Round 1 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,321 def Coolgardie (Prospectors) 1,241 The home team got off to a shaky start with elevated Jones up forward being well managed however he did kick 2 goals and Captain Cotchin receiving a heavy tag right from the first bounce only collecting 17 possessions. Too often in the first half the home team missed easy targets, even the classy Gibbs was guilty of some careless turnovers. Overall Gibbs collected 26 possessions and booted 1 for himself. Newcomer Newton came in and did his best as a substitute ruck but mainly played off the wing were he nabbed 2 goals in an impressive first game. Another first gamer for the Cuda's was Firrito who was a bit off the pace with only 10 possessions with Frawley and Murphy chipping in with 18 possessions each. Burgoyne controlled the game running off half back in a dazzling display and 88% efficiency. Cunnington collected 26 possessions however he was let down by his efficiency. Making up for this Hannebery ran all day through the centre picking up the same amount of possessions but using to his advantage more often. As the day wore on the Cuda's took charge around the ground with another new face on home turf Guthrie toughing it out with some heavy work on player and ball. Playing the same brand of footy as he did in the second half of last season Lewis stormed the ground amassing 35 possessions; this guy is an absolute star, what a start for the new inductee into the leadership group. But where it all happened for the home side was up forward. Bontempelli came out snarling like a wild dog picking up 22 possessions and putting 1 through the sticks and played a vital role across half forward. Likewise for Zorko, he was on fire all day cracking the sherrin though for 6 points. The day however belong to newly elevated rookie Jamie Cripps, this kid took 5 marks and bagged 5 goals 100% on target, you could hear the high fives from a mile away. What a great start to the season with having a home town win!
Round 2 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,256 def by Southern Cross (Sandgropers) 1,345 Full of confidence from last week's win seen the home team strut out on the turf. Captain Cotchin lifted from last week's performance racking up 34 possessions, what a ball magnet. Gibbs and Cunnington were on fire collecting 26 possessions each. In popping through 2 goals young Hannebery was locked down all day and even took a knee in the head but that didn't stop this star. The midfielders were clicking and it show on field. Newton again came in and did his best as a substitute ruck but many played off the wing. Up forward was a mixed bag this week with newcomer Rhys Stanley booting only 2 goals as he was well held. Another pinned down was Zorko who could only manage 16 possessions. Young forward Cripps of the Jamie kind slotted through 2 goals and was also pretty efficient with the pill. The Bontempelli was a star all day, running through the centre picking up the sherrin for 27. The game was a free following intense match as Lewis put in another premium game and cherry picked his 34 possessions and young Guthrie was solid collecting 19 possessions and snapping truly for his only goal of the day. As for the defensive line the old dog Murphy played a hard bodied game leading from the front with 24 possessions and Burgoyne flanked his opponent all day picking up 23 possessions. Sutcliff first game was shaky and could only manage 11 possessions. However every Cuda supporter's heart sank when Frawley laid a tackle in which he tore his peck muscle off his chest. The pain showed on his face as he was taken off the field. Surgery may be required, scans will tell later this week. The home team played a great game and can keep their heads high as it came down to being a player down in the last half of the last quarter
Unlucky with Chip mate, still surprised I won on the back of Duncan & Day scoring a combined 75 points.
Round 3 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,208 def Eden (Whalers) 1,128 Going into the match for round 3 the home side was a little on edge. Having Frawley out injured and Bontempelli being a late withdrawal the pressure to perform at either end of the ground will be on. In defensive ever reliable Murphy played again a leading role pulling down 24 possessions and keeping his opponent very quiet on the day. Burgoyne played the lock down role but still managed to collect 17 possessions in a hard slog day at the office. Sutcliff and Firrito under performed picking up 17 and 14 possessions against their opponents which included a switch up in the second half. Young Patrick Cripps came in and chopped out in ruck and gave it to the Whalers tall timber. He also picked up 22 possessions putting in a solid performance. The forward line had mixed resuls with Zorko on fire, ripping it up with 2 goals and collecting the pill 27 times. Stanley efficiency with sherrin was high but came away with none between the sticks. Cripps of the Jamie kind was very quiet and was well held all day only managing 10 possessions and Jones late call up struggled however he did managed to boot one from an acute angle. Lewis cherry picked throughout the game picking up possession after possession and running rings around the visitors. Guthrie cleaned up anything that was left behind adding another 20 possessions to his tally. The game was the opposite of last week, it was a back and forth affair, either side not giving an inch. However the engine room of the Barracuda's midfield gain momentum and played a starring role and lifted to another level, Captain Cotchin could do no wrong racking up possessions at will and slotting a running goal that was as straight as an arrow. After being locked down last week Hannebery followed the lead of his captain and shinning his own light on a premium level performance.Gibbs and Cunnington put in solid performances getting 18 and 20 possessions each. Gibbs kicking a late goal to secure a hometown win.
