Namatjira riot blackens Charlie's Opening Banners were unfurled insulting rival fans, a supporter ran on to the pitch carrying an iron bar, flares were fired straight into the stands, stadium lights were switched off and the exits were locked. As the crowd panicked, people were trampled in the crush and others fell from terraces, witnesses said. Dead and wounded supporters were carried into the teams' locker rooms. These were the scenes on Saturday night at the 18,000-capacity football stadium in Namatjira Avenue, where more than 70 people died and at least 1000 were injured in what was described by one government official as the "biggest disaster in ORFFA's football history". The trouble flared at the end of a match in which the home team Namatjira beat visitors, Tasmanian based Charlie’s Opening, 1236 - 1160 "This is not football. This is a war and people are dying in front of us. There is no movement and no security and no ambulances," Charlie’s Opening player Phil Davis told his club's television channel. "I call for the ORFFA league to be cancelled. This is horrible situation and today can never be forgotten." Witnesses said trouble broke out when Namatjira fans unfurled banners insulting Charlie’s Opening and Namatjira supporters invaded the pitch carrying an iron bar. Visiting fans reacted by pouring on to the pitch and attacking Namatjira players. Namtjira supporters then turned to the terraces to attack Charlie’s Opening supporters. Live television coverage showed home fans running on to the field and chasing Charlie’s Opening players. <img src="http://topnews.in/sports/files/Egypt-Football-Riot.jpg" /> A small group of riot police officers formed a corridor to try to protect the players, but they appeared overwhelmed and fans were still able to kick and punch the players as they fled. Sources said players and some fans were believed to have been trapped inside parts of the stadium, with reports that the perpetrators of the violence had them surrounded. Most of the hundreds of black-uniformed police with helmets and shields stood in lines and did nothing as football fans chased each other, some wielding sharp objects and others hurling sticks and rocks. Angry politicians and sports officials decried a lack of security at the match and blamed the nation's leaders for allowing - or even causing - the tragedy. Deputy Health Minister Dr. Seymour Weiner told state television: "This is unfortunate and deeply saddening. It is the biggest disaster in Australia's football history." Charlie’s Opening goalkeeper Heath Shaw, who was injured when he burnt his mouth on a hot party pie, told the private station paymoregetlessTV that the dead and wounded were being carried into the locker room. "It's over. We've all made a decision that we won't play football any more unless there are more party pies delivered to away matches. We can't think about it." Weiner ordered two helicopters to be sent to Namatjira Avenue to fly out some members of the Charlie’s Opening team and their fans, military sources said. The helicopters would transfer the injured to military hospitals, the sources said. Doctors in four hospitals said the death toll had reached 73, as ambulances continued to ferry in the injured from the stadium. Some of the deaths were the result of being bludgeoned with empty wine casks, the doctors said. A number of policemen were among the dead, a medical source and witnesses said.
Island fracas mars good result for the Opening Star Charlie’s Opening AFL player Heath Shaw and young teammate Josh Hill were detained by police in the tiki bar yesterday. They had allegedly been involved in a fight with a local policeman. Shaw, the Openings' main party pie consumer, and Hill were involved in a scuffle with at least two other people on the island about 55km from the mainland. Pictures obtained from a witness show Shaw and Hill handcuffed and seemingly in distress. The witness claimed both players "are handcuffed with blood over them". The Opening said last night no charges had been laid after the pair were held in custody for about two hours during an after match celebration.the Opening had just won in convincing syle over a flagging Warrior's outfit 1227 - 907 Reports suggested an off-duty policeman and tourist from New Zealand were involved in the incident, with punches being thrown. An Opening spokesman said last night he understood that Shaw had gone to the assistance of his younger teammate, who allegedly had been first provoked by the tourist, believed to be from Ekatahuna.. Shaw joined the Opening for their first season this year in the ORFFA and has played 11 games this season. Hill, 19, from Tasmania, has also played 11 games. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the Island authorities have dealt with the matter and no further action was necessary."
