WELCOME TO THE OFFICAL PANTON HILL FOOTBALL CLUB WEBSITE – HOME OF THE MIGHTY REDBACK SPIDERS

After a relaxing break over Christmas and New Year it's time to get back in to training.  The first session will be on Wednesday 1 February from 6:15pm at Diamond Hills Reserve which is on Plenty River Drive in Greensborough (Melways Reference Map 11 B9).  Future session will then be held each Monday and Wednesday evening at Dimaond Hills, Hurstbridge High School Oval and Panton Hill with optional running sessions on a Saturday morning.  Further details of pre-season training to be announced shortly.

The Panton Hill Football Club wishes all players, members and supports a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  We look forward to seeing you soon for what promises to be an exciting 2012.  Pre-season recommences on Wednesday 1 February.  Further details to be posted on the web soon.

The clubs condolences are offerred to the friends and family of Kyle Mansfield who has been training with The Hills in pre-season and tragically lost his father in a recent motorcycle accident in Craigieburn.  Our thoughts are with you at this time Kyle.

The final pre-season Wednesday session before Christams will be held this Wednesday 7 December at Panton Hill from 6:15pm and will conclude with a BBQ and drink.  More than 40 players attended last Wednesday and more than 60 players have attended throughout the pre-season to date, so get along and meet all the new players.  Training will then resume after Christmas on Wednesday 1 February at a venue yet to be advised.

Paul Cronin arrived in Australia from Ireland nearly 2 years and landed in little old St Andrews.  With a thirst for Gaelic Football, Paul has decided to switch his talents to Australian Rules and pull on the boots at Panton Hill.  Paul played Gaelic Football for Macroom for more than 10 years.  He hasn't founfd the pre-season training too difficult to date but has found kicking the oval ball straight as opposed to a round ball on a 45 degree angle has been the most difficult adjustment to date.  As a large lad Paul will play around the half forward line.  Look out for Paul as he makes his mark at the Hills.

Former Panton Hill Captain and Best and Fairest player Ben Strongman will be returning to the Redbacks for the 2012 season and beyond after committing to the club in early November.  Ben played 6 seasons at Panton Hill from 2004 to 2009 after a junior career at Research.  During his time at The Hills Ben was the backbone of the midfiled, featuring regularly in the best players list and culminating in two years as captain (2008 and 2009) and taking out the clubs best player award in both thos seasons.  Ben left for Lower Plenty in 2010 to play some higher level football but vowing to return to his beloved Redbacks.  With a premiership under his belt at Lower Plenty last year Ben felt it was time to come back to the Hills to achieve the same goal.  Ben will also be joined by a strong group of young Lower Plenty players who will be making the switch across also.

Pre-season training starts next Wedesday 16 November from 6:00pm @ Eltham College.  The pre-christams pre-season training schedule at this stage is as follows:

Wed 16^th – Eltham College, Top Oval (park in Basketball carpark and walk across)

Friday 18^th – Eltham College meet at Basketball Carpark

Wed 23^rd – Eltham College, Top Oval (park in Basketball carpark and walk across)

Fri 25^th – Westerfolds Park – Meet at top of Hill where restaurant and Aboriginal gallery is

Wed 30^th – Eltham College, Top Oval (park in Basketball carpark and walk across)

Fri 2nd – Westerfolds Park – Meet at top of Hill where restaurant and Aboriginal gallery is

Wed 7^th – Venue TBA

Fri 9^th – Venue TBA

Don't forget the "Meet the coach" BBQ and get together on Sunday 13th November from 1pm for all existing, new and prospective players, families and Committee at the house of the new President Eric Grimshaw in Panton Hill.  Please contact Scott Walker on 0412 257 537 if you require address details.  Please brind along your drinks but BBQ food will be provided.  Pre-season training will then commence on Wednesday 16 November at a venue nearby to be confirmed.  Keep an eye on the web for further details shortly.

The recruiting for season 2012 is already underway with new coach Dean Haydock and his assistant Shane Lyons bringing two key players to the Hills from Heidelberg.  Welcome to Simon Amore and Zak Williams.

Simon Amore is a nuggety onballer who racks up possessions at will and possesses silky skills. Simon has played over 80 games for Old Trinity in “A” grade Amateurs before crossing to Heidelberg to win the two’s B&F last year by an absolute streak. Simon played most of his games this year in Heidelberg’s senior team

Zak Williams is a born leader who rotates his time between FF, CHF and CHB. He is a strong marking player who takes no prisoners as he crashes packs at will. Zak started his football career with Clunes in the Bendigo football league, before playing with Simon at Old Trinity and then making his way to Heidelberg where he has been a senior player and in recent times, captain of the 2^nd’s

The club is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Lyons as assistant coach of the Panton Hill Football Club is season 2012.  Shane has had a very successful career as a player and in a variety of coaching roles throughout the Diamond Valley and Northern Football League.  Shane has spent over 5 years at Heidelberg in Reserves and Assistant coaching roles and during the 2011 season he was both the Reserves coach and Senior Assistant.  Senior coach Dean Haydock is extremely pleased to have an assistant with the experience and calibre of Shane, especially when he's out on the field getting a kick of the footy on a Saturday.

