Women look to make losing a Temp situation

We’re exactly halfway through the 2019 home and away season and Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team are back home again to kick off the next triple header at Bennettswood Reserve, playing host to the Bulleen-Templestowe Bullants. The past couple of weeks have been rough for the Animalettes, who haven’t won a game since their round 3, two-point win over Swinburne University and last weekend saw their second scoreless defeat of the year. The Bullants will still be smarting from the last time they faced Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team after surrendering their lead in the last quarter to lose by 12 points at home. The Animalettes will be searching for the toughness that won them that game and look to bring it to the ground on Saturday.

Both the Bullants and the Animalettes are coming off consecutive losses and will be aiming to remedy that come Saturday. Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team sit one rung lower than the Bullants who are only in 6th position because of percentage, which absolutely sounds like a broken record. On equal points, there’s a huge opportunity for the Animalettes to jump ahead on the ladder, as well as boost their own percentage with a big win.

Selection news for the first time in a couple of weeks has a full side named, including an emergency. The unbeatable trio of Bec Herne, Claire Anderson and Sam Bridgland will be starting on the backline, bolstered by an equally tough half line in Sally Hood, Shellby Lonie and Dee Burden. Maddy Hogan starts as ruck, with Jess Dawson and Soraya Jeanes are on the board to begin out on the wings. On the ball is Tara Ingham, Shanelle Blachford and Sam Hogarth. This week, there’s a slight shake up for the entire forward line, with Grace de Cesare, Sheridan Harris and Jess Evans forming the half forward group, and Kate Fletcher, Amy Ronchi and Bridget Monaghan starting closer to goal. Ashleigh Morley, Delaney Morvell, Kate Lucas, Shannon Harris, Brooke Chapman and Shino Walsh will start on the bench, and Sarah Smith has been named as emergency.

Spirits have been high at training despite the obviousness of win-loss ratio, with the intensity never dropping. Around the group, it feels like there’s a win just around the corner. Will the forward line shake up end the Animalettes’ scoring woes? With a bench and a full side on the park, is it going to be another come-from-behind win or will they lead from the beginning? Get down to Bennettswood Reserve to find out, and stick around to watch the men’s teams take on North Brunswick with the annual Animals Family Luncheon also happening from 12pm onwards. It’s set to be a cracking day at home, first bounce is at 9.20am!

Leo's fall in rough outing

It was yet more despair for the Animals Women’s side against Prahran as the Two Blues notched up yet another win to condemn the Animalettes to a fourth straight heading into the midway point of the season.

In what was built to be a defensive slog, Prahran showed an attacking potency not seen by them in games gone by to run out to an early 2 goal lead as they kicked with a stiff breeze in their backs. The Animals then repelled gallantly until a mix up as to when the finish of the quarter occurred allowed Prahran to tack an extra tally at the end and lead by 4 kicks.

The second quarter was a lesson in football the Animalettes will not soon forget, as Prahran blew the game wide apart with superior attack on the ball and execution of a midfield wall that was second to none. Leo’s were left trying to catch a breath in the mere seconds between repeated forward 50 entries which, if not for the heroics of Claire Anderson, may have seen the damage been much worse.

Instead Anderson was a woman on a mission to try and keep the Animals any sort of hope in the second half. Missing her partners in crime Sammy Bridgland and Kayla Heatherington, it was left to Claire to shut down as many of Prahran’s key threats as possible.

And if the game wasn’t bad enough, Men’s ruckman Tom “Tiny” Coleman provided the ultimate blow on the day, proceeding to drop the half time lolly container. The fumble saw its contents sprawl across the Basil St Reserve floor and summed up the half, and day. It’s a job he will be none too quick to be tasked with again.

In the second half, Anderson got some help, with Captain Sally Hood dropping back from her more preferred forward position and Jess Evans slotting in from the wing. Hood and Evans joined Anderson to build a wall of there own and in what was a mission of damage limitation, the trio played spectacularly.

Assistant Coach Brendan Ellwood was in high praise of the move, and the effort that was shown in rectifying the first half problems.

“Sally and Moo were still fairly fresh after minimal action in the forward line in the first half. Throwing them back to get more involved opened the opportunity for some of the midfueld rotation to get some more rest up forward on a day when we were short on numbers. Both girls are on-fields generals in their way, using their voice and understanding of the game to bolster and coordinate those around them, and both have an exceptional ability and understanding of where to position themselves to rebound the footy. We've seen jess do it in a wing or half forward role so to see her excel in a similar job down back opens some options for us.”

