In a year that seemed to go on forever, the end came quickly on the weekend. SKOB went 3 up 3 down in their games against Old Scotch and it is now season over. But in terms of effort, we couldn’t be more proud of all our teams who fought hard against quality opponents that were simply too good on the day. The Seniors hung on for three quarters but were unable to match it in the last. The Ressies were unlucky, almost getting to the big dance, if not for a few stolen moments. On Sunday, the Saints Gold gave Scotch a six goal headstart and were chasing the game from then on, ending their premiership streak at three but losing no fans in the process.
Cardinals outlast Seniors as Billy breaks 200
A decent sized crowd was on hand to see which team would extend their season by yet another week, although they were made to wait around a while. The Reserves were done by 1:30 and for some folks the break presented a chance for a quick dash to the Elsternwick for a pre game settler, while for the players there was a decent sized warm up as they waited for a 2:30 commencement. Old Scotch seemed to handle this better and were 3 goals to the good inside 10 minutes as those folks who had rushed back from the ‘wick considered returning. There was thankfully no wind of any great note to contend with. Well, no wind that favoured either direction particularly. The way Scotch had started made it look as though Glenhuntly Rd was again the scoring end as it had been last week, but it was not the case and SKOB were able to work their way back into the game methodically. Seeing no need to panic, despite the early blast from Scotch, SKOB found more of the ball and then found Angus Hart on a lead, who kicked their first on 15 minutes. Now with the game on their terms they started to rack up the inside 50s, but the Cardinals defence was proving tough to break down. Ollie Gill kicked one on 24 minutes as SKOB pressed their advantage. It was a quarter where the Cardinals owned the first 10 minutes and SKOB the next 20, but Scotch were 3 goals from 3 scoring shots and SKOB 2 goals from 5 meaning at the first break, the men in red held on to a three point lead.
Periods of momentum were more evenly spread across the next two quarters, with both teams having bursts where they controlled the footy. After giving up the first goal of the quarter, SKOB managed a reply through a beautiful set shot from Olli Gill after he marked on a lead. Between the arcs, it was SKOB who were holding sway, recording more inside 50s than their opponents, but it was Scotch that were better at both intercepting in their defensive half, and then finishing when up forward. Cal Jones was doing a fine job in nullifying the main Scotch interceptor, but the Cardinals found others who were able to pick off the forward entries and repel the SKOB attacks. It was a similar story in the third quarter. Opposition backs were almost playing kick to kick as scoring dried up and back halves dominated. Sam Critchley was proving harder to pass than a Year 12 Physics exam and veteran Billy Coates - in his 200th game no less - was not just giving his midfielders first use of the ball at the stoppages, but doubling back to take intercepts and rebounding back inside 50 for SKOB. The repeat entries finally forced an error and Liam Walters bounced to put his team within 7 points. At 20 minutes, Cal Jones marked at the top of the square and booted one home to make the margin just a point, but Scotch were able to reply immediately and keep a distance on the scoreboard. Another miss late to SKOB saw the teams turn for the final hurdle separated by a solitary kick.
With a grand final spot on the line and the game seemingly anyone’s to grab, the huddle at the last break reflected optimism and excitement for the 30 minutes to come. Ollie Gill with a chance to level that drifted only just wide. Scotch then got one and then another and suddenly, the close margin had ballooned back over 3 goals. The Cardinals were now pressing and SKOB were finding it difficult to get the ball out of their defensive half. Another to Scotch then Jack Darmody soccered one through to give a glimmer of life with 10 minutes left - reducing the margin back to 21 points. With time now against them SKOB had to open up and it exposed them to a late flurry of goals to Scotch and the margin blew out at the finish. The final score not reflective of the closeness of the contest but certainly indicative of Scotch being the better team and worthy winners. Good luck to them in the Grand Final.
It seemed fitting that in his 200th game, Billy Coates was named best afield, who along with other veterans Sam Critchley and Cam Hodges, led the way for for SKOB, with the next generation players Liam Walters, Callum Jones and Liam Gunson showing there is lots to look forward to.
Ressies rub of the green runs wrong way
The Reserves game also saw SKOB taking on Old Scotch. The weather was perfect for football with a swirling but light breeze not really impacting either end and certainly not influencing the result - this would be a fair fight between two very evenly matched teams. Elliot Mahoney was unlucky to miss out on senior selection but came into the twos to bolster their lineup and give them some extra zip. Starting brightly, SKOB were away to the Glenhuntly Rd end with two quick goals to Williams and Bryan before Scotch clicked into gear and responded with 3 of their own. A goal to Pearce on the siren levelled the scores at 19 apiece and the fans in the stands knew they had a game on their hands. The pattern of the game was similar in the second as SKOB held sway early only for Scotch to have the better of the second part of the term. The Cardinals were really starting to get on top as the half time hooter sounded with them 14 points ahead and SKOB with it all to do in the second half.
With the number of fans on SKOB hill swelling, Coach Clough’s boys responded brilliantly - kicking three goals to zip for the quarter and getting on top of their more favoured opponents. Billy Bryan and Elliot Mahoney both shone in the quarter, kicking goals and setting up others as the tempo stepped up. James Jaensch had a shot that narrowly missed on the siren, but the point saw SKOB take the lead by that score into the final change of ends. Jelly snakes were consumed and last instructions imparted as the huddle dispersed.
