Triple Header delight confirmed for Women

A quadruple header opening delight as well as thirteen games linked with the Senior and Reserve Men’s sides highlight a promising fixture for the Wattle Park women in 2023.

After a winless 2022, an off-season overhaul saw former Swinburne Uni coach Mel Dell’Olio step in to the vacant role. His appointment has rejuvenated the women’s program at Bennettswood, and the man affectionately known as “Bull” is excited about what the new season will bring.

“(I’m) as excited as popcorn in the microwave. It’s a fantastic fixture & gives us the opportunity to be amongst animals footy for more hours in the day, learning & improving from those conversations that arise as we support club mates whilst in the joys of competition. Club unity & identity will thrive if we use this time to do a little bit extra away from our playing commitments to give others those belongingness vibes.”

The new season brings the Animals three new teams in to their division, with Canterbury, South Melbourne Districts, Preston, and Elsternwick remaining from 2022. The latter the team who the Animals will open their season with at home.

A return of an old foe in Power House AFC, who the Animals drew with in 2018 at home but lost to at Albert Park Lake, will mean an exciting home and away triple header day in Rounds 2 & 9. Power House were relegated from Division 2 last season after a 1-13 record.

The one win came against fellow Div 2 strugglers La Trobe Uni, who will also slide down the Divisional pyramid in 2023. Round 3 & 10 triple header days are scheduled, with this not being the first trip to Bundoora for the Animals after playing a preseason game in 2019 against now Premier C side Richmond Central.

Old Carey will be the third addition to the division after they ended their Women’s recess after 3 years. A 6-8 season in 2019 in Division 2 did see the Panthers miss out on finals, but they will pose a tough opponent if they manage to retain their top line players.

Dell’Olio acknowledged the challenge the new sides will present in 2023, but will look to take advantage of the unknown.

“Women’s footy changes significantly from season to season, so we have to be ready for any curve ball thrown our way from all our opponents. Best way is to prepare well ourselves & developing that flexibility to adapt. Belief that we can be anything if we keep surging forward together will continually be reinforced at each challenge.”

The first eleven rounds of the season have been scheduled as such that the Senior Men and Reserves will be at the same ground as the Women, with trips to Power House, Canterbury, Elsternwick, and La Trobe Uni all allowing the Animals to coordinate their travels much easier.

It’s not until Round 11 when the sides will split up for the first time when the women head to South Melbourne Districts for a rare 2pm start, which matches the Senior Men whilst they battle Hawthorn.

After the return from the rep bye, the split continues with the Women facing a tough trip to Bulleen to take on Old Carey, followed by the infamous 4.45pm start at Preston the next week.

“Yes the late games are a bit of a challenge, as it’s difficult to work out what to do earlier in the day, when to eat, how many social things you should do before switching on, how many coffees, etc. you can only wash the car 3 or 4 times. Good thing is that these games do become things of legend if we’re able to go there & steal the chocolates so bring it on.”

The home and away season ends with triple headers at home to Power House and away to La Trobe Uni also constitute the two sides the Women will have to play three times in 2023.

Deakin additions set to bolster pre-season push

The sun is shining, the birds are rivalling the numbers on the oval and the Animals have returned to the zoo. Bennettswood Reserve is alive and well as the newly-named Wattle Park Amateurs Football Club returned to the track, with the women’s team beginning their 2023 campaign on the 23rd of January and the men’s squad following a week later. 

With two new head coaches at the helm, it’s really no surprise that the club is flourishing. Strong numbers to both sides pre-Christmas meant a core group started to emerge to begin building good foundations for the season to come. 

“Our pre-Christmas training sessions were certainly an introduction to a new style of Animals footy,” men’s senior head coach Glenn Hopkins says, “and since returning to the training track with strong numbers and efforts, the learnings are progressing really.” The sentiment is the same from women’s head coach Mel Dell’Olio, who has “really enjoyed spending time with everyone on the team, and getting to know what they do, what their ambitions are and what motivates them.” The energy and enthusiasm around the club, especially after returning from the training break, has really impressed him. 

