The club is sad to announce the departure of Harry Taylor, a foundation player of the franchise. The desire to invest in younger players sees Harry depart for the wilds of Gariwerd in exchange for pick 32. Both the average age and the average number of games played are reduced in a (hopefully) calculated gamble to strengthen the midfield.
Just to reassure you all that despite this morning's earthquakes the club is open for training, trading and talent identification. Please be assured that the social club facilities are undamaged and there were no losses in the club's (extensive) wine cellar.
Doing some gardening and looking at the Cows' list - seven birthdays in January - wow, 25% of the current list. Happy birthday Dunks - Jan 9 - and best wishes to Brad Crouch (the 14th), Nic Newman (the 15th), Kade Stewart (the 16th), Micheal Hibberd (the 30th) and both Toby McLean and Ryan Burton on the 31st. Lots of cake to be burnt off in training.
A sad farewell to Callum Sinclair who was a crowd favourite at our home games. Always gave a 100% and never complained. Wish I had met a few more more like him in my life. A victim of yet another Cow's rebuild, hope you do well with the inflatables fella.
Last nights press conference: Me - Welcome to our newest recruit, young Andrew Swallow. Interviewer - Young? He is 29 years old. What happened to the rebuild with young players? Me - It is still on. We needed to strengthen the midfield sufficiently to try to ensure no donuts during the season. Rookies do not provide that assurance. Interviewer - Is it not true you panicked when you saw next year's likely top teams adding mature depth and just mimicked them, albeit badly? Me - Could we have some more merlot up here please? Oh, the microphone was on - damn. Everyone is entitled to their view but here at Waikick we don't panic. We are too laid back for that. Strategy is important. Pre-season is going well. Mitch and the boys have almost cleared the district of wild pigs. The boys are playing some good golf. Nat is surfing to a very high standard. Interviewer - Do you have any idea what you are doing? Me - Is that a question or a statement? Interview ended amongst scenes of mayhem and loud guffaws.
Not sure that interview was accurately transcribed. Have checked the tape and it went more like this: Interviewer (Chris Gayle) - Do you have any idea what you are doing tonight? Me (chels) - Is that a question or a statement? Interviewer - Don't blush Baby.
The Cows enter the 2017 with a little less of a rebuild feel and a little more of a positive attitude about the season. Some of the dross that had cluttered up the list for the last couple of seasons seemed genuinely surprised to have their lazy arses booted out. Harwood, Griffiths and Graham departed with only Harwood being resigned during the PSD. Good luck at your new home at Gariwerd Ryan where your old team mate Harry Taylor also found a home. The draft (surprisingly) went almost to plan. With pick #9 we recruited Sam Menegola who impressed in 2016 after finally getting on the track after a series of injuries. With pick #27 we were able to secure Brandan Parfitt, a rookie who our recruiting staff rate very highly. We have high hopes that he will play quite a few games in 2017. Brandan and Sam join our other Cats' man Dan Menzel and we hope to frequently rack up the points from interchanges between the three of them. Pick #32 secured Tom Barrass who Jeremy McGovern recommended. We were happy to follow the advice of the Gov and look forward to their weagles' form translating into Cows' form. The final pick (#45) secured Jacob Allison with a strong Q background who was recommended by our pig hunting champion Mitch Robinson. The family atmosphere at the club has been further reinforced. We enter the season with a fairly long injury list (Macca, Hibbo, Ciaryn, Brad, Mase, Paps and Tom Campbell). However, the recent recruiting means some stunning talent will grace the Cows' guernsey. If members cannot get excited by Toby, Burto, Kade, Dunks, Paps, Boo and Horse we suggest you see your GP. Squad Statistics Age: mean - 23 years 7 months, median 23 years 6 months Games played: mean 57, median 20.
2017 round 1 is already forgotten. Went to the Marble Bar (you know, lower level of the Sydney Hilton) and found it had closed. Too late to get a full team to the "alternate venue" which apparently was our home ground, so took a pasting. C'est la vie. Out of a total of 883 here are the better scores: Best and Fairest - 5 - Aaron Hall (118) 4 - Tommy Mitchell (116) 3 - Andrew Swallow (109) 2 - Nathan Fyfe (108) 1 - Jeremy McGovern (98) So the guys who ignored my instructions performed quite admirably. Yep 549 of 883. Rising Star - 3 - Brandan Parfitt (44 from 68% ToG) Based on this debut, Brandan will be bona fide afl star. Home again next week; I see an "opening" coming up.