Jack is the Inaugural Pit Boss with consistent season form Keiren Jack today took out the Charlie's OPening Spelunkers Best and Fairest award, with a solid performance over the season. Jack polled 28 votes, in front of team Vice Captain Andrew Swallow on 15 and Joey Montagna on 11. Jack polled consistently throughout the season, registering votes in 11 of the 14 rounds, saluting the judge with a best on ground performance 7 times. His most honourable salute however was rumoured to be behind the Tiki Bar during the clash with the Whitsunday's in which Chelsea Roffey was rumoured to be singing "She's got the Jack" after a close encounter. Jack said after the presentation night "The Opening may need to coinsider an additional sponsor in the coming months, as it is now official, Jack Lives Here" Heath Shaw was said to be too busy consuming Hungry Man pies to care Final votes: 28 : Kieren Jack 15 : Andrew Swallow 11 : Leigh Montagna 10 : Drew Petrie 9 : Stephen Hill 8 : Heath Shaw, Matthew Kreuzer 3 : Sam Reid 2 : Zachary Clarke, Phil Davis, Robin Nahas, Cyril Rioli 1 : Josh Hill, Cale Hooker Round by Round breakdown Round 1 : Cradle Mountain 3 votes : Heath Shaw 2 votes : Matthew Kreuzer 1 vote : Robin Nahas Round 2 : Mawson Base 3 votes : Andrew Swallow 2 votes : Kieren Jack 1 vote : Heath Shaw Round 3 : Iron Knob 3 votes : Kieren Jack 2 votes : Andrew Swallow 1 vote : Drew Petrie Round 4 : Waikickamoocow 3 votes : Kieren Jack 2 votes : Cyril Rioli 1 vote : Robin Nahas Round 5 : Gariwerd 3 votes : Kieren Jack 2 votes : Stephen Hill 1 vote : Sam Reid Round 6 : Birdsville 3 votes : Drew Petrie 2 votes : Leigh Montagna 1 vote : Phil Davis Round 7 : Powlett Plains 3 votes : Kieren Jack 2 votes : Zachary Clarke 1 vote : Phil Davis Round 8 : Far Kew 3 votes : Kieren Jack 2 votes : Andrew Swallow 1 vote : Josh Hill Round 9 : Gundagai 3 votes : Andrew Swallow 2 votes : Sam Reid 1 vote : Heath Shaw Round 10 : Marble Bar 3 votes : Drew Petrie 2 votes : Kieren Jack 1 vote : Heath Shaw Round 11 : Mount Beauty 3 votes : Drew Petrie 2 votes : Stephen Hill 1 vote : Heath Shaw Round 12 : Nunawading 3 votes : Andrew Swallow 2 votes : Kieren Jack 1 vote : Leigh Montagna Round 13 : Namatjira 3 votes : Kieren Jack 2 votes : Leigh Montagna 1 vote : Stephen Hill Round 14 : Whitsundays 3 votes : Leigh Montagna 2 votes : Matthew Kreuzer 1 vote : Kieren Jack Round 15 : Darraweit Guim 3 votes : Kieren Jack 2 votes : Andrew Swallow 1 vote : Heath Shaw Round 14 : Venus Bay 3 votes : Leigh Montagna 2 votes : Stephen Hill 1 vote : Matthew Kreuzer Round 14 : Foul Bay 3 votes : Matthew Kreuzer 2 votes : Stephen Hill 1 vote : Cale Hooker <img src="http://www.cfm-online.com/storage/CFM-awards-2.jpg" />
OK, here is the trading block for my team Off limits: Kieren Jack Mark LeCras Drew Petrie Heath Shaw Andrew Swallow Phil Davis Open to trade but would need to be very good offer: Stephen Hill Cale Hooker Josh JENKINS Daniel MENZEL Eric MacKenzie Leigh Montagna Ben Reid Sam Reid Consider all offers: Nick Haynes Josh Hill Daniel Jackson Matthew JAENSCH Robin Nahas Jesse STRINGER Adam Tomlinson
Changes afoot at The Pit The management at Charlie’s Opening have advised that there have been several deals garnered between the Opening and other ORFFA clubs during the feeding frenzy of Trade Week Charlie’s Opening Contracts and List Manager Synon Daline meet with the media today to announce that Jarrad Grant, Heath Grundy, Matthew Kreuzer, Zachary Clarke and Brent Moloney have all been traded to clubs in exchange for players or draft picks. Kreuzer and Moloney have been traded to Venus Bay as part of the extraordinary list revamp that is happening down at Pippie Beach. Both were said to be excited but nervous that the Manchester City style spending spree happening at Venus Bay would limit their first team opportunities, but were determined to prove their worth. They added a side benefit to moving to the Bay was that they would have more exposure to sunlight than at The Pit and their pasty white complexions should start to see some colour by March. Jon Giles and Terry Milera will join The Spelunkers from Venus Bay. Grant has been shifted off to the much drier climate of Iron Knob. Grant was hoping to stay at The Pit for a bit longer, in a last ditch attempt to get some more calcium onto his skinny boned legs by drinking the mineral heavy cave water. He is however looking forward to his new codpiece, and was heard to be confident of showing the other Iron Knob boys up as the cold temperature made him feel a tad understated. Scott Lycett has joined The Opening in exchange, and is looking forward to re-igniting his career. Clarke is off to Birdsville, where he is going to double as a ruckman and a stand in jockey for the upcoming races. Finding a horse with long enough legs may be a challenge