The semblance of a team was selected for round 4 with some excellent performances recorded. A late out (Callum Sinclair - infected foot) reduced our scoring capacity but not sufficiently to suggest we were unlucky against Chris's inflatable fleet. Had I placed our emergency player (nice to see you back on the track Mason Wood) on the F line instead of the I/C line the resultant total of 1223 would have looked smarter than the 1161 the official record shows. The kids playing in the vfl (Neal-Bullen, Dunkley, Williams, Burton) are going all right, and we see a time not too far away when our supporters will have new heroes to toast. BTW, Ryan Burton (pick #32 in the 2015 PSD) has (i) just signed a contract extension through to the end of 2018, and (ii) scheduled an op to remove plates and screws from 2014 major op on his knee. Contract extension in April after drafting in November - any chance they think young Ryan has some talent? But for now Hall, Fyfe, Hannebery, Harry, Sauce and Macca showed their undoubted class again. Round 4 best and fairest points: Blackhead Cup 5 - Nat Fyfe (141) 4 - D Hannebery (129) 3 - A Hall (114) 2 - H Taylor (104) 1 - S Jacobs (88) Cumulative B&F votes 16 - A Hall 13 - D Hannebery 12 - N Fyfe 9 -T Mitchell 3 - M Robinson 2 - T McLean, H Taylor 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, S Jacobs Aaron is second equal (a point behind GCS teammate GAJ) on 13 points with Nat Fyfe starting to turn heads on the field and leader board after four games in the ORFFA B&F. Rising Star Cup 3 - T McLean (68, 79% TOG) 2 - D Howe (34, 70% TOG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 12 - T Mclean 4 - D Howe 3 - J Dunkley
Pretty flat at training this week. We wish Nat and Ryan (Burton) all the best in their recovery from surgery. We understand there a number of nurses primed to ensure the boys' time at the Puniwhakau Hospital is as memorable as possible. A fine first game from Tom Campbell who was snagged from the FA list at pick 19 (our third pick) in the 2015 PSD. Would love to say we will kick young Tibby's arse big time this weekend. But, we all know when the going gets tough the Dockers - I mean the Cows - have been known to go shopping. Further, I am sure no one wants to hear my views on scaling of SC points. Round 5 best and fairest points: Blackhead Cup 5 - J McGovern (134) 4 - D Hannebery (114) 3 - T Mitchell (113) 2 - H Taylor (105) 1 - T Campbell (104) Cumulative B&F votes 17 - D Hannebery 16 - A Hall 12 - N Fyfe, T Mitchell 5 - J McGovern 4 - H Taylor 3 - M Robinson 2 - T McLean 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, S Jacobs, T Campbell Aaron has slipped to fifth equal on the ORFFA B&F Table. Rising Star Cup 3 - T McLean (103, 84% TOG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 15 - T Mclean 4 - D Howe 3 - J Dunkley Toby sits third on the ORFFA Rising Star points table.
Mixed feelings evident during post-match discussions at the Bulls' Hit Tavern after we managed to extricate ourselves from the Tiki Bar. The Pinot Cup returned to its rightful spot - a pleasing result with 15 on the field but TiB's depleted side being messed up even more by Kane Lambert's injury was sad. However, just as the sombre mood looked like darkening, Roger Daltry's slamming vocal on "Substitute" set the room alight and when the great man led into "I can see for miles" and the late Keith Moon got stuck into the drum kit we thought - life is not all bad. Off to see my mate Andy's mob next week and try to retain the De Brett's Shield - happy days ahead. Great to see a new face on the B&F board in the inspirational Dan Menzel. Mitch Robbo and Sauce both scoring well is a bonus (how hard is Mitch?). Nicky Graham's (101) return to form was most welcome. The silver lining from Nat's injury is that Dan will get the sort of kudos he richly deserves. Toby and Dan Howe beginning to show the sort of form we hope to see for years. Round 6 best and fairest points: Blackhead Cup 5 - D Hannebery (136) 4 - M Robinson (133) 3 - D Menzel (124) 2 - S Jacobs (120) 1 - T Mitchell (103) Cumulative B&F votes 22 - D Hannebery 16 - A Hall 13 - T Mitchell 12 - N Fyfe 5 - J McGovern 4 - H Taylor 7 - M Robinson 3 - D Menzel, S Jacobs 2 - T McLean 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell Dan has climbed to fourth equal on the ORFFA B&F Table. Rising Star Cup 3 - T McLean (74, 77% ToG) 2 - D Howe (65, 83% ToG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 18 - T McLean 6 - D Howe 3 - J Dunkley Toby now sits atop the ORFFA Rising Star points table but will face a real challenge from Dan as the season progresses.