Maddy Hogan and Bridget Monaghan also toiled away in the ruck against an opponent who whilst may have outsized them, was constantly outdone in the contest by the pair. Hogan then lifted her workrate, and managed to limit the re-entries of Prahran by shutting down her direct opponent in a performance which was noticed by those on the sidelines.

“Snook has sneaky good games. You'll get toward half time and suddenly go "jeez, she's been good today". Competes well against bigger rucks, but the most impressive bit is her willingness to impact the contest at ground level too. She's laid some ripping tackles this year, applies pressure and is often seen picking herself up out of a pack after forcing a ball up, which she is then going to ruck for. The longer she can run that role in a game, the more bridget is able to sit forward and clunk marks.”

The Animals finished the third on the attack, and took that buoyancy into the final term as well. However this was a Prahran team playing with confidence, and were beginning to find ways into the rejigged Animals backline as fatigue set in. Despite the lack of ability to rest, that didn’t stop the Women from putting in an effort that gave hope for the second half of the season, with Ellwood emphatic in his desires for the rest of the year.

“For the second year we feel.like our record doesnt totally reflect our team ability or performance. We know with a full squad available and playing to our ability we can take it to anyone. Ultimately from here what we are looking for is consistency in terms of the effort each week.”

Volunteers still what make Animals tick behind the scenes

Last week marked National Volunteer Week and what better way to celebrate than to shed some light on the tireless work that some of Emmaus St Leo’s very own volunteers do for their club. Current club president Alex Maunders could not speak more highly of all the volunteers whose dedication ‘is the lifeblood of any community club’ and without them, such a club would not exist. These volunteers embody the Animals spirit and keep the club going, and it’s those we’re celebrating this week.

Andrew McCormack could quite literally be considered a cornerstone of the Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club. At Bennettswood Reserve, you’re more likely to hear him referred to as ‘Doc’ or even ‘Doctor Mack’ which comes from a self-appointment of a ‘doctor liaison officer’ job title during footy trips, as well as a way of separating the many ‘Macks’ who used to be around the club. As designated barman, Doc is probably more likely to remember your drink order than he is your name! His job titles have changed considerably since he joined the club in round 5 of the 1971 season, the first year of the club. First, he was a player, who had to retire in 1984 just short of his 200 games due to a back injury. He felt compelled to stay around the club, citing its culture and how the Animals family looked after each other in tough times. Doc’s been a runner, water boy, trainer, done rub downs, provided some strange remedies for players relating to alcohol, and was a self-confessed ‘opposition antagoniser’. But in 2019, he’s still the barman, and does a good job of being the men’s team manager on Saturdays, as well as helping out around the club as he’s mostly certainly not passed his use by date. The fact that he’s still going strong is a testament to how much he loves the Animals.

Club President Alex Maunder believes he is a true legend of the club and calls the amount of work he puts in before players arrive and well after they leave, immense.
”The club wouldn’t function without him. His 4 premiership flags with the club have instilled in him a great sense of achievement and pride which will stay with him for life, fully believing the three Emmaus St Leo’s teams to be capable of their own flags this year.”

He’s also incredibly proud to be able to see the granddaughter of first club president Bill Stephen, Sam Bridgland, take the field with the women’s side.

You could probably recognise his dog, Lily, well before you could recognise him given her sneaky ability to find a way out onto the ground during a game, but her owner, Phil O’Donoghue, affectionately known as OD around the club, is a majorly important member of the Animals family. He can remember being a part of the club back as far as 1975. In those 40+ years, he’s served 7 as secretary, 10 on the committee, and 1 as president, though willingly admits that the reason he hasn’t played a game is because he has two left feet. There have been rumours that OD has played one, but McCormack vehemently denies it, and if anybody would know, it’s definitely him! Now, OD is head trainer and does the kit bags to ensure that the other trainers are set and ready for game day. He probably dedicates at least 10 to 12 hours a week to the club, believing that it’s a good interest to have and the people around the club are fantastic. His responsibilities also include being facilities manager of the new clubrooms by the committee, which means he deals with the council with things like blocked toilets. Him and Lily are always the first to arrive on game days, OD making sure the facilities and the rooms are in shape for all three teams and Lily running the birds away from the ground and ensuring there aren’t any new smells that need investigating. Maunders believes that OD is part of the fabric of the Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club given his involvement since the very early days. He also names OD’s hot roast beef rolls as an institution of end of season functions.