Scotch were first to goal but then SKOB responded through Elliot Mahoney after some courageous play from Harry Kirkwood who ran with the flight of the ball into imminent danger and knocked the ball over to his team mate for a fine goal assist. SKOB were back in front, but it wouldn’t last, as the rub of the green went right against them. Nick Tonge then had a shot that hit the post and Scotch got another. Luke Mazzeo skidded one through for SKOB but it was all too late and they went down bravely by 15 points. Coach Clough could not have been more proud of his player’s efforts both on the day and all season. He spoke glowingly of their performance and also thanked the terrific support from a number of off field folks who were instrumental in the team’s successful season. With a very young list, the Reserves have shown that they have great potential and we look forward to seeing what they bring in 2025.
Here's our man Yanni's final report
“SKOBS Prelim Thriller: A Season to Be Proud Of”
The anticipation of the game was palpable. There’s nothing quite like a finals atmosphere as the SKOBS boys prepared for the upcoming brawl, aiming to punch their ticket into the 2024 Premier Men’s Reserve Grand Final.
The SKOBS boys entered the game landing the first punch, winning the early contests and showing strong finals intensity. The boys pulled ahead in the opening 10 minutes with two goals snagged by Thomas Williams and Billy Bryan. However, the lead was short-lived, with both teams not giving an inch on the scoreboard. Luckily, William Pearce kicked truly in the latter half of the quarter to leave the score deadlocked.
The second term began with both teams vying for early ascendancy. The ball consistently moved from one end to the other, and the boys, unfortunately, were unable to translate their ball movement into any scoring opportunities. Despite the game turning into a scrappy affair, the SKOBS boys kept the deficit slim and manageable heading into the second half.
Coming out of the major break, the whole team stamped their authority on the game, with the boys really playing their brand of footy. The backline showed its strength, conceding zero goals for the entire quarter. The midfield had outstanding ball movement, setting the boys up to attack the forward half. Billy Bryan, Luke Mazzeo, and Elliot Mahoney scored the crucial goals that pulled the boys ahead into a critical final quarter.
With fatigue setting in, the boys knew they would have to put in a monumental fourth-quarter effort to reach the grand final on Saturday. But as the clock ticked down, it seemed a few of the 50-50 balls and 1-on-1s weren’t going our way, and it felt like much of the momentum was shifting away from the boys. Despite our best effort, we didn’t walk away with the chocolates. However, the boys should be proud of the season they put in. Making the prelim final was considered a huge success. I’m sure the boys will come back hungry to go one better next year.
Best for the twos were Captain Jack Byrne, Elliot Mahoney, Liam Mahoney, Luke Mazzeo, Billy Bryan and Christian Woolrich
Golden run ends for Saints
Sunday came and those SKOB fans looking for a bit of joy - and others just looking to take in fresh air after a late night at the King - descended upon Elsternwick Park for the Grand Final of the Women’s Premier. The Saints Gold were looking at their fourth flag in succession, but Scotch were also looking like the team to beat - having finished just ahead of SKOB on the table at the end of the Home and Away. As it had the day before, the wind stayed mostly away, and would not impact a final, meaning we’d get great conditions for a cracking game. With the sun shining and the pre-game photos snapped, the intros were made and the National anthem sung - it was now time for action.
SKOB had the early inside 50s but Scotch were able to make their first one count, with a mark and goal from their first foray forward. It was soon two and then three to zip as Scotch found a forward target that seemed unstoppable. The Saints looked stunned from this opening blast, but got the game back on their terms in all facets bar the scoreboard. In scenes as bit similar to the Senior Men’s game from the day before, SKOB were finding their inside 50s getting chopped off by some fine intercept marking, then seeing Scotch do real scoreboard damage at the other end.
Coach Tommy called for calm at the first break as the general play was even, SKOB just needed to start converting a few of their chances. Scotch unfortunately had other ideas as they kicked a quick one after the restart, then two more by mid quarter. The game was now almost gone for the Saints as they trailed by a massive 37 points. Up stepped Kate Stanton who kicked a brilliant goal from the boundary to give SKOB some spark. Sarah Cameron then kicked one from almost the same spot and suddenly there was life for the Saints. The half time siren slowed their momentum, but SKOB were at least in with a chance. Alas, Scotch were able to kick a goal immediately after the restart, but two minutes of brilliance from Kate Stanton turned the game on its head. From a 30 point margin, Stanton’s two snaps in 20 seconds of footy brought it back to 18 with plenty of time on the clock. The teams then both had chances but when a shot went through and wasn’t called touched, the Saints probably knew this wasn’t going to be their day.
A final revup as they changed ends gave hope, but it was extinguished immediately as the Scotch match winner did exactly that - kicking a goal within seconds of the re-start and there was no way back. Not even a quick reply from Sarah Cameron after a mark in the goal square could haul this in for the Saints and Scotch went on to a much deserved victory. They certainly had the better players on the day who were the difference between the otherwise two very even sides. For SKOB there were plenty of shining lights, none less than Annabelle Embelton, Kate Stanton, Emily Condon, Sarah Betts, Jessica Joyce and Lauren Suleiman. It was a disappointing finish for the Saints who had another great season but found one better on the day. A sad end for two great retirees in Chaz Stolz and Scarlett Dunnell who have been with the Saints since the start in 2016 and go out with great memories and can look back on stellar careers. The Saints will be hungry again in 2025 and no doubt will return looking to go one better next year.
Many thanks to our great photographers, James Andriske, Philip Betts and Sarah Withers.
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