The club has had a successful season in 2011 both on and off the field, although a preliminary final defeat by 2 points was devastating for the senior side and has inspired the club to push ahead and get better in 2012.  The first ever premiership for the reserves was terrific and provided a real highlight for supporters.  Read the season summary in the full article and also download this years annual report presented at the AGM on Wednesday.

At the AGM on Wednesday Night the new Committee for next season was appointed.  Positions will be as follows:

President: Eric Grimshaw                 

Vice President: Marty Clark   

Treasurer: Andrew Mill                       

Secretary: Bob Allen              

General Committee:

Jamie Lyngcoln                                  

Stan Harvey

Lou Marasco                                      

Scott Walker                                      

Greg Mason                                       

Steve Parsons                                   

Craig Burleigh                        

Rick LeGassick

This is a very strong Committee which will point us in the right direction for next season.  Please do not hesitate to contact any Committee Member to discuss the club further. 

A "meet the coach" BBQ will be held on the afternoon of Sunday 13 November for all current, new and potential players of the Panton Hill Football Club at the new President's House in Panton Hill (Eric Grimshaw).  This is a good opportunity to meet the coaching staff and start the planning for next season.  Pre-season training will then commence on Wednesday 16 November at a venue to be advised.  See the full article for all proposed pre-season training sessions.  After Christmas pre-season training will recommence on Wednesday 1 February.

The Panton Hill Football Club is please to announce the appointment of Dean Haydock as senior coach in 2012. Dean will join the club in his first senior coaching role following a stellar career as a player, assistant and leader. Dean will also have the opportunity to play alongside his brother Paul in the backline at The Hills. Jayson Burleigh will also be returning as reserves coach following a successful 2011. See the full article for more on Dean Haydocks football experience.

Well done also to Tristan Kreymborg who was awarded the 2011 Northern Football League Coaches Player of the Year at the NFL Awards last Friday Night. Tristan just got better and better as the season evolved and dominated many games from the ruck. His efforts were not only recognised by opposition coaches but much appreciated by his Panton Hill teammates. With a season under his belt after coming back into football, Tristan is looking at keeping himself fit so he is primed for the first game next year.

Congratulations to Chris Sansom who took out the 2011 Northern Football League Third Division Reserves Best and Fairest at the NFL Awards last Friday Night. Chris was a runaway winner with 32 votes in what was a fantastic season for the tall ruckman who converted from a basketball background a couple of years ago. Chris is eagerly awaiting the new season and is anticipating developing his skills further in the seniors.

Last chance for bookings to the Panton Hill Junior Football Club shopping tour to be held on 22 October.  If there are not more bookings in the next week then it may have to be cancelled.  For more information conact Sonia or Carol and see attached flyer in full article.

Call – Sonia 0438300076 email

jho61239@bigpond.net.au

pantonhilljuniors@hotmail.com

This years Annual General meeting will be held at the clubrooms on 19 October from 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start.  Please get along and support the club and consider joining the Committee to make 2012 a successful year for the football club.

The major raffle was drawn at the Presentation Night last Friday 23 September.  Winners were as follows:

1st Prize - Kawasaki KLX 140 motor cycle value $4700 from Evolution Yamaha Ticket # 1605  - K. Tulipanu

2nd Prize - 6'X4' Steel trailer value $1500 from Panton Hill Welding Service Ticket # 1542  - C. Jones

3rd Prize - Service Voucher value $250 from GoodYear Service Centre Diamond Creek Ticket # 1179  - 'Harro'

4th Prize - Aussie Angler Fishing Package value $200 from Aussie Angler Ticket # 0976  - D. Weston

5th Prize - 6 bottles KG Cab Sav value $150 from King's Winery Kangaroo Ground Ticket # 2521  - J. Beattie

More than 120 guests attended the Panton Hill Football Club presentation night last Friday evening at Greensborough RSL for a most enjoyable event.  Award winners were as follows:

Seniors

Best and Fairest:  (Ron Archer Shield):    Tristan Kreymborg

2^nd Best and Fairest:    Will Box

3^rd Best and Fairest:     Joffa Byron

Best Team Man (Fritz Eigner Shield):    Simon Gunn

Most Improved (Ron Dwyer Shield):    Adam Anderson

Most Consistent:    Brett Thorn

Leading Goalkicker:    Brendan O’Connor

Coaches Encouragement (Dave Essex Award):    Shane Price

Reserves

Best and Fairest (P Greenham Award):    Chris Sansom

2^nd Best and Fairest:    Brett Aldred

3^rd Best and Fairest:    Jayson Burleigh

Most Consistent:    Ty Dummett

Encouragement Award:    Alex Bartsch

Best Team Player:    Nick Prenc

Most Improved:    Frank Trianta

Club Award

Best Clubman (Panton Hill Firemen Memorial Award):    Michael Hutchison & Scott Walker

Life Members

Stan Harvey & Chris Cahir

This weekend is the last chance to book you presentation night tickets for Friday 23 September 7:30pm @ Greensborough RSL.  $80 includes three course meal, beer, wine and soft drinks.  Please contact Snappy on 0412 257 537 for your last call on tickets immediately.  We'll place you on a table.

