN THE SPORTS SECTION OF THE AGE Well we seem to be capturing the imagination of the press. Lets hope we can live up to the publicity which is good for our club, our sponsors and major partners. This article was on the back page of the Age today Wednesday April 22. Meanwhile, lets focus on playing as a team and winning on Saturday. more -->

ORACLE FROM THE OUTER The Oracle is back, albiet a luttle bruised so check out his summation of the game against Old Trinity. more -->

ROUND 1 RESULTS McKinnon turned on its finest weather conditions to bring on the new football season. Poor old Bonnas has never been so busy fielding media enquiries and the like about the big game. He even cracked it for a mention in the Sunday papers. more -->

ROUND 1 PREVIEW Well it's the final countdown with the preliminaries over and the real games set to begin on Saturday when we host Old Trinity and Old Melburnians.
Shannas and Harvs talking tactics before the big game on Saturday. more -->

HOME GAME LUNCH - Round One It is not too late to book a place at the Luncheon taking place on the 18th of April - our first home game for the year. $25 will get you a fantastic 2 course meal. Festivities commence at 12 noon in the Social Rooms so come along and bring in the new footy year in style. Members have the cost of all lunches included in the package so memberships will be available on the day. Call hyxy to RSVP. more -->

Return to McKinnon We officially return to McKinnon this Thursday. As a means of 'celebrating' this occasion the social rooms will be used to watch the big game on the big screen between Geelong and Collingwood. So if you are looking for somewhere to watch the game and bring in the long weekend, then McKinnon is the place to be. It will be an opportunity to catch up on all the latest news from around the place. more -->

LAST PRACCY MATCH The last hit out, before the 4 pointers begin, takes place on Saturday. The school have kindly granted permission for the game to take place on the Main Oval- the home of so many footballing beginnings. The first game against Ivanhoe, commences at 11am. So come along and see the lads prepare for the last time before Round One on the 18th.

20,19,18,17,16....... more -->

VOSSY STARS IN BUSHFIRE APPEAL GAME Congratulations to Vossy who participated in the Bushfire Appeal Game on the weekend, played between the VAFA and the EDFL. Brett kicked a couple of goals and was nominated amongst the better players. For the record the Ammos won in a thriller. more -->

MOMENTUM BUILDS Another excellent hit out from the boys on the weekend. Things are starting to really take shape as players jostle for positions in the side. The standard was generally pretty good although skills dropped off towards the end as the players began to feel the heat. Importantly, we appeared to be the fitter, kicking away in the last 15 minutes. For all the latest news more -->

NEWS UPDATE I am pleased to announce that Ray White Carnegie are now one of the club's major sponsors. We all recognise the Ray White brand in real estate and Matthew Hurlston is the Principal at our local Carnegie operation. So if you are in the market to buy, sell or rent, give Matthew a call on 9571 6777 or email him at carnegie.vic@raywhite.com
Going forward, you will be kept up to date with real estate more -->

FIRST PRACTICE MATCH Our first hit out for the year will take place on Sunday when we have a practice game against Scoresby. There will be six quarters played with the forst commencing at 12 noon. Unlike many other clubs we are fortunate in that we have use of the school facilities so the game will take be played at Fisher Oval.
So come on down and check out the new recruits and see how the boys are coming up. more -->

SKYLIFT CRANE SERVICES COME ON AS NEW MAJOR SPONSOR We are extremely pleased to announce that Skylift Crane Services are a new major sponsor for the Old Haileyburians Football Club. This is an exciting development for the whole club as the new season approaches. You will be seeing a lot of the Skylift logo and even their personnel around the club. Skylift Crane Hire is one of Melbourne’s leading mobile crane hire firms. You’ll see their red and white cranes at numerous sites throughout Melbourne as they lift a huge variety of objects skyward and then back down again! Who knows you may even see a Premiership flag drapped from one later this year! From their 2.5 tonne crawler to the 130 Tonne Grove, they’re sure to have the right mobile crane for the right job!

So we encourage all members and supporters to visit their website www.skyliftcranes.com.au and find out where the opportunities are.

Astoria Honda, MaaxSpa and Bank Of Queensland are our other major sponsors and we indeed want all our sponsors having people ringing them and telling them they barrack for the Mighty Bloods.

