After an awful couple of weeks beset by injury, suspension and late inclusion controversies, the Darraweit Guim Dirigibles are hopeful of a much improved performance in Round 3 of the 2013 ORFFA season. The Blimps welcome the Lefties to town, and have made a couple of changes to the team that so ingloriously failed to crack 1000 against Birdsville last week. <div class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody] Rance, Frawley, Duffield, McPharlin Dal Santo, Hill, Cunnington, Newnes Maric Walters, Vickery, Walker, Edwards Bewick, Van Berlo In - McPharlin, Frawley Out - Thompson and Grimes Coach Chris88 and captain Mullet Maric have thrown down the challenge to the side to rise up, recover from last week's embarrassment and play for the jumper, for pride (and for the club's many fans who are expected to make the trek to The Paddock this weekend). Again, the Dirigibles are unable to consider a number of first choice players - Boyd, Betts, Foley, Harvey, McKenzie, Tomlinson and Tyson. Grimes was brought back in prematurely from 9 months injury last week and has been demoted to the reserves to build some fitness. Rory Thompson also makes way as two seasoned defenders in Frawley and McPharlin return. Apart from the 6 injured/suspended players and Grimes, youngster Jesse Stringer is knocking on the door of selection, which is good news. Coach Chris88 is also casting a keen eye over a number of potential free agent pick-ups for the mid-year draft, with indications given that a number of big name senior players will be up for trade at mid year and at season's end. Meanwhile, supporters and team alike stare at visions of a first choice team along the lines of: Rance, Duffield, Frawley, McKenzie Boyd, Foley, Dal Santo, Cunnington Maric Betts, Walker, Edwards, Harvey Van Berlo, Walters and hope that it becomes a reality at some stage during 2013
Darraweit Guim players have been given the say off training after celebrations continued well into the night following the team's narrow Round 3 victory over the Larrikin Lagoon Lefties. The win, which coach Chris88 described as one of the finest in the team's short history, saw the Guim mount an unlikely comeback after a disastrous first couple of quarters in which defender Luke McPharlin and young midfielder Jack Newnes were subbed out injured having scored only 0 and 15 respectively. In addition, defender James Frawley endured a nightmare, scoring only 23. However, some stirring words from captain Ivan Maric at half time inspired the Dirigibles, who stormed back into the game on the backs of Andrew Walker, Rohan Bewick, Alex Rance, Shane Edwards and Maric himself. Young midfielder Brad Hill and veteran Nathan Van Berlo held their own late, and did enough (despite Van Berlo's injury) to notch up a win. 'Look, this year so far has been trying, with a number of our first choice players going down hurt,' said Chris88. 'We'd love to have Boyd, Foley, McKenzie, Harvey, Betts and Tyson in the side, but in their absence our youngsters have stepped up, tried their best and we've produced some encouraging results.' Maric also paid tribute to Nick Dal Santo and Ben Cunnington - the latter playing his best ever game for Darraweit Guim after arriving in a trade last season. Chris88 remained unsure if any of the injured players will return to the field next week, while Newnes, McPharlin and Van Berlo will be monitored during the week to see if they are fit. Meanwhile, Dylan Grimes and Rory Thompson remain close to selection if the need arises.
A gutsy, hard-fought win for sure Chris. Mr Hill certainly turned it up to un-repay the faith Would seem a clever move from your ground staff to heavily water down the field prior to the game. Although well accustomed to the soggy surfaces at the Lagoon, our mid fielders are acclimatised to the brackish waters of our patch. The heavily chlorinated 'town water' of the Guim had our boys wringing their eyes and itching their nether regions. Some of the group thought they might have picked up a dose of the 'Whitsunday Wahoo' , but alas no that will likely happen this weekend with the Warriors blowing into town. Fortunately our esteemed sports scientist has mixed up a heady brew of 5% calf blood and 95% concrete, to ensure our mob can harden the %#$@ up!
