Cracking day for footy and netball at Maher Oval on Saturday to take on the Bulldogs. Some mixed results, with the senior sides of both codes saluting on the day. Well done to all the award winners.
Next Game: Round 14 v Griffith at the Kindra ‘Koliseum’ on Saturday 27 July.
FOOTY
First Grade:
Very open game of footy early with the play going from end to end, the two sides trading goals right through the first quarter, and nothing in it at quarter time. In the second term it was Turvey who skipped away at one point to a 16 point lead on the back of some sharp shooting, before the Hoppers clawed back to within 3 points at half time (53-56). The long break provided the opportunity for the boys to re-group, and after some clear half time coach instructions, the boys launched into the second half with a game built on slick movement, cleaner hands and defensive pressure, outscoring the Bulldogs 9-5 to 3-8 in the second half to run out five goal winners.
For the Hoppers, BJ Glyde continued his excellent recent form and picked up an award for the third consecutive week, dominating with his defensive pressure all around the ground, linking up brilliantly at times with handball going forward, and rewarded for his efforts with four goals. Bay Leary was super impressive on debut with his composure and support play, getting plenty of it early and adapting well to the speed of the game in his first senior hit out. Mitch Stibbard, meanwhile, another cracking young Hopper on debut, was just as good off the footy supporting team mates with shepherds and blocks, as he was with it through pin point kicks and sharp handball. Both of these young Hoppers proved they weren’t out of place in the top grade.
Other notables included Jake Barrett, who was unstoppable when moved into the middle after starting forward; Joe Redfern who put in an alpha performance at half forward whether it was dominating with defence or nailing goals from anywhere; Nick Pleming, whose leadership and experience through the midfield really lifts his team mates around him; Max Hillier, who is dead set beginning to embarrass blokes with his skills and fitness; and Josh Buchanan, who just keeps getting better at reading the play and finding himself in the right spot, all the time. Special mention to Jerry Maslin for his four goals in three quarters of a game.
Hoppers 17-10-112 defeated Turvey Park 12-10-82
Goal Kickers: J. Maslin 4, B. Glyde 4, J. Redfern 3, M. McGowan 2, M. Hillier, J. Barrett, B. Leary, B. Edyvean
Notable Mentions: J. Barrett, J. Redfern, N. Pleming, B. Glyde, J. Buchanan, M. Hillier
Award Winners: BJ Glyde (Commercial Club), Bay Leary & Mitch Stibbard (Bottom Pub)
Reserve Grade:
The Magoos got knocked down a cog. It’s near impossible to stay up all season and the Ressies experienced their first blip in several weeks when overcome by an enthusiastic Bulldogs outfit. While there was nothing in the game at half time, the Bulldogs came out after the long break and broke the game open, getting out to a four goal lead by three quarter time and managing to hang on in the closing stages. While the boys were very disappointed about the result, they weren’t disgraced, and will take plenty from a game they felt got away from them when it mattered.
Ryan Maslin continued his excellent form of recent weeks to pick up the Commercial Club award, willing himself to every contest and right across the ground. Mazzo is starting to come into decent fitness now on the back of just pushing himself every week and things look real bright for how crucial he will be for the Magoos when the whips are cracking at the end of next month. Ho Leary picked up the New Coolamon Hotel award for another spirited effort, putting in at the last minute of the game the same as he did for the first minute, just a super reliable contributor every week. Meanwhile Lach Pleming, who is clearly enjoying his footy again, picked up the third award for his running and linking efforts all day, and who will have a massive role for the Magoos for the rest of the season.
Hoppers 9-6-60 defeated by Turvey Park 12-10-82
Goal Kickers: R. Maslin 3, A. Carroll 2, T. Besgrove, A. Gain, H. Petty, L. Pleming
Notable Mentions: R. Maslin, H. Leary, T. Owens, L. Pleming, A. Shaw, D. Frame
Award Winners: Ryan Maslin (Commercial Club), Ho Leary & Lach Pleming (Bottom Pub)
Under 17s:
Taking on Turvey Park these past few years in U17s has been daunting. Loaded with quality juniors, they usually have about ten on the bench and some serious talent missing out altogether. If the Hoppers get within a few kicks, it’s been a massive effort. Couple that with a couple of serious ball winners making their senior debut later in the day and the late loss of Nick Buchanan also to the top grade, it was always going to be a massive test.
But this game was much closer than the score suggests. The young Hoppers were right in it into the final term, gutsing their way to every contest, every tackle, every stoppage and running their butt off in between. In the end the boys could've even considered it one that got away, but Turvey’s superior structure probably saved them some legs a bit and our boys let in a few late goals on the back of fatigue on a big ground. They can hold their heads up and know they’ll get another opportunity if they’re good enough come finals time.
Lach Crawford was massive for the Hoppers picking up the first award, getting huge game time and just running himself to a standstill. Godfrey O found his running game again and was inspirational with the footy, while Marly ‘Welcome to Coolamon’ McGregor showed some touches of class in his Club debut and will only be better for his first southern run.
Hoppers 6-11-47 defeated by Turvey Park 11-9-75
Goal Kickers: L. Crawford 2, J. Manley 2, M. McGregor, D. Mackay
Notable Mentions: L. Crawford, G. Okerenyang, M. McGregor, H. Allen, D. Mackay, J. Foster
Award Winners: Lach Crawford, Godfrey Okerenyang, Marly McGregor
NETBALL
A sensational win and a few losses for the Hopperettes.
A Grade:
A Grade made a statement to the competition with the scale of their defeat over the Bulldogs, a confidence boosting win leading into a crunch match against the Swans at home this week.
Hoppers 61 defeated Turvey Park 20
Awards
Lilly Buchanan - dynamic display of sensational shooting which left the opposition with no answers.
Sarah Hooper - moved in and around her opponents as if they were standing still. Spectacular shooting certainly secured a great win.
A-Reserve:
Hoppers 16 defeated by Turvey Park 52
Awards:
Ebony Worland - displayed sensational resilience and determination in a battle in the circle not for the faint-hearted.
Molly Sloan - Sharp Shooting Sloan moving around the defence like she owned the circle.
B Grade:
Hoppers 29 defeated by Turvey Park 49
Award:
Monique McKinley - relentless in her attacking of the ball all game. Gutsy ever reliable and goes until the final bell.
Amy Collins - destructive defensive display against Turvey shooters and Sophie Winter - ran a marathon all over the court taking some gutsy intercepts, also excellent contributors.
C Grade:
Hoppers 18 defeated by Turvey Park 31
Awards:
Sarah Frame - showed her versatility as a sharp shooter and dynamic defender as well.
Flynn Buttifant - ever reliable and hard working all over the court.
Under 17s:
Hoppers 18 defeated by Turvey Park 38
Awards:
Steph Doyle - terrific in the goal circle working hard against some tough talk defenders.
Mackenzie Mitchell - shot like a champion, slotting hard shots in easy.
Go Hoppers!