Thank you to those members who have already sent in their application forms. This early attention certainly helps the club before the season starts. Membership details and application forms can be found here. more -->

SEASON 2009 APPROACHES Well the 2009 season is fast approaching - only 61 more sleeps.

Training and recruiting have been excellent so far. The biggest recruit, Robert Harvey has trained and will be available during the year. What has also been encouraging, is the retention from last year's squad and from last years U/19's in particular. Players like Al Johnson, Matthew Lille, Harro, Lance Baptist, Skelts and others are going to continue developinging as players. With this natural improvement and new recruits, finals football is once again the immediate and minimum target.

Training will be taking place on a Thursday night on the Fisher Oval at Keysborough. Tuesday nights are variable but we are still hopeful of using the Brighton Campus facilities before we return to McKinnon.

Practice matches are as follows -

21/22 Mar - Scoresby
28/29 Mar - Oakleigh AFC
4/5 Apr - Ivanhoe

Memberships

Of course this is the time of year that we request supporters show their true colors and sign up as members. The membership packages and application form is attached. We have simplified the packages and while prices are the same, they remain tremendous value. Membership and sponsorships are our main source of revenue so we look forward to your support. Please return forms to the address below or contact me if you have any questions. It has been suggested that memberships could be paid for in vouchers - ie rather than pay cash, members could give the equivalent in beer or wine. This is certainly a better financial result for the club so we would look at the possibilities.

Social

On the social side, we have a number of functions planned. Club Clymax will take place on the 18th of April after the first game. We aim to have as many home game lunches as possible, including reunions of the 1989 Premiership sides, a Ladies Luncheon and of course the Sponsors Day which have proven so popular over the last few seasons. We are also working on a Sportmans Night which will be a joint function with the football fraternity at the school. And there is even talk about resurrecting the old Trivia Night (where I used to demonstrate how little I know). So there is plenty to look forward to off the paddock as well as on.

Sponsors

We have received confirmation from nearly all of our sponsors that they want to continue their association with the club in 2009. This includes our major sponsors - Astoria Honda, Bank of Queensland and MaaxSpa. This is good news, bit of course we are always on the lookout for new partnerships. So let me know if you can recognize fresh opportunities.

Season 2009 is almost upon us. Expectations are naturally high for the whole club this year. So we look forward to catching up with our bretheren over the ensuing months.

Importantly that also means more correspondance from me. Let me know if there is anyone that may be interested in being added to the mailing list. more -->

2009 FIXTURE The 2009 Fixture can be found here. We have some blockbusters lined up in 2009 so get the dates in your diary now? more -->

Award Winners Top of the morning,

Apologies for not informing you all earlier but I am pleased to announce the award winners for Season 2009.

Tony Brown capped off a fine season winning the club's Best and Fairest - the T.E.K Fischer Award.
Brett Voss won the Frank Northcott award for Runners Up which was a great start to his career at the club.Tony polled 36 votes while Brett got 33 votes.

Other award winners were -

T.M Lyon U/19 Best & Fairest - Matthew Lille
President's Trophy for Reserves Best & Fairest - Scott Ellis

U/19's Runners Up - Al Johston
Reserve's Runners Up - Rilyn Mosbey

Goalkicking Awards - Seniors, James Magee
U/19's, Al Johnston

Coach's Awards - Seniors, Chris Ferguson
Reserves, Paul Silberer
U/19's, Lachlan Wyeth

Most Improved - Seniors, Nick Thomas
Reserves, Adam Byass
U/19's, Matt Ditchfield

Most Consistent - Seniors, Farooq Mohammad
Reserves, Don Mayes

Best First Year Player - Chris Morrison

Congratulations to all award winners.

Well the season isn't too far away and training will be commencing next month. If anyone, including keen supporters, is interested in getting in some extra gym training, then contact Andrew Jago (0413126698). There is a group having regular sessions.

One of our major sponsors, Astoria Honda is having their big sale on this weekend. All the details are attached but if you are in the market for a new Honda then get on down their this weekend. And don't forget to tell them that you follow the mighty bloods and they will look after you even more. And that also benefits the club financially as every referral earns the club $500. So now is the time to get on down there and do yourself a deal.

