Catch up on the latest events from Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club

Bloodlines • OFCFNC Bloodlines

Catch up on the latest events from Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club

Bloodlines • OFCFNC Bloodlines

Before we get into Olinda Women’s stirring victory over Pakenham on Saturday, time for a quick “clip”.

Saturday’s Gather Round was designed as a celebration of women’s football. Every Division 1 and Division 2 women’s team converged on Officer for a festival of footy, with the rest of the competition enjoying a weekend off in the hope they might come along and support the women.

Unfortunately, the message appears to have been lost somewhere between the clubrooms and the car park.

The Olinda Ferny Creek faithful were conspicuous by their absence. In fact, there was only one OFC person in attendance who wasn’t a partner or family member of a player. The girls noticed. They felt it. They were justifiably disappointed.

What they did get though was a cracking game of football.

In a thrilling contest, Olinda Ferny Creek emerged victorious 4.10 (34) to Pakenham’s 4.6 (30), surviving a furious final-quarter onslaught thanks largely to one player who spent the afternoon performing emergency repairs wherever they were needed.

Her name is Sky(Rocket)Wilson.

And if there was ever a game that should earn her the nickname Sky the Builder, this was it.

The visitors burst from the blocks in the 1^st, Eloise(Colonel Clunk)Tyler striking early as Olinda looked dangerous. But Pakenham had brought in a weapon of their own. Gippsland Power and Vic Country prodigy Mia Smith-Clark lined up at full forward and immediately showed why she is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the state.

She exploded for three first-quarter goals.

Every time the ball went near her, something seemed to happen. Her movement was electric, her finishing clinical, and Pakenham rode her brilliance to a two-goal advantage at quarter time.

The bye the previous week appeared to have left Olinda a little rusty, but whatever was said by the leaders during the break worked.

The second quarter saw a return to the fierce contested football that has become the Bloods’ trademark. They attacked relentlessly, repeatedly peppering the goals but often without reward. Eventually Eloise Tyler found a way through, cleverly snapping from congestion in the goal square to keep her side within striking distance.

At halftime, Olinda trailed by seven points but had seized momentum.

The key move had already been made.

Chloe(The Smiling Assassin)Kanally was shifted onto Smith-Clark after quarter time and proceeded to produce one of the most disciplined defensive performances of the season.

Three goals in the first quarter.

None thereafter.

Not one.

Against one of the competition’s most dangerous young forwards, Chloe simply refused to give an inch. It was a game-turning contribution.

Midfielder Ash(Mega)Thomson ran with her namesake Ash Perkins and did a great job, Perkins being moved to Full Back to try and break the tag. The moved nearly backfired a couple of times as our Ash nearly goaled herself.

The third quarter belonged to Olivia “The Weapon” Edwards.

After enduring a frustrating day in front of goal that included a poster and even having a mark pinched by one of her own teammates, Liv finally got her reward.

Her first goal came after charging through traffic and finishing brilliantly on the run. Her second was vintage Liv: a left-foot snap at pace that never looked like missing.

At the same time, Charlotte(Webby)Edwards continued her remarkable season. The ball seems magnetically attracted to her at present, and once again she was Olinda’s leading possession winner.

Her highlight came in a moment that would have made old Essendon champion Tim Watson smile. Chasing a loose ball in the third term, Webby launched herself over the back of a Pakenham player to claim possession in spectacular fashion. Had her subsequent shot not been smothered, it may well have entered club folklore as the goal of the century!

Around her, Olinda’s runners were thriving in the sunshine, running and bouncing at every opportunity.

The large Officer oval provided space and freedom, and the Bloods took full advantage. Miss Football Lily(Laser)Carlin was in her element, driving penetrating kicks inside 50 while simultaneously harassing opponents into mistakes.

Then there was Kyah(The Missile)Barry, who embarked on one unforgettable run from defence that included four bounces. By the end of it, half the crowd seemed exhausted just watching.