Despite the good numbers, recruitment has been high on the committee’s to do list, with large efforts directed at Deakin University as students both new and old make their way to the school’s grounds. The club had a presence on Deakin’s residential move-in day on the 11th, and a stall on the first day of Res O’Week on the 20th to begin its 2023 in-person recruitment endeavours.

“As we roll into the new year at Deakin Uni, our efforts to bring some first-year students down to the Animals is proving fruitful, with six hitting the track so far, and hopefully more to come in the next couple of weeks,” Hopkins says. “With any team, an influx of recruits is important toward changing the dynamic and personality of that group. Being youthful and new to our club, brings enthusiasm that can only benefit our group, and the speed with which they are welcomed clearly demonstrates our players are just as enthusiastic for their arrival.”

Two more appearances for the Animals at Deakin’s O’Week next week on Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th of February will ideally kickstart the numbers for the women’s side especially, with Dell’Olio of the belief that the team can “convince all the newcomers that there’s no better way to spend their time [at the Animals], amongst good people and enjoying getting fit and healthy in a good environment.” 

If the numbers from this week’s training alone are anything to go by, Wattle Park AFC is in for a mighty 2023. 

“What I’ve seen so far gives me real positivity and energy for the future of this footy club,” Hopkins believes, and the thought is echoed by Dell’Olio, “we have a fascinating bunch of individuals and I’m excited to see how everyone’s unique characteristics and talents can propel the team into reaching all our goals.”

Wattle Park AFC trains on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm at Bennettswood Reserve, located next to Deakin University. 

Blockbusters aplenty for Seniors, Reserves

A blockbuster Men’s Division 3 2023 fixture has been handed down for the Animals Senior and Reserves squads as the quest for promotion begins with new coach Glenn Hopkins.

Three games against promotion rivals Elsternwick (including a Round 1 blockbuster at Bennettswood), freshly relegated foes Power House AFC, newly promoted La Trobe Uni, and long time local rivals Hawthorn AFC make for an exciting year.

The Animals’ first opponents see us get a chance for Senior revenge against Elsternwick after two incredibly close losses in 2022, whilst the Reserves will look to take advantage of the mental edge they have after eliminating the ‘Wickers in the Elimination Final last year in Coburg. The games will be a part of what is set to be a massive opening round at Bennettswood Reserve.

Two trips to Holmes/Todd Oval out the back of VAFA headquarters in Rounds 7 and 13 will be crucial clashes for the Animals’ push for promotion in the Seniors, and yet another finals run for the Reserves.

Hawthorn will make their Ladies Luncheon debuts when the Animals don their pink jerseys again in Round 5. Both the Seniors and Reserves are 4-1 when playing in the pink, which is done to support the annual fundraiser that has raised well in excess of $100,000 since its inception in 2017.

A trip to the recently renovated Rathmines Reserve awaits in Round 12, where the Animals ended their Senior season with a long-awaited victory, which also doubled as a farewell to stalwart Chris Beluszar. The two sides will then once again end their regular seasons together, this time at Bennettswood, the first time the Animals will finish the year at home since 2016.

After protesting their last trip to Bennettswood in 2019, Power House return to the eastern suburbs as a freshly relegated side looking to avenge their drop. The Albert Park outfit were unlucky to be the sole side dropped from above, but will help the Animals keep their now 5-year streak of playing sides at Lakeside in Senior Men’s football when they face off in Round 2, with two games at Bennettswood in Rounds 9 and 15.

La Trobe Uni are the final tri-opponent of the 2023 season with a Round 3 visit to Bennettswood, followed by two trips to Bundoora in Rounds 10 and 16, a trip the Men have not made since the undefeated regular season of 2015, where 5 goals from Beluszar and a superstar performance from Paul Baranello saw the Animals record a comfortable 62-point win.

The 2022 Division 4 winners are a different proposition however this year, and will look to emulate South Melbourne who last year completed the double promotion.