A few of usold footballers took up the challenge of the Melbourne Marathon last weekend. Heath Hopwood got the best time I have seen for the half marathon recotding an unofficial time of 1hr 40m. Can anyone beat that?

Anyway John, only 172 more sleeps. more -->

TONY BROWN WINS G T MOORE MEDAL Top of the Morning/Evening

It gives me great pleasure to let you all know that Tony Brown won the VAFA B Grade Best and Fairest award last night
- the G T Moore Medal.

Despite missing 5 games during the year, Browny still managed to poll 23 votes to win by 2. Browny can be extremely proud of his efforts in his first season wearing the magenta and black and we all look forward to watching him go around again next year. Congratulations Browny.

Congratulations are also extended to Al Johnson who won the Goalkicking Competition in Southern 1 Under 19's and was awarded hid trophy last night. Al had a terrific season bagging 58 goals for the year in those green boots. Well done Al.

The Vote Count and Presentation will be held at the McKinnon Social Rooms this Saturday, the 20th September. We shall kick things off at 2pm as we know people are keen to get along to the footy that night (not Bonnas however!). We will have the vote count and presentations all wrapped up by approximately 5pm. Dinner will be available.

This is probably our last opportunity to thank the players and support staff on the efforts in 2008, so come along and acknowledge the club's backbone. more -->

Season Conclusion Season 2008 came to a thrilling end on Saturday with the boys going down by 6 points.

It was a gallant effort as we were 4 goals down at the 25 minute mark of the last quarter and kicking into the wind. But the boys showed tremendous courage to kick 3 unanswered goals to almost steal the game. We thought at one stage Mary had lost the clock as the last quarter appeared to go for about 48 minutes!

The windy conditions and the state of the ground meant goals were a premium. We were slow out of the blocks and for the first 15 minutes of the game struggled. But we hit our straps and an exciting goal from Al Johnson gave us hope as we finished the first quarter with a small advantage. The second quarter was going to be crucial as the general consensus was that we hadn't done enough with the wind. But both sides were playing under difficult conditions and we went into the main break only 10 points behind. In fact the Glenhuntly Rd end was almost the scoring end as both Marcellin and the Bloods had been able to score going into the wind. Both defences were on top to half time with Ferg, Vossy and Hammer leading the way for us while Nick Thomas made a welcome return.

The first half of the third quarter was a bit more of the same, with defences on top. Loewey was doing a terrific job in the ruck after Paddy suffered a nasty blow to the cheek. Chis started getting more of the ball and the midfielders were having an impact. And for a while we weren't getting the results on the scorebord but then in the last 10 minutes we seemed to come alive. Critta kicked a beauty on the run, Vossy took a fine mark and scored and James Maggee scored from a long way out. So we went into the last quarter with a 10 point advantage which on face value may not seem enough kicking into a 6 goal wind.

You guessed it - first two goals from the Bloods- Skipper SLJ kicks one on the run and Criita lands one from the pocket after some astute guidance from Brew. So five minutes in and we are 24 points up. But Marcellin to their credit came back with 7 unanswered goals. It was a bit of a tidal wave as they worked out the attacking side of the ground - which no one else had previously. So just when all seemed lost, the Bloods came back. Some wise crack in the outer (yours truly) suggested 3 goals in 3 minutes wasn't out of the question after Vossy slotted one from the pocket. I forget the order of goals as I was still being ridiculed but all of a sudden a couple of goals later from Benny Hampton and Laz and we were only down by a goal. It had all happened so quickly that the heart hadn't had time to fire up which is a good thing. And this is only the the boys' credit as it would have been easy to capitulate. Like they have done formost of the year, this quiet, unassuming group just kept sticking to it and nearly stole the chocolates. What supporters probably may not have realised at the time was that the interchange bench looked like a scene from a war movie. The injuries were piling up and the coaches box had few alternatives. Which only goes to make the effort even more meritorious. No one likes losing but the boys showed plenty which is all we can ask.


