NAIDOC week Welcome to Country In the spirit of reconciliation the ORFFA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Gariwerd Cockatoos 1330 def Waikikamoocow Incorrigibles 1222 Djabwurung country provides the spectacular backdrop to this mid table cut-throat clash. As highlighted by Ant, the Cockies lone Australian indigenous rep in Wingard was sidelined but his global indigenous bretheren stepped up to the plate. Miller, Jiath, Hall and Ratagolea all battled admirably and put a fork into a well-done Incorrigible steak. Not a shameful outing for the cows, but a flaccid backline and only 3 tons made for an uphill grind. BOG – Touk “Brownlow smoky” Miller Lovely Banks Lilacs 1149 def Nareewillock Nuffers 902 We celebrate the Wathaurong people as Jen’s mob host the spiraling Nuffers. This was never going to claim “match of the round” billing, but many flocked to see the most unorthodox ruck duel between Chayce Jones and Tom Jonas. Fans were left bewildered and strangely aroused. Some quality indigenous talent on display with the likes of Bolton, Amon, Hill, Long and Powell-Pepper all shining for their respective sides. BOG – Rucking good Tom Jonas Larrikin Lagoon Lefties 885 def by Gundagai Grasshoppers 1532 Kangaroo Island is referred through many indigenous language groups as being the Isle of the Dead and has a mixed history of Aboriginal occupation. However, the language groups of the Narangga, Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Ramindjeri all share connection with the island and thus we acknowledge all these groups in this record-breaking match up. And what a shit show it was. An unprecedented 647 point reaming! Feels deflating just having to type that. Not all doom and gloom for the Lefties with Rankine and Thomas holding their own as indigenous reps with Jack “the enigma” Martin up to his usual antics for the Hoppers. Tons all over the place for the visitors as they seemed to revel in the ankle deep wetlands of the lagoon pockets. BOG – Jordan Dawson Venus Bay Vultures 1189 def by Wineglass Bay Packers 1209 The magic coastline of Boonwurrang country host the battle of the Bays in probably the upset of the round. Fitzy’s crew hoping to tie up a top four spot, came up against the emerging Packers. Not a resounding performance by the visitors but some blue moons helped the cause. Vultures scavenged for points but we’re knee deep in passengers. BOG - Sleevo Mount Beauty Uglies 1389 def Marble Bar Misfits 1356 The winter wonderland of the Waveroo/Jaitmatang lands set the scene for this match of the round. Uglies are strutting at the backend of the season and were put to their paces by the wavering Misfits. The hosts defended well and muscled in the middle thanks to Trac, Walsh and Ellis. Visitors buoyed by McCartin and Laverde heroics but arguably undone by the ebbing orange tide. BOG - Trac (by a whisker) Birdsville Battlers 934 def Iron Knob Codpieces 830 Yarluyandi country hosts another record breaker as both sides slapped each other with a wet trout in a match that barely resembled sport, let alone footy. The codpiece is so rusty now that any protective qualities are long gone, and as expected the boys have abandoned the once cosy groin-nest. No happy days on the horizon either with Scrimshaw and Greenwood succumbing early in the match. The home side smelt blood and delivered a match winning piscatorial slap courtesy of Bazalenka. BOG – Ruck me dead its Gryan Miers Cradle Mountain Devils 1487 def Whitsunday Warriors 1171 Fringed by the lands of the Tommeginne, Toogee, Peerapper and Lairmairrener, connection to Alpine Tasmania is strong through many Aboriginal language groups. This harsh icy environment was too much a culture shock for the visiting Warriors. Dean’s crew had their way across the ground with 8 tons and barely a low light across the board. Warriors spotted at every break huddling in their DIY tropical humidicrib made from an old tarp and a Coleman gas stove. BOG – the man of Steele Nowhere Else Wanderers 1218 def by Charlies Opening Spelunkers 1278 A Tassie smackdown set amongst the rolling hills of Tyerrenotepanner country. A seesawing affair with Ryder and Walters leading the charge for the wanderers, only to be overshadowed by Hodor and his merry men of midfield Troggs in Bont, Zerrett et al. A sickening COP forward line effort by the visitors but scraped together enough to run away with the points. BOG - Hodor Wagga Wagga Wombats 1177 def by Foul Bay Chickens 1400 Wiradjuri country host this do or die match for the stuttering Wombats, desperate to book a finals berth. With nursing home restrictions easing, the Chooks were able to call on a full squad of sundowners to stare down the timid marsupials, “Grandpa Simpson style”. The Goldy/Cegs ruck combo, bluemooned all over the shop and ably fed the clammy hands of Cunners and Libba. Not a train-wreck for the homeside but generally let down by substandard forward craft. BOG – Goldy the Great
Fantastic write up @That KI Guy that understated the impact of Touk and Hall for the cockies. Some encouraging signs from the bobby calves (Cox, Byrnes & Treacy) means veal may be off the menu at the Bulls Hit Tav this week.
Fantastic write up my friend - you’ve embraced the round’s deep & meaningful indigenous background. (......soz for the shellacking)
Very enjoyable and a bit of research went into that. Left me wondering if the Bull's Hit Tavern is on sacred Maori ground.
Love it @That KI Guy Thanks for the write up I think Touk Miller is ineligible for the Brownlow after missing a week by suspension unless you mean the ORFFA equivalent?
Thanks KI. Venus Bay travelling a bit like Richmond at the moment, form dropping off at a crucial time. Hopefully picks back up soon (Venus Bay that is, not Richmond).