Canterbury, Richmond Central, and also freshly-promoted Swinburne Uni will only be met twice this season.

The season will have two league-wide byes built in to it, one for the King’s Birthday weekend on June 10, and a VAFA Representative bye on July 15.

Finals will begin the weekend of September 2, with the Grand Final either Saturday, September 16 or Sunday, September 17.

To see how the full fixture looks, head to our Fixtures and Results tab.

Hopkins moves east for new challenge

It’s been a big couple of months for the Wattle Park Amateurs Football Club off-field, with the official name change recently and yesterday’s unveiling of newly-appointed women’s head coach Mel Dell’Olio.

But on the field in 2022 was rather a different story, especially for the men’s squad, which has gone through its own fair share of changes over the last couple of years after introducing a development thirds side to the already established reserves and seniors. Mixed results across all three teams, specifically with the reserves falling agonisingly short in the 2022 grand final and the seniors missing finals altogether, have provided the club an opportunity to really assess where they’re headed and then set the ball rolling for a successful 2023. 

This means the changes keep coming, with the Animals incredibly pleased to officially welcome new senior men’s head coach Glenn Hopkins to Bennettswood Reserve. 

Hopkins joins the club with the backing of many years both on and off the field, having played for Werribee in the VFL before beginning his coaching journey at the Heathcote Football Club and leading them to premiership glory in just his second season. Since then, he’s been involved in various metro and country clubs, and most recently was the reserves coach of division 1 team Hoppers Crossing in the WRFL. His appointment to Wattle Park AFC is his first foray into coaching a VAFA team and he’s ‘looking forward to working with players who are playing for the right reasons.’ 

His interest in the Animals comes from a friendly suggestion, but shares that after some research and discussion, he found there was a young and emerging playing group to work with. ‘The club’s potential became quite obvious and through the interview process, this was certainly reinforced. Everyone I spoke to was so passionate about their club and where they wanted to be, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the club’s direction.’ More specifically, the opportunity for growth and development was incredibly appealing to Hopkins, as well as being able to build something around the band of more experienced footballers. 

‘Building footy clubs is important to me. I want to be part of a club that continues to be vibrant and progressive, and is highly respected in the community for its values, and is welcoming and inclusive.’ Acknowledging the last couple of years, Hopkins says ‘2022 restored our confidence in footy after being able to complete a full season. Our challenge now is to get back to what footy clubs do best and that’s providing an environment where we can have fun and connect more as a group.’

Hopkins has major on-field goals for 2023, hoping to cultivate a learning culture that engages and interests all players. His focus is on wanting players to build a consistent ‘performance-based attitude’, and fully believes that bringing energy and enthusiasm to every training session and game is key to this. His coaching philosophy is founded on the idea that ‘celebrating every achievement will create a positive feel to everything we do’, noting that the willingness to buy in will be worthwhile.

‘I see this footy club as a blank canvas, and the potential we have is what excites me the most for the years ahead.’

Preseason kicks off on the 14th of November at Bennettswood Reserve for both the men’s and women’s teams, and will continue for five weeks leading up to Christmas on Monday and Wednesday nights. See you there! 

MD'O is ready to go!

If there was one word to describe the Wattle Park Amateurs Football Club’s women’s team since its inception, “rollercoaster” is often one that springs to mind. From their beginning in 2018, it’s no secret the Animals have unfortunately struggled, but with a name change providing the perfect opportunity to start afresh, the side has their fingers crossed they’ve turned the page. Or if things go to plan, started a whole new book, with the signing of a brand-new coach to hopefully kickstart their on-field success, and continue the strong off-field foundations they’ve already built. 

It is with great pleasure that the Club announces Mel Dell’Olio as the women’s head coach for the 2023 season. After a few rocky years, Dell’Olio brings a wealth of experience to a team desperate for some stability and development, having both played and coached football for many years. Nicknamed the “Bull” for always running into tackles on the field, Dell’Olio played for Swinburne University before he made the switch to coaching, having taken the reins of both the men’s reserves and seniors teams until the opportunity came up to coach the women’s side, where he was at the helm for five years. ‘[Coaching women’s footy] was a steep learning curve, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.’