The disappointments that are concomitant with a rebuild continue. Andy's Nuffers nutted us 1253 to 1143. Congrats mate but reckon you got a cheap four points from us - the evidence being the scores in the B&F. Great to see Macca entering into the B&F votes. Two defenders gleaning votes is a good sign in our traditional Achilles's heal. Young Mason Wood's clock run down and subsequent goal was an encouraging sign on his return to the side; perhaps our investment in Mason will pay off. Dan Howe ended Toby's six match domination of the RS category. We hope for more competition among the youngster in whom we invested so heavily. Round 7 best and fairest points: Blackhead Cup 5 - D Hannebery (111) 4 - J McGovern (96) 3 - A Hall (95) 2 - J McVeigh (91) 1 - T Mitchell (86) Cumulative B&F votes 27 - D Hannebery 19 - A Hall 14 - T Mitchell 12 - N Fyfe 9 - J McGovern 7 - M Robinson 4 - H Taylor 3 - D Menzel, S Jacobs 2 - T McLean, J McVeigh 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell Dan continues his climb up the ORFFA B&F Table and is now third equal. Rising Star Cup 3 - D Howe (59, 76% ToG) 2 - T McLean (52, 65% ToG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 20 - T McLean 9 - D Howe 3 - J Dunkley Toby continues to sit atop the ORFFA Rising Star points table with the challenge from Dan increasing.
Like all other teams to date we coped a hiding from CR's Chooks but there was no gloom. A fine debut from Bailey Williams (our sixth 2016 PSD pick at #60), a coming of age by Ben Griffiths, a strong showing from #1 draft pick Dan Howe and another superb display from Dan meant the crowd at the Bulls Hit Tavern were in fine form. "Proper chels" in the current vernacular. Round 8 best and fairest points: Blackhead Cup 5 - D Hannebery (138) 4 - B Griffiths (136) 3 - J McGovern (97) 2 - D Menzel (91) 1 - D Howe (90) Cumulative B&F votes 32 - D Hannebery 19 - A Hall 14 - T Mitchell 12 - N Fyfe, J McGovern 7 - M Robinson 4 - H Taylor, B Griffiths 5 - D Menzel 3 - S Jacobs 2 - T McLean, J McVeigh 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe Dan continues his climb up the ORFFA B&F Table and is now second equal. Rising Star Cup 3 - D Howe (90, 73% ToG) 2 - T McLean (64, 69% ToG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 22 - T McLean 12 - D Howe 3 - J Dunkley Toby continues to sit atop the ORFFA Rising Star points table with the challenge from Dan increasing. Hopefully the afl will start to appreciate the quality of these two guys real soon with RS nominations. Bailey Williams made his debut (as a Cow emergency). For the record he scored 60 (77% ToG). Some have suggested we have a good one in Bailey - would like to think so. A defence based around Bailey, Dan and Jeremy McGovern is something to look forward to for the long term.
