ORFFL Round 1 Review:

Poowing Potoroos 1241 defeated Bonnie Doon Bandits 878

After the year from hell and a bottom placed finish in 2015 the Potoroos got off to a strong start with a solid win over the Bandits. The big news from down Poowong way was the return of Gaz who pulled out a lazy 139 after a limited pre season. After the great one it was a pretty even performance with only Bob Murphy tonning up.

With more holes than Blackburn Lancashire it was always going to be a struggle for the Bandits. Playing 2 short in the midfield and a donut in the ruck after Nafan’s bizarre decision not to play Grundy spelt doom right from the start. Josh Caddy raised the bat providing some relief but it could be a long season for the Bonnie Doon boys.


Tarwin Lower Pigs 1099 defeated Bundalong Bullfrogs 1021

Standout performances in defence and attack were enough for the Pigs to fall over the line against the Bullfrogs. Docherty, Hogan and Stringer all tonning up with strong support from Rory Lobb (100) in the ruck made up for a sub par midfield performance and a 0 up forward with Josh Green and The General not fronting up. With Rising Star nominee and ORFFL no 2 pick Clayton Oliver in the wings Pendles and co will need to keep on their toes if they want to keep their spots in the starting 4.

For the Bullfrogs it was a case of all fit hands on deck as they fronted without a ruckman and no-one available to even fill the breach. It ultimately proved terminal as they went down by 78 points. Somebody obviously found Trent although it was a quiet night for the Tiger captain. Maybe he thought it was still September. Although the Tigers got up, Bundalongs 4 prong Tiger forward line couldn’t get them over the line. More injuries, this time to Talia do not bode well for 2016 down at the Pond.


Mallacoota Magicians 1174 defeated by Sarah Island Savages 1536

The Savages proved to any doubters that they will be a force again in 2016 going bang bang in round one to take out a shell shocked Magician outfit. NicNat (153), JJK (180), Tom Mitchell (127) and offseason recruit Zac Merret (114) leading the way in what was an all round strong team effort with only Mundy and JJK having relatively quiet nights by their normal lofty standards.

For the Magicians to have any chance their main man Nathan Fyfe had to lead the way, which unfortunately for them, he didn’t. When you are relying on Robbie Tarrant (103) to lead the way you know it’s going to be a long night.


Humpty Doo Hammerheads 1236 defeated Mount Buggery Disappointments 1159

Humpty Doo was going off over the weekend by all reports after taking out traditional rivals Mount Buggery. Coach Lucas celebrated by re-marking last years exams he was so excited.

Fair to say this was won and lost in the forward line. For the Hammerheads Gunston (127), Sam Gray (99), ‘tench (122) and Jeffy (71) outscored the ‘pointments by 272 with Trav (19 - lol), Duggan (56), Langford (41) and Dunkley (31) you could say somewhat under performing. ORFFL coach and special comments bloke 3n4nsy questioned the MBD defence, however on the R1 performance it is up forward that the problems might lie. Ward (142) and The Bont (110) provided some resistance but with the inability to convert it was whoop whoop whoop time for the Hammerheads as Lucas pulled out the green pen.


Glenrowan Gunslingers 1218 defeated Woy Woy Wizards 928

A solid win to the Gunslingers with new recruit Aaron Hall (129) running around the midfield doing as he pleased and proving that the second half of last year was no fluke. Getting him into the forward line would have to be a priority for the selection committee. Solid support from Hannebery and Armitage both with even 100’s offset a quiet night for Mummy (65) and a quiet night for the forwards indicates there is plenty of upside to this Gunslingers side.

Woy Woy was another team to front without a ruckman with Dan177’s late withdrawal meaning they copped a 0 and couldn’t even pick up his half score. They will be happy with draft bargain Jacob Weitering (87) giving every indication he will be a long term star. The midfield is looking pretty thin though especially now with Good Bloke out for an extended term. Hard to see the Wizards repeating their premiership heroics this year.


Warburton Wanderers 1186 lost to Popanyinning Pyrite 1262

Shane Biggs saves the day for the Pyrite coming off the defence bench after the late withdrawal of KK with a huge 118. He was only bettered by Warburtons Murphy (123) who couldn’t get his team across the line. Boak (58) and Hill (42) letting the Wanderers down big time. Jack Watts (89) heading for a breakout year?

Both these sides will be better for the hit out and will be looking for strong performances this year. The Pyrites 4 pronged ruck attack will no doubt be the envy of many. As one who has enquired during trade time, P_L will extract a high price for anyone wanting to pry them away from Popanyinning.


Milikapati Snakes 1208 lost to Smiths Beach Seagulls 1363

With the school holiday tourists taking over Phillip Island, the Smiths Beach Seagulls headed to Milikapati and took down the Snakes to the tune of 155 points. With Danger (162), Parker (161) and Hickey (157) dominating, the support cast only had to turn up to ensure a Seagulls win. Lambert (130), Jack (128) and Gaff (106) battled hard, but were up against it with Hickey regularly providing first use of the ball.

Still plenty to like about the Snakes with a score that would have won a number of the other games and they will be looking forward to next week.


Queenstown Quolls 1176 defeated Purnululu bungle Ranges 1095

Another 2 teams with ruck issues, Queenstown did enough to defeat the PBR in a relatively low scoring affair. Old Man Sam (130) and Ding Dong Bell (102) led the way in what was otherwise fairly even scoring for the Quolls. Tom Boyd filled in ruck duties but fell well short of his high price tag contributing 23 to the cause (any Bulldogs fans willing to do a $/points calculation). For the Rangers new Magpie Treloar (125) showed his worth with strong support from Duckwood (105) and Tommy Pillpoperore (115) back with a bang. A 0 in the ruck and with Nathan Vardy out long term as well as an undermanned defence, they will be desperate to see Lumumba back in the line up, which probably says a bit about where the PBR are at.


Jimcumbilly Jackrabbits 1170 lost to Coulta Couldbeens 1578

It was free Tuna for everyone down at Coulta after they smashed out a 1578, yes that’s right it’s not a typo. After some dispute around team entries and a bit of a hissy fit from Bear, Coulta certainly had their fishing gear on and the Tuna boat stocked with plenty of bait and burley as they went out hunting Jackrabbits. Jay Schulz and Mitch Wallis dragged the chain, but apart from that, Bear was all smiles, so just for posterity here it is in all its glory…

DEF – Enright 101, Burgoyne 95 Pittard 89 and Vlastuin 91.

MIDS – Priddis 159 Wallis 79 Ebert 120 and Lonergan 96

RUC – Blicavs 123

FWDS – Wingard 125 Westhoff 109 Schulz 73 and Martin 91

INT – Zaharakis 132 Heeney 95

The loss of Swan early was a telling blow however strong scores from Rich, Rosa, Cripps, Rischitelli and Wells show that all is not lost for the shell shocked Jackrabbits. They certainly won’t get beaten by 408 points every week.