Women succumb to Ant invasion to start the season

In front of a large crowd at home at Bennettswood Reserve with the men’s team coming out in full support despite having a division-wide bye, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team played their first match of the 2019 season against the Preston Bullants. While it wasn’t a game to remember in terms of the final scoreline, it was definitely one to celebrate for the club in general, with seven women running out for their first game in the blue and blue.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, with the sky clearing up as the day got on. With some new pre-game rules in place, the women all ran out for their warm up together, with plenty of voice and skills on show. The mood was incredibly positive and everybody was excited to get into it.

The first quarter started off well, with the Animalettes providing ample pressure to keep the Bullants at bay despite the ball spending a lot of time down their defensive 50. The backline stood strong with Claire Anderson and vice-captain Sam Bridgland playing their roles well. Shellby Lonie took a strong pack mark in the second quarter, showing off how good her hands are. At the main break, scores were a bit more reflective of the forward pressure that Preston was implementing, going into it 21 points up.

But the scorecard didn’t dull the passion the Animalettes came out with in the second half. Tara Ingham and Bec Herne had brilliant debut games, getting their hands on the ball at crucial times. Caroline Simon was, as always, at her best, her token tackling pressure much needed. Cassy Dutton played a ruck role for most of her first game, and impressed everyone with her second and third efforts. At the last siren, the final scores were 2.4.16 Emmaus St Leo’s to Preston’s 9.9.63 who kicked away in the last.

The two Animals goals that were kicked on the day were both pretty impressive. Emily Kerr kicked the first goal of the game in spectacular fashion during the second quarter, breaking through the pack in the forward 50 and nailing the kick, with Lonie expertly gathering the ball and sending it straight through the big sticks in the third quarter. It wasn’t the start the Animalettes were after, but with some familiar faces looking to return for round 2, they’ll look to bounce back away from home this Saturday at Ted Ajani Reserve.

Their foe is an unfamiliar one in Bulleen-Templestowe who are also coming off a loss after joining Division 3 this season. After a big Monday night training session, which will be followed up by a determined Thursday night session, there’s no doubt the women’s team will come out all guns blazing. Get down to see the Animalettes in their first away game of the season! First bounce is at 11.40am.

EMMAUS ST. LEO’S 0.0 1.2 2.2 2.4 16
PRESTON 0.3 4.5 5.9 9.9 63

GOALS: E.Kerr, S.Lonie
BEST: S.Lonie, C.Dutton, B.Monaghan, S.Jeanes, B.Herne, E.Kerr

RD 1 PREVIEW - Women vs Preston

Football season for Emmaus St Leo’s officially kicks off this weekend at home at Bennettswood Reserve where the Animalettes will be looking to get one over a team looking for redemption in the Preston Bullants, who finished at the top of Division 3 last year. After a standout season which saw the team into the grand final, Preston will have asked many questions of themselves over their preseason after losing to Westbourne Grammarians, and be without a doubt looking for answers when they take the field. Emmaus St Leo’s will be hoping to prove to not only others but themselves what they’re capable of, coming off the back of what was a pretty incredible debut season.

The two teams met each other twice in the 2018 season, with Preston coming away winners both times after hard-fought afternoon games. The scoreboard for those games never reflected the effort and determination that Emmaus St Leo’s prides themselves on as a football club and was shown on the days. Despite losing by more than 40 points, the women’s team gritted their teeth and didn’t give in and they’ll look to bring that kind of attitude to Saturday’s clash.

Intensity and commitment at training has set a really high benchmark of what’s expected on game day and it’s of no real surprise that one of the focuses for Saturday will be centred around team play and having each other’s backs. Coach Roy Fenton and former-team-manager-now-assistant-coach Brendan Ellwood are both looking forward to what the day brings, and are keen to see how training translates into a game, as well as seeing how the new girls handle the excitement and nerves.

Team selection news has Emmaus St Leo’s with seven debuts, with Bec Herne, Kate Fletcher, Ashleigh Morley, Delaney Morvell, Emily Kerr, Tara Ingham and Cassy Dutton getting the opportunity to don the blue and blue for the first time. Sally Hood, Shanelle Blachford and Sam Bridgland also get their first chance to run out onto the ground as captain and vice captains respectively.

