Anzac Day round review

Anzac Day round review

The 25th of April 2015 is forever etched in the minds of both of our nations’ people. 110 years ago, and still poignant. The War Cabinet in London issued orders for a landing at what is now known as Anzac Cove. The site was some 2377 kms away from London and its geography unseen by those who ordered the Anzacs (and others) into an ultimately futile assault. The distance is less but the “Cabinet” of the afl seems to be as out of touch with reality / footy supporters as Asquith, Churchill and their colleagues were.[1]


On to the match ups.

Cradle Mountain Devils (1421) v Larrikin Lagoon Lefties (1097)

For the devils DePendleberry (110) provided an amuse-bouche. The three ruckman set up dmandrews fields – Nankervis (106), Marshall (133) and English (100) – was a tasty entrée. The main course was a bit plain save for the magic of Zorko (104) and a Laird (100). Sad to see the aptly named Josh Battle (103) listed as an emergency. Very solid team here.


The Lefties, what can one say? Some former players who were traded out performed. Yes, they won some Premierships a long time ago. One is reminded of an ante room where the batman lounge round waiting to deliver some good news to the generals, but knowing deep down it’s unlikely. “Should we wake up the officers with the news that Perryman managed an 82?’ “Best not.” Snooze. Oh, Xena, sorry Xerri (158) showed that perhaps there is a future. And, yes, you’ll probably put the cows away next time we meet.


Birdsville Battlers (1330) v Wineglass Bay Packers (1381)

JC kept waiting for his beloved battlers to perform some heroics. Your scribe kept checking the battlefield reports for some signs. Then, on the 3rd day some news! BamBam (119) went bang. Then we looked to Sunday for some heroics. Bailey Humphrey (151) turned his form around in a big way. Sam Flanders (82) did enough to allow a segue into the poem by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, “In Flanders Fields”, which is recognised as the origin of the poppy as a memorial symbol for soldiers who died in battle. Bailey Sniff (120) was his normal pleasant self. TdK (135) enjoyed the lack of ruck opposition. Then it was the turn of H McKay (130). Great Sunday JC.

Darcy Cameron (125) was as consistent as ever for the Packers, as were Josh Daicos (106) and Callum Wilkie (101). Then L Ash (140) continued his rich vein of form. Teammate Finn Callaghan (116) was another whose form had been patchy at best before this game. Noble (106) is another enjoying the Q weather. Hewett (103) was everywhere, while Worpel (104) was good but against a weak side. The Packers back division is strong and is providing a solid base for some good results. Albeit, the rations are a bit thin among the forwards.


Gundagai Grasshoppers (1363) v Lovely Banks Lilacs (1046)

‘Hopper Rankine (120) began what I assumed would be a scoring bombardment. Neale (139) predictably chimed in along with his mate the Scottish suitcase (108). Then it was the turn of Crippa (104) to fire. And then Newcombe (100) followed by some good, not great scores. Simon sometimes complains that I do not treat the ‘hoppers with enough respect. So, I won’t say anymore. Except to note, and he is probably more aware of this than anyone, the ‘hoppers need to lift if theyare going to continue to play a big role in the finals.


Special shout out to Lilac’s favourite Shai Bolton (102) who appears to be relishing his new clean cut team mates and environment. Isaac Heeney () was happy on the Gold Coast, his flowing blonde locks would not be out of place out the back of a local break. However, a late left leg problem is concerning. Good to see the medical team seem to have Ollie Wines’ (99) heart arrythmia under control. The absence of a consistent playing ruck division is a recurring problem that is not easy for Jen (or anyone) to solve. As is a growing injury list – let’s hope they are short term problems not majors.


Venus Bay Vultures (1053) v Charlies Opening Spelunkers (1468)

Fitzy’s rebuild means some wounds have to be endured in the short term. Ironically, it was two of his elder statesmen who added some firepower to his side. Oscar McInerney (113) and Jeremy Howe (126) who dined out on the carcass of the dons. Surprise packet Paul Curtis (106) has well and truly earned his stripes. Disappointing to see so few of Fitzy’s 2025 draft haul on the field

N Daicos (125) enjoyed his late lunch on Anzac Day. Other cavemen who gorged themselves to a degree I would describe as “almost replete”, included Brayshaw (157), the Bont (128 – subbed out, if you don’t mind). Sean Darcy (99) looks like a good score but it masks Wardlaw (120) left on the bench. Youngster Riley Bice (101) was one of the few sparks for the swans. Meek (161) was anything but. Oh, and … yawn .. after 33 years L’Pool have now won two premierships.