I think we're just going to empty the contents of the local pool over The Paddock for our next home game - seems to be the preferred method of ground watering gravenger. It was a really good match-up as well. Best of luck for Round 4
After a distinctly poor effort against a fired up Nunawading squad, Darraweit Guim sit 2-2 on the ORFFA ladder after four rounds and are really struggling to keep up with the main pack. Andrew Walker and big Ivan Maric again led the way this week, and seemingly already have a lock on the first two spots in the Guim's best and fairest vote. But all this will soon be forgotten as Round 5 looms, and the massive grudge match between Darraweit Guim and Lovely Banks finally arrives. Both teams have had this match circled on their calendars for a number of weeks, with the boys from down Geelong way hitting their straps in an impressive performance (albeit a losing one) against the all conquering Iron Knob on the weekend. And while the Lilacs gain in strength and regain personnel, Darraweit is still scrambling to field a full team, with hopes that perhaps Eddie Betts and Trent McKenzie might return this week. Ben Cunnington has been instructed to stay out of Majak Daw's way this weekend, with neither team wanting a repeat of last week's sickening head clash. To the winner go the spoils, to the loser goes the vacuuming.
Dirigibles Update Despite their best performance of the year, Darraweit Guim suffered a narrow loss to the Wagga Wagga Wombats at The Paddock on the weekend. The club now sits 3-3 on the ORFFA ladder, but has a tough slate of games to come. Luckily it is approaching full strength for the first time this year, with Nathan Foley and Brent Harvey almost ready to return. However concerns now hover over skipper Ivan Maric, who has tweaked his ankle and may not play this weekend. This would force the Blimps into an unenviable position of having to play a player OOP in the ruck, as Maric is without back-up. Andrew Walker continues his stellar form, while Eddie Betts made a welcome return this week as well. But the Blimps were left ruing a rare shocker from Nick Dal Santo, and the subbing out of Ty Vickery with an injury. Decent scores from these two players would have resulted in an unexpected win against the high flying Wombats of Wagga Wagga. Brent Harvey will push for selection this week in a bid to create the ORFFA's shortest forward line - Harvey, Betts, Shane Edwards and Michael Walters. Jack Newnes' good form could also be rewarded, while Rory Thompson continues to push for selection down back. Meanwhile trade rumours continue to swirl around the Paddock, with three names - Harvey, Dal Santo and Luke McPharlin - being mentioned in dispatches as trade bait during the upcoming mid-season draft and trade period.
He's been solid without being spectacular this year Ant - always has a couple of utter shockers each year it seems (I remember a couple of 40s last year which were hideous) but generally speaking is pretty consistent. Harvey and McPharlin on the other hand, on current form, are looking very good.
Darraweit Guim coach Chris88 has praised the efforts of his backline and forwards as the Dirigibles rolled to their fourth win of the year, defeating Venus Bay on the weekend. The Guim's small forwards Michael Walters and Shane Edwards have provided plenty of spark all year - Walters living up to pre-season billing as one of the best pick-ups in the draft - but the addition of Brent Harvey to the mix seemingly lifted the forwadline again on the weekend. 'Harvey's return after suspension, combined with great scores from Walters and Edwards, helped drive us to the win,' Chris88 said. 'It is a pity that an undisciplined act from our other small forward Eddie Betts will see him miss 3 matches, especially after his good game the previous week.' Chris88 also paid tribute to a largely unheralded and unfashionable backline which was hitting its straps: 'Duffield, McPharlin, Cannon-foot McKenzie and Rory Thompson are really playing some great footy right now - so much so that Alex Rance was demoted for the week' 'Young Alex did everything asked of him in the reserves, returning to some good form. He has probably earned a call-up to the team this week to take on Marble Bar, but might start on the bench given the form of the other defenders.' He added that the Dirigibles' two pick-ups from the 2012 mid-season draft - Edwards and Thompson - showed the calibre of player that sometimes remained undrafted in the ORFFA. 'Shane Edwards in particular is an automatic selection each week, and young Rory Thompson has repayed the faith after being injured late last year.' Both coach and captain Ivan Maric urged the Blimps' midfield to lift this week after some disappointing games in the past fortnight. Nick Dal Santo is likely to return to the side, but Brad Hill might be rested and Nathan Foley may start on the bench in his second game back from long term injury. Youngster Ben Cunnington and the rejuvenated Andrew Walker have been Darraweit's best midfielders this year.
Darraweit Guim have won 3 of their past 4 games and now sit just shy of the top 8 after a solid victory over Marble Bar on the weekend. And it has been the Dirigibles' underrated backline that has provided much of the drive. Led by Paul Duffield and Trent McKenzie, with support from Luke McPharlin, Alex Rance and Rory Thompson, the defence has continued to notch up good scores throughout the year. The Guim face a big challenge on the weekend - flying across the ditch to take on Waikikamoocow. Unfortunately, young forward Michael Walters is sidelined by injury after a stellar start to his career as a Dirigible. Eddie Betts is still suspended, meaning that other forwards will have to step up. Tyrone Vickery did the job admirably up forward on the weekend, with coach Chris88 looking to either Rohan Bewick or Adam Tomlinson to come into the side this week. Big Ivan Maric will return from injury, Nathan Foley will look to continue to improve after a long injury lay-off while young midfielder Jack Newnes presses for senior selection after an impressive effort in the reserves on the weekend.
