We welcomed the chooks for the first round of play-offs which meant we had consecutive games against CR's team. A solid performance to ease into the semi-finals, the biggest negative being Dizzy's dislocated collarbone. The visitors also had an even earlier injury and a late out. At this time of year both depth and good luck are vital. Choice of semi-final opponent is the next decision. There werre strong performances from Sam Menegola (119), Daisy Thomas (116), Toby McLean (112), Nic Newman (110) and Josh Dunkley (106). Terrific to see Dan Hann (82) return and make selection more difficult. That plus the possibility of Nat Fyfe, Michaell Hibberd and Bailey Williams being available in the near future was enough to ensure record gross turnover at the Bulls Hit. The club's awards evening will be held after our finals' campaihn finishes. Can confirm that Tom Mitchell won the B&F - and the ORFFA B&F - while Harry Morrison won the RS award. Congrats to you both.
No repeat of the blaze of glory that was 2017. Rather it was a quiet exit with some sadness based on poor selection policy. Thaat does not take anything away from the Misfits' win and, subsequently, their premiership. It had been our choice to play them in the semi-final so no assigning responsibility to anyone else. Cannot even blame chels this time. Overall a pretty good year for the club. We intoduced some new talent (Harry Morrison and Darcy Gillespie), a young favourite came back from injury with a bang (Josh Dunkley), but long term injuries took their toll (Brad Crouch and Aaron Hall). 2019 looks rosy. Albeit there are difficult decisions to be made on two of the inaugurals (Micheal Hibberd and Dan Hannebery). Will Jarrad McVeigh play on (if he does our captain stays). How many of this years' six F/M players will be F eligible next year? Whatt will the LTI list look like in Februarry 2019? What pinot noir to serve at the after match dinners? All looks pretty rosy (and relaxed) from where I sit.
An era ended when Dan Hannebery was traded through an auction. Dan joined the Cows in the inaugural 2012 draft - he was pick #104, a sixth round selection. Others from that draft who remain are Sam Jacobs (#41), Mitch Robinson (#68). Michael Hibberd (#77), Jarrad McVeigh (#176) and Tom Mitchell (#257).* Slowly, the old guard is changing. We thank Dan for his seven seasons of service to the club, including an ORFFA premiership in 2017, and wish him well at the Nuffers. If pick #22 in the 2019 PSD has a career anything like Dan's we will be very happy. * The strange sequence is an artefact of the inaugural draft being in "snake order." The Cows first pick was #5 (Sam Mitchell).
Not the start to the year that was wanted; inaugural draftee (#257) unavailable for the season. So, no Titch - darn. Lst year it was no Brad Crouch, there always seems to be someone missing. That's enough of the self pity. The Cows still plan to be resilient in 2019. A very warm welcome to Zachary Bailey (Brisbane, F/M). Currently the youngest cow (or calf) relegating Harry Morrison to the second youngest squad member. This is likely to change in the 2019 PSD as the first milennials come on board. What do we want to say about Zac? He is quick. He has had a year in the Fagan environment. We are excited to add Zac to the squad.
We say farewell and good luck to: Mason Wood who was pick 33 in the 2014 MSD; Jacob Allison, pick 45 in the 2017 PSD; and Daisy Thomas who we traded in during the 2018 MSD. The PSD starts today and with picks 17, 22, 35 and 71 we hope to find some real talent. Apart from Titch, the list is in very good shape. The best 15 is almost set. An extended licence has been graanted to the Bulls' Hit Tavern for the duration of the draft. In a break from tradition and with todays emphasis on healthy eating, we have replaced the corned silverside with steak tartare and grilled fish. I am picking we won't sell much food, but a lot of alcohol.