however. Jarred Redden joins Charlie’s Opening in return, and was heard to mutter that from personal experience Clarke will struggle to find the track, let alone a horse to ride. Heath Grundy was courted by no less than 6 clubs, but in the end he felt the lure of the relocated franchise at Larrikin Lagoon. Having been almost killed in the riot at Namatjira Avenue, he said he was looking forward to the aquatic fitness program at the Lagoon, and hoped that there would be some good fishing to be had as well. Shane Savage will join the club in exchange. There are several other deals still being discussed, but Daline mentioned that he was delighted with the signings, and wished the former players all the very best at their new club, but not to expect any favours on their return to The Pit. Heath Shaw was said to be delighted that Moloney had left the club, as it left more party pies for him to gorge on.
Daline keeps ringing the changes at The Pit Charlie’s Opening Contracts and List Manager Synon Daline meet with the media today to announce that Robin Nahas and their First Round Draft Pick (14) have been traded to Mt Beauty and Larrikin Lagoon in exchange for Andrew Mackie and Jack Gunston. Mackie leaves the Uglies due to 'personal reasons', and it is rumoured wife Georgia Clark could not bear to be a WAG for a team known as 'The Uglies' as she is clearly anything but. <img src="http://a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/18/ac2fa879e4ca5b14cc705a5cc69eb5a2/l.jpg" /> Mackie and Clark arriving at The Pit's social club Gunston joins from Larrikin Lagoon, where he was disenchanted with a life spent fishing and water skiing, preferring rock climbing and abseiling as pastimes. The addition of Mackie and Gunston bolsters an already strong squad, with a healthy competition being expected for starting positions in the team, so much so that Heath Shaw has cut down the amount of pies he is eating. "This will conclude our trading for this season, and the boys will get together October 15 for a trip to Arizona to begin a four week altitude based strength and conditioning program." Daline mentioned to a packed media conference. In other news, shares in Patties Pies have dropped at an alarming rate on the back of below average forecasts. Analysts are scratching their heads as to the reasons for the sudden down turn in numbers.
Gunston looking forward to fixing big game jitters at The Pit Charlie’s Opening newest signing Jack Gunston is determined to put the grand final jitters behind him, and work extensively with the coaches at Charlie's Opening to ensure that his normally deadly accuracy remains unaffected in the next big game. Gunston had several chances to put his opponents out of their misery on the weekend but hit the post with 5 minutes to go, allowing the opposition to snatch the win. Goal kicking coaches at The Pit will go straight to work with Gunston, adopting the Sam Newman goalkicking methodology in an effort to ensure greater reliability in pressure situations. <img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.0.843.403/p843x403/418944_409436489119324_949007559_n.jpg" />
Players learning from big game experience Charlie’s Opening players Shane Savage, Sam Reid and Keiren Jack were all grateful for the ability to shine on ORFFA's biggest day on the weekend. Jack's defensive efforts were vital in turning the game around, Sam reid took some massive grabs when the pressure was on and his 50m goal was a highlight. Savage made a valiant but largely inneffective effort in coming in as the sub, but he will be be better for the run
<div class='Quote' style='font: inherit;] After a bit of a hiatus and a thankfully media free footy trip, the Spelunkers are looking forward to a new and improved season this year. The team are currently undergoing a strength and conditioning program at sea level. Given the players play underground this is the equivalent of altitude training for the players, it also gives them a welcome change from their pasty white complexions. The team will continue to be under the leadership of Phil Davis, with the leadership group comprising Davis, Andrew Swallow, Kieren Jack and Ben Reid. The team lines up as follows: Def: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Ben Reid, Andrew Mackie, Eric MacKenzie, Matthew Jaensch, Cale Hooker, Adam Tomlinson (F) Mid: Andrew Swallow, Leigh Montagna, Kieren Jack, Stephen Hill, Shane Savage, Jesse Stringer, Nick Haynes (F), Daniel Jackson Ruck: Jon Giles, Jarrad Redden, Scott Lycett (F), Josh Jenkins Fwd: Drew Petrie, Mark LeCras, Sam Reid, Josh Hill, Jack Gunston, Daniel Menzel, Terry Milera Menzel, Stringer and LeCras are looking forward to coming back into the side after long term injury, although Menzel is not expected back until later this season, if at all.
