We were hoping for a Hollywood style happy ending to our Vets first ever finals appearance but what we got was more akin to Scandanavain bette noir complete with it’s own confronting “horror scene”.

For those who are yet to catch up with the night of drama we lost our talisman captain-coach George Azzam when the big guy went down in the first quarter of Friday’s match at Monbulk.

George was tackled as he kicked a goal and all the power of that tackle was referred to the knee on his left leg as he was slung to the ground. Consequently his knee cap popped out of place and he suffered bone fractures and a shattered patella.

It loks like a 6-8 week repair job for the big guy.

The rest of the first quarter and all the second quarter were abanoned as George lay prostrate on the ground in audible agony waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

When play eventually resumed in the third quarter OFC and Monbulk vets went hammer and tong at each other in a desperate bid to win their way thru to the grand final. Literally just one kick separated them until the last couple of minutes of the match when Monbulk eased ahead.

We are tempted to say the outcome might have been different if George wasn’t the victim of such horrific bad luck, but in deference to our Monnie mates, many of whom read Bloodlines, we won’t say that. Although clearly the injury robbed us of our key forward and unbalanced the side.

Despite our loss we have to acknowledge how well the Hawks played in front of a massive crowd- Monnie was so busy on Friday night you would have thought Taylor Swift was in town.

We asked vice captain Daniel Stevens for his thoughts about the match. Ironically Daniel was the victim the last time OFC had a similar incident. He suffered a compound leg fracture at Olinda in a Twos game and it took about 35 mins for the ambulance to arrive

Anyway lets hear from Dan-

Friday night was hard. Towards the end of the first quarter it felt like we starting to get on the outside of the contested footy that Monbulk wanted to play, and theyn George went down.

The uncertainty of what was going to happen next made it hard for the leadership group to ease the players minds ( at one stage it was thought the game might be abandoned). When the game did restart we couldn’t break free of Monbulk’s contested footy tactics, which suited them more than us.

We were close for most of the game but I felt we seemed to be chasing and rushing in gthe second half and we never settled into our own game.

But if you had asked me at the start of the year if I thought we’d make finals I would hav e said probably not, so what we were able to build was great to see.

Whether it was the older guys coming back to OFC or the new faces joining us there were so many different reasons for playing and being around the place. For me it definitely put the fun back into footy.

BEST PLAYERS-Mitchell Wright, Heath Roberts, David Noorda, Garratt Mcdonald, James Reid ( wow there are some great OFC names in that bunch).

Rio Neish has been turning heads for so long now it’s easy to forget he’s just one year out of Under 16s ( he captained the 16s in last year’s grand final.)

Finally on Saturday he broke through for his first senior game when Nick Keegan was a late withdrawal because of work commitments.

It reminded us a lot of Neddy Ford’s first senior game at Monbulk a few years back under Ginko. Ned had played an earlier game that day, (this time Rio was in action at Alexandra in the U/18s) and didn’t set the world on fire but he did enough to let everyone know he was about to “arrive”.

Bloodlines suspects if Rio gets behind Dyl Wilson and the coaching staff and puts in hard at training he could be in the mix for finals action.

What about the game? Well for us it was a typical hit out against a team that always gives us trouble on their home ground. I suspect a lot of people looked to the Healesville match the week before when they lost at Wandin by 100 points and thought we were similarly going to steamroll them.

However if you went back a week earlier you would have noticed they accounted for Upwey by four goals on the wide open spaces of the Don Rd Oval. So yep for all sorts of reasons they were always going to be a peskier problem than many thought and while it was a lacklustre affair we were happy to take the three goal win.

We also noted that the brains trust did a bit of tweaking.

Versatile youngster Zack Seal was left in a key position for most of the game. His run and carry were spectacular and his aerial work was reliable.

One observer even gave him BOG until it was pointed out that opponent Donegan bagged a few goals. But it was an incredibly valuable experience for Zack who could be called up to a key position in the weeks ahead.

Did we mention the fact that we missed his brother big time this week? It’s impossible to replace Frank’s silky skills and sure delivery of the ball and we look forward to his return for the finals.

Anyway here’s some take aways to tuck into-

This week we host the fast finishing Officer who’ve kicked 300 points in the last two matches and have dropped just one game ( to Wandin) since mid June. This promises to be a classic.

Every selection night is interesting but this one will be even more intriguing with Cal sidelined because of concussion protocols and Lachie Meadows in Ireland for another week

BEST PLAYERS-Percy Hyett, Dylan Troutman, Peter Lucas, Josh Wallis, Tom Ford, Etienne Griersmith-Rowe

Meantime Officer will take it”s case to leave OEFNL to the AFL Vic Appeals Board on Wednesday night and expects to find out within a couple of weeks if they’ll be allowed to join the Southern League next season.