Nareewillock Nuffers (1188) v Waikickamoocow Incorrigibles (1082)

Clark (114) and Caleb Serong (108) were the first Nuffers to shine (BTW, what the heck is a “Nuffer?” Can they actually “shine?”). JHF (111) bared his teeth through a mouth guard that looked like a souvenir from his former club. The Chad (121) with a new two-year contract tucked away in his back pocket returned to form. And Rhylee West (69) provided 35 points as an OOP ruckman. Four of that species on the books, all drawing salaries and not one on the field. Nuffing until that is sorted out.

For the cows Rivers (115) is loving the flowing game plan at his new home. Another recruit from the spelunkers – Zac Bailey (119) – is having perhaps his best season. Dunkley (100) was sound, Typhoon Treacy (107) barnstormed his way to another ton. And a special mention of an event as rare as a blue moon – a century from ROB (108), you still got it big fella. Reckon thekidsarealright (shout out to Pete Townshend).


Wagga Wagga Wombats (1141) v Mount Beauty Uglies (1514)

Wombat Ridley (101) was one of the few dons who performed on Anzac Day. The very next day LDU (114), Rozee (118) and Libba (125) made sure bama knew he had a fight on his hands; a brave counter-attack but ultimately doomed against a tough opponent. How appropriate for Anzac Round. The absence of a ruckman is hurting some teams – Lenny’s guys are no exception. Lots of potential in the squad but some are not playing up to theirs. Posted a score that would have won a number of match-ups, but not this one.


Big Maxy (174), Salem (110), and Petracca (129) endorsed Magistrate Melissa Humphreys curfew ruling. Fellow ugly Young (103) kept the scoreboard ticking over. Then Butters (162) went over the top. Daniel Rioli (103) followed up a slow first quarter with three good one. Depth everywhere as can be seen by emergencies who were needed Stanley (77) and Zurhaar (77). Can say even now that bama’s Uglies will be firing shots come finals.


Iron Knob Codpieces (1041) v Gariwerd Cockatoos (1151)

The Codpieces threatened to score big early on with Sinclair (99), Soligo (91), Thilthorpe (85) and Zach Reid (90) all almost dominating, but not quite. Jarrod Witts (125) followed the script with yet another big score from a ruckman. Sadly, there was a lack of action from the big names. Macrae (77) and de Goey (64) were especially disappointing for the lippy Churchboy.

Bowey (132) got the cockies off to a fast start. Durham (100) was serviceable as always. The Germanic sounding Willem Drew (113) was excellent in his tagging role. As always Touk (101) contributed. The difference in this match-up was the consistency with which the cockies scored. Not great scores but Crouch (78), Kade Chandler (97), and Jason McInerney (78) kept the scoreboard ticking over. And ultimately that was enough for ant’s mob.


Junee Jaguars (1142) v Dunsborough Dung Beetles (1157)

Len’s mixture of current and former Giants now grace the battlefield where the late, lamented TiB earned his stripes. Ina reward for Len’s patience there was a brave showing from Whitfield (104) – crickey he is 30 years old, how time flies. Then on Sunday, in again out again Flynn (105) rewarded his new found legion of fans. In between some cameos from the likes of Taranto (95), Cameron (92) and Daniel (89). The jaguars were so very near a big total. A disappointing game from swan Will Hayward (12) might have been the difference between a L and a W.


May (104) Beetle suggested that cleaner pastures might be ahead. Sheezel (135) scouted a way forward for the little creatures, and young Joel Freijah (114) followed his lead. Matt Roberts (117) has been a revelation through the back end of 2024 and this year. Gosh, I was just praising Tracey’s defenders – have a look at these beauties! Tom Powell (101) showed what a few years in the system (even Norfs!) can do. It’s going to get tougher Cursing without all those early draft picks!



[1] The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the website or its owner(s).

 

Hahahahaha ! Thanks Graeme, awesome stuff !
(( Don't be a HH ~ Hopper Hater ))