In the recent MSD we delisted two players (A Swallow and T Campbell) and replaced them with fresh talent (Lewis Jetta and Josh Williams). Overall the club believes the list is stronger. So who are the newbies? Lewis Jetta (F/M, 28 years, 143 games). We had a weakness at F. After we were unsuccessful in the Buddy auction we reviewed options among the FA and delisted players. Lewis fits into the Eagles game plan as a quick outside player with good ball delivery. His last two scores of 101 and 76 are representative of what we hope he can deliver. Josh Williams (F/M, 19 years, 0 games). When Boomer puts big wraps on a North youngster we listen. Josh is the quickest guy at North in a side that needs speed. Has been on the extended bench recently in what we see as a precursor to his debut. Welcome guys, and thanks to Spitta (no regrets, was good cover for our early season injuries) and Big Tom (did not kick on). We are saddened to report Mitch Robinson has had surgery and is an out for the rest of the season; a few pigs do not know how lucky they are! Let's get on with the rest of the season now that pruning (both of the squad and in the vineyards) is finished.
It is with mixed emotions that we farewell Tom Barrass after a short stint with the Cows. Tom played a key role in strenghtening the squad in the early season and will always be welcome at the Bulls Hit Tavern. We are pleased to announce the arrival of Dion Prestia who will (hopefully) strengthen our midfield for a good few years to come. We hope he is over his rash of injuries; he has plenty of Cows to compare notes with. Speaking of injuries we have enjoyed watching Ciaran (Casey) Byrne's first two comeback games after his nasty ACL injury. With any luck there will soon be some first team games for the dashing young Irishman. Some simple squad stats post the 2017 MSD: mean (median) age - 23 years, 10 months (23 years 11 months); oldest player Jarrad McVeigh (32 years, 2 months); youngest Josh Williams (19 years) mean (median) games - 64 (28); most games, Jarrad McVeigh (289) while Jacob Allison and Josh Williams are yet to debut.
A fortuitous win this week against Dean's Devils, the moniker of the "luckiest team in ORFFA" was once against heard far into the night at the Bulls Hit Tavern. A very even performance with just three centuries but seven scores in the 90's. An average score of a tad under 89 demonstrated a terrific team performance to cover the injuries to Nat and Aaron. Lets hope they are back soon. Best and Fairest 5 - Sam Menegola (123) 4 - Jeremy McGovern (119) 3 - Tom Mitchell (101) 2 - Toby McLean (98) 1 - Dan Hannebery (97) The cumulative points - 35 - Tom Mitchell 22 - Dan Hannebery 19 - Jeremy McGovern 18 - Sauce Jacobs, Nat Fyfe 12 - Michael Hibberd 11 - Sam Menegola 9 - Aaron Hall 5 - Ryan Burton 4 - Brad Crouch 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Toby McLean 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Tom Papley Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (91, 88% ToG) The cumulative points being Ryan (29), Boo (9), Bailey and Kade (2) Again Ryan was the only RE eligible player selected this week. Can only repeat the comment from the previous round: The impact he had in a winning Hawthorn outfit was not reflected in his SC points.
The winning streak continued, this week against the brave Cockies - can a cockatoo be brave? Or should it be shrill? As seems to be traditional the highest score of the weeked was recorded by an opposition player (Matt Crouch, 134). Team selection needs to improve with the MC slotting big scores from Dan Howe (107) and Macca (100) onto the E lines; a strong wake up call for their need to do better. They would have been really taken to task had the outcome been a home loss rather than an away win. Very pleasing to see consistency starting to come into the milking yields with seven players scoring over 90 points. Great to see Boo coming back strongly through the magoos after his hammy problem. Best and Fairest 5 - Sam Menegola (130) 4 - Tom Mitchell (128) 3 - Brad Crouch (121) 2 - Jeremy McGovern (115) 1 - Michael Hibberd (110) The cumulative points - 39 - Tom Mitchell 22 - Dan Hannebery 21 - Jeremy McGovern 18 - Sauce Jacobs, Nat Fyfe 16 - Sam Menegola 13 - Michael Hibberd 9 - Aaron Hall 7 - Brad Crouch 5 - Ryan Burton 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Toby McLean 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Tom Papley Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (91, 79% ToG) The cumulative points are now Ryan (32), Boo (9), Bailey and Kade (2) Again Ryan was the only RE eligible player selected this week. Can only repeat the comment from the previous two rounds: His impact in a winning Hawthorn outfit was not reflected in his SC points. There is concern about the injury (calf?, ankle?) that saw him leave the field in the last quarter. We would rather rest him and ensure he is right for subsequent rounds than rush him back into the team. Having defence cover is a new experience for Cows' management.