In the defensive 50, Herne, Claire Anderson and Brooke Chapman will start deep, with Fletcher, Bridgland and Dee Burden sharing the load at halfback. Morley and Ingham are joined by Soraya Jeanes in the midfield, with Bridget Monaghan in ruck, Blachford named as ruck rover, and Shellby Lonie getting her chance as rover. Dreams do come true for players like Hood who gets her preseason wish and will start at half forward, joined by newcomers in Morvell and Kerr. Pushing up the ground in the forward half is Maddy Hogan, while Jess Evans and Sheridan Harris will share the deep forward role. Shannon Harris, Sam Hogarth, Caroline Simon, and Dutton round out the bench. Notable outs include Rhiannon Stute, Kate Lucas, Kate Versace and Amy Ronchi, who will all look to return for round two.

There are a few similarities between Emmaus St Leo’s and Preston this year, with both teams more than likely fielding sides with more than a few new faces. But that won’t matter much once the ball is bounced, with Emmaus St Leo’s looking to set a new standard after too many slow starts last season. By the time the Animalettes take the field, it’ll have been 283 days since their last game.

The wait will have been worth it! Within the club, there’s been a huge focus over preseason on maintaining the close, ‘Animals family’ that’s naturally continued with the addition of the women’s side, so get down to Bennettswood Reserve on Saturday morning and support the ladies! First bounce is at 9.20am.

Five to watch - Women's Edition

It’s a new-look women’s side this year for Emmaus St Leo’s, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not the same team that captured everybody’s attention last year in a brilliant debut season. It’s pretty safe to say that there weren’t any unnecessary expectations of a first-year women’s team but if there had been any, they would have been well and truly surpassed.

This year, with 12 new additions, 20 returning players and three VFL listed players registered, the excitement is high. And while the Animalettes still have their most-trusted stalwarts returning in the likes of newly-appointed captain Sally Hood, Shellby Lonie, and Jess Evans, it’s the new faces that have impressed immensely over preseason.

There’s no real sign that Tara Ingham is fresh to playing football. The minute she showed up to preseason training, she’s been a natural talent. She’s got an expert brain for being able to read the play and a natural ability to position herself where she’s needed to help out her teammates. And on the back of a fantastic practice-match effort, Ingham is one to keep an eye on this season. As long as she’s not running rings about her opponents and you can actually see her on the ground!

Emily Kerr may be young, but she looks like she’s been playing football for years. She picks up things lightning fast and uses her initiative to take control of the play. Her kicking is incredibly reliable and she’ll be dangerous in front of goal, and can absolutely run for days.

Another newcomer to Emmaus St Leo’s is Shino Walsh, whose second, third, and fourth efforts are incredible to watch. Her ability to cover ground and get to the football, and then win it will definitely become a standard that will hopefully inspire the rest of the team.

Not so much of a new face but more a valued piece in the Emmaus St Leo’s line up is returning player Shannon Harris. A big improver over preseason whose knowledge of football theory helps out her practical application. She’ll be one to watch if she brings 100% effort every game. Another player whose improvement over preseason has been impressive to see is Shanelle Blachford, who will look to make her mark on the game, and in the minds and ears of her opponents.

Rhiannon Stute is one of those players that the whole women’s side feels lucky to have on their side, if only so that they’re not charged at during game day. A ferocious attacker of the ball, last year Stute became fairly well known pretty quickly not only for her tackling pressure, but also for her love of the ‘don’t argue’. If Dustin Martin hasn’t trademarked it yet, Stute might be onto something.

In all honesty, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team is looking incredible this season, with every single new player slotting in perfectly and making it feel like they’ve been around from the beginning. Every week training gets better and better, and with consistency being a huge key for the Animalettes in 2019, it’s shaping up to be an amazing year.

Men's Preview: v Elsternwick - Practice Match

Forget about the match between AFL cellar dwellers Melbourne and Essendon. The drawcard Friday night fixture will be taking place at Elsternwick Park where our beloved Animals will have their final pre season hit out against Elsternwick under lights. 

With the bye this weekend it will serve as a crucial hit out for the lads as they look to bounce back after being outclassed by Division 1 side Kew and the playing group will be desperate for a win to build some winning confidence going into Round 1. 

Team 1 will see some new faces and returning club stalwarts. With a list possessing more depth than the Grand Canyon players will be very keen to impress the coaching staff as competition for spots will be very hot in the early rounds of the season. 

 Housemates Nic Glanville and Lachlan Chapman will be the generals of a very strong backline and their telepathic play will hopefully lead to many rebounds out of the defensive 50. The experience of Nic Robin, Chook O’Connor and Dan Hill will be pivotal in a side of young animals with no less than 10 first year players hungry to impress.  

We also welcome back Cody Deppeler and Shinky after a stint playing football in Canada. Media guru Geoff Koop is named on the bench where he will no doubt have a 45minute rub down before coming on as a super sub in the forward half 

Team 2 features a different looking line up but it simply oozes class and individual talent so the fans will no doubt be eager to see how they gel as a team. Jack Wotherspoon and Brent Simons return to the Animals family while veterans Foxy and Barra will use their experience to lead this young side.  

