2021 Season Review - Thirds

In 2021, Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club once again debuted four teams, who all ran out in the blue and blue (except for that one day where they all wore pink and the club collectively raised $18,744 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation) and played like Animals. In a season interrupted by COVID, to be able to get some footy in was nothing short of fantastic. To send the year off before the club begins its preparation for season 2022’s campaigns, let’s take a brief look at how all four teams finished in 2021. First up is the Thirds. 

Ladder position: 8th out of 9

Win/loss ratio: 1 win/10 losses

Summary of season: 2021 was a tough introduction to VAFA-life for the Emmaus St Leo’s Thirds, as they finished the season with one win and ten losses from their eleven games. Animals stalwart Jonathan Greensides took the coaching reins to begin the year as he recovered from injury, before Gideon Sands came on board as official head coach in round 10, which gave her five games to sink her teeth into the role. 

The one win of the Thirds’ year was in round 2, against La Trobe University at Bennettswood Reserve. The Animals got in a great start, up by 16 points going into the second quarter before a La Trobe fightback cut the margin to just seven at half-time. Eventually, with enough of a buffer kept in the second half, Emmaus St Leo’s ran away 32-point victors. Thomas McBride kicked four, while Samuel Heffernan and Adrian Mazzeo both snagged three each. In his only game for the year, Blade Wells was best-on. 

Blue and blue best: It was an interesting time in 2021 for the Emmaus St Leo’s Thirds as they became the club’s fourth team. An influx of numbers at the end of 2020 gave the men’s squad quite the depth, and many players who debuted for the Animals this year managed games in both the Thirds and the Reserves sides throughout the season. 

In the club’s best and fairest, the form that saw Lachlan Hicks make his Reserves debut in round 7 also saw him take top honours for the Thirds with 15 votes, slightly edging out Jackson Campbell and Alex Lavery on 14 each to be awarded the Chris Kenny Perpetual Trophy. Rounding out the top 5 was a Thomas-affair, with Thomas Bent and Thomas McBride equal on 13.  

Luke Foley was the Thirds’ Most Improved at Presentation Night, while Joe Caldow took out Most Consistent and David Cowell earned the Coach’s Award. 

Goalkickers (top 5): Adrian Mazzeo (8 goals, 8 games), Sean Nathan (4, 9), Thomas McBride (4, 3), Jonathan Greensides (3, 2), Samuel Heffernan (3, 3)

Coach’s comments: Fresh to Emmaus St Leo’s in 2021, it’s safe to say Gideon Sands never expected to be handed the reins of a whole team midway through the season, but handed the reins she was. Joining the Animals at the start of the year as placement for her university course, Sands was an assistant to the men’s coaches, and quickly fell in love with the club. 

After being away from her local football/netball club back home, ‘the Animals quickly became my new favourite place to be.’ It wasn’t long before Emmaus St Leo’s reciprocated the love, giving her more responsibility before eventually she was given the head coaching role of the Thirds. ‘Although I was nervous, the lads and the club made me feel at home and really welcomed in.’

Throughout the season, her enjoyment came from working closely with the team, seeing how they integrated and socialised with each other, and their ability to keep morale up despite the scoreboard.

Next year: Sands returns as head coach for 2022, and is hugely excited to see the continual growth of the club. In what will hopefully be an uninterrupted season, the Thirds have nothing but positives to take from their first year and have strong foundations to build on. 

2021 Season Review - Women

In 2021, Emmaus St Leo’s Football Club once again debuted four teams, who all ran out in the blue and blue (except for that one day where they all wore pink and the club collectively raised $18,744 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation) and played like Animals. In a season interrupted by COVID, to be able to get some footy in was nothing short of fantastic. To send the year off before the club begins its preparation for season 2022’s campaigns, let’s take a brief look at how all four teams finished in 2021. Next up is the Women. 

Ladder position: 7th of out 8 – finished the season in division 4

Win/loss ratio: 1 win/9 losses

Summary of season: 2021 was a rollercoaster of a year for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team. With a divisional change midway through the season, the Animals were given a chance to reset as they made the switch to Division 4 from Division 3. 