And welcome you will be Chris, with a gale force, icy, westerly blowing the airship should make it in record time! Hope you do not miss the landing field. There may be a few ins for the Waikiks this weekend as rumours abound of an injury to Hibberd. A season debut forMatt Maguire is on the cards, young Crouch may well be back and Jamie Elliott looks likely to move from the 'E' line to the 'front' line.
Looking forward to our match up this weekend mate. I appreciate the fact you flew your mascot in early to ensure we could accommodate it through the opening at the top of The Pit... I hope you don't mind but we took the liberty of splashing some sponsorship on it, Goodyear being one of our trusted tyre suppliers for all the loaders etc in use were very eager to jump on board: /Portals/0/User%20Images/maxresdefault.jpg' style='width: 960px; height: 540px; I will happily give you a 40% cut of the sponsorship monies, after set up costs have been deducted. This should go a fair way to funding the end of season trip for the Blimps. I'll also ensure that we have a few more party pies and sausage rolls in the warmer... Heater didn't take kindly to the barrage of abuse he got regarding his skin folds and has been comfort eating for the last couple of days... hopefully he can run that off on the track at this Fridays training session.
Thanks for your hospitality Bandit - its been so good we've decided to extend our stay the extra day and celebrate a non-public holiday Monday anyway! The game has been a good one too - last few players will run around this evening and we'll see what happens - but Mr Petrie's big effort y'day has tilted things in your favour I reckon.
Well, its with a fair degree of shock that Dirigibles' coach Chris88 has confirmed a come-from-behind win over the Charlie's Opening Spelunkers in Round 10 ORFFA action. Darraweit Guim's quintet of Richmond players threw a party in the final stages of the round, overcoming a 150 point deficit to win 1339-1266 away at the Pit. The score is the Guim's biggest for the season so far, and was notched up without the presence of three key players - Betts, Walters and Boyd. The Guim's experienced players continued to step up - Duffield and McPharlin up back, Walker and Harvey through the middle and forward, Dal Santo notching a 100+ score, and Big Ivan bravely battled on one leg in the ruck. Most pleasing though were the contributions of the younger players - McKenzie, Rance and Rory Thompson forming a great combination in defence, Ben Cunnington scoring another 100+ in the middle, and Vickery and Shane Edwards up forward. Brad Hill's run off the bench provided another boost. Chris88 described the performance as the most even and complete for the season so far, and welcomed Nathan Foley's return to top scoring form. 'The win puts us in good shape heading into the mid-season break, which will allow us to rest a little, recharge and perhaps welcome some new talent into the side,' he added 'The youngsters we have brought in in recent times - Edwards, Thompson, Hill, Newnes, Walters, Bewick, Tomlinson - all of them have been good. Dom Tyson and Jesse Stringer will hopefully get a chance to make their mark as the season continues.' The coach could neither confirm nor deny rumours that the Blimps would be active at the trade table, but mentioned that all trade offers would be considered. 'In a perfect world we'd love to hold onto all our players and continue to roll on as usual. But there are always trades to consider, and if it improves the team, then they will be completed.'
Trade list shock List of Blimps' players available for trade mistakenly posted in butcher's window Darraweit Guim officials are investigating after an unauthorised copy of the team's trade list appeared in the township's butcher's shop window this morning. The list, written on butcher's paper and stickytaped to the inside of the window, looks to have been on show for at least an hour before club officials removed it from sight. Witnesses have told us the list wasn't a particularly long one, but contained a few well known names that might be traded away during the mid-season trade period, starting this afternoon. The names included: Nick Dal Santo Luke McPharlin Rohan Bewick Nathan Van Berlo Adam Tomlinson Dylan Grimes Dean Towers Club officials have refused to confirm the accuracy of the list, however one did let lip that the names on the list may well mesh with those the club has been discussing internally as possible trades. The club is refusing to make any further public comment on the issue, and has said it will hold a press conference in the coming couple of days to speak further about the trade period, and the leaking of the list.