The 2011 NFL Division Three Reserves Premiership now belongs to Panton Hill. The Panton Hill Football Club won its first senior club Premiership in 56 years on Saturday. 

The weather was forecast to be terrible at Epping but it turned out to be one of the brightest days for many years in the clubs history. The rain stayed away which provided great conditions for football.  The wind was strong but didn’t provide any advantage to either side. In the first quarter the Redbacks got off to the best possible start after a snap out of the pack landed in the hands of Frank Trianta who goaled within minutes of the opening siren.  From then on the next two quarters were even with the lead changing constantly. Reservoir was throwing everything at our boys.  They weren’t allowing The Hills any space which caused substantial pressure on the Panon Hill players preventing them from getting their running game going.

Panton Hill had only lost two games all year.  It was put to the players that they didn’t deserve to lose this game and if they wanted to win they needed to lift the intensity at the ball and break open into space to give David Walton, Matthew Layt, Andrew Miller and rest of the running brigade a chance to kick the ball long into attack.

Reservoir held a slender two point lead at the long break so it was asked of the players to get tougher at ground level and make sure they moved the ball forward quickly.  When the third quarter started again it was goal for goal but it was two goals to John Garrard and a goal each to Jayson Burleigh and Kyle Coffey.  After Reservoir was able snap a quick goal from a boundary throw in close to the end of the quarter it looked like this one was going to go down to the wire.  At the last change Panton Hill lead by five points.

Nathan Grimshaw controlled the backline superbly all game and was well supported by Lucas Brass who bounced back after a heavy knock in 2^nd quarter to play a vital part on Reservoirs small forwards.

The coach asked all players to give this one more shot and with fresh legs on the bench and the Panton Hill midfield rotations working well the players still had more to give. Chris Sansom had been on top all day in the ruck and Brendon Long and Dominic Bee were starting to get first use of the ball in the midfield. Dylan Collins was a great lead up target off half forward but it was when Daniel Keen got the upper hand in the last quarter at CHF that showed the big men weren’t getting any smaller.  It was then that the game broke open.  At the 20 minute mark of the last quarter when John Garrard kicked his fifth goal and shortly after Daniel Keen took a strong one handed mark the crowd erupted and it was evident that the party was about to start up at the Hill.

The reserves side had been a strong outfit all year with no less than 38 players available for selection for the Grand Final and with everyone playing an even contribution throughout the year it was great to see all the players who missed out on a grand final spot providing the much needed support for thier team mates from the sidelines.  It was fitting that the boys were able to come off the ground all together with the Premiership cup and flag. Thankyou to the big Panton Hill crowd that came and witnessed this result… It didn’t go unrecognised by any of the players just how much support the players had.

Congratulatiuons to the Panton Hill Reserves on their win yesterday to take out the Northern Football League Division 3 Premiership.  The game was a tight and low scoring affair for the first three quarters with goals very hard to come by.  Reservoir held a 2 point lead at half time but Panton Hill had a 5 point lead at three quarter time.  The last quarter belonged to The Hills as they blasted their way to a 6 goal win.  This is the first time that the Panton Reserves have won a flag and the first senior premiership at the club since 1955.

The Panton Hill Football club has a massive opportunity to win a Premiership this Saturday having finished the home and away season on top of the ladder and winning the second semi final against Watsonia last Saturday week. The team has lost only 2 games this season, with three wins over Reservoir during the home and away season, but 2 of those by only 9 points. Reservoir will be looking for a win after narrowly losing the grand final last season to South Morang.

We encourage all Panton Hill Football Club supporters to come and support our 2’s at Epping Recreational Reserve on Saturday. The game starts at 11.30am. This is the first time since 1970 that any Panton Hill senior team has reached the Grand Final.

Win or lose, all supporters are then welcome back at the Club rooms from 5.30pm for a few drinks and a BBQ, hopefully to celebrate a win. It has been 56 years since our last Grand Final victory by any senior team, so don’t miss out on this huge opportunity for our club.

The full results of the Panton Hill Football Club vote count held on Sunday 21 August are finally available.  Click on more to get the results.

A tremendous last quarter fightback from Panton Hill in the preliminary final yesterday was not quite enough as the Hills went down by 2 points.  Parkside got the early lead and was 10 goals in front half way through the third term before The Hills started to fire.  The margin was 7 goals at three quarter time but kicking with the wind Panton Hill clicked into gear in the final quarter to hit the front with 10 minutes remaining in the game.  Parkside steadied with a couple and then Panton Hill came again but fell short by 2 points as time ran out.

Panton Hill will play Parkside in the Preliminary Final this Saturday 3 September at Epping (2:00pm start).  Get along and support the team as they push for a place in the grand final.  Parkside has had two wins against the Redbacks earlier in the season but Panton Hill turned the tables with a gutsy 13 point win in Round 19 only 2 weeks ago.  The Panton Hill team is in good form and looking forward to the next challenge.