After spending their first weekend in their new home off the field due to an unplanned bye, the women took to McDonell Park for the round 7 clash with Parkside. Despite being down at every break, the Animals rallied in the final term after quite the four-quarter performance, notching their first (and what would eventually be their only) win of the season, 35-42. Brooke Bishop and Molly Tancred kicked two each, while Mel Barlow and Emma Johnson both managed one. In a shock to no one, Bridget Crowe took best-on honours. 

Blue and blue best: In the divisional best and fairest, six Animals received votes, with Aisha Fairweather (3 votes), Mel Barlow (2) and Vic Holt (1) all polling in Division 3 before the reshuffle, while in Division 4, Bridget Crowe (4), Molly Tancred (3) and Bridget Monaghan (1) got on the board.

Crowe was the runaway winner in the club’s best and fairest, polling 47 votes and thus awarded the Fran Stephen Memorial Trophy after a late surge to pip Holt, who unsurprisingly took second spot with 23. Fairweather (21), Ebony Ratcliffe (17) and Barlow (14) rounded out the top 5, making it a first-year party as all players debuted in the blue and blue in 2021.

On Presentation Night, Ratcliffe was awarded Best 1st Year Player and Barlow crowned “Inner Animal”, while Taylia Hough was named Most Improved. 

Goalkickers (top 6): Molly Tancred (4 goals, 10 games), Bridget Crowe (3, 9), Brooke Bishop (2, 6), Mel Barlow (1, 7), Aisha Fairweather (1, 6), Emma Johnson (1, 8)

Coach’s comments: In his third proper season, head coach Roy Fenton lauded his charges, loving their ability to never give in on game day despite the scoreboard. He thanks the 12-14 players who were consistent in their attendance at training, and specifically loved the attitude and playing ability of Vic Holt and Mel Barlow. The win against Parkside was ‘definitely’ his favourite part of the season. 

Next year: After four years at the helm, inaugural women’s head coach Roy Fenton will hang up the boots, opting not to return to the role for the 2022 season. Much to the delight of the Animals faithful though, Fenton will still remain at club for the foreseeable future, with men’s head coach Ian Ledder eager to utilise his years of expertise. 

The Animals will still call Division 4 home, and will look to 2022 under the watchful eye of new coach Allan Dunlop. Dunlop joins Emmaus St Leo’s with years of football experience both playing and coaching, and is eager to get started. 

Audition passed, now time for the real test for new Thirds coach

After a game late in the season for the Animals Thirds team, the coaches would meet to shake hands with the opposition coach approaching the wrong person. When corrected the unnamed opposition coach would exclaim “A woman coach?! I’ve never seen that before!”

He better get used to seeing it.

Gideon Sands will lead the Thirds full time in 2022, and in doing so will be looking to continue on the work she started in the second half of the 2021 season.

Sands’ appointment was announced by Club President Greg Davis on Presentation Night, and was met with warm regard, and for Sands herself, the feeling is mutual.

“Really excited to come back to the club and see everyone again after the shortened 2021 season. Seeing the thirds group work together last year and improve together as a group has me really excited to see that growth continue into the 2022 season”

A tough 2021 season for the 3rds saw them only claim one win, a home against La Trobe Uni.

However when you look past the wins and losses, the growth the side showed at the back end of the year under the guidance of Sands showed there’s promise for more W’s in the new year.

Gideon begin 2021 under the tutelage of Senior Mens Coach Ian Ledder, something she plans to use to her advantage in 2022.

“Having spent the first portion of the last season learning from senior coaches at the club, and the lads themselves, I am really excited to continue to learn from them and apply that learning and knowledge into my coaching.”

Pre-Season will begin on Monday at Bennettswood Reserve for all grades, with Sands joining the rest of the Men’s coaching panel looking to improve on a promising 2021.

City challenge excites new Women's coach

Allan Dunlop has been announced as the new Emmaus St. Leo’s OCFC Women’s Senior Coach for the 2022 VAFA Season. Dunlop will take over the reigns after inaugural coach Roy Fenton stepped down from the role after 4 seasons at the helm.

Coming from Thornton-Eildon FNC Women’s team in the AFL Outer East, the opportunity to challenge himself back in a metro league like the VAFA was too great to ignore, after leading his previous club to finals in 2019.

“I actually used to play in the VAFA and played against the club so I know what it’s like being in this league, but to coach in it is a different story. To coach closer to Melbourne is such a drawcard.”