Some players to keep an eye out for include Hugh Schache, Luke Shannon, Charlie Simpson and the Collins brothers who have lighted up the training track in recent weeks. Coaches Ian Ledder and ‘J-Rod’ will be trialling players in new positions and will looking for players to know and execute the desired game plan. They are also looking out for players to showcase their skill set, leadership and attitudes towards game preparation.  

Time to get excited Animals family because I’ve got a feeling there will be some sizzle tonight! 

Women's Leadership Announcement

Emmaus St. Leo’s is proud to announce the 2019 Women’s Leadership group for the upcoming season, with Sally Hood chosen to be the first standalone captain for the Women’s side. It marks a change to the set up from their historic first season, meaning one less person overall in the group from 2018.

Hood was a near unanimous decision from the playing group to be selected for the role, coming off the back of a stellar 2018 where she finished runner up in the team B&F behind runaway winner Shannon Danckert, with her preseason has impressing the coaching staff as well.

“Sally has shown great leadership qualities both on and off the field. Her enthusiasm during training sessions and game day make her the perfect choice for Captain” said Coach Roy Fenton, with his words backed up by new Assistant Brendan Ellwood.

“Sally is respected by the whole playing group and is a natural leader who bring so much character and fun to football” exclaimed Ellwood.

Hood herself cannot wait for Round 1.

“ I am so excited to be selected as the captain of this amazing group of girls, especially have two of the best alongside me as vice captains.”

Those two she alludes to are Sammy Bridgland and Shanelle Blachford, who have been elected to deputise Hood during the 2019 season.

For Bridgland, it was mere fate for her to be elevated to the role.

“The club is especially special to me as my granddad “Billy Boy” was the one who started this club back in 1971. I grew up hearing stories of the Animals Family and I’m stoked to be a part of it today.”

However for the coaching staff, Bridgland was a surprise choice, stating her maturity and stability as her biggest assets.

“Sammy snuck onto to the radar by being a very steady presence. Mature head who has started being more vocal in her leadership.” said Ellwood.

Blachford’s personality shone through for her ascendancy into the role, with the bright and loud persona matched on the field by a toughness rarely matched.

“Nelly has shown and put in a great pre-season with enthusiasm and great encouragement towards all players” Fenton said, while Ellwood praised her contesting.

“(Shanelle) sets the benchmark for this group in the “non-glamourous” parts of footy - talk, effort, determination. She does all the little things we ask for and her intensity lifts the team”.

For the one affectionately known as Nelly, the position is more than just football.

“Being selected for the leadership group more than anything means I am welcomed as a valued member of this big family of Animals! Being a part of the Animals Family has played a huge part in my life in Melbourne, as I don’t have any family of my own here.

With all three girls returning for a second year with the Blue and the Blue, Hood was quick to point out that despite the changing nature of the side, a big year was on the card.

“I think with the old girls who have stuck around, the new girls who have come aboard, and with two great coaches, this year is already going to be more successful than the last.”

The women open their second season at home against a familiar foe in Preston. The Bullants finished top of Division 3 last season, only to have wayward kicking in the Grand Final cost them a flag at the hands of Westbourne Grammarians.

First bounce is at 9.20, with a big crowd expected to be in attendance.

Practice Match Wrap

All three Animals sides were in action over the weekend as preparations for the 2019 season continued. The Women kicked proceedings off on Friday night, taking on newcomers Richmond Central, whilst the Men travelled out to Garfield on Sunday to face Division 1 side Kew.

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WOMEN STRIKE TO TAKE DOWN DEBUT SNAKES - Sheridan Harris

Football is a winter sport, so it should haven’t been all that surprising that it hailed on the way to the Animalettes’ first practice match of the 2019 season against Richmond Central. The weather itself eventually couldn’t decide what it wanted to do, and it drizzled through the warm up, before providing some pretty humid conditions for the actual game. But that didn’t stop Emmaus St Leo’s, who were never in doubt, leading from the start and coming away winners.

The practice match itself consisted of four, fifteen-minute quarters with no extra time, which was apparently ‘very long’ according to one Richmond Central defender. The mood of the changerooms was simultaneously excitable and nervous. Everybody was looking forward to testing out the team’s strengths. Amy Ronchi, who had been named captain for the night, led her team out of the changerooms onto Tony Sheehan Oval.