Panton Hill Football Club congratulates Bailin Searle and Liam Young on winning the under 15 Premiership with Hurstbridge on Sunday 20 August. Both boys played a fantastic game, with Liam contributing to the scoreboard with a great goal. Bailin and Liam were part of the group of boys that re-started the Panton Hill Juniors in 2004, playing through to the under 12’s in the 2009 season. This group unfortunately had to move onto other clubs due to lack of numbers in their age group. We are all very proud of them and are sure that they will be back playing with the Hills under 19’s in a few years time. Well done Bailin and Liam.

Panton Hill lead from the start of the game today and finished with a 22 point win over St Mary's to progress to the preliminary final against Parkside next Saturday.  The Hills never really looked threatened and are now full of confidence after leading lights Tristan Kreymborg, Will Box,  Brendan O'Connor and Joffa Byron all did their bit along with the balance of the team.  Click on "more" for full match report. 

The Panton Hill Reserves won their way straight through to the grand final in two weeks with a 20 point victory over Watsonia today.  The lead changed numerous times throghout the game but the Redbacks were able to assert their influence in the last quarter to run away with the win.  The Hills will play either Reservoir or Watsonia in the grand final depending on the preliminary final result next week.  Click on "more" for full match report.

The following article appeared in this weeks Diamond Valley Leader Newspaper featuring the Panton Hill side and comments from coach Joffa Byron.  See full story and click on the PDF file to read and download the article.

Umpires play a critical role in our game, often under high pressure situations, but sometimes make mistakes.  We all make mistakes, but don't deserve often quite personal abuse when those mistakes are made.  The coaching team at Panton Hill has gone to great efforts in the second half of the season to ensure that players respect the umpires decision.  The Club asks that all members and supporters follow the lead of the coaches and help build a good name for the Panton Hill Football Club, especially as we head into the finals this week.  By all means support the club as loud as you can, but please don't abuse the umpires!  The umpires have been known to give 50 metre penalties to the opposition for abuse from the crowd and we don't want that in a finals game.......

Both our U12 and U14's were unable to take the ultimate prize on Sunday but the Panton Hill Football club stood tall and proud at the end of the day with both teams showing great skill and passion for the club.  Match reports and photo’s in the Juniors news section.

Panton Hill seniors and reserves will both be taking part in the first round of the NFL third division finals this Saturday 27 August on the top oval at Epping Recreation Reserve.  Details are as follows:

Reserves vs Watsonia @ 10:50am

Seniors vs St Mary's @ 1:10pm

Please get along and support the two sides.  A win to the Reserves will see them go straight through to the Grand Final whilst the seniors will progress to the preliminary final the following week with a victory.  GO HILLS.

This seasons life members lunch was originally planned for the Round 16 clash against St Mary's but due to the Panton Hill ground closure was rescheduled to yesterday.  Thanks to some good weather the ground was available yesterday and the life mebers lunch was finally a goer.  Those in attendnace certainly enjoyed the day and were treated to some good footy and great food thanks to hosts Eric and Lyn Grimshaw.

Tristan Kreymborg has be crowned Panton Hills Best Player in the 2011 season after dominating voting in yesterdays vote count with votes in every game of the season.  In second place was Will Box after another solid year and Joffa Byron in third.  In the Reserves Chris Sansom also dominated the voting to take out the best player for the season with small man Brett Aldred second and coach Jayson Burleigh third.  Full results will be available shortly.

Panton Hill kept up its good recent record with a win over Parkside on Saturday in a hard fought contest.  This was the first win over Parkside this season and now means that Panton Hill has beaten all the other sides in the final four in the last 6 weeks as they head into the first round of the finals next week.  The Reserves also had a comfortable win.  See full article for match reports (from lunchtime today).

Book your tickets now for the presentation night on Friday 23 September at Greensborough RSL.  Tickets are $80 and includes three course meal plus beer, wine and soft drink.  It promises to be a great night.  Get your tables together now and bring along your friends and family.

The ground at Panton Hill is in good shape and will be used for the final game of the season this Saturday 20 August.  The life members lunch orginally planned for the St Mary's clash in Round 16 will now be held and a large crowd is expected to support the Hills as they head towards the finals.  A win against Parkside this week will likely see the two side clash again in the first week of the finals the following week as occurred last year.

Don't forget the reverse draw and vote count this Sunday 21 August at the Clubrooms from 11:30am onwards.  Tickets are only $30 and include lunch, cheap drinks and entry to the $2000.  With the Under 12 and Under 14 junior sides in the Grand Final on the day we're looking forward to a big afternoon.  Tickets available at the door.

Clint Andreson chalked up 100 games in the clash against Reservoir last Saturday after 10 years of football (with a few gaps along the way).  Clint is hoping for a few more games this year as the reserves finish the season on top of the ladder and head into teh finals in good form.  Clint also helps out the club by taking photographs each weekend which then appear on the website with the match reports, so have a chat to him if you need a photographer.  Thanks for your support of the club Clint.