The appeal to coach for the Animals came long before the interview process, with Dell’Olio citing his ‘good rapport with the club when coaching against them’ as one of the reasons he was drawn to Bennettswood Reserve in the first place. But it was an ‘engaging and enthusiastic panel’ speaking of the passion and commitment already present within the women’s team for 2023 that sealed the deal for him. 

‘I strongly believe I can help the team improve. There’s a core group that has stuck together despite results not going their way, and I’m really excited to discover what we can be.’ 

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Dell’Olio is already well aware of how hard it is to get 18 players on the park, let alone 24 on the team sheet. ‘I would love to be able to give players the option to have the week off if they are carrying an injury or need a break to refresh’.

After a year out of the game, Dell’Olio has big plans for 2023, with a huge focus on cultivating an environment for players where they are continually motivated to improve their health, skills and as a team member, at every opportunity. He also believes that ‘celebrating the little wins of your teammates 100% of the time’ is where success on the field and scoreboard is found. 

‘A successful year for me is where we’ve enjoyed our footy and each other’s company, been creative in the way we play that excites and suits us. I want all of us to know we’ve spent the year empowering each other to improve, but also embraced the mistakes and used them as an opportunity for learning.’

Preseason kicks off on the 14th of November at Bennettswood Reserve for both the men’s and women’s teams, and will continue for five weeks leading up to Christmas on Monday and Wednesday nights. See you there! 

Club Statement- Special General Meeting August 9

The committee has been working towards renaming the club to bring us more in line with the community whilst maintaining parts of our history. We would therefore offer our invitation to join us at Bennettswood Pavillion on 9th August for a Special Gneral Meeting, SGM. As per the constitution:

- The SGM is open to all members (current and life) of the club

- No other business shall be brought to this meeting, and if the members wish to bring up further business they are required to get in touch with the Club Secretary (Greg Rollo-Walker) for it to be added to the next general meetings agenda.

- No item will be brought forward at the meeting without a quorum (at least 10 members) being present.

- Members have the right to make themselves heard on the topic

- Vote will be carried out by secret ballot

- 2/3 of the quorum are required to vote in favour for the resolution to be taken forward

The name put forward initially by a sub-committee made up of senior committee and life members, and then approved to move towards an SGM by the current committee is 'Wattle Park Amateurs Football Club'. The name is part of the club’s history. It is unique, no other football club currently carries the name (although we must affirm that the name is legally available to be used). And the wattle forms a part of the Australian psyche, “Under the Southern Cross I stand, sprig of wattle in my hand”.

Thank you for your support as we move forward into this exciting next step for the club we love and support.

Animals turn a profit, announce potential major change at AGM

Emmaus St. Leo’s OCFC are proud to announce that they have left the 2021 season with a profit, something which would have seemed impossible during the last two seasons.

During the pandemic, every community sports club in Victoria has struggled through the last two years, especially the winter sports clubs. So the fact the Animals have ended 2021 in the positive is something both President Glen Davis and Treasurer Paul Baranello are ecstatic about.

Speaking at the AGM, President Davis said the the effort put in by everyone to help achieve the outcome was special, and has set the club up for the future.

Baranello acknowledged that the ability to have some football played in 2021 and an influx of new players for both sides was helpful, it was still a monumental effort the club should be proud of.

Later on it was announced that Development Officer Michael Davis will be stepping down from his role for the 2022 season so that he could focus on his football, as the Animals Senior Men set themselves up for yet another premiership and promotion push. Davis’ duties will be spread around the committee, including some roles landing in the lap of new committee member Lilli Fogarty.

At the end of the meeting, it was announced by President Davis that the club will look in to the potential for a rebrand in the near future. Davis stressed that the decision was far from made, and that several long steps will need to be followed if any change were to be made. He also announced that everyone in the Animals Family will be more than welcome in letting their feelings known about any suggestions.

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.