Well there was not much to write home about in round 9 and some folk would be depressed about just limping past the 1000 point mark. But we are simple farming folk who accept our lot and look forward to better days. (SnOz we think of as simple farming stock who is seeing better days.) We are used to planting and waiting for the harvest. We just hope the wait is shorter than that of Vincent Lingiari and the Wave Hill workers. Seems like an appropriate reference point the week of dreamtime at the G (thanks Sheeds). Some of our kids got another game and that will stand us in good stead at some stage. For the record our 12 (yes twelve) under 23 year olds by descending age order, and their number of games are T Mitch (48), Mason Wood (11), B Crouch (29), N Graham (21), R O'Brien (0), D Howe (9), ANB (12), Toby Mc (13), Reece McK (0), Dunks (2), Ryan Burton (0) and B Williams (2). All but one of those guys will be around after the MSD and there may well be another under 23 year old, or perhaps two, on the list. Oh, there are another seven under 25 years of age. Our ninth oldest guy Dan Hann was once again inspirational at a time when the injury bugs are biting. After the MSD he will be the eighth oldest guy on the list. Yep, lots to look forward to. We went to Gariwerd, got our arses kicked, came home. Simple. At least we are better than the Warriors (the NZ based NRL mob, not TiB's WSW). Round 9 best and fairest points: Blackhead Cup 5 - D Hannebery (110) 4 - S Jacobs (98) 3 - M Robinson (85) 2 - T Mitchell (82) 1 - A Neal-Bullen (74) Cumulative B&F votes 37 - D Hannebery 19 - A Hall 16 - T Mitchell 12 - N Fyfe, J McGovern 10 - M Robinson 7 - S Jacobs 4 - H Taylor, B Griffiths 5 - D Menzel 2 - T McLean, J McVeigh 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen Dan completed his climb to the top of the ORFFA B&F Table and given the rabble he is playing with will be hard to dislodge. Rising Star Cup 3 - T McLean (56, 72% ToG) 2 - B Williams (54, 78% ToG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 25 - T McLean 12 - D Howe 3 - J Dunkley 2 - B Williams
Not much happening now that General Winter has arrived - just a few winter warmers in front of a roaring fire trying to ensure the nuts don't get burnt. The Bulls Hit Tav was pretty impressed with TMitch's Friday evening performance; albeit most reckon he should do something in the haircut department but not go down the Shane W punch and grow route. Dunk's popularity stepped up a notch during Sunday afternoon drinks. However, most thinking footy watchers seem to agree it is hard to fathom how some of the bloody match committee's work when they refuse to play top quality Cows like Mase Wood, Nico Graham, Bailey W and Howe good is Dan. F'ing imbeciles. Any ways on to the round 10 best and fairest points with two new entrants (about bloody time Hars): Blackhead Cup 5 - T Mitchell (178) 4 - D Hannebery (126) 3 - J McVeigh (116) 2 - R Harwood (95) 1 - J Dunkley (89) Cumulative B&F votes 41 - D Hannebery 21 - T Mitchell 19 - A Hall 12 - N Fyfe, J McGovern 10 - M Robinson 7 - S Jacobs 4 - H Taylor, B Griffiths 5 - D Menzel, J McVeigh 2 - T McLean, R Harwood 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen, J Dunkley Dan remains atop the ORFFA B&F Table. Rising Star Cup 3 - J Dunkley (89, 80% ToG) 2 - T McLean (49, 73% ToG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 12 - D Howe 6 - J Dunkley 2 - B Williams Toby looks well due for a rest this week - good player management which we would applaud. Week 11 should see his lead his lead in the ORFFA RS rankings reduced.
Veni, vidi, vici. Drank the bar dry. I think I explained to Jelly Guy, who being the perfect host did seem interested, my theory about having both a playing ruck and a back up. Probably mentioned the MSD a few times. Some fine performances, but it is a team game. But wasn't it good to see Sauce getting back to his best - you bloody champion. Awards for round 11 and the updates - Blackhead Cup 5 - S Jacobs (150) 4 - T Mitchell (131) 3 - D Hannebery (113) 2 - M Robinson (103) 1 - D Menzel (86) Cumulative B&F votes 44 - D Hannebery 25 - T Mitchell 19 - A Hall 12 - N Fyfe, J McGovern, M Robinson, S Jacobs 6 - D Menzel 5 - J McVeigh 4 - H Taylor, B Griffiths 2 - T McLean, R Harwood 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen, J Dunkley Dan remains atop the ORFFA B&F Table. Rising Star Cup 3 - D Howe (80, 64% ToG) 2 - J Dunkley (43, 71% ToG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 15 - D Howe 8 - J Dunkley 2 - B Williams More time afield would be appreciated by Dan and the Cows' faithful. He is a gem. Best wishes Toby for a quick recovery from the ankle injury.