Congratulations to the Under 12's and Under 14's with both teams winning their way through to the Grand Final this coming Sunday 21 August.  The games are as follows:

U12 vs Mill Park @ Epping 9:00am

U14 va Eltham @ Epping 1:00pm

Get along and support both games then get back to the clubrooms to celebrate and join in the $2000 Draw and vote count day.

Also congratluations to Jacey Winter from the Under 14's in finishing 3rd in the Best & Fairest vote count and to Mitchell Selleck from the Under 14's for finishing 2nd.  GO REDBACKS

A tremendous team effort by the Hills against Reservoir on the weekend looks certain to have clinched a finals spot for the Hills in 2011 unless their are some extraordinary results on the weekend that go against Panton Hill.  And a win by the reserves has secured the minor premiership.

It was a mixed bag of results for the juniors in the first round of the finals last Sunday, but all sides play again this week in the Preliminary Final.  The under 10's had a great win over Epping by 6 points and the Under 13's played a great game to beat South Morang by 6 goals.  However, the Under 12's lost the chance to go straight into the grand final with a 5 goal loss to Mill Park and an inaccurate Under 14's lost to Eltham by 8 points.  This weeks games are at various venues as follows:

U10's vs Diamond Creek @ Eltham 8:45am

U12's vs Eltham @ Diamond Creek 11:45am

U13's vs Reservoir @ Lalor 11:45am

U14's vs West Lalor @ Lalor 1:15pm

Get along and support the Redback Juniors.  Go Hills!

The annual Panton Hill Football Club Reverse Draw Raffle and Vote Count will be held on Sunday 21 August 2011 at the Clubrooms from 11:30am onwards with the count to commence at 12 noon.  Tickets are only $30 and include lunch, cheap drinks and entry to the $2000 reverse draw prize.  Hopefully The Hills will have some junior sides in the Grand Final again on the day which will make this a great event once again.

Just a reminder to book your tickets for the annual Panton Hill trivia night (after the away match against Reservoir in round 18) with your host, Panton Hills Legendary, Craig "Huggy" Huggins.  Tickets are $40 including 2 course meal and the trivia.  Tables or individual tickets can be booked through the pub or the club (Scott Walker 0412 257 537).  It's always a great night, so get along with your friends.

There are four Panton Hill junior teams in the first round of the finals this Sunday from 8:30am at Research Park.  Get along and support them in their quest to bring some hard earned success to the Hills in 2011.  Game details are as follows:

8:30am  Under 10's vs Epping

11:30am  Under 12's vs Mill Park

1:00pm  Under 13's vs South Morang

3:00pm  Under 14's vs Eltham

ALL GAMES @ RESEARCH PARK

The seniors suffered a 17 point loss to St. Mary's which places them in a precarious position in 4th spot leading into the final 3 rounds of the season after Reservoir accounted for Parkside.  However, the Reserves have assured themselves a top 2 finish with a convincing win by 73 points. 

This weeks game against St Mary's has been changed to Ford Park in Heidelberg (St. Mary's home ground) following the Council closure of Cracknell Reserve due to it wet conditions.  This is disappointing for the club given the sunny conditions this week but provides The Hills an opportunity to take on St. Mary's on a ground in good condition.  Unfortunately, the life members lunch planned will be cancelled although we'd like the life members that can attend to come along to the game at Ford Park.  Life members lunch will now be held on Saturday 20 August at Cracknell Reserve against Parkside.

Panton Hill was in great form on Saturday against ladder leader South Morang with an important 5 point win.  The Reserves also turned the tables following a defeat at Lakes Reserve last time around with an impressive 9 goal victory.  See the full article for match reports and photographs.

Despite the boggy conditions at the ‘Hill the 2011 Legends & Past Players match went ahead under sunny skies on Saturday arvo, and saw two teams line up against each other, Brad “Billy” Brennans team in the traditional ‘Red’ jumpers, and Chrissy Cahirs team in the white ‘Redbacks’ strip.

The match consisted of 12 minute quarters, and was umpired by Snappy, wearing the traditional stripes of a basketball referee…. also known as a Collingwood jumper!  Team of the Century players Dean Easton and Dean Campbell controlled the midfield for the Red team, whilst Simon Shell and Gary Osmond held those duties for the Whites.  Everyone got in the spirit of the free-flowing game with some standout contributions from ‘Man of the Match’ Neil Lowder and his team-mate Brian Trim.  Easto racked up possessions, Paul ‘Sid’ Pitman took some solid marks, Huggy chipped in with four goals for the Reds, and Brads wife Jackie Sansom kicked a couple for the Whites, Pauly Karuma took a screamer, Billy dobbed two, Nat Duffell didn’t stop running, and  in the end the Reds grabbed a slender win…. But clearly the big loser of the day was ‘football’!