The 2019 PSD has finished with midfield depth added to the squad. The draftees warmly welcome are (alphabetically): Willem Drew, Port Adelaide, F/M - pick #33 in the 2016 afl national draft. Willem has had three pre-seasons and two disappointing afl seasons. Loves the inside work and can kick a goal. Harrison Jones, Hawthorn D - pick #7 in the 2017 afl rookie draft. Harry is not a defender, but an inside work horse. Tom Joyce, Brisbane, M - pick #40 in the 2018 afl national draft. Plays inside; has very fast hands and has shown an ability to put the recipient in the clear. Jack Ross, Richmond, M - pick #43 in the 2018 afl national draft. An inside/ouside midfield Jack is quick and has an aggresssive streak. The draftees all enjoyed Robbo's ritual pig hunting introduction and have settled in well. At first glance it seems we drafted guys with similar characteristics. Your initial impression would be right. And they all had reasons for not being seen as overly commercial. The first three had injury concens in 2018, while Jack did not have the exposure of some of his peers. It would be a pleasant surprise if any of the four makes a Cow debut this year, but I would be surprised if at least two don't debut for their afl club.* The mean (median) age dropped to 24.2 (23.4) years. Not bad with Macca (33.9) and Sauce (30.9) lifting those numbers. Constrained expectations on the playing field this year, though we would be disappointed if we did not shake up the eight. *Update: Willem Drew will debut (nice rhyme) in round 1 v Melbourne at the MCG. Congratulations.
Who would have thunked that we* and the cows would be around to enter an eighth season. Not me (nor me). We have been fortunate to have had more highs than lows along the way; let's keep it that way. Apologies to Dave Dobbin. So, 2019. We got it wrong last year, we were too defensive in our thinking. Defensive when success had been based on being attackers. We do not plan to repeat that error in both drafting and selection. We have already been aggressive in recruiting young players. Now to tackle the selection problem (which graeme failed to do in round one). The B&F has not been affected by poor selections - Fyfe and Titch have been amazing and we hope will continue to be when available. 2017 and 2018 Brownlow winners in one side - wow. One year we will be able to put out a midield with the names Fyfe, Titch and B Crouch as the basis. But, back to the theme, a shake-up of the B&F. We want to reward performance: we will still have the best five, but they will not be disadvantaged because the selection committee got it wrong. So without further ado, week one. 5 points - Nat Fyfe (147) - what a champion, on managed minutes 4 points - Nic Newman (134) - has Horse exported another champion, we can only hope 3 points - Willem Drew (103) - stunning debut, more please 2 points - Sam Menegola (101) - hardly noticed he played but then again we never do 1 point - Josh Dunkley (98) - please Bevo more midfield mintes for Josh (and Toby) A comparatively comfortable win away in Wgga Wagga against the Wombats (1159 to 1290). This despite not playing Newy or young Drew. So there is room for an improved score this week at home against last year's champios, the Misfits. The supporters want to see some yuff (and Macca) and we will oblige. Especially given that in 2017 our only loss was against Len's lot in the season opener. We are not superstitious (chels might be) but the same result would be fine. * BTW, graeme and chels are in reality twins who can display scysophrenic tendencies. (Please note: our interntion is not to belittle what can be a serious mental problem.)