The Spelunkers have regretfully announced the departure of the following players from their list prior to the draft: Scott Lycett Nick Haynes [span style='font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.3;]Matthew Jaensch Jaensch is to be considered extremely unlucky to be delisted after a respectable performance last season. Jesse Stringer and Adam Tomlinson have been traded to Darraweit Guim in exchange for pick 38. This gives Charlie's Opening picks 30, 38, 48, and 68 in the upcoming draft.
[span style='color: #ff0000;]Spelunkers invest in infrastructure to give visiting clubs and supporters safer passage through the jungle The Spelunkers announced today to a packed media room that not only are they committed to transforming the fortunes of the team on the field, they are committed to investing in The Pit to turn it into a world class facility. Several million dollars will be invested in upgrading the clubs facilities, in a three year plan delivered in multiple stages. Residing in one of Tasmania's most active thermal regions certainly does have it's benefits and The Pit enjoys a prime location at a natural &lsquo;hot spot' - a geothermal spring known as Wanahuckaloogi. For more than a century, people have flocked here to partake in its famous relaxation and medicinal benefits. Stage one of the new developments at The Pit will include channelling some of the thermal waters into two recovery and rehabilitation pools, one for the Spelunkers to use and one for the visiting teams to relax in post game. Early designs of the facility indicate it will look something like this: <img class='ForumImage' src='http://www.taupodebretts.co.nz/sites/default/files/pics/hot-pools-at-night-with-people-swimming.jpg[/img] The other major development in stage one will be the construction of a runway to enable visiting players and supporters to fly in direct to the ground, thereby eliminating the need to bush whack through the jungle as has been done in previous years. The runway will also allow The Spelunkers to save a significant amount of time when travelling to and from opposing teams grounds, further improving recovery times. After the Angus Monfries controversy last year when Gariwerd visited The Pit, concerns has been raised at the likelihood of lasers being aimed at planes on their inbound approach with opposition teams on board. The Spelunkers have made a commitment to all visiting clubs that this is a thing of the past, and that the perpetrators have been arrested and dealt with in true jungle fashion <img class='ForumImage' src='http://www.indiefilm.com/cookbook/encyclopedia/aquaPot.jpg[/img] The Spelunkers are confident that these developments will aid both players and supporters alike, and look forward to the visit of their Tasmanian counterparts for round one later in the year.