Speaking on his appointment, Dunlop stated his main aim was to bring a winning culture to the women’s side of the Animals. The Animals women are coming off a shortened and disrupted season which saw them move divisions after 5 rounds, and only secure a solitary win.

“I’m looking to rebuild of sorts, to get some wins on the board and see where we can go from there.”

Dunlop was announced to the club by Club President Glen Davis at the Presentation Night at the end of October.

“I cannot wait for Allan to start and get the team going, myself and the committee have confidence he will be able to achieve great things.”

Another lure for Dunlop was the support of the Animals Family, with “..the idea of a larger support group and bigger club is very exciting for me”.

Dunlop will be supported as part of the coaching team by the men’s coaching panel, as well as a playing assistant coach he plans to bring from his previous club.

Speaking about his own style, Dunlop said he was not one to “scream and rant” but rather instil a level of determination and hard work into his sides which see them overcome adversity on the field when it arises, as well as working around a strong strategic base.

“I’ve got a plan for the pre-season both pre and post christmas that I feel will have the team ready to go for round 1”.

Pre-Season training begins for the entire club next Monday at Bennettswood Reserve, where Dunlop will lead his new chargers for the first time around the training paddock.

Paramanathan parts ways with Animals

Senior Men’s Assistant Luke Paramanathan has made the decision to part ways with Emmaus St. Leo’s OCFC after accepting a development role with EFNL Division 4 side Nunawading Lions.

Paramanathan was part of the Reserves coaching group in 2019 when they made their remarkable run from 4th to win the premiership, after joining midway through the season to assist Coach Tom Clarke.

He was then promoted to the Senior team for the 2020 season before it was cancelled, and was able to take part in the role in 2021 before once again covid lockdowns scuppered the season.

Luke also filled in for the club’s Thirds side in 2021, proving to be a more than handy fill in for the side.

When announcing to the group his intention to move on, Paramanathan said “Getting to work with such a great group of people and achieve so much on and off field success is exactly why I love my job.”

“I've learnt so much in my 2 and a half years here and wouldn't be getting these future opportunities without it.”

During a committee meeting, President Glen Davis praised Paramanathan for his work in helping with the development of the club’s many young players.

“He’s had a big role in helping some of our young blokes move forward with their footy, and has been a great foil for Ian (Ledder, Senior Men’s coach).

A review will be conducted of the entire Men’s coaching group before announcements are made of which positions need filling and which coaches will be returning in 2022.

Club Statement - Season 2021

Unfortunately, due to the extension of lockdown, the VAFA have made the decision to cancel the remainder of the 2021 season.

To everyone that pulled on the blue and the blue in 2021 we thank you for your huge commitment to the club. To the volunteers, the coaches, the sponsors and in particular our ultimate Animals - thank you for sticking by us throughout the uncertainty of the last 18 months.

We are extremely disappointed that we did not get to finish off a season that showed so much promise but we are determined to come back better than ever in 2022. We will make every effort to host some social functions in the off-season to keep everyone together and celebrate this season. We will hold a vote count and Presentation Night (most likely online on the 23rd of September) and hopefully a social function as well.

It is too early to tell what 2022 will bring but we are very keen to run a pre-season AFL 9's competition and do whatever else we can to keep this group of great men and women together. As a committee we have made a commitment to install the most well resourced coaching staff the club has had, we will appoint a football operations manager, and do everything in our power to ensure that both the mens and womens programs are as successful as possible in 2022.

Watch out for announcements to come over the coming weeks but in the meantime.

Our mental health fund is open to all of our Animals community so if you are struggling please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the mental health officers

• Harry Davis

• Kiah Hanratty

• Rebecca Herne

• Connor Leevers

• Kieran Mair

• Baxter Newbegin

Planning for 2022 starts now. If you would like to be involved please contact president Glen Davis on 0413 343 006 or glen12@optusnet.com.au. 

We thank each and every one of you for supporting the Animals in 2021 and we look forward to having you all back in 2022.

Change on the horizon as Fenton steps aside

After four years at the helm, inaugural Women’s coach Roy Fenton has called time on his tenure leading the side.