What is a win when the plan is not to win and the result is a loss? Some of the older supporters mused this riddle well into the early hours of Monday morning. A win is a win - you score more points on the scoreboard than your opponents, simple. But the plan was to lose - two years ago we won the premiership after losing to the Misfits in round 1. Last year we beat the Misfits and they went on to win ORFFA's coveted crown. So it's simple, lose to the Misfits = win the prize. Show me an old drunk and I'll show you a superstititous person. 5 points - Jeremy McGovern (134) - did not recognise the thin(ish), fit(ish) bloke for a while 4 points - Nat Fyfe (124) - we remain in awe, love the new hairdo 3 points - Aaron Hall (111) - nice work bro, please back it up 2 points - Brad Crouch (104) - so cool to have you back on the track 1 point - Jarrad McVeigh (95) - our superveteran knows how to show up the youngsters Rising Star 3 points - Willem Drew (90) - another big effort from another ginga from down south. B&F Cumulative to date 9 - Nat Fyfe 5 - the Gov 4 - Newy 3 - Willem Drew, Aaron Hall 2 - Sam Manygoala, Brouch 1 - Dunks, Macca
It got pretty somber last night at the Bulls' Hit when Nat Fyfe got concussed. Even Titch was asking how could the cows be so unlucky. Still. there ar 18 more games until the 2019 ORFFA premiership is decided and everyone in the club rededicated themselves to that aim. Some very strong performances this week. The beneifts of a summer of pig hunting were there for all to see in Mitch Robbo's inspired leadership. Reilly O'Brien played his first game since 2016 and his third afl game in all; he might make it tough for Sauce to add to his 198 game total. Sam and Brad trucked along to good affect and Dion was strong inside. Macca injuring his quad was not in the script. A comfortable win against the 'nuffers. It seemed odd to be out on King Street without personal introductions at various doors from Andy. 5 points - Mitch Robinson (131) 4 points - Sam Menegola (115) 3 points - Brad Crouch (114) 2 points - Tom Papley (105) 1 point - Jarrad McVeigh (92)* Rising star 3 points - Willem Drew (36). Not a great game but all part of the learning experience. Pretty sure there will be some copetition for the points this week. B&F Cumulative 9 - Nat Fyfe 6 - Sam Menegola 5 - Jeremy McGovern, Mitch Robinson, Brad Crouch 4 - Nic Newman 3 - Willem Drew, Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Tom Papley 1 - Josh Dunkley RS Cumulative 9 - Willem Drew * Dion Prestia also notched a 92 but chels exercised his right of choice
An injury weakened side coped a beating at home from TiB's Warriors. Not much to say excepet the sarnies and wine were great. There were some positives. Jack Ross (87) made his debut for the club and was as impressive as we had hoped. In the same game Willem Drew also showed why the future is rosy. Ryan Burton (106) consolidated some good form and showed why he is highly rated within the club. Dan Howe (92) played his first game for the year and is a welcome addition ro the side. B&F round 4 5 - Ryan Burton (106) 4 - Brandon Parfitt (98) 3 - Nic Newman (94) 2 - Dan Howe (92) 1 - Jack Ross (87) Rising Star 3 - Jack Ross 2 - Willem Drew B&F Cumulative 9 - Nat Fyfe 7 - Nic Newman 6 - Sam Menegola 5 - Jeremy McGovern, Mitch Robinson, Brad Crouch, Ryan Burton 4 - Brandan Parfitt 3 - Willem Drew, Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Tom Papley, Dan Howe 1 - Josh Dunkley, Jack Ross RS Cumulative 11 - Willem Drew 3 - Jack Ross
A far from memorable round despite claimimg a win over the Commish's rabble. Our inability to select the best available side was again demonstrated with Prestia on the bench and Drew not even selected. Hmmpp. A few other strong performances: Fyfe was back which made a difference and Papley and Crouchy stood up. Despite the burden of public opinion, ROB (90) ensured that Sauce will have to earn his way into the side when he returns from injury. B&F round 5 5 - Dion Prestia (121) 4 - Nat Fyfe (110) 3 - Willem Drew (105) 2 - Tom Papley (104) 1 - Brad Crough (100) Rising Star 3 - Willem Drew (105) 2 - Jack Ross (57) B&F Cumulative 13 - Nat Fyfe 7 - Nic Newman 6 - Sam Menegola, Willem Drew, Brad Crouch 5 - Jeremy McGovern, Mitch Robinson, Ryan Burton, Dion Prestia 4 - Brandan Parfitt, Tom Papley 3 - Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Howe 1 - Josh Dunkley, Jack Ross RS Cumulative 14 - Willem Drew 5 - Jack Ross