Sarah Dawson is the women’s team manager and she makes sure things go smoothly on game days, like team sheets are correct, and organising volunteers for things like boundary and goal umpiring. She found the job opportunity online, and was excited about giving it a go, and be able to get involved in suburban football again. The club has impressed her with both its facilities and how everyone is willing to help everyone.

Cam Gardner runs out onto the ground every weekend as an Animal, but he’s also the guy who keeps up to date with the team managers to make sure they’ve got everything they need. He also liaises with past players, coaches, and supporters who might be able to help out for game day roles. Once teams get read out on Thursday nights, he also allocates non-playing players to vacant roles. His role in the committee also has him helping make the policies for the club this season.

To put it simply, the work of the volunteers week in week out makes the Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club the place to be. Their dedication is second to none and it just speaks to the culture that the Animals have facilitated at Bennettswood Reserve that people are so willing to put time and effort to preserve it. Both Maunders and the club cannot thank them enough for their contribution each and every week.

Animals assume nothing ahead of Prahran clash

After two weeks in a row at Bennettswood Reserve, it’s time for the Animalettes to leave home and spread their wings, at least for a day. Their destination? Basil Reserve, to right some wrongs and play arguably their biggest foes from their debut season in Prahran Assumption. Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team went down to the Hampton Rovers last week who left the ground winners after leading the game all day. Some gameday heroics during the last quarter saw the Animalettes at least finish with a score on the board, a reward for their consistent pressure. They’ll look to bring that into the game on Saturday.

It’s becoming the tale of their season with the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team being one rung lower on the ladder than Prahran who sit above them only by a superior percentage, both teams on 8 points. Prahran are coming off the back of their two wins of the season, with the Animalettes aiming to reset after three toughly-fought losses. It goes without saying but a win this weekend could provide a massive boost for the team going into the second part of the season.

At the selection table, which wasn’t a table at the clubrooms this week, but instead a table full of pork dumplings, there were some important names missing. Still, a formidable team named, with Bec Herne, Claire Anderson and Brooke Chapman starting back, and Dee Burden, Kayla Hetherington, and Soraya Jeanes, back from having the time of her life overseas, on the board to start at halfback. Kate Fletcher and Jess Dawson will be backing up Maddy Hogan, Shellby Lonie, Sam Hogarth and Tara Ingham on the wings, who will start in the middle. In front of the 50m line sits Amy Ronchi and Shanelle Blachford, with Bridget Monaghan and Jess Evans, who makes her return. Named to start deep in the forward line is Sheridan Harris, and captain Sally Hood. On the bench is Rhiannon Stute, Ashleigh Morley, Sarah Smith, and Shannon Harris. Notable outs include vice-captain Sam Bridgland, Kate Lucas and Shino Walsh, among others.

Their last win was an away game where all the pieces fell into place at exactly the right time, with everybody playing their role to enable a come-from-behind gold medal performance. The Animalettes will be bringing everything they’ve got when they make their way over to familiar turf for a battle of the B Reserves. Will they come out on top and break their losing streak? Will Hood kick a goal on her left foot and add another to her season tally? Get down to Basil Reserve for a 11:40am start and find out!

Ressies dominate, but 2nd half fadeout sinks Seniors

It was a mixed day for the Men of Emmaus with the Reserves recording a dominant 62 point win whilst the Seniors saw a 28 point HT lead evaporate as they went down by 17 to Westbourne at Bennettswood Resesrve on the weekend.

It’s a loss the Seniors could barely afford, as their aspirations of a top 2 finish took a battering with the Animals now falling out of the top 4 altogether, heading into their second bye round of the year. The Reserves stayed the course, securing a spot in the 4 when the return in a fortnight.

The twos started slowly, despite having a clear upper hand. A quarter of wasted chances saw them only kick 1.4 for the quarter whilst holding the Warriors scoreless. Despite numerous entries in to the 50, a stoic West backline repelled til the first break in the hopes of a regroup and a counter.

Instead the Animals flexed their muscles and showed why some see them as a legitimate threat to the rest of the Reserves section. a 4 goal quarter where Tom Birkett showed glimpes of a return to form, whilst Joey Anker found the big sticks which drew the biggest reaction of the game.

By the half, the Animals had a solid 35 point lead, but they wanted more. Kicking 2 goals 6 to 2 goals in a term will extend your lead, but will also lead to frustration as well, as chance after chance went without capitalisation against a Westbourne team which found a slither of motivation after the half.