An unexpected four points against the Devils. Nice to have but the impact on draft picks in this rebuilding phase was severe. Were other sides tanking? We will never know, but we do know that we would never tank - goes against the grain. Round 12 saw some terrific personal performances. Dan Menzel marked the anniversary of his arrival with vintage form that we hope will be oft repeated in the coming years. I am not sure he will be working in the synthetic carpet industry after he retires. The Gov was the Gov and if he moved into the ruck for a few games might be eligible for D/F/R status next season. And on his 30th birthday Harry reminded us why we would be stupid to trade him Blackhead Cup 5 - D Menzel (121) 4 - J McGovern (110) 3 - H Taylor (103) 2 - T Mitchell (98) 1 - D Hannebery (92) Cumulative B&F votes 45 - D Hannebery 27 - T Mitchell 19 - A Hall 16 - J McGovern 12 - N Fyfe, M Robinson, S Jacobs 11 - D Menzel 7 - H Taylor 5 - J McVeigh 4 - B Griffiths 2 - T McLean, R Harwood 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen, J Dunkley Dan slid back to fourth place on the ORFFA B&F Table. Rising Star Cup 3 - D Howe (68, 86% ToG) 2 - J Dunkley (59, 86% ToG) B Williams (44, 72% ToG) warmed the E bench. Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 18 - D Howe 10 - J Dunkley 2 - B Williams Some concern about Toby's injury - now perhaps a bone in the foot. The other three are all products of the club's fantastic 2016 PSD - thanks chels.
The Cows' management team - graeme and chels - decided that they liked the talent they saw in the 2016 MSD. We de-listed three players (Dawson Simpson, Reece McKenzie and Alex Neal-Bullen) and acquired three young replacements in Ciaran Byrne, Kade Stewart and Tom Papley. That brought the number of changes in the player list for the year to nine. Club captain Macca (276 games) is our oldest player at 31 years old and Bailey Williams (5 games) the youngest at a little over 18 and half years. Mean and median age of the playing group is now under 24 years. The rebuild is close to complete. No more excuses; onwards and upwards - a top 15 finish is very achievable! Byrne was an international rookie who is still learning the game and displaying enough to excite the faithful at Princes' Park - albeit that is pretty easy; just ask Melbandy. Stewart (Hawthorn) and Papley (Sydney) are both out of the 2015 rookie draft and each has already played afl footy after being upgraded under the LTI rule. To break into either of those sides from the rookie list speaks volumes of their dedication, ability and (touch wood) potential. In slightly sad news, Mitch was concussed on Saturday and we had to call off the team's annual pig hunting expedition. A few of the younger guys did not seem as upset as they might have. Please be aware guys that such poor reactions count heavily when team selections are being made and 2017 contracts are being renegotiated. BTW, recent sightings of Nat in the coaches area are part of his development not a hint of an early move into coaching.
Some sad news regards a former Cow, graeme: http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-06-30/mckenzie-retires-from-richmond Wishing him all the best.
Sad news indeed Chris. I hope he enjoys playing lower grade footy without the pressure of the afl and can better function in our world.
Very unfortunate to see Ciaran Byrne (our first pick in the MSD) suffer an acl problem in a meaningless practice match. Out for 12 months which could mean he never pulls on the Cows' guernsey. Best of luck with the rehab fella.