Round 4 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,313 def Ararat (Armadillos) 1,289 On this day let us remember the fallen, let us remember the ANZAC's. The ANZAC round for the Cuda's started very slowly in the contest against the visiting Armadillos who were not to be discounted even though they had caught the injury bug. The defensive line was as solid as ever with Murphy the veteran starring down back with 25 possessions underpinning his toughness. Alongside him was Burgoyne and Firrito who this week lifted picking up a gutsy 15 touches. Sutcliff had an ordinary day however in the switch ups he managed to sneak a goal through. The boys in the middle continued to perform; leading the way was the on fire Hannebery with 31 possessions as he dominated through the centre. Ticking away was Gibbs and Cotchin putting together 23 and 24 disposals standing up in attack. Not only did Gibbs have plenty of the pill but he also slotted through a couple of majors just for good measure. Young Cunnington was locked down most of the afternoon by his opposite however he was still able to collect 20 odd possessions. Up in front of the sticks the forward line had mixed results once again. Bontempelli was back in after suffering a calf injury in which he was omitted last week. He cracked a beauty as he crumbed the ball and shared it around in picking up his 17 possessions. Stanley was a concern earlier in the week but he was right to go game day with 14 touches. Zorko had a reasonable day on the park with his 20 disposals however he was unable to put the sherrin through the big white sticks. Cripps of the Jamie kind however was on fire pushing up hard with plenty of run kicking a goal on the back of a shocking bounce. Lewis put in another gun performance as he racked up 36 possessions for the day as he evaded traffic on and off the field. Guthrie was solid in the contests off the wing and up forward, snapping truly late in the final quarter. Young Patrick Cripps once again came in and chopped out in ruck, his extraordinary performance was the difference in the home team finishing with a win over the reigning premiers. This kid can do it all including grabbing 33 possessions and banging through an important goal in the third quarter to sway the momentum back in the Cuda's favour.
Round 5 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,241 def by Hughenden (Prairie Dogs) 1,248 Round 5 seen both team start off slowly but this was the calm before the storm. The boys in the middle continued to perform; other than Gibbs who put in a woeful game with his 17 touches in which over half of them went to no one at all, very disappointing. Cotchin and Cunnington were terrific collecting 29 & 20 disposals for the day including a goal each. Dan the Man was inspiring with his run and determination on the park racking up 37 possessions cherry picking all day. The forward line improved with Bontempelli and Zorko slotting through 2 goals each backing up the hype over these young guns who were on fire collecting 23 & 22 disposals in a day that seen the pill move quickly from end to end. Another youngster Jake Lloyd put in a sterling effort in the tough conditions with 19 touches and Cripps of the Jamie variety sneaked in with 2 goals and 16 possessions. Lewis flexed his muscles on and off the ball in a fiery clash and was reported at the 24 minute mark of the first quarter for a late and crude round-arm spoil. He did manage to put boot to ball and get one through the sticks and collected 29 touches. Guthrie felt the pressure all day and under-performed with only 15 possessions. Finally Nicholls returned to ORFFU for his first game of the season in the Cuda's colours. He had plenty of hit-outs and for the day narrowly had the upper hand on his opposition. The defensive line broke down for the home side. However Murphy stood up to be counted and played with heart in collecting his 24 possessions. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said about Sutcliffe, Firrito & Burgoyme who buckled under pressure and only managed 16, 15 & 11 touches in a game that was there for the taking. Too many missed opportunities on the day in this titanic struggle and allowing a loss on home soil by the smallest of margins hurts the most.