Plenty of fun and thanks to everyone that played; Easto, Huss, Neilo, Lawny, Huggy, Ossie, Shelly, Billy, Muggu, Cambo, Chrissy, Trimmy, Sid, Nama, Johnny F, Delilah, Creampuff, Flange and Bowie.  Fantastic to see so many supporters, and tons of the current players cheering on the ‘legends’ on their weekend off, and special mention to Boxy, Northy and Woodsy for pulling on the boots to make up numbers.  Hopefully 2012 will see the return of the WAGS v Juniors Mums match, and a bigger and better Past Players game.

Book your tickets now for the annual Panton Hill trivia night (after the away match against Reservoir in round 18) with your host, Panton Hills Legendary, Craig "Huggy" Huggins.  Tickets are $40 including 2 course meal and the trivia.  Tables or individual tickets can be booked through the pub or the club (Scott Walker 0412 257 537).  It's always a great night, so get along with your friends.

The ladies from the Panton Hill Hotel and Football Club held their annual ladies day fund raiser for breast cancer on Saturday. Over a hundred ladies attended and raised $5116.00 that will be presented to the Breast Cancer Network.

Unfortunately the ladies game tomorrow at 12 noon has been cancelled due to a number of players being unavailable.  However, the Legends game at 2pm is still going ahead.  Get along and enjoy the sunshine and then a quiet drink in front of the new fireplace to watch the footy both on the ground and the TV.

Past Players of the Panton Hill Football Club will be taking the beers out of their hands this Saturday 16 July at Panton Hill as part of our club family day with a junior mums vs senior WAGS game beforehand.  You can still register your interest in playing either game by calling Chris Cahir 0439 134 336 or just turning up on the day.  If you're not playing please come and support.  Ladies game at 12 noon and past players at 2pm.

A slow start for the Redbacks on Saturday against St Mary's, trailing up until half time, but with a strong third quarter and blistering final push The Hills eventually ran out 31 point winners.  In the Reserves The Hills hung on for a narrow 6 point victory.  Check out the photos.  Full match reports will be posted lunchtime Monday.

Joffa Byron will take the helm as senior coach for the rest of the season following the resignation of John Garrard during the week.  The Committee thanks John for his efforts as a coach and player which have always been focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the club.  A very good playing group has been brought together this season and the club looks forward to Joffa leading us to success.  Please provide him your full support.

Training was held at Aren Street (North Melbourne Home Ground) last night in an effort to prserve the muddy Panton Hill ground and train on a high quality venue.  More than 40 players were in attendance and enjoyed the session.  Check out the photos.  A further session will be held on 19 July at the same venue.

The annual Panton Hill Football Club and Panton Hill Hotel "pink ribbon" fundraising lunch will be held on Saturday 9 June at the Panton Hill Hall from 12 noon.  Tickets are $40 and include lunch, wine, champagne, soft drinks, door prize and entertainment/  Bookings are essential to Kerrie on 9719 7270.  Get your tables together now.

Due to the very muddy conditions at Cracknell Reserve the club will be using various training venues for the balance of the season in a effort to spare the ground as much as possible.  Please see the full article for details.

Panton Hill and St Andrews Primary schools played off for the CFA Cup on Saturday during the half time break of the Watsonia versus Panton Hill senior match at Cracknell Reserve.  The conditions were muddy but the players were keen and certainly enjoyed the day.  Panton Hill won the cup back off St Andrews for the first time in a number of years, so the rivalry remains.  Check out the photos.

After a tight first quarter Panton Hill played solid football for the remainder of the game on DSaturday to record a big win against Watsonia at a very muddy Cracknell Reserve.  However, the 2's went down by 9 points for only their second loss with an undermanned side.  See photographs of the the Reserves this week in the full article.  Full match reports due by lunchtime Monday.

Former Panton player and Team of the Decade member (2000-2009) Chris Osmond brought another bus load of supporters down from Kyneton last Saturday for the clash against Reservoir.  Whilst the result didn't go the way of the Redbacks the Kyneton boys certainly enjoyed the day and are hoping that the Redbacks can make the finals so that they can come back again this year and support the boys.  Panton Hill thanks them for their support and hopes to return the favour at some stage and get along to a Tigers game.  Check out the article on Kynton that appeared in todays Sports section of the Age (see full article below)

Congratulations to Ty Dummett and his wife on the safe arrival of their first child, a son, Zen Leon born at 8am this morning - 7 pounds 8 ounces . Both mother and baby doing well. Further details (and a photo or two - not of Ty but the new baby!) to follow shortly.

With the depth of the Redbacks being tested over the Queens Birthday long weekend things were always going to be tough.  The seniors battled hard with the difference being two quiet patches that enabled the Lions to skip away.  In the Reserves the new starters just couldn't match a strong South Morang side that ran away with a very good win.

The latest Panton Hill newsletter will be made available later this week.  Senior Coach John Garrard has provided some comments on the season to date for the "coaches corner" section.  Report the report in the full article.

The upcoming functions for the rest of the year have now been finalised.  A list is included in the full article and on the "social functions" section of the website.  Please put the dates in your diary so that you can get along and support the club.