The winning streak is now 12 after a collegial visit from TiB and the Warriers. Large quantities of corned silverside and pinot were consumed and the Bulls Hit Tavern rocked for the duration. After the recent run of form it was little surprise that few slowed down (not T Mitchell) but what was more pleasing was Nat's return to form and Boo's return from injury. A special mention of Toby who in his 31st afl match bagged his second century and a comprehensibe BoG for the dogs. To see what appears to be stick insect attacking the ball is an inspirational sight. Casey (Cairan Byrne) will be on the selectors minds this week and we hope to have Aaron Hall back in time for some hit out games before the finals. Best and Fairest 5 - Nat Fyfe (139) 4 - Tom Mitchell (130) 3 - Toby McLean (123) 2 - Brad Crouch (99) 1 - Sam Menegola (88) The cumulative points - 43 - Tom Mitchell 23 - Nat Fyfe 22 - Dan Hannebery 21 - Jeremy McGovern 18 - Sauce Jacobs 17 - Sam Menegola 13 - Michael Hibberd 9 - Aaron Hall, Brad Crouch 5 - Ryan Burton, Toby McLean 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Tom Papley Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (64, 92% ToG) The cumulative points are now Ryan (35), Boo (9), Bailey and Kade (2) Again Ryan was the only RS eligible player selected this week. Opposition clubs are now aware of his ability and it seems odd to watch a guy who has played 18 afl games being losely tagged. We take it as a compliment. Boo (71, 65% ToG) and Kade (49, 54%) got afl game time this week but it was judged that Boo in his comeback match from a sixth round match injury needed to show he was ready for selection. He is. Kade is learning and will be depth or better in what we think will be a long career at the Cows.
The Bulls Hit Tavern was fair hopping (do anybody but the really old people use that term anymore?) when the herd got back from our adventure at Foul Bay. Fair go, you would have thought the whole town had made the long haul to play the one side we had never beaten. But as chels used to say "let's take it one game at a time" and "every win brings you closer to your next loss." Thanks to CR for being an excellent host and his sharing some thoughts on how selection problems affect even the best sides - it is good to know we are not alone. Some terrific performances were turned in, as is seen in the B&F results. However, some potential sadness as we await an update on Casey's knee after his comeback was curtailed. Three of our RS eleigible players played in the seconds while Ryan was again our sole RS points accumulator. It is a long season for the young guys and the MC will have to consider whether chasing RS points or resting him is in the cows' long term interest. Best and Fairest 5 - Tom Mitchell (136) 4 - Nat Fyfe (126) 3 - Michael Hibberd (124) 2 - Toby McLean (115) 1 - Brad Crouch (108) The cumulative points - 48 - Tom Mitchell 27 - Nat Fyfe 22 - Dan Hannebery 21 - Jeremy McGovern 18 - Sauce Jacobs 17 - Sam Menegola 16 - Michael Hibberd 10 - Brad Crouch 9 - Aaron Hall 7 - Toby McLean 5 - Ryan Burton 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Tom Papley Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (57, 87% ToG) The cumulative points are now Ryan (38), Boo (9), Bailey and Kade (2)
A very enjoyable weekend was had by (almost) all with the visit of Tracey's rapidly improving Packers. A good tussle, but the Cows increased our winning streak to 14. A surprise debut for Josh Williams with a goal from his first kick. Josh may not be a first team regular this year but talent is always appreciated in Cowland. A slightly uneven set of scores underlining the thought that should the selected team put it all together a really big score is there for the taking. The reverse is of course that on a bad weekend a low score is a possibility. Many of the same names feature in the B&F and their consistent form is something we try to get our youngsters to attain. A point of interest - the top 3 in this week's B&F were all selected in the inaugural draft. Best and Fairest 5 - Michael Hibberd (140) 4 - Sam Jacobs (133) 3 - Tom Mitchell (126) 2 - Jeremy McGovern (104) 1 - Toby McLean (97) The cumulative points - 51 - Tom Mitchell 27 - Nat Fyfe 23 - Jeremy McGovern 22 - Dan Hannebery, Sauce Jacobs 21 - Michael Hibberd 17 - Sam Menegola 10 - Brad Crouch 9 - Aaron Hall 8 - Toby McLean 5 - Ryan Burton 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Tom Papley Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (77, 80% ToG) The cumulative points are now Ryan (41), Boo (9), Bailey and Kade (2). A special shoutout to Bailey Williams who is providing run off half back in the magoos. 13 games into his afl career a regular spot in the Cow's defence is almost within grasp.