Round 6 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,186 def by King Island (Monarchs) 1,312 Taking on the league leaders was an imposing task on the weekend and it was met with mixed performances across the ground. The defensive line struggled from the outset with the leader of the pack Murphy recording his lowest disposals of just 15. Firrito put in a sturdy game collecting 14 possessions with a high effective rate. Sutcliffe picked up plenty of sherrin with 21 disposals. Burgoyne rebounded from last week's dismal performance to be the stand out back man racking up 31 possessions as he ran through the middle time and time again. It was a tough day at the office for the boys in the middle with Gibbs answering his critics collecting the pill 23 times as he tried to lead the way for the Cuda's. Cotchin collected 28 possessions but effectiveness was terrible. Hannebery was tagged very heavily and was locked down for his 18 disposals. Cunnington spudded it up leaving turds all over the ground. In his second game back Nicholls put in a solid game and he had plenty of hit-outs and was narrowly beating on the day. With Lewis being suspended young Patty Cripps got another run on the paddock in which he took the opportunity and carved it up across the field collecting 18 disposals and booting a goal for good measure. Guthrie followed were he could and put in a solid effort. Up forward Zorko was locked up with no were to go and could only manage 11 possessions. Lloyd was quiet after a big night on the turps however Cripps of the Jamie variety picked up 10 possessions and bagged 2 goals. The beautiful Bontempelli starred in the trenches with his 15 disposals but it wasn't enough in another loss at home to be 3/3 after round 6.
Round 7 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,375 def Cow Bay (Crocs) 1,045 A pivotal game for both clubs, for the Cuda's to stay in the top 8 and for the Crocs to get some momentum. A late out for the home side with Patty Cripps warming up too hard so Rhys Stanley the emergency pulls on the Guernsey and had a solid outing picking up 12 touches. Guthrie stepped up this week collecting 16 disposals and booting a goal in the second quarter. It was a good day for the forwards with Bontempelli collecting the pill 18 times and cracking a beauty from 45 meters out. Zorko had to work for the ball this week; he collected 17 possessions but looked out of breath all day. Cripps of the Jamie variety picked up 11 possessions and bagged 1 goal. Young Lloyd started well and looked in fine form but a soft tissue injury took him out of the game with the red vest late in the second quarter. The defensive line was much improved from last week, however first game back from injury for Frawley had him struggling with game fitness and could only manage 6 possessions. Sutcliffe was steady with his 20 touches, however his effectiveness needs work. Burgoyne was very solid running off half back collecting 23 touches, moving the pill quickly through the guts. Bouncing back from his worst performance in a long, long time Murphy turned up the heat and made amends with 29 disposals leading at each contest. Nicholls is back, putting in another solid game, he had plenty of hit-outs against his younger opponent in the free flowing ruck contest. After a long hard look in the mirror the boys in the middle came out revved up and ready to put the body on the line for the clan. Gibbs got things going with plenty of run in picking up his 23 possessions, Cunnington became a ball magnet sticking 26 touches, and he even found the sticks to put one through late in the game. Hannebery smashed it up with 35 possessions and moving like the flash through the centre. However it was the Captain's game with Cotching bagging 2 magnificent goals and racking up 32 disposals to rock the house and bring home the bacon for the Cuda's.
Round 8 Wrap Final Score Staghorn Flat (Bulls) 1,306 def Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,208 The Cuda's are on the road for the first time this year. Lewis was back and didn't miss a beat with with 31 possessions what a gun. Guthrie put in his best performance of the year with a goal to boot. Nicholls put in a great performance kicking true for 2 goals and picking up 14 touches. Frawley still struggling to get into the game with only 9 touches. Sutcliffe was good with 16 touches, Burgoyne under performed with only 15 disposals. Old dog Murphy was solid as ever grabbing 19 possessions. The cracks started to show as the pressure built. In the middle Gibbs was subbed out earlier in the second quarter with a back injury after only collecting 12 disposals. After the high of last week Cotchin was locked down so tightly he could only manage 17 possessions and their effectiveness was terrible. Cunnington performed well under pressure delivering a solid game with 24 disposals. Hannebery was the ball magnet in the middle with 36 possessions and boy could this kid move. It didn't get much better up front with Zorko spudding it up this week with only 15 touches and the Cuda's young forward Bontempelli was locked down by the opposition in what was a key move of the game. Stanley's performance went to the next level with 13 touches and a great goal from the 50 meter arch. Cripps of the Jamie variety was on fire booting 3 goal and 13 disposals. The home side Bulls doing it for the fans in what might be considered an upset win over the Cuda's.