Fenton came from Whitehorse to lead the Women’s side in 2017 during a series of exhibition matches, before officially being handed the role in 2018, where he led the side to a win in it’s first ever VAFA game over eventual premiers in Westbourne.

Off the field, ‘Feno’ as he was affectionately known as, would become a staple of the Animals Thursday nights as he and his partner Kerryn selflessly donated their time to provide dinner for at times well over 100+ member of the Animals family.

A covid interrupted final 2 years saw the 2020 season be completely wiped out, and only 10 of a possible 14 games in 2021 played.

In a post to the 2021 playing group made on Saturday, Fenton said “This decision was not an easy one to make as I have very much enjoyed coaching you girls but I think after 4 years it is time for a new voice, with new and fresh ideas to take on the role”

”I would like to thank you all and I hope you all stay with this fantastic club and with a good pre-season and commitment to the team, success is just around the corner.”

The 2021 Animals Women’s side featured only 9 members of the original 2018 group, and 25 players who made their debuts.

It left Fenton in what was an unenviable task of blooding a fresh group with little football experience into a season with little preparation time.

It would be a season defined externally by the scoreboard, but internally by the performance. A young group learning their craft and learning to play with each other. It would culminate in their only win of the year when they took down Parkside by 7 points, a game where extreme character would be shown by all.

Club President Glen Davis had nothing but praise for Fenton and his tenure.

”On behalf of the committee I would like to thank Roy for all his efforts as the inaugural Women's coach. He has been tireless in his efforts to support the Women's team.”

As for 2022, Fenton stated he would not be going far.

“I will continue to be involved with the club next year and will be around to support and cheer you all on in 2022.

President Glen Davis added “As a committee we appreciate what he has done and we do not want to loose his skills. I have had long discussions with Roy and I am glad to announce he will be staying with the Animals in another capacity going forward.”

Decisions on the coaching set up going in to 2022 will be made in the coming weeks, with the process to find a new coach for the Women to be finalised shortly.

Seniors seal Finals berth, Reserves drop comeback game

It was a mixed return to football for the Animals Senior and Reserve sides out west as the Seniors would dominate and lock away a finals berth whilst the Reserves faltered, leaving the top 4 door wide open.

A typical blustery Truganina day would make for challenging conditions, and the Reserves would struggle to get a handle on them.

Kicking in to the stiff breeze to start the day, the Animals would concede 4 goals late in the first quarter to concede a lead that would be all too much to reign back in, despite the efforts of several key players down back.

A best on ground performance from Darcy Burke off halfback, and an equally as quality turn out from precision kicker Nic Glanville would not be enough to steady the Animals after quarter time, who would fail to make use of the breeze in the second term.

A half time soul search would lead to immediate results, but Westbourne would strike on the stroke of three quarter time, in what was a body blow in more ways than one as Cam Gardner careened into the goal umpire.

The last term would see the Animals draw within a kick, but unable to go any further as the Warriors ran out 13 point winners and remain in touching distance of the chasing pack.

The Seniors would sign from a different hymn sheet, as they struck early and often.

A 43 point opening term was a let off for Westbourne as wayward kicking kept the total lower. Wave after wave of attack streamed down the field with the Animals midfielders winning the contest at every junction.

The second term would be even more fruitful, as in to the wind the Animals began to flex their muscles up front. Mercurial small forward Dan Hill would begin bobbing up in every right place at every right time, whilst in game 249 Lawrence Virgo would slot one of the goals of the day from on 50 with a beautiful worked set shot from out wide.

Lengthy quarters are tradition at Westbourne, and it would allow the Animals to heap on more pain in the third and fourth quarters. However the third quarter was not spare of multiple extra curricular incidents which would threaten to ruin the day for the boys from Burwood. Calls for the Animals to settle and focus would see them break the 100 point mark in both score and margin.

By the time the fourth quarter eventually started, the Animals had hit high gear, piling on 9 last quarter majors to 2, blowing away Westbourne and in the process raising their percentage from 165% to near 189%.

Dan Hill would end the day with 9 majors, doubling Westbourne’s score on his own, whilst emerging key forward Emerson Lemkau would have 4 of his own.