Officer has made it clear that while it has respect for all the clubs in OEFNL, and the OEFNL Board, it sees it’s future in Southern playing against teams that are geographically closer and share some footy history.

Its’ probably not a cool song to have blasting from the changeroom pre match but perhaps the Ressies should adopt “Stayin Alive” as their theme tune.

The five goal win at Healesville was precisely the tonic the boys needed as they battle every week to retain their fingernail grip on fifth position.

Here’s the equation-

OFC is two points clear in fifth place and plays Officer (2nd) and Gembrook (10th)

Woori is two points adrift in sixth place and plays Wandin (4th) and Officer (2nd)

Monbulk is six points behind us and plays Gembrook (10th) and Healesville (9th)

So make of that what you will, but clearly the Twos are in it up to their necks.

We didn’t really put Healesville away until the last quarter when Big Nick Schiano ran amok, he finished with a match high four goals We’ve been impressed with Nick’s lead-up work this season but it’s his groundwork that has caught us by suprise. Nick is seldom out of the contest.

We thought another key forward Tommy Rogers had one of his best games of the year. He kicked a typically sure footed goal in the first quarter and could have had another as well as giving off a ball that should have resulted in our third goal for the term.

But we dip our lid to Campbell Hutchins and his mates who’ve recently graduated from the U/18s. Cam, Tommy Higgins and Cass Hine seldom miss a target. This week they also had Jonty Scott providing some run and carry, JS is also a very reliable finisher.

A couple of other take aways-

BEST PLAYERS-Campbell Hutchin, Ethan Royle-Young, Darcy Falkner, Nick Schiano, Ayden Bordon, Kyle Brand

Wow, what a match at Healesville!

A win would have allowed us to squeeze Warbie out of fifth place on the ladder but the exciting 51-all draw keeps us in the hunt.

Here’s the run home-

OFC in sixth place meets ROC (7th) and Gembrook (9th)

Warburton in fifth place with same points as OFC but better percentage meets Upwey (10th) and Mt Evelyn (unbeaten on top).

ROC in seventh place, two points behind OFC and Warbie plays OFC (sixth) and Woori (third).

So our path to the finals is pretty clear. Lets hope we are at full strength this week. Our season is pretty much on the line.

Here’s Eboni’s Match Report-

A Grade went into the weekend with some notable outs, including B Ryan after suffering an ankle injury last week. Thankfully, there were some welcome inclusions, with C McCallum and C Rickards stepping up to help out.

Unfortunately, the girls just couldn't quite get into gear early. Some unlucky misses off the ring meant we weren't able to capitalise on our opportunities, and despite controlling periods of the game, held only a one-goal lead at half time.

There was a nervous moment for everyone when M Pringle came off the court after aggravating an already injured finger. Fortunately, she returned to the game and showed plenty of toughness, battling it out for the entire match. R Fraser also returned for her first full game after a period of reduced minutes and was outstanding, delivering a best-on-court performance.

Despite our efforts, we struggled to shut down Healesville's connection with their goal shooter. At the other end, we found plenty of success through E Argoon under the post, while she and J Ashton-Smith worked hard all day despite some physical defensive pressure.

A special mention also goes to C Chen and E Grigg for their work through the midcourt. Chez was particularly impressive, picking up some crucial loose balls and applying relentless one-on-one defensive pressure to force errors. She's been a huge pickup for us this season with her efforts across the court never failing, and we've been so happy to have her in the Olinda dress this season.

Trailing by two goals at the final break, the girls dug deep and fought their way back into the contest. Unfortunately, we couldn't quite do enough to get over the line, with the match finishing in a hard-fought 50-50 draw. While not the result we were hoping for, it was a gutsy effort against a determined Healesville side.

With two rounds remaining, the equation is simple for A Grade. The next two games are must-wins if the girls want to keep their finals hopes alive, and they'll also have their fingers crossed for a few results elsewhere to fall their way.

So we are not aware of anyone who rocked up at Healseville to see the U/18 boys play instead of making the long road trip up and over Blacks Spur to Alexandra (although we did hear that Mrs Scott drove up the Don Valley the week before to watch Jonty play at Healesville, instead of Warbie).

The win at Alex has put them into seventh on the ladder but with just two games to go they are 12 points adrift of the top five.

Here’s Scott’s report-

After the long trek to Alexandra the boys came away with a tight 7-pont win. Under 16 Jesse Desta starred up forward with six goals. Will Meyer was strong down back while Lenny Pritchard, Flynn Mauger and Khevin Chumber continued to show their development throughout the season. Ben Walker was strong in the contest and played his best game for the season. It was great to see these boys start to show what they are capable of.