Draft and Trade Period Update The Darraweit Guim Dirigibles' recruiting staff (OK, one guy at a computer terminal with the internet) have worked at a feverish pitch during the first couple of days of the ORFFA mid-season draft and trade period, emerging from discussions with other teams three players lighter, but with a number of upgraded draft picks. The Blimps have only welcomed one new player through the doors - forward Justin Westhoff, who has returned from a stint playing in New Zealand and comes via a trade that has sent defender Paul Duffield to Waikikamoocow. We thank Paul for his great efforts and wish him the best of luck. Other trades have seen young forward Adam Tomlinson depart for Marble Bar, midfield veteran Nick Dal Santo move to Gariwerd and Nathan Van Berlo traded to Gundagai. All three have been wonderful servants of the club, and Darraweit Guim pays tribute to them and hopes they continue to play well in their new teams. Those trades, however, have seen the Blimps significantly improve their picks in the coming Mid Season Draft. The club originally had picks 11, 29, 47, 65 and 83 in the draft, but can now boast picks 6, 24, 29,37 and 65. Coach Chris88 believes that the four relatively early picks will increase the chances of capable new recruits joining the club for the second half of the season, and beyond, and further progresses the club's emphasis on recruiting youth and rejuvenating its list. After the success of last year's Mid-Season Draft, where Darraweit Guim picked up Rory Thompson and Shane Edwards, it is hoped this year's efforts will be even more successful.
It has been a trying, challenging and difficult trade period for Darraweit Guim - with some club stalwarts being traded to new pastures and a slew of mid-season draft picks received in return. Matthew Boyd, Nick Dal Santo, Nathan Van Berlo, Paul Duffield and Adam Tomlinson have all been traded away to new homes, while the unlucky Dylan Grimes has been delisted, along with Dean Towers. Boyd, Dal Santo, Van Berlo and Duffield have long been key players for the Dirigibles, with the decision to move them on a tough one for the club to make.Boyd, Dal Santo and Duffield were among early picks by the Guim in the first ORFFA draft. Ultimately though, it is time to continue the club's re-build through youth. Darraweit Guim currently sit just inside the 8, but have a batch of tough games coming up. Coach Chris88 says that if the club makes the finals, even with the player turnover, he will be overjoyed. He added that the form of youngsters has been a further push to see some of the older players move on. 'Hill, Newnes, Stringer, McKenzie, Cunnington, Thompson, Walters ... all of them have really started to look comfortable out there this year,' he said. 'Each of them are 23 and younger, which means we have a good core of players coming through or having established themselves as players. Mixing them in amongst our other veterans - McPharlin, Foley, Harvey, Walker, Betts - means we have really got a nice combination of youth and experience happening. 'Our trading of Adam Tomlinson is probably the only move that has gone away from the 'youth' trend - but that trade helped us land a couple of very good mid-season draft picks, so we look at that as a positive - though we wish Adam all the best'. The club is hopeful another young midfielder with a bright future will make his debut very soon: 'We've been patiently waiting for Dom Tyson to return from injury, and he may be only a week or two away,' Chris88 said. 'His return will give us another young option to continue to build around. 'In addition, we have secured the services of Justin Westhoff, who will provide a great new target up forward, will support Ty Vickery and allow our fleet-footed runners in Walters, Betts, Harvey, Edwards and Bewick more opportunities to kick goals. Darraweit Guim have 6 picks in the upcoming mid-season draft - picks 6, 14, 24, 29, 31 and 37. Given the club's original picks were at 11, 29, 47, 65, 83 and 101, the extent of the team's trading - and the impact it has had in moving up the draft order - is obvious. The club remain tight-lipped about their planned draft selections, though remain convinced that there is plenty of talent inside the first 40-50 picks to build further. Chris88 did hint at the recruiting of a couple of veterans in the expansion draft though, just to provide depth and off-field leadership during the remainder of 2013.
Midfielders Ahoy Darraweit Guim uses draft bonanza to bolster midfield stocks Darraweit Guim will welcome at least four new midfielders to town as part of a Mid-Season Draft bonanza which it hopes will set the club up for years to come. On the back of trading away long-serving midfield leaders Matthew Boyd, Nick Dal Santo and Nathan Van Berlo, the Dirigibles have moved quickly to use the draft picks received in return on a group of youngsters with healthy potential. The highly-regarded Paul Seedsman (pick 6) has joined the club, along with well-built young midfielder Mark Hutchings (pick 29). With pick 24 the Blimps rewarded the blue-collar work ethic of Kyle Martin, and couldn't pass up drafting a son-of-a-gun in Lachlan Hunter with pick 31. In addition, solid young defender Andy Otten will make his way to The Paddock after he was chosen at Pick 14, with a polished young defender in Adam Kennedy also arriving with Pick 37. All five draftees are aged 24 or younger and join a swelling youth movement at the Guim. At least a couple of these draftees could walk straight into the Guim's senior side in time for our next game after the break. Andy Otten, Kyle Martin and Paul Seedsman are all in the mix for debuts.