Familiar Falcons fly in for make up clash

If you made plans for Saturday and can’t make it to Bennettswood Reserve to watch the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team welcome Albert Park because you technically rightly assumed there would be no footy, you might be forgiven, but only because it’s VAFA’s representative bye and no teams were meant to be taking the field Association-wide. Alas, there is Animals footy, with the women’s team having a game to make up after their first foray into division 4 was turned into a bye. (Bye in this case actually means ‘round 6 game to be played at a later date’.) The men’s squad will return next week for their regularly scheduled programming.

Last week’s rematch against Parkside didn’t end like the first time they faced each other, much to the chagrin of all those in blue and blue. The effort was there, and the scoreboard ticked over relatively healthily for a side in its third year, as Bridget Crowe starred with two goals. Ultimately, though, they were beaten by 40 points.

This week, however, their opponent is Albert Park, and the game is on home turf after the Emmaus St Leo’s travelled to Bill Woodfull Oval two weeks ago to face the Falcons for the first time. The game itself wasn’t ideal, as the Animals went down by 76 points and failed to get a goal on the board. But this Saturday, it’s a brand-new opportunity, and with a few additions to the team since round 11, it’s set be a good clash.

Seven changes have been made from the last team who faced Albert Park, with some big names not running out onto the deck in round 12. Mel Barlow misses with a leg injury and is unfortunately out for the rest of the season, while midfielders Ash Morley and Eleanor Tunley aren’t named, the former an emergency to the squad of 24. Gun half-forward flanker Dani Barton has played her last Animals game for the year after announcing her impending move interstate.

For those playing along at home, if you missed crossing ‘return of a club legend’ off your metaphorical 2021 bingo card last week, fear not. Justifiably considered Animals royalty, Shellby Lonie returns to the side for the first time in 2021 just under two whole years (719 days to be exact) since her last game in the blue and blue. Lonie’s ability to break through packs and presence has been sorely missed all over the ground and she will not doubt not miss a beat once she takes the field, having been named to start on the bench. Arguably the Emmaus St Leo’s best player in 2021, Vic Holt will play her second game back, having missed the last Albert Park game with a finger injury, and joining her is fellow midfielder Aisha Fairweather. Captain Dee Burden returns as Animals number one role-player Ebony Ratcliffe comes back into the side after missing a few games due to being back home.

With just three games remaining of the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team’s 2021 season, this Albert Park game kickstarts the run home. The end of the year looms on the horizon and has the Animals keen on finishing well, with numbers at training high and morale even higher. Is the idea of literally being the only VAFA-wide game incentive for players to continue to rise to the occasion? Will Lonie kick a goal in her return-game? Get down to Bennettswood Reserve and find out! First bounce is at 9:20am, and rumour has it there’s likely to be some cheeky breakfast for those willing to brave the cold Melbourne weather and early Saturday morning start time to cheer their favourite Animals on.

Ressies trampled, but Seniors storm home in the inner north

All four Emmaus St Leo’s teams were in full flight on the weekend as the women’s team went down to Parkside at Bennettswood Reserve, while the Thirds travelled to Lindsay Hassett Oval and were subsequently beaten by a tough AJAX side. North Brunswick were on the list for the Animals reserves and seniors as they made the trek away from home looking for their next four points, where unfortunately only the latter took their opportunity with both hands.

If you’d stumbled onto a cold and wintery Allard Park on Saturday at quarter-time, you might have had to double-take the scoreboard, with the three goals to the home reserves side and zero to the third-ranked Emmaus St Leo’s. It would continue to be the story for the reserves all game, who only managed four goals for the day, with Kieren Jenkins kicking half of them despite playing predominately in the middle. The Animals stayed in it, but it could be argued it was more that North Brunswick hadn’t put final nail in the coffin and less those in the blue and blue keeping themselves above water. Despite this, they limited their North Brunswick to just one goal in the third quarter before the Bulls became bullish, inevitably kicking away in the final term to win by 33 points. Anthony Smith and Matthew Price were the only other contributors on the scoreboard, and Nic Glanville was strong down back in defence.

For the seniors, it was an arm-wrestle all day as North Brunswick took an early lead into the first break before the Animals came to their senses to be in front by 9 points at half time. Five goals to one in the third quarter was the result of one side making the most of their opportunities as Emmaus St Leo’s added five behinds to their only major, with Emerson Lemkau the only goalkicker.