Round 9 Wrap Final Score Gisborne (Grenades) 1,132 def by Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,187 Indigenous Round The Cuda's on the road heading to Gisborne this week for the Indigenous Round. Lewis missed the bus with shoulder soreness and was a late out so young Liam Jones jumped aboard. Unfortunately Jones left his brain in his footy bag at home and could only manage 5 touches which didn't impress; Guthrie was solid with 20 possessions. Nicholls went toe to toe in the battle of the giants and performed great and was just out gunned. It was tough going in the forward line, Stanley got smashed and was subbed out at half time knee /thigh injury and will be in doubt for next week. Bontempelli was locked down all day, managed to collect 17 touches but was subbed out in the fourth quarter with an adductor injury. Cripps of the Jamie variety kicked a beauty and picked up 10 disposals and the amazing Zorko grabbed 20 possessions and booted one for himself. This week Frawley picked up the pace netting 20 touches, Burgoyne chipped in with a running goal and plenty of disposals. The old dog Murphy was as solid as ever pumping out 25 possessions and even switched it up with a goal. Unfortunately Sutcliffe had a shocker and really didn't know where he was. In the middle there was no Gibbs but there was a Patty Cripps who took the game on collecting plenty of pill in the process booting a goal. This was the start of the engine room firing up. Hannebery crashed through anyone that got in his way in collecting his 25 disposal not only did he win plenty of the ball he slotted two though the big sticks as well. Cunnington also ran hard all day picking up 25 touches. Captain Cotchin lead the way in his on fire performance including 2 goals he also quelled the last minute charge from the Grenades to ensure a win for the Cuda's. It was a game for the Grenades to win or lose and they choose the later!
Round 10 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,139 def Pearcedale (Panthers) 1,088 A late out for the home side, Rhys Stanley still not right from last week injury and no emergency for him today. Young Cripps of the Jamie variety kicked the first goal for the day but that was about it from him where as the amazing Zorko shrugged of the bugg to put through 2 goals and pick up 18 touches. Vickery received a knee injury in the second quarter but toughed it out and scored 3 though the sticks. In defence the Cuda's played a locked down zone limiting the visitors with possessions down but effective in shutting out their opponents. Old dog Murphy lead the hard knocks followed by Firrito, Burgoyne and Frawley. Nicholls dominated all day in the giant tap and was clearly one of the home side's best on the day. Lewis was slow in his take offs however he managed 22 touches and even slid one off the boot for a goa. Guthrie stuttered and spluttered with 11 disposals. The boys in the middle came out revved up and ready for anything. Ball magnet Hannebery starred though the game collecting a massive 42 possessions. Captain Cotchin was on fire picking up 25 touches in a blistering first half. Patty Cripps followed his lead grabbing his 25 disposals and was outstanding in having team high 8 clearances before suffering a hamstring injury late in the game. Cunnington wasn't to be out gunned and put in a great performance grabbing 20 touches. It wasn't enough from the visitors in this low scoring game with the Barracuda's recording their sixth win before the mid-season byes.
Mid-Season Draft 2015 Defenders: Pick 31 Klye Cheney - 26yo, average 73.4ppg in 10 games this year The 187cm mature-aged young man has been a consistent player in 2015 running off half back. This no frills back man is suited to the third tall role in defence. There will be plenty of opportunities coming his way as he develops into a key player for his new club. Midfielders: Pick 49 Lin Jong - 22yo, average 63.9ppg in 9 games this year Jong coming in at 188cm with a capacity to learn quickly has paid off. Averaging 15 disposals a game so far, the only way is up for this young gun in the short and long term. There will be plenty of opportunities coming his way as he develops into a key player for his new club.