But a second 5 goal quarter in the final term was the tonic the Animals were after and an uncaged Tom Birkett found his 5th of the day to go with Zac Kearns and Jed Lehmann kicking two each to blow the scoreline out to a more expected result.

This set the scene for a Seniors team hurting after being rolled by Manningham. Missing captain Chris Beluszar and key defender Baxter Newbegin, Tom Shannon was brought in for some height whilst a return to Senior footy for Ray Kuhnell after starting the year in the Reserves saw his familiar hard ball game give the Animals a much needed grit lift.

It was an opening term the Animals looked to have squared away with a two goal advantage, after Jack Hunt goaled from a tight angle, and Hugh Schaeche sharked a stoppage beautifully. But after conceding a late behind, a turnover from the resulting kick out saw Westbourne narrow the gap to 4 points after the siren.

The Animals responded, and showed the kind of football we’ve expected in 2019. Nathan Bird revelled in his high forward role whilst Harry Davis latched on to one from distance and a six goal term saw the Blue and Blue with a comfortable lead at the big break.

However, this is a Warriors team that last week reversed a 3 goal deficit at the final break and turned it into a 4 goal win, giving them an extra quarter to mount their comeback was a mistake the Animals would live to regret as Westbourne kicked 5 straight to take the lead in the third term.

Up stepped Nathan Bird again to claw the Animals back in front, and an 11 point lead at three quarter time whilst not seeming insurmountable by any stretch, did seem like a lead the Animals could at least hold on to.

Alas, wayward kicking when the pressure mounted saw the Animals fall behind and Westbourne’s new recruit took control kicking a bag to drag the Warriors to a 17 point win, despite the Animals having large periods of domination.

It was a result which left the Animals shellshocked, and a bitter pill to mull over during their second bye week before hosting North Brunswick in a fortnight.

Rovers down spirited Animalettes

It was always going to be a tough ask for the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, who came into the game against the Hampton Rovers on Saturday without a bench. But on the ground at home at Bennettswood Reserve, the Animalettes started well and were competitive all day, unfortunately falling short by being unable to make an impact on the scoreboard. They had a high inside 50s count, and arguably won the contests at ground level, while also taking countless strong marks up and down the field.

The intensity and passion was high the whole morning, the team never dropping their heads even towards the dying stages. It’s something that Assistant Coach Brendan Ellwood was impressed with, stating that ‘we threw the challenge to them to show some grit and determination, particularly when they were tiring at the end, and they came with the right attitude.’ Head Coach Roy Fenton was impressed with how everyone played out the game, as ‘it’s tough when there are no rotations.

That didn’t stop the Animalettes from tackling hard and putting pressure on the ball carrier, with Ellwood enjoying the fact that his team looked ready to get down and win the football. ‘We had some very good passages of play, where our kicks to each other landed well,’ Fenton says, also happy with how the backline stood firm and how the midfield battled hard.

Both coaches can’t speak more highly of Sam Hogarth who not only played her best game of the year, but her best game for the club. ‘Sammy was a highlight of the day for me. She brought a level of intensity and determination we have never seen from her before and showed what an impact she can have when she backs herself and has a real crack. So many repeat efforts and coach-pleasing “non-glamour” plays. The challenge is now there for her to do this consistently and hold herself accountable to this standard,’ Ellwood says. Fenton agrees vehemently, lauding her second and third efforts as fantastic.

It was the new girls all over the ground who the coaches got excited about, with Kate Fletcher, Grace de Cesare, and Kayla Hetherington all being named amongst the best on the day. ‘Kate had her best game, backed herself a bit more and won some footy, while putting on some important defensive pressure. Grace looks dangerous every time she gets it on the outside.’ And it’s Hetherington who has everybody shocked with her claim that she’s never played football before given that she looks like a complete natural in the backline with Ellwood impressed by her instinctive timing in aerial contests.

Second-year players in Shellby Lonie and Dee Burden are putting together consistent games of good football, with Ellwood impressed by Lonie’s ability to read the play better than anybody else and how damaging she is on the rebound. Burden was switched out of the backline for some time on-ball and did really well, going in hard at the footy and sticking big tackles.

The Animalettes’ only score of the game came late in the fourth quarter, with Delaney Morvell nailing a handball out the back of the pack to Lonie, who’d somehow found her way forward despite playing in the backline. Her eyes lit up as she collected on the 50 metre line and barrelled forward, slotting the ball through close to the left post. It was a celebratory moment, with the reward finally coming from some hard-ball gets and some composed actions despite some defensive pressure from Hampton. They may have ran away winners, finishing the game 5.5.35 to 1.0.6, but it was efforts like that that heighten the belief that Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team have in themselves.