Been a bit preoccupied the last few weeks, so some catch ups are in order. Brevity is the sole of wit just a necessity is the mother of invention. We lost a close encounter witth the Vulturess as a result of some poor defence scores. Newy's (57) inury in game when he was flying was bad, but Hibbo (30) being tried as a tagger was just bizarre. Oh, and A Hall might be looking for a new home very soon. The usual suspects seems to be playing on repeat. B&F round 6 5 - Nat Fyfe (128) 4 - Mitch Robinson (125) 3 - Dion Prestia (119) 2 - Jeremy McGovern (111) 1 - Josh Dunkley (93) Rising Star 3 - Jack Ross (89) 2 - Willem Drew (62) B&F Cumulative 18 - Nat Fyfe 9 - Mitch Robinson 8 - Dion Prestia 7 - Nic Newman, Jeremy McGovern 6 - Sam Menegola, Willem Drew, Brad Crouch 5 - Ryan Burton 4 - Brandan Parfitt, Tom Papley 3 - Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Howe 1 - Jack Ross, Josh Dunkley RS Cumulative 16 - Willem Drew 8 - Jack Ross
Finally the side gelled and we posted our best score (1475) of the season to date. That was a bit unfortunate for ant, but still a win is always welcome. Dunks was finally played in his rightful midfield spot (take note please Bevo). ROB showed just why he and Sauce will fight for the Ruck spot. Other strong contributions were made by the Gov (101), Hibbo (97) being played as a D, Sam Menegola (101) and Ryan Burton (97) who both appeared to be sore late in the game - lets hope not. B&F round 7 5 - Josh Dunkley (134) 4 - Nat Fyfe (124) 3 - Reilly O'Brien (123) 2 - Tom Papley (107) 1 - Mitch Robinson (104)* from Toby McLean (104)* Rising Star 3 - Jack Ross (69) 2 - Willem Drew (67) B&F Cumulative 22 - Nat Fyfe 10 - Mitch Robinson 8 - Dion Prestia 7 - Nic Newman, Jeremy McGovern 6 - Sam Menegola, Willem Drew, Brad Crouch, Josh Dunkley, Tom Papley 5 - Ryan Burton 4 - Brandan Parfitt 3 - Reilly O'Brien, Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Howe 1 - Jack Ross, Toby McLean RS Cumulative 18 - Willem Drew 11 - Jack Ross * Chels's decision, which is final
Sad weekend for those who frequent the Bulls Hit; the injury hits just kept on mounting. To be fair, a lot of our spud scores arose from injuries. Hibbo (44), Burton (6), Bailey (-4), Ross (15) all copped what looked like lengthy recovery periods. The result was a bad loss to CR's chooks. Some of the other six injured players might make it onto the park this week. Then there are the six guys who are fit but not being picked. Oh Well (see sig), things only look bad for a short time in cowland. There are others far worse off. Some booming scores were recorded to paper over the cracks. Nat, Mitch and Dunks were excellent again. The remainder who got on the track battled hard and lifetd the spirits of our patrons. Two players have to go for the MSD and, while one is evident, the identity of the other is not yet clear. Three rounds to show if you want to be part of this great franchise.* We still feel we can limp into the 8, and with some fit and refreshed players we can cause some havoc. B&F round 8 5 - Josh Dunkley (136) 4 - Nat Fyfe (133) 3 - Mitch Robinson (119) 2 - Brad Crouch(99) 1 - Brandan Parfitt (93) Rising Star 3 - Willem Drew (59) 2 - Jack Ross (15) B&F Cumulative 26 - Nat Fyfe 13 - Mitch Robinson 11 - Josh Dunkley 8 - Dion Prestia, Brad Crouch 7 - Nic Newman, Jeremy McGovern 6 - Sam Menegola, Willem Drew, Tom Papley 5 - Ryan Burton, Brandan Parfitt 3 - Reilly O'Brien, Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Howe 1 - Jack Ross, Toby McLean RS Cumulative 21 - Willem Drew 13 - Jack Ross * There are a lot of stirring speeches being made by people whose playing days are well behind them, and were not that good anyway.