If you've ever pulled on a Panton Hill jumper then we want you to do it again, just for one game (with much shortened quarters).  Last year we held our first legends game and it is back this year on Saturday 16 July at Panton Hill as part of our club family day with a junior mums vs senior WAGS game beforehand.  Please register your interest with Chris Cahir 0439 134 336.

The annual CFA Cup between Panton Hill and St. Andrews Primary Schools will be held at half time of the senior match against Watsonia on Saturday 25 June.  This is an important local event which recognises and supports the role of the CFA and brings the local community together.  See the full article for more on the history of the event.

The clubs longest serving current player Scott "Snappy" Walker is on the mend after his weekend surgery to put in plate in his broken eye socket and cheekhbone.  Scott was struck late in the game during the R6 Reserves clash against St Mary's.  Whilst the opposition player was handed a 12 week penalty at the Tribunal it looks like it has brought Snappy's 300 game career at the Redbacks to an early close which disappoints him greatly as the Reserves remain undefeated on top of the ladder and look certain to play finals this season.

The Lions got hom in a hard fought battle amomnst the wet and mud at Panton Hill on Saturday as the debilitating injuries continue to mount for the Redbacks.  Meanwhile, the Redback Reserves continued on their winning ways with an unimpressive 6 goal win over finals contender and last years Reserves Premiers South Morang.

A great hard fought win by 15 points against St Mary's at Ford Park on Saturday has helped keep the Redbacks in the top four.  Meanwhile, the Reserves go from strenght to strength and kep their unbeaten run going with an eleven goal win.  See details in the full article. 

On Sunday, Hudson Brennan (President Brad’s son L) and Tye Huggins (Huggy’s son R) played against each other in the Under 9 Research v Panton Hill match.

It was a beauty of a game in which Tye kicked two goals for Research, and Hudson was hard at the ball all day…. The two boys had eyes only for the ball… except when they spent five minutes chit-chatting to each other when on the half-forward line!

The Redbacks were short on players, so Tye offered to follow in his Dad’s footsteps and played the final quarter for the ‘Hillers.

(Craig was quick to point out that his son is at Research just because his two best mates are there).

A great day, and both boys look like they have a lot of good footy ahead of them, either for the Redbacks, or in the AFL!

The seniors slump to a second loss in a row against Reservoir last Saturday as injuries and suspensions continued to take their toll.  Meanwhile, the Reserves continue to perform well with a win by 9 points in a top of the table clash to remain undefeated.  Read more in the full article.

Welcome to one of our newest sponsors, ADH civil and water.  They provide a wide variety of domestic and commercial excavation, plumbing and crane hire services.  See the full article for the complete range of services offered.  We encourage everyone to support our local sponsors both new and old.

Get your tickets for the Panton Hill Football Club Super Raffle from the club or any player.  Great prizes with support from some our our wonderful sponsors:

1st Prize - Kawasaki KLX 140 motor cycle value $4700 from Evolution Yamaha

2nd Prize - 6'X4' Steel trailer value $1500 from Panton Hill Welding Service

3rd Prize - Goodyear Service Voucher value $250 from GoodYear Service Centre Diamond Creek

4th Prize - Aussie Angler Fishing Package value $200 from Aussie Angler

5th Prize - Six bottles of KG Red Cab Sav value $150 from King's Winery Kangaroo Ground

Tickets $5 each or 5 for $20.  Drawn 24 September.

The Hills took on Parkside on Saturday in what promised to be a great match up of the only two teams left undefeated in Division 3. It was the Hills who started the better of the two sides jumping out to a 5 goal lead at ¼ time but from there Parkside got on top and eventually won the physical contest by 5 goals.  In the Reseves the Hills had an impressive 20 goal win and remain undefeated.  Read the full match reports.

New in 2011... SPONSOR a PLAYER... The Panton Hill Football Club are inviting all supporters and or family of players to " Sponsor a player for 2011" This could mean a Father or Mother in law, a players friend, his workplace, in fact any person that has a connection.

O what a fantastic day for football ! The Hills were looking forward to playing their first home game of the year so the scene was set for a good one. With a good sized crowd and the BBQ up and running, all that was left was for the boys to come out and give the crowd what they had come to see; a Panton Hills victory. The Team did not disappoint. Right from the first bounce the Hills were on top. With relentless tackling pressure it wasn't long before Ricky Woods had the scoreboard ticking over when he slotted one through from long range. Ben Parker(Parksy) was in everything and kicked two goals for the quarter, and Brock Kreymborg in his first game for the club was grabbing hold of everthing in the air. At Quarter time, Hills had a comfortable 32pt lead. 

Round One Vs Watsonia

The seniors travelled to Watsonia this week in what was sure to be a hard fought contest. There was a little bit of the unknown going into the game as Watsonia had come down from Division Two the previous year. The Redbacks themselves had a number of new recruits on show for the first time,and were eager to show their talents. With the wind blowing a gale the toss was always going to be handy to win, and it was Watsonia who won the toss and kicked with the breeze first up.