The Spelunkers are delighted to welcome the 2012 draft players into The Pit and the lads are keen to start on their pre-season to try and find a way to break into the team. Below is a review of each of the new players and a comment from Charlie's Opening Contracts and List Manager Synon Daline. Joshua Simpson [span style='font-size: 10px;]SImpson relaxing after some kicking drills outside the tradesman's entrance to the Pit [span style='font-size: 10px;] Height : 184 cm Weight: 73 kg Josh is a medium midfielder/forward who is exciting with his natural speed and agility. Dangerous player around goal and very capable overhead for a player of his size. Represented SA in 2011 AFL U18s before returning to his native WA in 2012 where he played 4 matches and averaged 14 disposals and 3 tackles per game. Something you don't know about Josh : Heath Shaw has been the biggest benefactor since Josh has arrived at the club, with Shaw's 10m sprint times, agility and reaction times improving dramatically since Simpson began taking the last party pie of the bench in the change rooms Daline says: Athletically, Josh ticks all the boxes. He has superb speed and agility. His skills are elite and he is super clean by hand. His composure and ability to sell candy to get by an opponent are great. He has great vision and awareness of what's around him and gets himself out of situations most players can't. He really impacts the game with his possessions as has that confidence to back himself to take the game on and break the lines. Marco Paparone Height : 194 cm Weight : 86 kg Marco Paparone is a 193cm tall forward/back with elite endurance. He was a WA representative in the Under 18 Championships, and earned Best and Fairest honours. Paparone was taken with the Club's second selection, Pick No.38 overall, in the 2012 National Draft. Something you don't know about Marco : He has already begun work on improving his kicking, working with Jack Gunston and the reserve players in the F.A.R.K. Academy. In his spare time he pushes mining carts to start to bulk up his frame for the rigours of ORFFA football Daline says: Marco has elite endurance and has the ability to wear down opponents. He's a midfielder/forward who is strong overhead and can get outside well. For a boy of his size, he has excellent athletic attributes. I think Marco is a sleeping giant - he's capable of a lot more than we've seen so far. At the championships he was often able to out-run his opponents, so he really can be damaging toward the end of quarters. I think he can develop into a really dangerous player, provided his kicking improves&rdquo; Liam Picken [span style='font-size: 10px;]Liam just before he took arefreshingdip in the tailings dam at The Pit [span style='font-size: 10px;] Height : 183cm Weight: 83kg Tenacious and unselfish, Liam Picken has emerged as one of the most well respected taggers in the competition. He has established himself as being persistent and determined both on and off the field, transitioning from a mature aged rookie in 2009 (selection 30 overall) to solidifying a position in the Spelunkers 1st team Something you don't know about Liam: Liam comes from a long line of successful miners... his surname is derived from that ancestry, as his forefathers were known to be quick good with the tool of the trade. His great great grandfather was often known to mutter 'I'm going picken' as he got off his bar stool back in the day. Daline says: Liam is aware of the opportunities and professional assistance that The Pit has to offer for developing sportspeople but believes country kids have an ace up their sleeve. He has a great deal of persistence, he will stick at it, give it a go and you never know what can happen. After being shafted at Darraweit.. he has come to realise that just have to persist with what talent you've got... and that's why if you watch Liam Picken play footy, you can tell he's a country boy because he just doesn't give up. He's persistent, you know he's had to work hard to get where he is and won't forget where he's come from. Jackson Thurlow Height: 190cm Weight: 79kg Thurlow is a medium sized defender who reads the play exceptionally well cutting off opposition forward moves and providing a running option on the way out. Averaged 24.6 disposals and 6.6 marks, winning All Australian Under 18 honours in the 2012 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships Something you don't know about Jackson: Jackson is not a traditional Tasmanian lad... he is determined to marry outside his family bloodline, which has caused some of the locals to take an initial dislike to the player. he is confident that over time he will be able to win them over with his skills on the field. Daline says: Thurlow is able to read the play well, as well as providing run out of the backline. Jackson was an All-Australian under-18 this year, he played with Tasmania, he also played with Launceston in the seniors. Being a local lad gives us a massive boost as he can help the out of town players get friendly with some of his sisters and cousins, further boosting the WAG stocks down at the club. (He's a) prolific ball-winner, plays all over the ground, he's a good mark, he's a good size, he can really run well. He'll be a versatile player for us. He's not a key position but he's a good running tall and uses the ball well and makes good decisions.