MARCELLIN 3.5 6.9 7.10 14.15.99
OLDHAILEYBURY 3.1 5.4 9.10 13.15.93





OLD HAILEYBURY
Goal Kickers: L. Siapantas 4, B. Voss 3, S. Langford-Jones, J. Magee, B. Hampton, N. Criticos, A. Johnston, A. Brown
Best Players: B. Voss, L. Siapantas, H. McLauchlan, M. Brewer, S. Loewe, D. Mackenzie

So the garden and the race track (Early tip Tuesday Joy for the Cup) beckon as the sun sets on another season - a season which was probably as successful as possible without winning a flag. Heaps of young guys have been groomed and there is a good spirit amongst the ranks. The coaching crew deserve credit for their efforts during the year.

The outlook is positive and we already start planning for next year. Hearing that traditional rivals, Ormond will join us in B Grade next year to play for the Kingston Cup gets the adrenelin racing. Approximately 222 sleeps to go John!

So I think the boys deserve credit for the way they have gone about their business this year. We are forming a good platform and hopefully A Grade isn't too far away. The seconds had another imnproved year under Andrew Jago and the U/19s, while not winning too many games will benefit as many will play again next year. Well done to everyone.

And well done to all those volunteers who helped out during the year. I wont mention names now as there are too many but all their efforts are hugely appreciated. Thank You!!

And to the supporters who turned up each week - also a thank you. it was great going across the Yarra and finding we had as many supporters as the home side. This means so much to the players but also those off the field as it is a sign that something is working.

Enough from me - time for another Sunday night red. You wont here from me for a while except for the odd snippet of news or reminder. Try and get along to the presenbtation night - the first occasion for 2009.

IN BRIEF:- Paddy O'Donnell suffered a nasty injury to the cheeckbone on Saturday so our thoughts are with him. He will probably need an operation with plates inserted so Good Luck Paddy. I reckon we have done our bit for the plate industry this year!!

Congratulations to Deb Corrigan who celebrated her 50th recently.

SOCIAL DIARY

For those of you who haven't signed up for the OHA Luncheon then get on your bike. It takes place this Thursday (4th).

Russell Davidson has done a great job in putting together a fantastic array of entertainment.The luncheon will be held at the MCG in the Harrison Room.
The speakers include ex St.Kilda champion Danny Frawley, St.Kilda Premiership player Rodger Head, one of Melbourne's 150 finest, Paul Hopgood and 2 of Melbourne's up and comers, Old Haileyburians, Shane Valenti and Stefan Martin. Also joining us for a chat with MC Bruce Eva will be Olympic finalist in the womens rowing eights at the Beijing Olympics, staff member Pauline Frasca.

Call Russell to book yourself a spot - 9213 2218. It will be a ripper.

Presentation night is on Saturday 20th of September. We are just putting the finishing touches to the night so will keep you posted.

Don't forget the AFL Grand Final Breakfast. Yes it is on again and is shaping up bigger than ever. So whack that one in your diary. The morning's entertainment includes:

Pat Trick - International award winning magician and comedian
Calvin DeGrey - Comedian - 8 times Mo Award nominee and 2004 winner
Marty Fields - Australian Comedy Hall of Famer

When: Sat 27th Sept - 7am for 7:30 start.
Where: Victoria University Conference Centre, Level 12 / 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Cost: $120 per head.

Call Ward Caspers on 0409239038 to book a place or even a table. more -->

DO YOU KNOW THESE LEGENDS? This group of fine strapping young men were the club's first junior premiership side in 1978. These were the days of the yellow shorts, long hair and long stops. But the school jumper makes its obligatory appearance.While the place kick had disappeared, there was the occasional drop kick! And of course that means it is 30 years since that great day. To celebrate we are having a reunion luncheon on the 16th of August. Spread the word amongst these nearly 50 year olds!Check out the enlarged photo. more -->

CHECK OUT THE ASTORIA HONDA END OF YEAR SALE ASTORIA HONDA, ONE OF THE CLUB'S MAJOR SPONSORS AND GOOD FRIENDS ARE HAVING THEIR ANNUAL END OF YEAR SALE DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE. SO IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW CAR, CHECK OUT THEIR RANGE AND TELL THEM YOU BARRACK FOR THE MIGHTY BLOODS. more -->

HAILEYBURY SCHOOL FOOTBALL MATCH REPORTS Follow the fortunes of the Haileybury 1st XVIII Football Team this year through regular reports appearing in the Corda Club tab below. Read about our first up away win against Scotch. Follow and support Captain Tom Lynch and his team as they try to improve on their "oh-so-close" third place last year. more -->