Best & Fairest - The Gus Wanganeen Medal Leader Board as at Round 10 <table width='199' style='width: 150pt;' border='0' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <col width='89' style='width: 67pt;' span='2[/img]<col width='21' style='width: 16pt;[/img] <td style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent; width: 67pt; height: 15pt;border: #f0f0f0;]Daniel <td style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent; width: 67pt;border: #f0f0f0;]Hannebery <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent; width: 16pt;border: #f0f0f0;]16 Trent Cotchin <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]14 Robert Murphy <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]7 Marcus Bontempelli <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]6 Jordan Lewis <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]4 Tom Nicholls <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]4 Shaun Burgoyne <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]3 Bryce Gibbs <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]2 Cameron Guthrie <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]2 Dayne Zorko <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]1 Ben Cunnington <td align='right' style='text-align: left; background-color: transparent;border: #f0f0f0;]1
Round 14 Wrap Final Score Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,583 def Blanchetown (Bunyips) 1,355 Vale Phil Walsh 1960-2015 With the passing of Phil Walsh the Cuda's were inspired by his hard work ethic, his determination and his passion for footy and took that into this week's game. A late out for the home side, Cam Sutcliff and new comer Klye Cheney won't be playing either due to a back complaint. So the defensive line needed to hold strong and they did starting with Firrito pushing his way to 15 possessions in a lock down zone limiting the visitors with possessions. Old dog Murphy once again moved the moved the ball out of the back line and gathered 20 disposals and Burgoyne played an inspired game picking up his 22 touches. The engine room was ticking over in the middle. Ball magnet Hannebery starred though out the game collecting 34 possessions and booting 1 from 25m. He responded to some of his critics that he couldn't sustain his performance thus far for the year. Cunnington was on fire picking up 29 disposals and slotting 2 goals through for good measure. Captain Cotchin was also on fire racking up 33 touches, kicking 2 goals and stood up when needed. Young gun Patty Cripps grabbed 16 disposals before being forced off with an ankle injury early in the last quarter. Nicholls had a day on the Paddock in the giant tap with being the most effective so far this year. Lewis was typically prolific through the midfield and had a massive influence throughout the game in picking up his 36 touches. Lloyd was also on fire jumping on board grabbing his 26 possessions as he ran riot all day. Leading the way for the Cuda's up forward was Jack Darling in his first game back from a foot injury from last year. Darling starred booting 5 big ones for the home in his return to the Paddock. Zorko was on fire with his 22 disposal which were all aimed at the big man in front of goals. Young Cripps of the Jamie variety kicked 2 of the finest goals of the day and grabbed 14 touches as well. Not forgetting Bontempelli who put forward a solid game collecting 18 possessions. Cuda's dominated at every change in an awe inspiring display of Aussie rules footy. On any other day the Bunyips would have been clear winners however today belonged to the Barracuda's an inspired win for Walshy.
Round 15 Wrap Final Score Korumburra (Blowflys) 1,141 def by Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,451 Again a late out for the Cuda's is Cam Sutcliff so Mzunga stepped in to the backline picking up 15 touches. Burgoyne was quite with 13 disposal, Firrito was solid grabbing 19 possessions hitting hard when he needed to and the old dog Murphy lead the way from deep in defence racking up 23 touches moving the ball back through the middle many times throughout the game. Nicholls fired up for the big tap contest; he gave it everything he could. He had a great tussle and was only just beaten on the day. Guthrie and Lewis ran well off the wing racking up 26 disposals each with Lewis also snagging a goal, a very solid performance by both. Through the middle the engine room was running hot. Ball magnet Hannebery again starred though out the game collecting 34 possessions and booting a goal straight as an arrow. Captain Cotchin was also on fire racking up 23 touches, kicking 2 goals and gave the Cuda fans that travelled something to cheer about. Cunnington put in another solid performance picking up 22 disposals and slotting 1 to boot. Gibbs returned from suspension and was great in the contested ball. He played with heart as he injured himself. Later to find out that he tore his peck muscle and will take no further part in season 2015 as he will undergo surgery on Tuesday. Leading the way for the Cuda's up forward this week was the beautiful Bontempelli who starred with his run, flare and muscles. He collected 28 possessions which were effective all across half forward including his 2 on the run goals. The amazing Zorko was on fire grabbing 30 touches and was on the receiving end of some beautiful passes inside the forward 50 which he turned in 3 through the big sticks. Young Cripps of the Jamie variety kicked 1 deep from the pocket and picked up 20 disposals. Darling let the speedsters do their thing as the big man stood tall for a couple of goals in a great on the road victory by the Barracuda's.