A strange round. With only 13 players the club and its supporters had come to terms with a loss to Jen and her visiting Lilacs. However, a coach has to make decisions on Friday evening without complete information and things could not have panned out worse for the visitors - rather like the way the glamas managed to lose the FL final last year. Anyways, some stirring performances from those who are not fully appreciated outside the franchise. Newy came back from injury in a different part of Sydney from which he was familiar. The looks and chate between he and Cripps when they were both on the bench were priceless - "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" comes to mind. Brad Crouch performed in the absence of his younger and more admired (not the cows) brother. The Gov just got on with it. Fyfer fyfeed and Dion Dionned. They were the stars but overall a strong team performance for an unlikely W. B&F round 9 5 - Brad Crouch(119) 4 - Nic Newman (118) 3 - Jeremy McGovern (110) 2 - Nat Fyfe (101) 1 - Dion Prestia (93) Rising Star None of our RS eligible guys played this week. B&F Cumulative 28 - Nat Fyfe 13 - Mitch Robinson, Brad Crouch 11 - Josh Dunkley, Nic Newman 10 - Jeremy McGovern 9 - Dion Prestia 6 - Sam Menegola, Willem Drew, Tom Papley 5 - Ryan Burton, Brandan Parfitt 3 - Reilly O'Brien, Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Howe 1 - Jack Ross, Toby McLean RS Cumulative 21 - Willem Drew 13 - Jack Ross
Treading water at this stage and dropped out of the eight for the first time since 2016? If a few come back from injury, rest, lack of form it would be nice to field a full team for the last fixture before the MSD. One definfite de-listing and pretty sure about the second. Also fairly certain who our first pick will be courtesy of holding the LLL's first round pick from pre-PSD trading. BTW, chels is not going to get his big shake up of the squad. The Nat, Josh and Dion show put on another master class and Boo's input was very much appreciated. In case you ask, we are not in the bring back Sauce immediately camp. ROB has been terrific and has brightened the future of "cow rucking" no end. The remainder of the team went through the motions and seemed a bit envious of their colleagues in rehab. B&F round 10 5 - Josh Dunkley (130) 4 - Nat Fyfe (126) 3 - Dion Prestia (112) 2 - Brandan Parfitt (97) 1 - Reilly O'Brien (91) Rising Star None of our RS eligible guys played this week. B&F Cumulative 32 - Nat Fyfe 16 - Josh Dunkley 13 - Mitch Robinson, Brad Crouch 12 - Dion Prestia 11 - Nic Newman 10 - Jeremy McGovern 7 - Brandan Parfitt 6 - Sam Menegola, Willem Drew, Tom Papley 5 - Ryan Burton 4 - Reilly O'Brien 3 - Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Howe 1 - Jack Ross, Toby McLean RS Cumulative 21 - Willem Drew 13 - Jack Ross
The team suffered a close home loss (courtesy of Coniglio's 207) but perversely returned to the eight due to a better, albeit relatively poor, points for total. Late in the last quarter we went close to snatching an unlikely win, but ... it was not be. Too little is being done by too few. We note Darcy (Dizzie) Gardiner's terrific match which will be a constant reminder of his time with the cows. Sadly, he and Oliver Hanrahan (uncapped) are leaving us as we must de-list two players to meet our ORFFA obligations. Good luck guys we will be watching your careers with interest. As we hold Pick #1 in the MSD we know who one of the replacements will likely be - he will add to the shortage of F's next year, but not this year. The other; well, we are hoping to draft a specific player but at pick #11 in a shallow draft - who knows. Nat, Brad, Josh, Brandan, Mitch (102), and Dion (92) had strong performances. The injury cloud lifted a little with the return if Hibberd (84), Burton (67) and McVeigh (45). As we go into the byes Zac Bailey (3 weeks), Sam Menegola (4 weeks), Jack Ross (7 weeks), and Tom Mitchell (out for the season) are the only players who would be unavailable if we played this week. B&F round 11 5 - Nat Fyfe (145) 4 - Brad Crouch (127) 3 - Josh Dunkley (119) 2 - Darcy Gardiner (119) 1 - Brandan Parfitt (104) Rising Star None of our RS eligible guys played this week. B&F Cumulative 37 - Nat Fyfe 19 - Josh Dunkley 17 - Brad Crouch 13 - Mitch Robinson 12 - Dion Prestia 11 - Nic Newman 10 - Jeremy McGovern 8 - Brandan Parfitt 6 - Sam Menegola, Willem Drew, Tom Papley 5 - Ryan Burton 4 - Reilly O'Brien 3 - Aaron Hall 2 - Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Howe, Darcy Gardiner 1 - Jack Ross, Toby McLean RS Cumulative 21 - Willem Drew 13 - Jack Ross
Jeremy Finlayson and Kyle Dunkley can now enjoy the delights of the Bulls Hit and environs. Jeremy was the stand out draftee after an outstanding pre-byes series. He will boost our D strength this year and add to what might be a thin F line next year. He is the first giant drafted by the cows. Bon chance Jeremy. Kyle is the younger brother of Josh. If some of the talent genes have flowed through to him we will have very tasty M line long term. If we are lucky he will play at least one game for Melbourne and gain F (or F/M) status next year. Here is hoping we maintain our moniker of "the luckiest club in ORFFA) is still current. Go get'em young fella.
Reilly has put a small smile on my face; not bad for his 13th game. How many times do I need to explain to the team "only go big when the cows are playing." Shoulda been the ruck for the rest?