ORFFA Round 1 - Non Opening Round opening round round-up

ORFFA Non Opening Round opening round round-up

The ORFFA season got underway with a lot of rounds and then some more rounds. Here’s a (belated) round up.


Dunsborough 1205 d Wineglass Bay 1100

Dunsborough’s off-season recruiting was on show in a first up win over the Packers.

Sheezel (130), Goldstein (64) and Reid (78) all made an impact in their first games for the Beetles, but it was Tom Green (152) who nabbed man of the match status and five Les W votes. Others in three figures were Perkins and the veteran May.

James Worpel’s (112) first game in Packer colours was a success, with only Andrew McGrath (131) scoring more. Cameron, Riccardi and Taylor all topped 90 points but it wasn’t enough to reel in the deficit.


Charlie’s Opening 1219 d Iron Knob 915

Midfield mayhem for the Cave Dwellers, with the usual suspects topping the ton and helping Charlie’s Opening to an easy first round win over the Codpieces.

Bont (126), Zerrett (127), Naicos (135) and Brayshaw (102) all hit three figures, as did Luke Jackson (113) and Jack Buckley (105). The good scoring covered the lack of a ruckman and some down days from Spelunkers’ forwards.

Iron Knob batted a player or two short and will be keen for Jack Macrae to make a return ASAP. Jarrod Witts’ first game with the Codpieces was serviceable (81), as was Colby McKercher’s (88). Young forwards Cadman (72), Rachele (78) and Ugle-Hagan (90) provide hope for the future.


Birdsville 1504 d Cradle Mountain 1316

The Battlers went bang first up and notched up 1504 to defeat a gallant Cradle Mountain in a high scoring match at Birdsville.

There were tons everywhere for both teams – Birdsville were led by Luke Ryan (165) in defence and James Rowbottom (142) in the middle. Beyond that pair, Andrews, Tom De Koning, Moore, Harry McKay and Flanders all scored 100+ in a wonderful performance.

For the Devils, the triple headed ruck trio of Nank (137), Marshall (127) and English (119) all flexed their muscle around the contests, while Steele (119), Heppell (106) and Vlastuin (134) scored well. Ultimately though a misfiring Devils’ forwardline proved the difference between the two teams.


Lovely Banks 1135 d Larrikin Lagoon 994

The Purples got their season off to a winning start thanks mainly to an Issac Heeney masterclass and an even defensive effort.

Heeney’s 136 led the scoring, with the Lilacs’ defence of Stewart, Wilkie, Duncan and Moore all topping 80 points. Recruit Ollie Wines notched 94 in the middle.

The Lefties enjoyed great scores from the erstwhile Noah Anderson (129), recruit Riley Bonner (102) and Xerri (107) in the ruck. Jordon’s 84 in his first game at the Lagoon was also noteworthy, particularly among a generally down day for the Lefties’ forwards.


Gundagai 1311 d Marble Bar 1193

With 10 players scoring more than 80, the Hoppers harnessed an even effort across the field to down the Misfits in their home opener.

Patrick Cripps’ 135 topped Gundagai’s scoring and attracted five votes from the discerning types voting on the Les W medal. Coniglio (113), Powell (118) and Oliver (106) led the remainder of the scoring.

For Marble Bar, evergreen Jeremy Cameron (120) fired up forward, with able support from the likes of Whitfield (118), Kelly (116), Taranto (105) and Aish (102). However Marble Bar’s forwards uncharacteristically struggled – Daniel, Fisher and Hayward all scoring 50 or below.


Mt Beauty 1168 d Wagga Wagga 914

As has so often been the case, a brilliant rucking performance from Big Maxy has led Mt Beauty to a win – this time over the Wombats.

Gawn’s 162 shone like a beacon, with midfielders Petracca (119) and Butters (117) benefitting from his ruck dominance throughout. Of course, when Gawn has no opposition ruckman to contend with – as was the case this week – his path to a big score is that much easier. Brayden Maynard (131) help repel many Wagga attacks.

For the Wombats, LDU (121), Rozee (114) and Setterfield (119) toiled tirelessly around the ball, while Impey and Liberatore scored 93 and 92 respectively.

Alas being three players short was an obstacle too big for Wagga to overcome. Reinforcements will hopefully arrive soon.


Nareewillock 1446 d Venus Bay 1187

A 550+ point performance from the Nuffers’ young midfield has spearheaded Nareewillock to an opening round win at Venus Bay.

Serong (170), Rowell (155), Warner (125) and Gulden (109) ran amok against an undermanned Vultures midfield. Horne-Francis (112), Soldo (125) and Clark (108) also topped 100 to help cover a slightly sputtering forwardline.

Dangerfield (134) led Venus Bay’s efforts, with Houston (114) and Dixon (110) providing support. Young Wanganeen-Milera (101) just keeps getting better and looks likely to be a top drawer half back for years to come.


Waikikamoocow 1126 d Gariwerd 1044

A sturdy defensive effort helped Waikikamoocow to a narrow win over the Cockatoos.

The Waikik’s defensive foursome of Newman (107), Burton (94), McGovern (109) and savvy recruit Mitchell Hinge (109) played a big role in the win, especially given injuries and form issues in the Incorrigibles’ midfield (outside of Josh Dunkley’s 113). As a bonus, Nat Fyfe (103) turned back the clock and might well provide some very handy scoring throughout 2024.

The Cockies’ midfield of Laird (127), M Crouch (114), Miller (137) and young Max Holmes (112) took full advantage of their favourable matchups to record good scores. However not enough of their teammates followed their lead – Farrell’s 105 in defence the next best score, while big Ben King had a game he’d rather forget.

 

Sorry about the delay getting this done. A lot of stuff on

 

Thanks Chris, a couple of impressive first round performances interspersed with a fair slathering of crap, Lefties included.
Is the season nearly over yet?

 

Great write up Chris... at least some teams are up and about, and some others are just shit

I think the Spelunkers might struggle this year, but the first couple of rounds has me a little more optimistic