BEST PLAYERS-Jesse Desta, River Bellemo, Lachlan Tonkin, Rio Neish, Luke Clifford, Benjamin Walker

It was a massiv e game for our B Grade girls, we badly wanted a win and we are happy to report the players delivered. Her’es Eb’s report

Going against the trend of the day, B Grade came out firing from the first whistle. The girls set the tone early, racing out to a seven-goal lead at quarter time thanks to some excellent work in attack from C McCallum and M Brewster under the post.

M Grigg was outstanding from the first whistle, using her speed through the midcourt to great effect and delivering some pinpoint feeds into the circle, whilst in a tough battle against her opposition - her cousin! The return of E van Durren on the circle edge was also a welcome addition, helping keep the attack flowing smoothly.

Defensively, the girls were just as impressive. The return of A McKay was hugely important, with her pressure around the court so effective that we're not convinced the Healesville WA touched the ball in the first quarter. Behind her, S Seddon and C Rickards battled strongly in the defensive circle, making life difficult for the Healesville shooters all day.

A strong first half saw the girls build an 11-goal lead, but to Healesville's credit they fought their way back into the contest. The third quarter was an even 9-all, before Healesville produced a big final term, scoring 14 goals to our 6 and throwing everything they had at the game.

Despite the late challenge, the girls never stopped fighting and did enough to hold on for a well-deserved win. After some strong performances over the past two weeks, it was fantastic to see B Grade rewarded with the result, continuing the momentum at the right end of the season.

BEST PLAYERS-Millie Grigg, Aleisha Mckay, Cassandra McCallum

Here’s Eb’s report on a really, really great win. We absolutely loved this one girls!!

C Grade headed into the weekend with the slimmest of squads, with just seven players, including M Box and A Nelson backing up for their second games of the day. Like many of our teams, the girls took a few minutes to settle, but still managed to head into the first break with a two-goal lead.

Healesville never went away and, with a bench at their disposal, had the legs to keep pushing all game. To the girls' credit, they never dropped their heads and continued to work hard for each other across all four quarters.

A turning point came with T Clarke moving into the shooting circle in what was one of her best games of the season. The height in the circle between her and M Box made feeding the circle much easier, and with some absolutely amazing feeds from the midcourt and a couple of great takes from our shooters,  the girls build a handy seven-goal lead by the end of the third quarter. M Jones also showed fantastic game awareness, helping slow the tempo when needed and ensuring the girls didn't get caught up in a rushed style of play. Defensively, J Donner produced one of her best performances of the season, consistently disrupting Healesville's attack and creating opportunities for her teammates, with some amazing midcourt defensive pressure from B Howie and S Kennedy.

With the game still there to be won, the girls finished strongly, dominating the final quarter 12-4 to secure a very well-deserved win. Given the lack of rotations and the double games of some players, it was a terrific team effort and one the girls should be incredibly proud of.

Best Players-Martha Box, Tempest Clarke, Molly Jones

This week the D-Grade girls were treated to sunshine and only a slight breeze instead of the rainy conditions we've become used to. With the full team finally back together, the girls took a little while to settle, with a rocky opening five minutes as they worked their way into the game.

Once they found their rhythm, however, it was some great netball by the girls. The second quarter was impressive, with D Grade piling on 10 goals to 2 thanks to some excellent attacking play. The shooting circle combination of L Fairweather, S Mik and M Box was outstanding all day, moving the ball smoothly and converting turnovers. A special mention also goes to captain J Day, who produced one of her best games of the season. Whether it was leadership, determination or perhaps a little post-wedding glow following her wedding on Wednesday, she was simply everywhere and had a huge influence on the result, with some of the best feeds into the circle we've seen so far.

The girls maintained their intensity throughout the second half and never allowed their opponents back into the contest. Defensively, all the girls were exceptional, applying relentless pressure and creating countless turnovers. Their work set the tone heading into the final quarter, where D Grade finished strongly with a dominant 14-4 term to finish an impressive team performance.

Another standout was S Pringle, who backed up after her Under 17s game in Monbulk before making the trip to Healesville to strengthen the midcourt (thanks Mera for the chauffeur service!) Her work rate and impact across the court were outstanding, considering it was her second showing of the day.

It was a fantastic four-quarter effort from the D Grade girls, showing just how dangerous they can be when the full squad is available and firing together.

Great report- thanks Eb

Best Players-Jessica Day, Alivia Nelson, Amy Clyne

So a big shout out to Zara Nicholson with her “best on court” nomination earning her a mention in this week’s All Stars (see below)>

But coach Mera Pringle says the highlights at Monbulk ( Healesville doesnt have U/17) were few and far between-” the girls fell short to a strong Monbulk team. We managed to string together some good passages in the second and third quarters but really lacked cohesion for a lot of the game.”

We are looking forward to welcoming the girls back home again this week.