Ellwood knows there is room for improvement, particularly in his team’s ability to hit the scoreboard. ‘Once again, the scoreline is misleading. Overall, it’s another week where the pieces are all there, with a few unlucky moments and brief lapses letting the scoreboard tell a different tale. If we can get a few forwards consistently converting opportunities, it’ll go a long way.’ This week, the Animalettes make the trek over to Basil Reserve to visit some familiar foes in Prahran Assumption. There’s redemption to be won, with Emmaus St Leo’s losing both games they played against them last year and fielding a different side this year. First bounce is at 11:40!

Men face early season crossroads

Very rarely has a team’s fifth game of the year meant as much as it does for the two Animals Men’s sides. Both sit at 2-2 for the season, in third position on their respective ladders, and both have made wholesale changes ahead of a visit from the VAFA’s far-most western side in Westbourne Grammarians, but there is where the similarities end.

The Reserves were shocked by Richmond, and then were unable to chase down Aquinas. Last week however the Reserves donned the pink for the first time ever and in a solid display were able to easily account for Manningham at home, and now take some momentum into a game against a much maligned Westbourne side which is yet to crack 40 in their reserves.

The Ressies see wholesale channges made, with all goalkickers from the previous win not playing this weekend. Captains Steve Jones and Adam Atharone, along with deputy Nic Glanville will also be sitting this weeks clash, with Jason Schinck grabbing the leadership role this weekend.

Animals Debuts have been handed to Lachlan McIntosh and Eddie Bell, whilst Miguel Hawa features for the first time in 2019 since injury at Bulleen-Templestowe before the Queens Birthday weekend last year.

Up front, Tom Birkett returns back to the Animals fold as does Connor Hoetzel. Whilst Tom Wales and Sean Howard get a run through the middle.

Meanwhile in the seniors, momentum stalled despite the scoring prowess returning last week. Teams that kick 128 don’t usually go down by 4 goals, then again, that will happen when you concede 151. Manningham’s forward line put the Animals to the sword on #PinkSaturday with an immediate answer every time Leo’s looked to launch back in to the game.

Westbourne will provide a new test, with the men from the west on a two game win streak after starting the season uncharacteristically poor. But a statement win last week against Canterbury in the first home game of 2019 have the Warriors back on track and looking to make it 3.

Reece Luehman starts down back this week, but outside of that Ian Ledder holds his faith in his back 6. Through the middle Jonathan O’Connor gets a starting run in the ruck, whilst Brent Simons, Paul Baranello, and Hugh Schaeche come together in a formidable middle.

Up front Kevin Maloney will be looking to personally deliver a bag full, whilst Tom Shannon also makes his way back into the side.

On the bench, Ray Kuhnell’s efforts in the 2’s have seen him promoted to a familiar role back with the senior side, where his attack on the football will be crucial against a Westbourne side known for their hard ball abilities.

Leo's getting "hamped" up before Rovers clash

For the second weekend in a row, Bennettswood Reserve is going to be full of Animals with another triple header for Emmaus St Leo’s. After only one out of three wins last Saturday, the coming games gives the club the opportunity to get back on the right track collectively on field. For Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, their last game was arguably not one of their best, with most players agreeing that they were lacking in most areas.

But it’s a whole new weekend, and the Animalettes are facing the Hampton Rovers, who will be smarting after giving Prahran Assumption their first win of the season. Sitting on the same points but with a superior percentage, Hampton are in the 4 and Emmaus St Leo’s are 6th. There’s a huge opportunity this weekend to begin to cement a top 4 spot with a convincing win.

For the first time this season, the Animalettes are struggling with numbers, with only one player named on the bench. There will be a lot of tired bodies by the end of Saturday’s game. Starting in the backline is Bec Herne, Claire Anderson and Sam Bridgland, with Dee Burden, Kayla Hetherington and Shino Walsh providing support on the halfback line. In the centre is Ashleigh Morley, Grace de Cesare and Jess Dawson, and Maddy Hogan, Tara Ingham and Shellby Lonie following. One of the consistencies of the Animalettes is the four-man half-forward line, and this weekend is no different as Sam Hogarth, Sheridan Harris, Bridget Monaghan and Amy Ronchi fill those spots. Delaney Morvell and Shannon Harris will both start deep. Named on the bench is Kate Fletcher. Notable outs include captain Sally Hood, Rhiannon Stute and Kate Lucas, who are all injured, and the likes of vice-captain Shanelle Blachford, and Brooke Chapman unavailable for selection.