Charlie's Opening are delighted with the potential in the 2013 squad, and look forward to seeing the players develop over the course of the year. Defence: Heath Shaw, Andrew Mackie, Cale Hooker, Phil Davis, Ben Reid, Eric MacKenzie, Jackson Thurlow Midfield: Kieren Jack, Andrew Swallow, Leigh Montagna, Stephen Hill, Liam Picken, Daniel Jackson, Shane Savage, Joshua Simpson (FWD) Ruck: Jonathan Giles, Jarrad Redden, Josh Jenkins (Fwd) Forward: Marco Paparone (MID), Drew Petrie, Josh Hill, Jack Gunston, Mark LeCras, Terry Milera, Sam Reid, Daniel Menzel Best 15: Defence: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Andrew Mackie, Cale Hooker Midfield: Kieren Jack, Andrew Swallow, Leigh Montagna, Stephen Hill Ruck: Jonathan Giles Forward: Josh Jenkins, Drew Petrie, Mark LeCras, Jack Gunston Interchange: Liam Picken, Daniel Jackson Emergencies: Ben Reid, Eric MacKenzie, Jackson Thurlow, Shane Savage, Joshua Simpson, Marco Paparone, Jarrad Redden, Josh Hill, Terry Milera, Sam Reid, Daniel Menzel Board expectations: The Spelunkers board expects the team to improve on their position from last year, but acknowledge that some of the other clubs have had change of ownership and a much needed injection of funds and enthusiasm. The board will be satisfied with a mid table finish this year. Coach Expectations: The coach expects to put the best team on the park every round, however will be investing a lot of time into the local feeder competition to ensure that his reserve players are getting as many games under their belts as possible. Menzel and LeCras should provide a much needed boost to Petrie, and combined with Jenkins resting in the forward line whilst not on ruck duties, the forward line will present a major threat to opposition's defences. Mackie brings an element of class both into the backline and at the WAG functions, and there are high hopes Stephen Hill will have a break out year in the midfield. Furthermore, the likes of the Reid brothers MacKenzie, Savage, Josh Hill and Milera will be doing their utmost to break into the first team. Supporters Expectations: The supporters look forward eagerly to hosting the Devils for Round 1, they see a lot of hype around a couple of the new signings, but are not convinced they will live up to the expectation that is being put on them. However they are eternally optimistic, and are very excited to see the team run onto the ground for Round 1.
Averages for the players... the boys have grown and a pre-season in the gym has seen the boysbulkup a bit as well as compared to same time last year Average age: 23 years 9 months [span style='font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;]Average height: 190cm Average weight: 88.8kg
Squad Numbers for the 2013 season <table border='0' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='224' style='border-collapse: collapse; width: 168pt;] <col width='112' span='2' style='width: 84pt;[/img] <td style='height: 15pt; width: 84pt;]Name <td style='width: 84pt;]Squad Number <td style='height: 15pt;]Phil Davis <td align='right]1 <td style='height: 15pt;]Mark LeCras <td align='right]2 <td style='height: 15pt;]Ben Reid <td align='right]3 <td style='height: 15pt;]Josh Jenkins <td align='right]4 <td style='height: 15pt;]Andrew Mackie <td align='right]5 <td style='height: 15pt;]Sam Reid <td align='right]6 <td style='height: 15pt;]Cale Hooker <td align='right]7 <td style='height: 15pt;]Terry Milera <td align='right]8 <td style='height: 15pt;]Andrew Swallow <td align='right]9 <td style='height: 15pt;]Daniel MENZEL <td align='right]10 <td style='height: 15pt;]Leigh Montagna <td align='right]11 <td style='height: 15pt;]Joshua Simpson <td align='right]14 <td style='height: 15pt;]Kieren Jack <td align='right]15 <td style='height: 15pt;]Eric MacKenzie <td align='right]16 <td style='height: 15pt;]Jack Gunston <td align='right]19 <td style='height: 15pt;]Drew Petrie <td align='right]20 <td style='height: 15pt;]Shane Savage <td align='right]21 <td style='height: 15pt;]Marco Paparone <td align='right]22 <td style='height: 15pt;]Daniel Jackson <td align='right]23 <td style='height: 15pt;]Jonathan Giles <td align='right]26 <td style='height: 15pt;]Stephen Hill <td align='right]32 <td style='height: 15pt;]Josh Hill <td align='right]33 <td style='height: 15pt;]Jarrad Redden <td align='right]34 <td style='height: 15pt;]Heath Shaw <td align='right]39 <td style='height: 15pt;]Jackson Thurlow <td align='right]40 <td style='height: 15pt;]Liam Picken <td align='right]42