Already on the road back from Gundagai with the four points in the bag. The 'hoppers posted the highest individual score of the weekend (Adams, 144) but unfortunately for snOZ the youngsters are not yet match hardened. They will be formidable next year. Most of the usual suspects performed with the mids starting to work into some encouraging form. Dan Howe (pick 6 in the 2016 PSD) registered his first B&F points and is demonstrating the ability we perceived. Incidentally in the same draft Aaron Hall was taken with pick 14 (our second pick) while Ryan Burton arrived courtesy of pick 32. We used pick 19 to secure Tom Campbell so our record in that draft was far from perfect. Jacob Allison made his debut (53, 77% ToG) in the magoos, which means all three Cows from the 2016 afl draft have now appeared for their afl clubs. Boo, Jacob and Josh all have a bright future and will be part of the core of the Cows in a few years time. Best and Fairest 5 - Aaron Hall (134) 4 - Nat Fyfe (132) 3 - Sam Menegola (124) 2 - Dan Howe (107) 1 - Tom Papley (104) The cumulative points - 51 - Tom Mitchell 31 - Nat Fyfe 23 - Jeremy McGovern 22 - Dan Hannebery, Sauce Jacobs 21 - Michael Hibberd 20 - Sam Menegola 14 - Aaron Hall 10 - Brad Crouch 8 - Toby McLean 5 - Ryan Burton 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Dan Howe, Tom Papley 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (93, 91% ToG) 2 - Brandan Parfitt (74, 69%) Terrific to see Boo showing fine form after his hamstring problems; depth may well be important in our finals' campaign. The cumulative points are now Ryan (44), Boo (11), Bailey and Kade (2).
Well spotted @Bandit - some good fortune in the drafts has meant the rebuild took one year, if not two, less than anticipated.
Agreed, I would have jumped on him but my window is much further out than yours, and therefore the age profile didn't match... indeed I am looking at my list now working out who has currency on the trade market and who will just be taken out the back of my own Bulls Hit Tavern and shot.
Would've loved to have grabbed Menegola and Naismith early - tossed between one and the other for weeks but ultimately settled on the need for ruck security. But Sam can play - happy to see him doing well!
Talk about living the dream. The the first piece of silverware in the club's history is secured (the 2017 H&A series) with an away win against Fitzy's Vultures. Well done guys, did not think we could win this game. It is going to be bloody difficult to keep a lid on things when we get home to the Bulls Hit Tav with a home game beckoning. We posted our highest ever score (1563) notwithstanding a couple of disappointing scores. On the negative side we probably lost Aaron Hall for the rest of the season. However, recent trade acquisition Dion Prestia (124) hinted he might be a viable replacement. It must be noted the Vultures posted what is probably will be their worst score for the year - anyone who writes them off is delusional. Ten centuries (plus Prestia) is a club record. Between the firsts and the magoos we played five RS eligible guys. As chels stated after he pushed his way into the circle for the team song, "if we don't win it this year - we will win it next year." Some difficult selection decisions loom large in the next few days. Best and Fairest 5 - Brad Crouch (149) 4 - Nat Fyfe (140) 3 - Sam Jacobs (138) 2 - Toby McLean (129) 1 - Tom Mitchell (128) The cumulative points - 52 - Tom Mitchell 35 - Nat Fyfe 25 - Sauce Jacobs 23 - Jeremy McGovern 22 - Dan Hannebery 21 - Michael Hibberd 20 - Sam Menegola 15 - Brad Crouch 14 - Aaron Hall 10 - Toby McLean 5 - Ryan Burton 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Dan Howe, Tom Papley 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson Rising Star 3 - Ryan Burton (93, 90% ToG) 2 - Brandan Parfitt (34, 71%) A slightly dissapointing game for Boo. Burto produced again. Bailey (73) was terrific in an improving dogs outfit and Jacob (68) hinted at what might be in the future. The cumulative points are now Ryan (47), Boo (13), Bailey and Kade (2).