A few seasons ago our PR department coined the moniker "the luckiest team in ORFFA" as we registered another win not because of our competence but because of our opponents lack of competence. Well, whaddukno the good times are back. Thank you Banditto for a massive display of generosity which it is hoped other managers will mimic for the rest of time. Best and Fairest - 5 - Tommy Mitchell (118) 4 - Nat Fyfe (117) 3 - Sauce Jacobs (108) 2 - Ryan Burton (104) 1 - Dan Menzel (94) The cumulative points being Tommy Mitchell (9), Nat Fyfe (6), Aaron Hall (5), Andrew Swallow and Sauce Jacobs (3), Ryan Burton (2), Jeremy McGovern and Dan Menzel (1) Rising Star - 3 - Ryan Burton (104, 92% ToG) 2 - Kade Stewart (41, 76% ToG) 1 - Brandan Parfitt (36, 69% ToG) The cumulative points being Boo (4), Ryan (3) and Kade (2) A terrific performance from Ryan in his fifth AFL game. Ryan was selected at pick 32 in the 2016 PSD. He had outstanding form as a junior and would have gone higher than pick 19 in the 2015 afl national draft had he not suffered an horrific knee injury. Our faith in Ryan's qualities is being rewarded.
The luck continued in round 3 with a sketchy win against a weaker than usual Copieces outfit who then suffered some injuries. Wins against IKC are always treasured so the celebrations were quite lively. Paul Kelly was terrific as always and his more risque version of "Shane Warne" was a treat albeit the detail is a bit sketchy. However, we do recall that while was a bit of deja vu in the performances some of the newbies really shone. Sam Menegola (91) had his debut as a Cow while Newy played his second game after a fine debut in the previous round. Best and Fairest - 5 - Nat Fyfe (113) 4 - Dan Hannerbery (112) 3 - Nic Newman (105) 2 - Tommy Mitchell (103) 1 - Brandan Parfitt (99) The cumulative points being Tommy Mitchell and Nat Fyfe (11), Aaron Hall (5), Dan Hannebery (4), Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow and Sauce Jacobs (3), Ryan Burton (2), Brandan Parfitt, Jeremy McGovern and Dan Menzel (1) Rising Star - 3 - Brandan Parfitt (99, 73% ToG) 2 - Ryan Burton (80, 81% ToG)) The cumulative points being Boo (7), Ryan (5) and Kade (2) Two afl RS nominations in the first three weeks - wow. In his third AFL game Brandan showed why his is so highly rated at the Cows (and the Cats). Boo was selected at pick 27 in the 2017 PSD. He had outstanding form as a junior and was All Australian as a bottom-age player at the 2015 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. But for injury he may well have gone higher than pick 26 in the 2016 afl national draft. We said "Based on this debut, Brandan will be bona fide afl star." Maybe graeme / chels is not such a bad judge after all.
A poorer than aniticpated performance from JC's Battlers saw the Cows ease to a third win of the season. New recruit Sam Menegola showed the sort of form we were hoping for when we invested pick #9 in this years PSD. Some disappointing performances coupled with some strong players returning from injury in the next few weeks could mean the selection meetings are not a case of chose the fit guys and juggle them into a team. We have not had that problem for quite sometime. Kinda looking forward to it - albeit we will await the MRP's ruling on Sam's tackle on Hodge. Best and Fairest - 5 - Sam Menegola (126) 4 - Jeremy McGovern (116) 3 - Aaron Hall (111) 2 - Sam Jacobs (110) 1 - Nat Fyfe (107) The cumulative points - 12 - Nat Fyfe 11 - Tommy Mitchell 8 - Aaron Hall 5 - Sauce Jacobs, Sam Menegola, Jeremy McGovern 4 - Dan Hannebery 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Ryan Burton 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel Rising Star - 3 - Ryan Burton (74, 82% ToG) 2 - Brandan Parfitt (52, 86% ToG) The cumulative points being Boo (9), Ryan (8) and Kade (2)