The Cows stumbled their way to lucky win over the short of a player Cave Men. Banditto's hospitality again knew no depths so those who made the long trip for this fixture emerged from their temporary subterranean accommodation into a blaze of nausea inducing Monday morning daylight. The trainspotter within the away party noted that we now lead the points against column (16,157) which probably explains our % being less than 100%. The club's rebuild will continue as despite some signs of success injuries are highlighting the lack of depth on the list. As one wag noted "the improvement is gratifying but provides cold comfort to the fans." Blackhead Cup 5 - T Mitchell (121) 4 - S Jacobs (114) 3 - J McGovern (109) 2 - B Crouch (109)* 1 - D Hannebery (106) * Welcome back Brad, sorry to have to favour the Gov on this occasion. Cumulative B&F votes 46 - D Hannebery 32 - T Mitchell 19 - A Hall, J McGovern 16 - S Jacobs 12 - N Fyfe, M Robinson, 11 - D Menzel 7 - H Taylor 5 - J McVeigh 4 - B Griffiths 2 - T McLean, R Harwood, B Crouch 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen^, J Dunkley ^ denotes flicked prior to the MSD. Rising Star Cup 3 - D Howe (84, 76% ToG) 2 - T Papley (65, 63% ToG) Tom made his debut for the Cows and proved an instant hit with the fans. How good is Dan? And when will the afl finally recognise he is the best young player in the comp? Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 21- D Howe 10 - J Dunkley 2 - B Williams, T Papley
Very confused personnel at the Bulls Hit Tavern, thank goodness the pinot did not run out. We tried to tank against Lenny's mob but they tanked better. Don't your guys have any pride mate? Hopefully SnoZ's guys will get the idea - we do not want be in the top 8. We want some decent draft picks. FFS, can I make it any clearer? Blackhead Cup 5 - B Griffiths (132) 4- T Mitchell (116) 3 - B Crouch (112) 2 - S Jacobs (110) 1 - J McGovern (105) Cumulative B&F votes 46 - D Hannebery 36 - T Mitchell 20 - J McGovern 19 - A Hall 18 - S Jacobs 12 - N Fyfe, M Robinson, 11 - D Menzel 9 - B Griffiths 7 - H Taylor 5 - J McVeigh, B Crouch 2 - T McLean, R Harwood, 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen^, J Dunkley ^ denotes flicked prior to the MSD. Rising Star Cup 3 - J Dunkley (99, 79% ToG) 2 - T Papley (71, 78% ToG) FFS, the afl have no idea about performance, Josh was so far ahead of any other RS contender. It is simply embarrassing to see a druggie get a second nomination. Have you flogs got no idea about ability or standards? Obviously not. For years I believed in the Hird myth and I am still being stuffed by it. Almost makes a supporter walk away. Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 21- D Howe 13 - J Dunkley 12 - T Papley 2 - B Williams,
With an injury list that the dogs and the dockers agree is horrific one would have thought the playing group might have dug in. But, with a few honourable exceptions, they made dimma's lads look highly motivated. 132 last week, 40 this week; Ben Griffiths drop and do 50 push ups. Next year as a FA life will be easier, and far less remunerative. Fortunately we can utilise Papp's ditch digging skills to provide a burial plot for the motley couch (?), bag (?) of masquerading as afl players. SnOZ's 'hoppers best us up which just goes to show they at least have some pride. It hurts but we need to place the B&F results on record (bloody hell a first year player in his eighth game in second place): Blackhead Cup 5 - D Menzel (120) 4- J Dunkley (99) 3 - S Jacobs (95) 2 - J McGovern (94) 1 - B Crouch (89) Cumulative B&F votes 46 - D Hannebery 36 - T Mitchell 22 - J McGovern 21 - S Jacobs 19 - A Hall 16 - D Menzel 12 - N Fyfe, M Robinson, 9 - B Griffiths 7 - H Taylor 6 - B Crouch 5 - J McVeigh, J Dunkley 2 - T McLean, R Harwood, 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen^ ^ denotes flicked prior to the MSD (should have bloody flicked a few more!). Rising Star Cup 3 - J Dunkley (99, 82% ToG) 2 - T Papley (38, 71% ToG) Well done Dunks. An example to many. Papps, excellent again showing that rookies can perform. Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 21- D Howe 16 - J Dunkley 14 - T Papley 2 - B Williams