<table width='773' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' border='0] <col width='195' style='width: 146pt;[/img] <col width='193' style='width: 145pt;[/img] <col width='195' style='width: 146pt;[/img] <col width='190' style='width: 143pt;[/img] <td style='height: 15pt; width: 291pt;' colspan='2' class='xl63]Darraweit Guim Dirigibles post drafts squad <td style='width: 146pt;] <td style='width: 143pt;] <td style='height: 15pt;] <td style='height: 15pt;' class='xl63]Defenders <td class='xl63]Midfielders <td class='xl63]Rucks <td class='xl63]Forwards <td style='height: 15pt;] <td style='height: 15pt;]Trent McKenzie (21) Andrew Walker (M/F) (27) Ivan Maric (27) Justin Westhoff (26) <td style='height: 15pt;]Alex Rance (23) Ben Cunnington (21) Andrew Walker (M/F) (27) <td style='height: 15pt;]Luke McPharlin (31) Brent Harvey (M/F) (35) Brent Harvey (M/F) (35) <td style='height: 15pt;]Rory Thompson (22) Nathan Foley (27) Michael Walters (22) <td style='height: 15pt;]Andy Otten (24) Dom Cassisi (30) Shane Edwards (24) <td style='height: 15pt;]James Frawley (24) Paul Seedsman (21) Eddie Betts (26) <td style='height: 15pt;]Adam Kennedy (20) Brad Hill (19) Tyrone Vickery (23) <td style='height: 15pt;] Kyle Martin (22) Rohan Bewick (23) <td style='height: 15pt;] Jack Newnes (20) <td style='height: 15pt;] Lachlan Hunter (18) <td style='height: 15pt;] Dom Tyson (20) <td style='height: 15pt;] Jesse Stringer (22) <td style='height: 15pt;] Mark Hutchings (22) <td style='height: 15pt;] Tom Ledger (21) <td style='height: 15pt;] <td style='height: 15pt;' class='xl63]Darraweit Guim best line-up <td style='height: 15pt;] <td style='height: 15pt;' colspan='2]Defenders: McKenzie, Rance, McPharlin, Thompson <td style='height: 15pt;' colspan='2]Midfielders: Walker, Cunnington, Harvey, Foley <td style='height: 15pt;]Ruck: Maric <td style='height: 15pt;' colspan='2]Forwards: Westhoff, Walters, Edwards, Betts <td style='height: 15pt;' colspan='2]I/C (from): Otten, Hill, Cassisi, Martin, Newnes, Tyson <td style='height: 15pt;] <td style='height: 15pt;] <td style='height: 15pt;' colspan='2]20 players of 28 aged 24 or under
Darraweit Guim leadership group announcement The exits of some of our long-time club leaders have seen Darraweit Guim announce changes to its leadership group make-up. Captain: Ivan Maric Vice-captain: Luke McPharlin Deputy vice captain: Brent Harvey Leadership group: Andrew Walker, Alex Rance, Ben Cunnington, Dom Cassisi Luke McPharlin's sterling service has been rewarded, with him being named our new vice-captain. Meanwhile Alex Rance and Ben Cunnington retain their spots in the leadership group. Cunnington in particular has been impressive this year, and aged just 21, has a promising career ahead. Dom Cassisi has been named to the leadership group as well after after being drafted with the Dirigibles' last expansion draft pick. He replaces Michael Walters, who is going to be freed up from leadership responsibilities to concentrate on overcoming his injury and continuing his fine form. Cassisi was a foundation member of the team, who was reluctantly released over the summer due to fitness concerns. However his good form and return to fitness has seen him re-drafted to The Paddock. Dom will provide vital leadership to the large number of youngsters drafted by Darraweit Guim in recent times. 20 of the team's 28 players are aged 24 and under, with a influx of young midfielders set to benefit from Cassisi's experience. And finally, Andrew Walker and Brent Harvey have been added to the club's leadership group after their great form in 2013. Walker in particular has led the way in the midfield, enjoying a superb season.