An interesting round v Lenny's Wombats. Itwas a decent tussle with an interesting sideline - neither side selected a player appearing on Anzac Day so the result was known early. The Cows moved to 4:1. However, the highlight was the return of the pig - aka Hibbo - and B Crouch. In his first game since 2015 the pig scored a superb 124 and bolstered the backline nicely. Brad opened up with a brilliant 118. Great to have these two stalwarts back along with Mase Wood (but mate you need a ton to get a mention). The rest of the midfield peformed admirably and hoovered up the remaining B&F points. Ryan Burton prodcued an other fine game to move into the lead in the RS comp. Best and Fairest - 5 - Tom Mitchell (127) 4 - Nat Fyfe (126) 3 - Michael Hibberd (122) 2 - Brad Crouch (118) 1 - Mitch Robinson (116) The cumulative points - 16 - Nat Fyfe and Tom Mitchell 8 - Aaron Hall 5 - Sauce Jacobs, Sam Menegola, Jeremy McGovern 4 - Dan Hannebery 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow, Michael Hibberd 2 - Ryan Burton, Brad Crouch 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson Rising Star - 3 - Ryan Burton (89, 78% ToG) The cumulative points being Ryan (11), Boo (9) and Kade (2)
A good tussle with Chris's blimps ended in win for the Cows to take us to 5-1 for the season. In a sadisitic twist former club favourite Callum Sinclair showed us what were missing with a best on ground performance at his new home - yet another bad trade. However, there were some good performances from the gov, Titch, Sauce, Dan and Mitch. Fyfer, AHall and Mase Wood asked not be mentioned. Dunks (77) asked me not to mention his 4 straight behinds in the dogs 2 point loss to the plastics. Sad news about Boo's hammy problem - get well soon. Best and Fairest - 5 - Jeremy McGovern (121) 4 - Tom Mitchell (117) 3 - Sam Jacobs (116) 2 - Dan Hannebery (103) 1 - Michael Hibberd (90) The cumulative points - 20 - Tom Mitchell 16 - Nat Fyfe 10 - Jeremy McGovern 8 - Aaron Hall, Sauce Jacobs 6 - Dan Hannebery 5 - Sam Menegola 4 - Michael Hibberd 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Ryan Burton, Brad Crouch 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson Rising Star - 3 - Ryan Burton (66, 78% ToG) Bailey Williams was not selected for the Cows but played his first afl game for the season (46, 71%). The cumulative points being Ryan (14), Boo (9) and Kade (2)
"This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."
They say that practice makes perfect; not practicing picking a side every week for the last couple of years has made the MC sloppy. Sure we won this round to go to 6:1 but the team selected was nowhere near optimal. These guys put their hands up for a game next week - Bailey Williams (93), Aaron Hall (120), Mason Wood (117) and Tom Papley (81) - and they deserve to play. The barracking of the MC at the Bulls Hit Tavern was accurate. Must do better. Notwithstanding the above, there were some good performances. Sauce, Hannebery, Burton, Mitchell, Menegola and Barrass all stood up when asked to perform. I hate to single one guy out, but Ryan Burton continues to astound. Ten afl games, 20 years 3 months old, playing on forwards who are older and stronger. Takes it all in his stride and when someone has to stand up - guess who performs? Wow, just wow. Best and Fairest 5 - Sauce Jacobs (118) 4 - Dan Hannebery (118) 3 - Ryan Burton (112) 2 - Tom Mitchell (108) 1 - Sam Menegola (103) The cumulative points - 22 - Tom Mitchell 16 - Nat Fyfe 13 - Sauce Jacobs 10 - Jeremy McGovern, Dan Hannebery 8 - Aaron Hall 6 - Sam Menegola 5 - Ryan Burton 4 - Michael Hibberd 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Brad Crouch 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (112, 85% ToG) Bailey Williams (93, 79%) was not selected for the Cows - a poor decision. Played his second afl game for the season (and eighth in total) for the reigning premiers. Terrific run, carry and pressure. The cumulative points being Ryan (17), Boo (9) and Kade (2)
The Cows eased past Andy's Nuffers to move the season's total of wins to seven. In a recurring theme the members, while fairly pleased with the performance, questioned why Newy (151) was on the bench while Macca (56) got a start and, similarly, why was Bailey Williams (43) played when Dan Howe (96) who has come into some form was ignored? Fair questions. In a disappointing development the number of injured players is rising. Last week we lost Mitch and Dunks until perhaps ORFFA round 20. Today Macca aggravated his calf / hamstring and will probably be rested until after the byes. Boo is out until mid July with a severe hamstring strain. Cairan Byrne continues rehab from an ACL - we hope to see him before season's end. Best and Fairest 5 - Sauce Jacobs (141) 4 - Tom