A strange feeling of resignation has descended on the Cows' supporters. No need to try to tank when the lack of fit players is doing that for us. There is some interest in the Zac Dawson plate, or cup, or hubcap, or whatever it is. Mostly I suspect the scanning of injury lists is in the hope that some of the troops might recover sufficiently to play a game or two prior to their extended Xmas holidays. No need to record that we hit what we hope is rock bottom this week. The tantalising prospect of seeing some more of the kids play is what drives us on. The stars of the side produced a few fine performances in stark contrast to the dross served up by those playing out their contracts who are unable to summon enough skill to even get injured so their deficiencies are not exposed. The #bringbackchels movement seems to be strengthening. Blackhead Cup 5 - D Hannebery (144) 4- T Mitchell (100) 3 - B Crouch (92) 2 - J McGovern (87) 1 - J Dunkley (79) Cumulative B&F votes 51 - D Hannebery 40 - T Mitchell 24 - J McGovern 21 - S Jacobs 19 - A Hall 16 - D Menzel 12 - N Fyfe, M Robinson, 9 - B Griffiths, B Crouch 7 - H Taylor 6 - J Dunkley 5 - J McVeigh 2 - T McLean, R Harwood, 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen^ ^ denotes flicked prior to the MSD (clearly we should have bloody flicked a few more!). Rising Star Cup 3 - J Dunkley (79, 82% ToG) 2 - T Papley (35, 72% ToG) Well done again Dunks. Once again ignored by the afl's Piescentric so called experts - muppets. Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 21- D Howe 19 - J Dunkley 16 - T Papley 2 - B Williams
The final round of the ORFFA H&A series saw some of the darkness lifted from the skies above Waikickamoocow. The threat of bringing back chels seems to have worked for now, Though soundly beaten by JC's Battlers there were enough good quality performances to turn upbeat. Special mention to ROB (78) on debut. He turns 21 on August the 20th and hence is not eligible for RS votes. Perhaps too young to be first choice ruck but a great back-up to Sauce. Allied to that some good news from the magoos (might our fourth pick in 2016 PSD make a surprise debut this year?). Anyways, to the business in hand. Blackhead Cup 5 - B Crouch (144) 4 - D Hannebery (136) 3 - H Taylor (129) 2- T Mitchell (123) 1 - J McGovern (96) Cumulative B&F votes 55 - D Hannebery 42 - T Mitchell 24 - J McGovern 21 - S Jacobs 19 - A Hall 16 - D Menzel 14 - B Crouch 12 - N Fyfe, M Robinson 10 - H Taylor 9 - B Griffiths 6 - J Dunkley 5 - J McVeigh 2 - T McLean, R Harwood, 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair, T Campbell, D Howe, A Neal-Bullen^ ^ denotes flicked prior to the MSD (clearly we should have bloody flicked a few more!). Rising Star Cup 3 - T Papley (73, 65% ToG) 2 - J Dunkley (64, 85% ToG) Good stuff guys, there is likely to be more competition for points this week. Cumulative Rising Star votes 28 - T McLean 21- D Howe, J Dunkley 19 - T Papley 2 - B Williams
A lacklustre season ended with an early exit from the Zac Hubcap. Thirteen players could not beat Len's Misfits who even their manager would agree were average. The only talking points being the continued emergence of first year players. Paps and Josh were excellent again and the debut of Ryan Burton put a smile on Cows' fans' faces. So, as always we look to the next season with renewed hope. We hope the injured will be fit and that players will post scores that reflect their ability / potential. Of course when I say we, it is understood that not all the current squad will see the start of the new season in those glorious Hereford colours. A pic of our star midfielder modelling the new home guernsey is posted below. Note, the increased development in his upper body, the stronger legs and, best of all, no residual damage to his left knee(s). Far too early to talk trades or delistments while some of my fellow coaches are still involved in finals' footy. But, if you do wish to start discussions a discrete message will probably be opened.