Our 14's had a good win against Greensborough in our first home game for the 2011 season. The team played an attractive brand of football, running the ball through the corridor in attacking waves and

The Panton Hill players are primed and ready to take on Watsonia in the first round clash at A.K.Lines Reserve in Watsonia this Saturday 9 April for the big round 1 clash.  With many of the Panton Hill players having links to Watsonia this is a game that both sides will be keen to win.  Get along and support the boys this Saturtday and then the following week on 16 April for the first home game against Heidelberg West.

The new ground lighting was given its first test last night by the senior team. They looked fantastic as the sun slowly disappeared in the West. The players were noticeably impressed, now being able to utilise every inch of the ground. Last night’s test was the final process in many years of work by Scott Walker representing our Club. The Panton Hill Football Club and the Community will benefit from this over many many years, and on behalf of them we thank Scott for a job well done.  Joining Scott last night was Club stalwart Ron Dwyer who was present 30 years ago when the initial lighting was installed.

Will Box has been renamed as the club captain for the 2011.  Will has been a terrific leader at the club for many years and was also named as captain in the 2000-2009 Team of the Decade announced last Friday evening.  Brendan O'Connor is Vice Captain with Lucas Brass Reserves Captain and Adam Anderson Reserves Vice Captain.

Panton Hill headed up the mountain to Kinglake for their first practice game of the season yesterday which gave many of the new players to get a feel for their new club.  Kinglake held sway on the day but it was a great first up game for The Hills.  Read more below.

Congratualtions to Panton Hill Football Club President Brad Brennan who married Jodie in a surprise ceremony last Saturday Night at their house in St. Andrews.

The Panton Hill Football Club announced it's Team of the Decade (2000-2009) at a special dinner last Friday evening at Eltham Reception Centre.  120 people were there to enjoy the entertainment and and congratulate the players that made the side.

The Panton Hill Football Club officially kicked off the upcoming 2011 football season with the naming of the team of the decade and season launch on Friday night.  To see the promotional video created  Johnny Bryon Senior click here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5hd5jf9MME

Another two former Eltham Collegian players have joined Panton Hill in 2011.  Andrew Shadendorff and Luke Austin.  Both are mid sized utility players with the ability to play at both ends of the ground.

The annual player auction and jumper presentation is scheduled for Sunday 3 April 2011 at the clubrooms from 12:30pm.  This is a compulsary function for all players and family, friends and supporters are requested to be there also to give the boys encouragement for the pending season.

Nick Prenc joins the growing list of new breed youngster arraiving at The Hills in 2011.  Nick joins the Hills after playing from a young age in the juniors at Eltham.  See full article for more details.

The latest recruits to join The Hills are Dave Vangeli and Ryan Byrne from Epping Football Club.  They join the growing list of young and upcoming players to put on a Redbacks jumper in 2011.  Read more below and check the fill list of new players on the clearances link.

Panton Hill's own Craig "Huggy" Huggins has used his 9 game return to football in 2010 to pivot himself into the Brisbane Lions Legends Team next Friday evening at Etihad Stadium along with many of the Lions Premiership Greats including Craig McCrae, Justin Lepistch, Allisatir Lynch, Chris Johnson and Mal Michael.

Brett is a another of the new recruits this year from Eltham having been attracted to the Hills by the many former Eltham players and an opportunity at a different club.

Youngster Kelley Le Gassick has joined The Hills for the 2011 season along with his brother Jack, both having played with Watsonia in 2010.

Brett Thorn has returned to the Panton Hill Football Club after playing four years at Heidelberg. Brett is a very fit on-baller and tagging back pocket player who played for the Hills from 2000 to 2005 (which qualifies him as a potential player for the Team of the Decade to be announced on 4 March). Brett played in the Hills 2003 finals campaign and was an important leader around the club.

Tristan Kreymborg is another of the key new recruits to the club in 2011 is a ruckman/forward.  Tristan played his junior football at Montmorency with a number of existing Panton Hill players before player at other clubs including Boronia over the last 4 years.  See full article for more on Tristan.

We couldn't agree on just one slogan for the 2011 season, so we've got two.  Gavin Ward provided us "Proud, Passionate and Panton Hill" a couple of years ago at the Sportsman Night and it will be used this year on letters, pamphletts, newsletters and promotional material.  However, John Byron (snr) has offerred up a simple "YES WE CAN" for a promotional video that he's put together.  So you'll also see the soimple YES WE CAN message used as well....because this is the season when we can make it all happen.

Congratulations to senior coach John Garrard and his wife Melissa on the safe arrival of their first child, Alexander Phoenix Garrard at 9:50pm on Monday 10 January.  Alexander weighs in at 7.1 pounds and both mum and "Xander" are doing well.....So's dad after a few celbratory drinks.

Who will be named in the team of the Decade (The 00's)?  We'll find out on Friday 4 March 2011 when the team of the decade is announced during the season launch at Eltham Function Centre.  Further details to be announced shortly but all past and present players, supporters and partners should put the date aside in their diaries now for what promises to be a great night.

Shane Price is a handy on-baller who will be joining the Redbacks for the 2011 season.  See the full article for a more detailed profile on Shane.