2021 Season Review - Seniors

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. Last up is the Seniors. 

Ladder position: 3rd out of 8

Win/loss ratio: 8 wins/3 losses

Summary of season: The first four games of the season were a seesaw for Emmaus St Leo’s, who kickstarted the year with a rousing win at home, only to be humbled in a heart-breaking, final-minutes loss to Parkside the following week. The pattern would repeat for the next two weeks before the Animals steadied the ship, going on to win three in a row before ultimately suffering their final loss of the year, forming a fierce rivalry with Hawthorn to go 0-2 in the process. 

In the last three rounds, two separate treks were made to Westbourne Grammar but were well worth it as the Seniors finished off season 2021 with a 150-point win against a helpless Westbourne side. In wet and windy weather, the Animals kicked a casual six goals straight to be up by that many going into the second quarter, where they really put their opponents to the sword. If two seven-goal quarters weren’t enough, the nine majors kicked in the final term really finished off the season well. Dan Hill (9) was an unstoppable force in front of goal all day, while Jesse Collins (3) took best-on honours in a side that had twelve individual goalkickers. 

Blue and blue best: For those familiar with the club, it would be no shock at all to know that Harry Davis came runner-up in the divisional best and fairest, earning 15 votes to take second spot. Seven other Animals polled votes, with Dan Hill (7), Jesse Collins (7), Hugh Schaeche (6), Baxter Newbegin (6) all making the top 15. 

As for the Emmaus St Leo’s best and fairest, it was close all season, with just three votes collectively separating the top 3. Davis (34) was awarded the Bill Stephen Memorial Trophy, ahead of Newbegin on 32 and Nathan Bird on 21. Equal on 17 points to round out the top 5 was Collins and Ethan Phillips. 

For all five players, it was another year of knowing exactly what to expect when they took the field, with Davis’s ability to break packs and get the ball forward at all costs, and Newbegin being an impenetrable wall down back. For both Bird and Phillips, they were named all over the forward half of the ground throughout the year, whether they were providing an option inside 50 and kicking goals or getting into the contests in the middle. Regardless of where Collins’s magnet sat pre-game, his run through the centre of the ground gave his side chances to score each time he took the field.

At Presentation Night, seasoned backman Joden Crothers was awarded Most Improved, Ben Collins was named Most Consistent, while Dan Hill’s heroics in front of goal earned him the Coach’s Award. In his return to the club in 2021 after two games in the reserves in 2018, Sam Barrah’s seniors-debut resulted in the award for Best 1st Year Senior. 

Goalkickers (top 10): Dan Hill (30 goals, 11 games), Harry Davis (16, 9), Jack Hunt (15, 7), Nathan Bird (13, 11), Matt Hill (11, 9), Emerson Lemkau (10, 7), Sam Barrah (9, 10), Tom Clarke (9, 10), Hugh Schaeche (7, 10), Lawrence Virgo (7, 8)

Coach’s comments: Men’s head coach Ian Ledder couldn’t talk more highly of his side’s season, believing them to be heading in the right direction. ‘It was great to see the new players who joined the club really immerse themselves into the culture and become an integral part of the playing group, across all squads.

This gave the three [men’s] teams a good depth, and with further development on our game plan/style, I’m sure this will result in more wins across the board. The improvement and dedication even with the disruptions was very impressive, and this was evident with good numbers at training sessions and results on game day.’

With some new additions to the men’s coaching panel, Ledder is excited to see what ideas they can bring to the playing group. ‘We will be on the path for another very competitive season.’

Next year: Ledder returns next season for his fourth season at the helm, while his assistant coach Luke Paramanathan moves on to other coaching opportunities. But Ledder won’t be by himself, as inaugural women’s head coach Roy Fenton steps down from the role that saw him to the Animals and moves to an assistant coach to the men’s Seniors side. 

2021 Season Review - Reserves

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 Reserves. 

Ladder position: 3rd out of 8

Win/loss ratio: 6 wins/5 losses

Summary of season: The Reserves got their 2021 season off to a flyer, with three consecutive wins that included two percentage-boosters against Westbourne and North Brunswick, and a closer one at Pitcher Park against Parkside. The remaining eight games were intriguing to say the least, with a high level of player turnover in the side throughout the year due to injury and the depth of the Emmaus St Leo’s men’s squad. 

The first COVID lockdown threw a spanner in the works for the Animals, who went into it off a tough 3-point loss against Canterbury, and seemingly couldn’t regain their footing once footy returned, their last four games resulting in three losses.  

The Reserves got themselves back on the winner’s list in round 5, facing a then-unbeaten Richmond Central at Bennettswood Reserve. It was all systems go from the very first bounce as the Animals limited the Snakes to just one goal by quarter time, and three by the main break, taking a 19-point buffer into the second half. Two five-goal quarters then saw the home side home by 56 points. Unstoppable goalkicking duo Dan Quattro (6) and Anthony Smith (5) were at their very best, with the former named best on for the day. 

Blue and blue best: In a close finish, first-year Animal and midfield gun Adam Bullivant took out top spot in the club’s best and fairest to be awarded the Kieran Martin Memorial Trophy, finishing on 25 votes, just three ahead of Emmaus St Leo’s favourite Nic Glanville, whose late run home saw him into second spot with 22. Connor Leevers (15), whose form in the twos resulted in a seniors-debut, came third, while two first-year Animals in Cameron Price and Dan Quattro rounded out the top 5, equal on 13. 

Price’s first Reserves game came after just one game in the Thirds to show his craft, where he became a dependable backman, earning his Most Improved award at the club’s Presentation Night. Quattro, who took out Most Consistent, earned a Seniors call-up late in the season.

In his third season at the club, Jack Gibbons was awarded the Coach’s Award. 

Goalkickers (top 10): Anthony Smith (35 goals, 11 games), Dan Quattro (21, 8), Kieren Jenkins (10, 5), Adam Bullivant (8, 9), Matthew Price (7, 10), Thomas McBride (6, 5), Harry McConnell (5, 10), Isaac Waite (5, 6), Guy Donovan (4, 4), Steve Jones (4, 10)

Coach’s comments: First-year Reserves coach Keegan Ledder was ecstatic with the way his side started off the year, lauding the new faces who brought speed and youth. 

‘For the first few games, we were playing great footy, and then Howie [Sean Howard, Reserves Captain], decided he should do his knee and not play for the rest of the year…,’ Ledder laughs, lamenting the loss. ‘As a team, we played a lot of good footy, but we were always looking to improve. Individually, there were plenty of deserved promotions to the ones, proving that brilliant, consistent efforts were being noticed and rewarded.’

A few of Ledder’s favourite moments from the season include the numerous run and carries from the wings and halfback, ‘DQ’s [Dan Quattro] goal celebrations, and having Kieren [Jenkins] finally come back twelve weeks after a two-week injury.’

Next year: It’ll be Ledder leading the Reserves once again next season as he aims to lead his side to finals glory, a la 2019. He’s excited to see familiar faces, and eager to see how everyone performs next year.

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!