THE GRAND HYETTS CHECK IN FOR A BIG WIN 

It’s been a big week for Prez Ben Selby-Hele, culminating with 2 of his All-Star squads sitting on the weekly winners podium.

His $200 squad “Rachel’s Streetsmarts” has been going gangbusters in the past month while his $950 squad “The Grand Hyetts” hasn’t been in the top 3 weekly winners all year.

They broke their drought in fine style this week, absolutely dominating the votes and sitting atop the weekly winners list with BOGs to skipper Percy Hyett in the Men’s and Zara Nicholson in the 17s Netball, along with big vote getting games to Pete Lucas and Tom Ford in the Men’s and Tempest Clarke in C Grade.

The Hyetts might have left their run too late but you never know, Their squad members are clearly in hot form!

What an incredibly exiciting time for OFCJFC’s Under 14 boys who went through the entire season in the top division undefeated. The icing on a very rich cake was Sunday’s massive 49 point Grand Final win over Healesville in wet and windy conditions at Yarra Glen.

A five goal to one opening quarter blitz by Tim Francis’s boys stunned their opponents and Healesville was never able to recover.

Big Thanks- as always- to Sacha

Clearly this group of boys is brimming with talent and it’s probable we’ll get to see some of them in action in the U/16 Grand Final next Sunday as well.

Here are a few thoughts from Tim “the junior club,the parents and the coaches are extremely proud of this amazing U/14 team.

Over the journey of the season they have really grown and imrpooved, taking all before them on the field and become great mates off the field.

The deth of the team has been super impressive with the 15 bottom aged playerss really stepping up and our top aged kids leading the group all season. Thanks to everyone involved, and good luck to our two other grand finalists next week.”

How the wheel of time turns- Tim was himself an excellent junior with us back in the late 90s and into the noughties. His U/16 team lost the grand final to Upwey by one kick- a match that some people STILL talk about.

The team was loaded with gun players- Alan Pratt, Alan Paxinose, Brin Jones, Scott Tregonning ( who went on to win dual League B and F titles) and- can you believe it- Glenn and Daniel Stevens who are still playing Vets.

BEST PLAYERS-Sydney Higgins, Rylan Johnson, Bryn Harvey, Slade Dean, William Brown, Jack Larkin ( we’ve included this list beacuse the club is obliged to name the best six but OFCFNC would like to acknowledge and congratulate every boy who took part in this incredible season).

So it was an amazing weekend for our Hills community, and not so good for Healesville. Our Seniors and Reserves had wins over them as did the U/14s in the Grand Final and our U/16s in the Prelim.

OFC was trailing Healesville by one point at half time in their U/16s clash at Queens Park before the game underwent an amazing transformation. We booted an incredible 11 goals after the main break while restricting the home team to just two majors.

We’re not sure what coaching strings Horse pulled at half time but that is an extraordinary outcome.

Jesse Desta booted nine goals (!), we note JD also bagged six of the 10 goals our U/18s scored at Alexandra.

BEST PLAYERS-Jesse Desta, Jack Ford, Spencer Garratt, Gibson Hoelstein, Ben Gowan, Fletcher Brown

Its worth noting the U/14 and U/16 boys both play in the top division of the OEFNL junior comp and that is an awesome concentration of footy talent at our small club. We can throw the U/14 girls into that mix as well- there are some seriously good young OFC players coming through with that group.

So- looking ahead to Sunday our (OFC-Gembrook) undefeated girls play Monbulk in the Grand Final and will go in favourites. However we note Monnie got within 11 points of us in the semi.

Our U/16 boys will be defininte underdogs against MtEvelyn but we know Horse has a deep bag of tricks and a couple of U/14 stars to add to the squad.

9.20 U/14 girls OFC/Gembrook v Monbulk at Yarra Junction

2.45 U/16 boys OFC v Mt Eveyn at Yarra Junction

Sharp eyed fans at Healseville on Saturday would have noticed pics of the massive new pavilion that will shortly be built at the Don Rd complex.

It’s a project that’ll cost over $8 million and will serve footy/netty as well as soccer. However Bloodlines can foresee a bit of an issue with the plans.

The issue we can see with the project is not the design of the building but it’s siting, which we understand will be halfway between the soccer fields and the footie ground.

Will anyone watch the footy from the upper deck when it’s set so far back? OFC’s resident architect, who will remain anonymous, thinks it”s unlikely to attract a match day crowd.

The architect, who was involved in some aspects of the Upwey pavilion, believes that the Tiger’s two storey pavilon, sited on the half forward flank and just a few metres from the oval, provides a significantly better match day experience than they’ll get from the new one at Healesville.

Here’s our prediction- we hope they leave the old building in place on the wing and it’ll attract a much larger crowd on match days ( particuarly in the wet) than the new one.

On the upside, it’ll be great to use the new changerooms and social rooms on match days.