With the title of the best mullet in the world lavished upon him by so many, there is a real danger that Darraweit Guim and talisman Ivan Maric could be given a touch up this weekend in their hit out against Charlie's Opening at The Pit. New starting ruckman Giles will be looking to show Fitzy what he will lose this year after being traded from Venus Bay, and it may well be Maric that is on the receiving end. The Spelunkers have struggled immensely by their own standards under the guidance of the 2[span style='line-height: 0px;]ndin charge camel herder Bandit and will be looking to make amends for a fairly sloppy pre-season with a solid hitout against the Dirigibles, who will field such stars as Maric, Dal Santo, Boyd and first round draft pick Michael Walters. The home side will be heavily reliant on the outstanding talent that is Andrew Swallow, and will be hoping that once again he is on top form. If Heath Shaw can get away from the pie warmer he should be able to influence the game from the backline, and there is a lot of talk that new gun recruits Thurlow, Paparone and Simpson may be given a run. The Spelunkers are looking forward to hosting the blimps; with the after match recovery session sponsored by James Boags bound to be a perfect opportunity for the teams to discuss the season ahead after the game. Preliminary squads: Charlie's Opening Def: Shaw, Davis, Reid, Mackie Mid: Montagna, Swallow, Jack, S. Hill Ruc: Giles Fwd: Petrie, LeCras, Reid, Jenkins Int from: Jackson, Gunston, Hooker, Picken, Milera, Savage, Menzel, MacKenzie, Thurlow, Paparone, Simpson Darraweit Guim: DEF: Rance, Duffield, Frawley, McPharlin MID: Boyd, Dal Santo, Van Berlo, Cunnington RUCK: Maric FWD: Betts, Walker, Edwards, Walters Int from: Vickery, Newnes, Bewick, R Thompson, Hill, Foley, McKenzie, Tyson, Grimes, Harvey
Thanks for the rundown Bandit and looking forward to the hit out. The Dirigbles' squad looks pretty well on the money, bar a couple of possible late changes depending on injuries and/or modified pre-season programs. I'll finalise the squad tomorrow and we can go from there.
Well, after some delay, the results of the practice match hitout between Charlie's Opening and Darraweit Guim will be known later on this evening. Problems and delays were caused by the unexpectedly inclement weather in parts of Melbourne on the weekend, something which delayed scorekeepers t the match properly submitting each player's Supercoach score. The good news is that each of the scorekeepers has now submitted their forms - however, some got rather soaked in the rain and ink has smudged. Darraweit coach Chris88 has volunteered to trawl through the scores and put together a comprehensive report this evening.
After some mad adding up and deciphering of smudged ink on paper the final scores are in and, in a close matchup played under modified conditions, Darraweit Guim won by 19 points - 796 (from 11 players) to 777 (from 11 players). Each team chose to rest a number of stars from the squad to ensure off-season preparations continued in earnest. But ultimately it was a pair of Tigers - the mighty mulleted skipper of Darraweit Guim Ivan Maric (133) and the rejuvenated Titch Edwards (155) that helped the Blimps scrape over the line. The Guim also got able contributions from the usual suspects in Boyd and Dal Santo, as well as encouraging totals from Ben Cunnington, Rory Thompson and draftee Rohan Bewick. Another draftee in Jack Newnes, as well as recruit Brad Hill also showed enough to suggest debuts aren't far away. For the Spelunkers, youngster Jack Gunston led the way with 128 points, while the mighty Kieren Jack also topped the ton (101). Solid scores came from defenders Shaw (71), skipper Phil Davis (84) and the evergreen Andrew Mackie (72). Ruckman Jono Giles continued his fine 2012 form, while Joey Montagna played well in the midfield. Both coaches were happy with the hitout, and most importantly, no injuries were recorded. It is now onto the season proper with high hopes, and with an eye to the return of a number of stars for both teams, including LeCras and Swallow for the Spelunkers, and Walters, Duffield, Foley and Frawley for the Guim. Full scores: Charlie's Opening Shaw 71, Davis 84 , Mackie 72 Montagna 75, Jack 101, Picken 37, Giles76 Petrie 50, Gunston 128, Reid 50, Milera 33, Darraweit Guim: Rance 27, Hill 45, Newnes 42, R Thompson 66 Boyd 97, Dal Santo 75, Cunnington 60 Maric 133 Betts 36, Edwards 155, Bewick 60