Mitchell (135) 3 - Dan Hannebery (134) 2 - Michael Hibberd (113) 1 - Aaron Hall (109) The cumulative points - 26 - Tom Mitchell 18 - Sauce Jacobs 16 - Nat Fyfe 13 - Dan Hannebery 10 - Jeremy McGovern, 9 - Aaron Hall 6 - Sam Menegola, Michael Hibberd 5 - Ryan Burton 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Brad Crouch 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (105, 91% ToG) 2 - Bailey Williams (43, 68% TOG) As a result of Bailey's performance the previous week the MC decided to give him his first game of 2017. While West Coast at Domain is a tough gig we were happy with his performance. Burto could not earn a B&F vote but won the plaudits of all Cow supporters - prime beef indeed. In his eleventh afl game he was tagged for the first time - a sign of respect from Fages who probably knows his ability more than most. The cumulative points being Ryan (20), Boo (9), Bailey and Kade (2)
The Cows eased past Jelly Guy's 'goonie rabble in a comfortable win to move the season's total of wins to eight. While team selection was better this week, there were a few poor performances that, with the MSD almost upon us, may lead to a revamp of the side. Terrific outings from TMitch, DanHan and Pig Hibberd; all foundation members of the Cows - gifts that keep on giving. The byes may allow some reinforcement from within the squad with the return of Macca, Boo and Cairan Byrne on the horizon. The composition of the home crowd is changing with our emerging players attracting ae younger group of supporters. There are less florid faces (albeit there is still a lot of red wine sold at the BullsHit Tavern) and more healthy, attractive champagne drinking urbanites who thankfully are experimenting with the outstanding local reds. Thankfully a quick check of the adjoining car parking field indicated that dirty, well used utes and Land (not Range) Rovers are still the preferred mode of transport for our fan base. Best and Fairest 5 - Tom Mitchell (158) 4 - Dan Hannebery (137) 3 - Michael Hibberd (110) 2 - Nat Fyfe (98) 1 - Tom Papley (95) - the coach's choice over Mason Wood The cumulative points - 31 - Tom Mitchell 18 - Sauce Jacobs, Nat Fyfe 17 - Dan Hannebery 10 - Jeremy McGovern 9 - Michael Hibberd, Aaron Hall 6 - Sam Menegola 5 - Ryan Burton 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Brad Crouch 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Tom Papley Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (74, 90% ToG) Form and injuries meant Ryan was the only RS eligible player to earn a gig this week - a bit quieter (which is relative) but still some moments of brilliance that the home crowd loved.
The Cows head into the afl enforced break with a 9 win 1 loss record which, on the face of it, looks like a contented position. However, the margin over the MBU team does not tell the story. Bama's boys turned up three players short and still gave us a hurry up; MBU is an untapped powerhouse who will embarrass some more highly rated teams in the second half of the season. The ugly part of the match was the form of our forwards. The defence was magnificent, the midfield strong, the ruck ok - so there is a base to build on. Our supporters hope management can find some rabbits in the hats available to us. The recent trend at the BullsHit Tavern towards pasta means we will be culling a couple of spuds as they are no longer required. Spitta will exit after a couple of games where he propped up an injury ravaged side. His trade in was in my view a success. When we looked at the guys we could have taken rather than Tom Campbell we deadset . Best to cut our losses and press on. Best and Fairest 5 - Jeremy McGovern (126) 4 - Dan Hannebery (115) 3 - Michael Hibberd (114) 2 - Brad Crouch (110) 1 - Tom Mitchell (105) The cumulative points - 32 - Tom Mitchell 21 - Dan Hannebery 18 - Sauce Jacobs, Nat Fyfe 15 - Jeremy McGovern 12 - Michael Hibberd 9 - Aaron Hall 6 - Sam Menegola 5 - Ryan Burton 4 - Brad Crouch 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Tom Papley Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (57, 87% ToG) The cumulative points being Ryan (26), Boo (9), Bailey and Kade (2) Again Ryan was the only RE eligible player selected this week. The impact he had in a winning Hawthorn outfit was not reflected in his SC points.