The Animals didn’t really start the party until the final quarter, where they piled on nine goals to pinch the victory from North Brunswick’s grasp, who had arguably decided the game was won after a couple quick goals to start the last term. But it wasn’t to be for the home side, as soon after, Emmaus St Leo’s put their foot on the accelerator and controlled the ball for the final minutes of the game to make the trip to Allard Park at least partly worth it.

In a game where defensive presence was of utmost importance, Baxter Newbegin was everywhere, holding the fort down back with his expert read of the play and taking intercept marks that surely would have made those following North Brunswick question whether their players were lining him up on purpose. (Note to NB: if you want to score goals, do not kick the ball in the direction of #1 for the Animals. That much should be obvious.)

Seniors debutant Dan Quattro waited until the last couple of minutes of game time to fully make his first game in the ones memorable enough, collecting the ball outside of the attacking 50 with the game all but won and streaming into the goalsquare to kick his first goal, burning free teammate (and also multiple-goalscorer on the day with three) Lawrence Virgo who had also ran freely forward of the ball. Quattro’s celebration was very nearly Zac-Kearns-in-the-dying-moments-of-a-reserves-grand-final, just lacking the hundred hi-fives, but still, the Animals contingent behind the goals lapped it up, as did those on the bench with everyone certain the win had finally arrived.

This weekend, it’s the VAFA-wide representative bye meaning that, technically, there should be no Animals footy on Saturday. But a make-up game between the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team and Albert Park looms on the horizon, giving those in the blue and blue something to get around on a day normally reserved for non-footy-related things. The men’s squads will return the following weekend to face Parkside and Whitefriars. All the action this Saturday begins at 9:20am, and with the women’s draw nearing its 2021 end, get down to Bennettswood Reserve to cheer on your favourite Animal!

Legendary return unable to nab miracle win

A blustery Albert Park complex would prove to be only one of the issues faced by the Animals Thirds in their loss to AJAX, with the loss of not one, but two big bodied midfielders in the 105 point loss.

Midway through the second term, the losses of both Matthew Lewis and Nathan Zoumpoukas would do nothing to help the Animals already difficult task of taking down the second place Jackas.

A strong breeze to the pavilion end would see AJAX launch out to a near 10 goal lead after the first, but the Animals would manage to jag a goal in to the breeze.

That was enough hope for the besieged Animals who saw club legend Paul Baranello roll up midway through the first and immediately immerse himself in the action.

Baranello’s return would be the catalyst for some champagne football in the VAFA’s lowest tier of men’s footy, at times bemusing the AJAX defence, and at other times leaving them hopelessly lost, as precision possessions were dolled out like hot jam doughnuts at the MCG.

Despite the return of one of the best community footy players, AJAX refused to play nice, and would instead continue to kick goals.

The final score mattered not to those in blue in the larger scale, as many got to play with one of the most decorated Animals in existence, and coach Gideon Sands left pleased with the continued effort and application from the group.

The Thirds now get a two week reprieve before facing an equally as tough trip to flag favourites Whitefriars.

Women make no deal with Devils

A strong 3rd quarter showing was not enough to stop the Animals Women going down to rivals Parkside by 40 points in what was a tighter clash than what the scoreboard showed

A breezy Saturday morning meant the road end was the action end, which made the Parkside start a crucial battle won early, despite one of the goals of the season by rookie Bridget Crowe.

Crowe’s now iconic laconic playing style saw her ghost past her direct opponent and kick a floating snap around the corner from the dead pocket, watching it defy all logic and sail through to give the Animals the lead midway through the first.

That would be the last time the Animals held the ascendency on the scoreboard, as Parkside would kick 8 of the next 9 goals in the match.

That would be despite the efforts of the Animals midfield featuring Crowe, the recently returned Rhi Stute, and another first year Animal in Aisha Fairweather who would kick her first of the year after some fantastic contested work.

Fairweather’s snap from a pack around 35m from goal would bounce kindly, one of the rare times this season for the females in blue, and roll home much to the excitement of her teammates.

The third quarter goal was the least of what was deserved as repeated inside 50’s were repelled by Parkside, as they held on to turn for home in the wind.

The Animals would defend stoutly in the last, with Vic Holt attempting to take several marks of the year even with her injured finger, but they would eventually fall to the Red Devils 9.8.62 to 3.4.22