The first goal of night went to Jess Evans who got paid a free kick in the forward line before a handy 50 metre penalty that moved her to right in front of the big sticks. Some standout efforts had Kate Lucas kicking her first goal ever for Emmaus St Leo’s in the third quarter, before following it up with another one.

Emily Kerr played well all night, particularly in the fourth quarter, making it hard to tell it was her first game of football. Shanelle Blachford show Animals’ determination and effort all night, and Bec Herne’s efforts left everyone breathless, including herself, as she spent the latter part of the last quarter off the ground and on the bench with her asthma puffer.

Assistant Coach Brendan Ellwood was impressed with the way the team was able to play for each other, even though the practice game was their first hit out together. He also enjoyed watching the skills transfer from training, noting that they looked dangerous when plays were executed well. Coach Roy Fenton is a man of few words, but enjoyed what he saw and says that all is looking good for the coming season.

Gab Biedenweg-Webster did what she always does and provided run from the midfield, bolstered by efforts from new faces in Ashleigh Morley, Tara Ingham, and Shino Walsh, who did well off halfback and the wing. Ingham impressed Ellwood with her versatility and run in a number of positions. Sally Hood got her preseason wish and played a forward role for a quarter, leading well and taking a strong mark.

Not so much of a trademark last year were positional rotations, but Friday night was a different story. With 16 players on the ground and 3 on rotation, Rhiannon Stute, whose dedication to the club is second-to-none clearly proven by the fact she travelled from Phillip Island for the game, had an opportunity in the ruck and took it with both hands, while Ronchi was swapped between the forward line and defence. Shellby Lonie played forward and midfield, looking incredibly composed no matter where she was on the ground and taking a couple of uncontested marks.

Geoff Koop had the whistle as field umpire and probably spent more time using it than not using it, getting both sides accustomed to the new rules by paying several 50 metre penalties.

Emmaus St Leo’s 2019 season has started off incredibly with first-practice-match wins from both the men and the women. If this is a sign of things to come, then get ready for the year of the Animals!

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KEW GOOD

Pre-Season games are not always about results, and that was one of the main takeaways after a rough Sunday in Garfield for the Men.

Despite what the final scoreboards would suggest, new coaches Ian Ledder and Jarrod McMaster were able to extrapolate vital information for the upcoming charge towards the Division 3 flag in both Seniors and Reserves.

The acknowledgement of the gulf in class was not used as an excuse by the playing group either, with leader Chris Beluszar quick to point out that these are the kind of games and moments to test what the new Animals were made of.

A slew of new faces pulled on the Blue and the Blue on the day, with many impressing the sizeable crowd on hand for two inner eastern suburban teams.

The Reserves were first up out in the Far East/West Gippsland region taking on a Kew side who finished 5th in Division 1 last season and are looking to take the step to the Letter Divisions of the VAFA.

The twos were bolstered by the inclusion of consistent hardman Ray Kuhnell, who was a standout in the 9 goal loss. New recruit Connor Hoetzel was also consistent in his effort on the football all day despite consistently being paired with players who may have shadowed him in size, but not enthusiasm.

However the standout on the day came from the man the call “The General” as Nic Glanville completed yeoman’s work in helping launch repeated rebound 50s and took on a leadership role within the side. Glanville’s performance will go a long way to helping to convince others that his vision for the Reserves is more than a pre-season pipe dream.

Come the 3pm bouncedown, the heat of the day had truly baked a firm and fast Garfield surface and aided Kew’s hasty gamestyle. Several players backed up from the Reserves hit-out to help keep high rotation numbers for the Seniors as the Animals looked to match the intensity brought by a team looking to impress in 2019.

Lachlan Gunn worked tirelessly in the ruck against more fancied opponents, whilst Nathan Bird fought of illness which would have felled a bison to create some fantastic outside run.

Elder statesmen in Chris Beluszar, Michael Davis, and Joden Crothers were all their reliable selves and were crucial in helping lift the newer and younger crop of Animals coming through.

The heat took it’s toll on both sides and the game opened up in the second half, with Animals slowly losing rotations through the later stages.

Ray Kuhnell, Kieran Jenkins, and Sam Smith were among the players who played nearly two full games on the day in an effort that shows the Animals spirit is well and truly alive in 2019, whilst new players Pickles, Simmo, and Fish all impressed on their first times out for the side.

The men will finish their Pre-Season efforts with a 6 quarter clash against Elsternwick in a fortnight, with the Animals having a bye in Rd 1 of the VAFA Home and Away Season

PREVIEW: Women vs Richmond Central

The AFL men might be back this weekend for the first home and away round of the season, but that’s the last thing on the minds of our women’s team, who have their first hit out of the season this Friday night. They’ll be making the trek over to LaTrobe University’s freshly named Tony Sheehan Oval and will be testing their strengths against VAFA newcomers Richmond Central in a practice match.