The game on Saturday will be a huge test for the Animalettes. They have the skills, and they have the passion and belief to win. Training has shown really impressive signs and they’ll look to translate that to game day. Is naming the Harris twins to both start likely to be a good luck charm? Will the lack of numbers on the bench inspire some gameday heroics? Bennettswood Reserve at 9.20am is the place to be this Saturday to find out as Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team takes on the Hampton Rovers. Stick around to watch the men’s teams take on the Westbourne Grammarians for what is hopefully another day of three wins out of three games!

Slow start sees Animals stumble on #PinkSaturday

Despite only one of three teams coming away victorious at home on Mother’s Day weekend, it’s the whole Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club who are the real winners, with another hugely successful ladies’ luncheon being the bright spot of the day. But out on the football field, in front of what was a continuously growing crowd as the morning wore on, the Animalettes were gritting out another hard-to-swallow loss against Oakleigh.

It’s the slow starts that are becoming somewhat of a trademark for the Animalettes, with Head Coach Roy Fenton lamenting that ‘we let Oakleigh score early in the game. It took til half way through the second quarter to get going.’ Oakleigh had the lead all game, the final scoreboard reading 4.8.32 to the Animalettes’ 1.7.13 even with some typical Animals forward pressure in moments of the game.

But it wasn’t all bad news despite the final scoreline, with Grace de Cesare having an incredible first game and Claire Anderson once again cementing her spot in the backline. Amy Ronchi kicked the only Animalettes goal in the second quarter, seemingly unable to, again, shake her ‘Goalsneak’ nickname as she slotted the ball through the sticks from a tight contest in the square. Silent assassin Tara Ingham lined up for a few shots on goal after earning the right to, unfortunately missing to the left. In wet-ish and dewy conditions for most of the day, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team took some strong grabs and Shellby Lonie finished the game with physical proof of the hard-fought efforts she’d produced with an already-bruising left eye. Other notable players include Dee Burden off halfback who could be backed in to win the ball every time she was near it, and Maddy Hogan played what was arguably one of her best games, competing well in the ruck.

Fenton fully believes that if the Animalettes can put together 4 quarters of football and be first to the ball, they can defeat anyone. He was impressed with how much better the second half was as his team had most of the play but were unfortunately unable to score but stated that ‘it’s great to see the new players playing some good footy.’ He’s not wrong, with the new faces for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team being amongst the best players on the ground every week.

Emmaus St Leo’s are staying home again this weekend, with the Animalettes hosting as the Hampton Rovers come over to Bennettswood Reserve for a first-time visit and the men’s teams taking on the Westbourne Grammarians. Triple headers always provide the best club atmosphere and are always the perfect opportunity to show your support for all your favourite Animals so get down to the ground for a 9.20am start and a big day!

Pink Animals ready to shine on showcase fixture

The Animals return home to Bennettswood Reserve this week where it will be bathed in a sea of pink as ALL THREE sides will be donning the pink guernseys in support of the BCNA

This is the fourth year running of the event and it keeps getting bigger and better with lots happening off the field including a ladies luncheon, silent auction and many more fundraising activities all for a great cause

The reserves side are looking to bounce back after two narrow losses against the top two sides and are looking to regain some momentum after slipping to 4th position, albeit still with the best current percentage in the competition (164.54%)

The boys will have a lot to play for and will be looking to leapfrog Manningham who sit just above us on the ladder in 3rd  position

Cameron Gardner and Bailey Hunt make their debuts and there are many returning faces

Likewise the senior side will be looking to atone for a disappointing day out at Aquinas College and Sam Argus, Jesse Collins, Jack Hunt  and Hugh Schaeche are all welcome additions back into the senior side. Chook O’Connor comes in for his first senior game of 2019 as Big Kev is out on the sidelines

It’s a huge game for the boys not only for the occasion but also as they have the chance to jump up into 2nd spot with a win, so expect the heat to be on right from the first bounce

The 3 Davis brothers (Harry, Sam and Michael) are ones to watch as they always rise to the occasion on this day as the Davis family have been instrumental figures in making the Mothers Day game possible

