Reserves: Borough storm into GF after emphatic victory over Seagulls

By administrator September 18, 2007
Borough storm into GF after emphatic victory over Seagulls
By Justin Cooper

The Port Melbourne reserves landed themselves a grand final berth this weekend after their impressive 54 point win over arch rival Williamstown at TEAC Oval on Sunday.

It was a tight and contested first term, which saw 6 goals kicked between the two sides, as both sides drew level at 21-apiece at the first break.

The Borough slammed on a 4 goal to 2 second term, as the Seagulls stood 12 points adrift of their opponents at the main break.

The third term conspired with the second, as the Borough put on a 22 point buffer going into 3/4 time.

Charlie Gardiner to face VFL tribunal tonight

By Robbo September 18, 2007
From Geelong Advertiser
Reported by Michael Auciello

GEELONG VFL coach Leigh Tudor said the Cats had little concern about a report on forward Charlie Gardiner from Saturday's win.

In the only sour note for the day, Gardiner had his number taken for a front-on bump on Djaran Whyman midway through the last quarter.

He faces the VFL tribunal tonight.

``I didn't actually see it but no one seems to be (concerned),'' Tudor said. ``Charlie didn't think he got him so we'll wait and see.''

 Gardiner would be a big loss for the Cats heading into their second straight VFL grand final.

His four goals on Saturday made him the biggest goal scorer of the game.

``Charlie's versatility has been fantastic for the footy club,'' Tudor said. ``Whenever we've needed someone to kick a goal, Charlie's done it for us, whenever we've needed someone to go on-ball and work hard, Charlie's been able to do it for us.''

Tudor said Brent Prismall, Steven King and Ryan Gamble deserved credit for setting up the Cats' final term blitz out of the middle.

Dogs' VFL rift grows

By administrator September 18, 2007

18 September 2007   Herald Sun
From the Herald Sun

Reported by Mark Stevens
Full article Click here

TENSION is mounting between the Western Bulldogs and Werribee in the ongoing VFL shake-up.

It is understood Werribee has officially approached the Kangaroos to form an alignment, raising the ire of the Dogs.

It now appears possible the Bulldogs could team with Williamstown after Collingwood announced yesterday that it was splitting with the Seagulls to establish its own VFL team.

There is also an outside chance the Dogs could field a stand-alone VFL team called Footscray.

Singing the praises of the Carusos

By administrator September 15, 2007
From The Age

Reported by Chris Walker
Full article Click here

AT COBURG City Oval last night, there was a familiar scene. Having finished training, Natale Caruso and his younger brother Fortunato could be found handballing and kicking stab passes to each other, honing their already fine skills. Mick, their father, patiently waited in the club rooms, ready to serve the Coburg Tigers players their Friday night pasta.

Tomorrow, Nat and Fort will stand side by side for only the 11th time in a match when Coburg takes on Williamstown in the VFL first preliminary final.

"They are the soul of our club," said coach Andy Collins of the young brothers from Fawkner. "It's the way they train. You could not ask for two more professional guys and they have had outstanding seasons. They're the energy behind our success so far this year."

Both joined Coburg from the TAC Cup competition having played for the Calder Cannons.

North's Lower goes higher

By Robbo September 14, 2007
From Ballarat Courier

NORTH Ballarat will be without rising star and no-nonsense tagger Ed Lower for its biggest assignment of the Victorian Football League season - a preliminary final against Geelong at Port Melbourne tomorrow.

The Selkirk Roosters have lost Lower to the Kangaroos, with the 20-year-old to tackle Hawthorn in an AFL semi-final at the MCG tomorrow night.

Lower has been in superb form.

North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald has had no hesitation giving Lower the biggest run-with roles in the opening two weeks of the finals.

Lower has not only shut down Bendigo Bombers and Sandringham, but also been one of the Roosters' most creative players.

Robbie Gregg and Kangaroos-listed Ben Hughes are at the front of the line to replace Lower.

But each has to prove his fitness after being sidelined with strained hamstrings.

Hughes was the most impressive of the two at Roosters training at AUSTAR Arena on Wednesday night.

Byrne wins Liston Trophy

By Robbo September 11, 2007
From Geelong Advertiser
Reported by Michael Auciello

GEELONG VFL captain James Byrne has added another accolade to his wonderful career by taking out the JJ Liston Trophy last night.

The 29-year-old won the VFL's best and fairest award by two votes from Sandringham's Shane Valenti.

The inspirational midfielder led the voting by three votes after the first 11 rounds.

He didn't add another vote again until round 15, missing votes in round 13 despite racking up 43 possessions in Geelong's win over Frankston.

He picked up two votes in round 15 against Port Melbourne, as teammates such as Shannon Byrnes, Josh Hunt and Jason Davenport continued to share the spotlight.

Following the round 16 bye, he added another three votes in the round 17 win over Coburg to take a one-vote lead over Valenti.

The umpires awarded him another vote in the round 18 win over North Ballarat, extending his lead to two.

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