After a historic first season at Emmaus St Leo’s, the affectionately named “Animalettes” will look to get their second season off to a flyer.

Behind the scenes, the women’s team has had a bit of a shake up, gaining players to fill in the gaps left by non-returning players.

Players to watch this coming Friday include some new faces, with the likes of Emily Kerr hoping to show off how big her boot is, and Bec Herne who has taken to code switching like a fish to water, as well as our trusted backman Sally Hood whose skills continue to look effortless. Listen out for our very own Chanel No. 5, Shanelle Blachford, whose words of encouragement and passion have been heard the entire preseason.

Assistant Women’s Coach Brendan Ellwood has noticed dramatic improvements throughout the preseason in a lot of returning players and is excited to see that put into action in a match environment. Your first taste of competitive footy is an amazing experience and he can’t wait to see the women who are new to footy take the field.

Ellwood is looking forward to seeing who displays leadership on and off the field and who embodies all the fundamentals that the team has set as non-negotiable traits for the 2019 season.

These sentiments are echoed by Head Women’s Coach Roy Fenton who is looking for every player to not only be playing for themselves, but playing for each other. The camaraderie and ability to back each other up is a core foundation of not only the women’s team, but the entire Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club.

Fenton is also looking to see how training is transferred into game day, both in preparation and on the field. He says enjoying playing the game and enjoying the company of teammates is also of major importance. The numbers at training have been getting increasingly bigger as preseason gets on.

Let’s hope Collingwood aren’t the only ones to take home the win on Friday night! Will Sally get her opportunity in the forward line and convince coach Roy that that’s where she belongs? Will we trade our trademark slow starts for a fierce and strong start? Get down to LaTrobe University, support our women’s team and find out! First bounce is at 7.30pm

- Sheridan Harris

Men topple wayward Sth Melbourne over 6

If you showed up to Bennettswood Reserve last night, you’d be hard pressed to believe it wasn’t round one of the home and away season with the amount of men who showed up to take on South Melbourne Districts in the first practice match of Emmaus St Leo’s 2019 season.

With enough Animals to field at least three sides, it’s no surprise the men in blue came away with the win, eventually overrunning their opponents in the last quarter. The night itself consisted of six, fifteen minute ‘quarters’ with no extra time.

The playing group were split into two squads who more or less played three quarters each but you couldn’t tell, with everybody putting in a solid effort all night. Head Coach Ian Ledder was very impressed with the enthusiasm that the whole playing group showed both prior to the game and during, stating that it was hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere.

The attack on the footy was good from the get-go, with second efforts being seen from everyone. Tackles were more often than not held, with pressure from the Animals causing some headaches for South Melbourne, resulting in wayward and inaccurate kicking.

Ledder believes there’s room for improvement here, but knows that it’s going to get better once a few games get under everybody’s belts. He’s looking for more movement under pressure and then putting pressure on the opposition when they have control, but was happy that the feedback from players was very positive.

Despite losing the inside fifty count, the Animals were better in front of goal and had less scoring shots. South Melbourne Districts ended up with more behinds than Emmaus’s entire scorecard. The night ended with a 14-point victory to Emmaus, who finished 9.9.63 to South Melbourne Districts’ 5.19.49.

While there was only limited game time for all involved, a few of the seasoned players steadied the ship throughout the middle parts of the game, with the likes of Michael Davis and captain Chris Beluszar using their voices to direct their troops. Beluszar was quite impressed with the way the newer Animals performed on field, loving their ability to play with passion and ferociousness in the way only Animals can, even in a practice match.

On the boundary line, Fraser Walker could be heard shouting instructions from his position on the field. Davis himself played well all night, particularly in the fourth and sixth quarters. Lachlan Gunn put his guns away and showed off his goal umpiring skills instead, decking himself out in the signature white coat for the first three quarters before throwing his boots back on and showing a valiant effort on field.

The practice match also saw the return of Tom Birkett who booted a timely goal in the first quarter, and a bootless Dan Hill, coming back from a stint in Malaysia. Though, credit for the win could nearly be given to Harry Davis for donning the orange hi-vis vest and directing traffic all night through the interchange. From a club perspective, it was great to see support from the women’s side, where a few of the ladies came down to help the guys out.

All in all, the coaching staff walked away in a positive mood, understanding that it’s going to take time to implement the new playing style, but also believing that there is absolutely going to be great success this season with this group of men. Their next task is against Kew in Garfield on Sunday, where they hope to continue their winning ways.

- Sheridan Harris