All players are encouraged to come down and support the women who start the day off at 9:20AM with the Men’s Reserves and Seniors to follow in what will be a fantastic day for the club with hopefully 3 wins to celebrate

It is the highlight of the Animals Home and Away Fixture so if you’re not sure make sure to get on down to Bennettswood (Deakin University) for a great atmosphere

Women look to bounce back on #PinkSaturday

After a weekend to arguably forget, Emmaus St Leo’s will be looking to the coming weekend for a chance to regroup as a club. This Saturday marks the fourth year running for the Mother’s Day ladies’ luncheon event, with all proceeds going directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a cause dear to the hearts of so many Animals. It’s also the second year of the triple header that accompanies the ladies’ luncheon, with all three teams running out in pink jumpers this year in support. Last weekend, the focus wasn’t on the scoreboard for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, with the fundamentals being the key factor in having the opportunity to walk off the ground with their heads high despite a loss.

This Saturday, the Animalettes face Oakleigh, a team new to Division 3. Their 2-point win against Swinburne University last weekend should have them have them coming into the game the favourites, given that it shot them up to 4th on the ladder, and knocking Emmaus St Leo’s down to 5th, but it doesn’t. Both teams sit on 8 points, with Oakleigh only up due to a superior percentage of 41.50% to Emmaus St Leo’s 38.16%. The Animalettes will be looking for some sort of redemption, and be aiming to start off the weekend right for the ladies’ luncheon.

It’s round 5 but Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team is still debuting players, with Grace de Cesare getting her first opportunity to don the blue and blue jumper on the only weekend when players run out in pink! Deep in the backline is the formidable trio of Brooke Chapman, Claire Anderson and Sam Bridgland with Bec Herne, Kayla Hetherington and Dee Burden providing support at halfback. In the centre, Jess Dawson, Rhiannon Stute and de Cesare will be joined by Maddy Hogan, Shanelle Blachford and Tara Ingham onball. With coaches sticking to a formula that works, the half-forward line consists of Amy Ronchi, Sally Hood, Shellby Lonie, and Kate Lucas, as Bridget Monaghan and Shannon Harris will both start deep in the forward 50. Rounding out the bench is Paige Nash who is hopefully back from a stint in the VFLW, Sheridan Harris, Delaney Morvell, Sarah Smith, Sam Hogarth, and Ashleigh Morley. Named emergencies are Kate Fletcher and Cassy Dutton.

The ladies’ luncheon event that Emmaus St Leo’s holds every year provides the biggest opportunity for the club itself to show how much of a family it really is. The Animalettes will look to get a fast start on a team only in the top 4 by a small percentage. Will the pink jumpers be a lucky charm? Can Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team jump ahead on the ladder and improve their percentage? Get down to Bennettswood Reserve this Saturday for what will be an incredible day, with wins on the scoreboards only being bonuses, and find out. First bounce is at 9.20, and stick around to see the men’s teams take on Manningham!

The story behind the Emmaus St. Leo's Ladies Luncheon

If you were to walk into the Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club for the first time, you’d be pretty unlucky if you didn’t run into at least one of the Davis men. The Davis family, consisting of father Glen, and his three sons, Michael, Harry, and Sam, are dedicated and some of the most passionate people you’ll ever know. Glen is vice-president of the club, and both Michael and Harry are members of the committee, with Harry heading the social committee as well, and all three boys play such pivotal roles on the field during game days and on training nights.

You would only have to spend a few minutes with Emmaus St Leo’s to see that family, blood or not, is quite evidently a huge part of its identity, with the Davis’ being only one of the families who pull on the blue and blue, so it only makes sense that there’s a closer-to-home reason for holding an event such as the upcoming ladies’ luncheon. In early 2015, the Davis’ lost a hugely important member of both their family and the Animals family in Cathy Davis, after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. A fantastic mother and wife, Cathy never got to see all three of her sons take the football field together, despite always being involved in their football careers as a driver and supporter who probably saw her boys play 300+ games collectively, occasionally helping out with canteen duties and social functions. Being involved with the club was huge source of enjoyment for Cathy because of the social side, given that she loved hosting parties and get-togethers and her door was always open for anybody who needed someone to listen. Her sons know that this event would have been right down her alley.