By three-quarter time, Olinda had stormed into a ten-point lead.

But Pakenham weren’t finished.

Far from it.

The final quarter became an exercise in survival.

Wave after wave of attacks crashed into Olinda’s defensive line. The home side dominated territory and repeatedly launched the ball toward goal. Eventually they found a major that reduced the margin to a precarious three points.

The pressure was immense.

The game was there to be won by either side.

And this is where Sky Wilson took over.

Again and again, Pakenham surged forward.

Again and again, Sky stood in the way. Sometimes she was outnumbered.

Sometimes she was isolated.

Sometimes she seemed to be the only thing separating Pakenham from victory.

It didn’t matter. She marked everything. Intercepted everything. Repelled everything.

Her final quarter was one of the finest defensive displays seen in club colours for some time. Every desperate Pakenham attack seemed to end the same way: with Sky calmly taking possession and delivering the ball with her trademark precision. Because that’s the other thing about Sky. Not only does she save goals. Not only does she save games.

When she wins the football, she almost always finds a teammate. Lace out. Silver service. It is little wonder she is rapidly becoming one of the most popular players at the club.

There were acts of courage too.

Anna(The Hammer)Hughson returned after missing recent weeks with whiplash suffered in a car accident. In the final quarter she stood her ground under a high ball while Pakenham playing coach Courtney Stevens thundered towards her.

Everyone knew contact was coming. Anna knew it too. She never flinched.

The moment may not appear on any stat sheet, but it was a moment of bravery that her teammates will not soon forget.

In the end, that was the difference.

Pakenham had stars.

Olinda had more.

Across the ground, more Bloods won their contests, more Bloods contributed, and more Bloods found a way to impact the game.

Jacquie(Parrot)Ring played a great follower game and was impactful all over the ground, her intercept marking particularly telling.

Up forward Joni(Chainsaw)Wooden and (The Outlaw)Josie Ford had excellent games, winning a heap of contested ball, strong marking and quality forward entries.

Ella(Hells Bells)McRae relished the dry surface and racked up plenty of metres gained sprinting up and down the wings.

First year players Lisa(Zeelander)Vanderzee and Rhomony(Roo) Kennedy had their best games so far, and created plenty of opportunities up forward.

Down back Sky had good company with Bianca(Queen Bee)Richardson and Anja(Onions)Hulston getting plenty of intercepts and clearing kicks.

The final siren brought relief, celebration and a hard-earned four-point victory.

The scoreboard will record it as a narrow win.

Those who were there will remember it as the day Sky Wilson built a wall across half-back and refused to let Pakenham through.

Olinda Ferny Creek 4.10 (34) defeated Pakenham 4.6 (30).

And when the game needed fixing, Sky the Builder proved once again that yes, she can!

Lily Carlin, Joni Wooden, Sky Wilson, Jacqueline Ring, Olivia Edwards, Josie Ford

Message Lachy Taylor via ph no. 0419518529 for ticket purchases.

He will send you the club bank account details for direct deposit and allocate ticket number/s for the draw.

This Saturday, we celebrate the milestone of Josh Wallis’ 250 matches played in both the 1s and 2s.

Wowwee is a tireless competitor, a selfless teammate and a true leader, both on and off the field.

Wowwee embodies everything our club stands for.

Join us as we celebrate Wowwee’s 250 game milestone. Let’s get around of our greats!

Bendigo Bank Community Bank Upwey & District, is currently offering complimentary, no-obligation Home Loan Health Checks. Their friendly lending team will review your current loan, including rates, repayments, and loan structure, to ensure it is still working well for your needs.

If you are considering a new loan or would simply like to review your existing arrangements, we encourage you to get in touch with the team. There are also some great savings currently available on application fees!

A big thanks to Lilydale Safety Wear (‘LSW’), who has provided the club with a weekly $50 voucher, to be awarded to players that reflect the values of OFCFNC, through their conduct.