For Sam Davis, the youngest of the three Davis boys, running out in the pink jumpers and playing footy with his brothers on such an emotional day is, for him, one of the most special things he has ever done in his life. He knows that his mum would have loved the ladies’ luncheon event and would be incredibly proud of everyone who has been involved with its organisation. The support that the cause receives from both Emmaus St Leo’s and the broader community as a whole has the Davis family feeling grateful, and it’s something they will hold dear for the rest of their lives. A moment that sticks out for Glen after losing his wife is proudly witnessing Harry decide that he had two options after losing his mum, he could either do nothing or he could actively do something for the breast cancer community. Quite obviously, he picked the latter and Glen could not be prouder of the way everybody has rallied around both his family and the cause.

Cathy’s passing was the main source of inspiration to do good for the breast cancer community, and this event aims to not only honour her, but all those women out there who are unfortunately impacted by this disease. This cause also has a special place in Head Women’s Coach Roy Fenton’s heart, as his partner Kerryn went through the breast cancer battle herself three years ago. After 13 months that were full of surgeries and needles, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was given the good news that she was all clear. The money raised through the ladies’ luncheon event goes towards providing families with these kind of opportunities for good news and to reduce the number of families who have to deal with the kinds of hardships that surround breast cancer.

2019 marks the fourth year running that Emmaus St Leo’s has turned their annual ladies’ luncheon into a major fundraising event. In its first year, a massive $21,000 was raised for various breast cancer research foundations, with the sum total currently at $56,186. The aim for this year is to boost this to over $70,000 after the ladies’ luncheon event. For the past two years, Emmaus St Leo’s has been partnered directly with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, donating all funds raised directly to their cause. The NBCF funds initiatives to tackle breast cancer research and their ultimate goal is to end all breast cancer deaths by 2030, a feat wholly supported by Emmaus St Leo’s.

The annual ladies’ luncheon is arguably the biggest event on the Emmaus St Leo’s calendar, and that success is largely down to three key factors. The first is the ladies who attend, with the club averaging approximately 140 women yearly. Without this amazing support, the event wouldn’t be what it is today. Secondly is the supporters, as there are over 35 sponsors who donate prizes for the annual silent auction and raffles. Key major sponsors such as Toyota Material Handling, Franklin Landscaping, and A-Team Carpentry have been integral in allowing the club to run out in their pink jumpers each year, and also assist in reaching the fundraising goals. Lastly, it’s the organisers who selflessly dedicate time and energy into ensuring that the event runs as smoothly as possible. Without the collective efforts and combined passion of everybody involved, there would be no ladies’ luncheon. Specifically Harry Davis himself, who works tirelessly every year behind the scenes, and Joden Crothers, who has stood up in the absence of Nathan Baranello, both of which are important members of Emmaus St Leo’s.

Whilst the luncheon is the biggest event on the social calendar, it’s not the only cause important to Emmaus St Leo’s. Just briefly, last year marked the inception of the Emmaus St Leo’s Mental Health Fund, aimed at providing support to both players and the wider community who might be struggling with their mental health. As a small, grassroots club, to be putting so much effort into initiatives that are outside its general jurisdiction speaks to how committed they are to being bigger than just a football club, and how they’re looking to make a huge difference in people’s lives whichever way they can.

If you can’t attend the ladies’ luncheon, but would love to contribute something, the fundraising link is here. Even something small will go a long way to combatting this disease. Camberwell café Goodness Gracious, owned by the mother of beloved Emmaus St Leo’s player Jon Kapiniaris, is again also selling pink yoyos at $10 a pack, with all proceeds going directly to the club’s fundraising efforts. Not only this, but The Posy Story are selling candles and flowers for Mother’s Day and a portion of those sales are going towards Emmaus St Leo’s fundraising goals as well. They are also generously donating 11 table centrepieces for the ladies’ luncheon event which no doubt contributes to its success. Club player Lachlan Chapman, who lost his mum to breast cancer in 2011, is once again participating in the Mother’s Day Classic to honour her and raise money for breast cancer research, with fellow team member Matt Hill joining him. The collective passion for raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation that Emmaus St Leo’s facilitates year after year is second to none. It just goes to show how much can be done when you put your mind to it.

This year, it’s expected that 120 guests will be enjoying all that the day has to offer. For the first time ever, the event is being held on Animals ground, with the newly-built, Emmaus St Leo’s clubrooms serving as the venue. From 11:30am-2:30pm, the main function room will house a group of amazing women and supporters while the men’s reserves team take on Manningham out on the field. There will be drinks and laughs, and opportunities to spend a bit of money, and Harry Davis is rightly proud of the way the ladies’ luncheon epitomises everything Cathy Davis was, and could think of no better way to remember his mum.