Once again good fortune shone on the Cows in the first weekend of the finals against Jimbo's Knobs. Injuries pretty much decided the contest and had Jim not had bad luck he would have had no luck. So, the adventure that is 2017 continues with the winning streak now 17. Next week we have a home fixture with again first choice of opponent in a preliminary final. Hopefully the medical staff can advise the MC that a full complement of players is available for selection. Ryan Burton has taken out the club's rising star award by the length of the straight. Congrats Burto, a terrific story of a dedicated athlete achieving success after adversity. The only game he has missed so far this year our round 1 one loss. Our lucky talisman. The club's B&F continues through the finals campaign. Dion Prestia arrived at the club as a result of a trade negotiated after the recent MSD. This week he recorded his first B&F points for the club - we have a feeling they will not be the last. The Pig played his 100th game - one of the seven guys we acquired in the inaugural draft who are still with the club. Delighted that we stuck with him through his problems. Best and Fairest 5 - Dion Prestia (126) 4 - Dan Hannebery (117) 3 - Nat Fyfe (115) 2 - Michael Hibberd (107) 1 - Tom Mitchell (106) The cumulative points - 53 - Tom Mitchell 38 - Nat Fyfe 26 - Dan Hannebery 25 - Sauce Jacobs 23 - Jeremy McGovern, Michael Hibberd 20 - Sam Menegola 15 - Brad Crouch 14 - Aaron Hall 10 - Toby McLean 5 - Ryan Burton, Dion Prestia 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Dan Howe, Tom Papley 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson
It is confirmed that Tom Mitchell won the club's best and fairest award with an outstanding effort in the preliminary final round. He has unassailable lead despite the best efforts of Nat Fyfe. The pig put in another terrific performance to move to third equal place with Dan Hannebery. The big problems continue to be neither graeme's nor chels's ability to select what will be the best team. The other problem is finding a fourth forward, we have to live with that for another week. Best and Fairest 5 - Tom Mitchell (161) 4 - Nat Fyfe (142) 3 - Michael Hibberd (126) 2 - Aaron Hall (108) 1 - Ryan Burton (105) The cumulative points - 58 - Tom Mitchell 42 - Nat Fyfe 26 - Dan Hannebery, Michael Hibberd 25 - Sauce Jacobs 23 - Jeremy McGovern 20 - Sam Menegola 16 - Aaron Hall 15 - Brad Crouch 10 - Toby McLean 6 - Ryan Burton 5 - Dion Prestia 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Dan Howe, Tom Papley 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson
Reigning premiers - sounds so good. The Bulls Hit Tavern was full to bursting and the extended licence got a working over. Hope the wine harvest is good next year as stocks of pinot noir, merlot and shiraz took a hammering. A great night, the only sadness being that at least four of the squad will not be around for the title defence. However, there is the small matter of finalising the B&F award. Titch wrapped it up last week but the other placings and awards are important. Ryan Burton won the RS division for the club. His development is awaited with interest. Club Man of the year is Mitch Robinson for keeping everyone focussed after his cruel, season ending injury in round 7. He'll be back bigger and brighter next season. Ciaran Byrne wins a new award - "Our Hearts Go Out To." After fighting back from an horrendous ACL injury, after three games he was an E in the grannie - then bang. Mate, we really hope you come up next year as you are a cracker. The coveted "Worst Performance of the Year" was once again won by chels - after selecting the round 1 side he reckoned he should get another go at the selecting lark. He's dreaming. Best and Fairest 5 - Sam Menegola (143) 4 - Brad Crouch (138) 3 - Nat Fyfe (121) 2 - Sam Jacobs (113) 1 - Tom Mitchell (111) The cumulative points - 59 - Tom Mitchell 45 - Nat Fyfe 27 - Sauce Jacobs 26 - Dan Hannebery, Michael Hibberd 25 - Sam Menegola 23 - Jeremy McGovern 19 - Brad Crouch 16 - Aaron Hall 10 - Toby McLean 6 - Ryan Burton 5 - Dion Prestia 3 - Nic Newman, Andrew Swallow 2 - Dan Howe, Tom Papley 1 - Brandan Parfitt, Dan Menzel, Mitch Robinson A great season. After being thrashed by the Misfits in round 1, we won 19 on the spin, just pipping the Misfits in the final. The three rookies drafted all played their first games, with Jacob Allison being selected onfield for the final. Bring on 2018.
Currently it is hard work finding a competent builder in Australasia but we have had a few offers to build a cabinet for this little beauty.
Dan Menzel has been traded for a draft pick. Thanks for everything Dan. We grabbed you when you were recovering and flicked you when you were fit. A strange world. Kade Stewart departed after the lost his place on the Hawthorn list. The delisting process was completed with the departure of Lewis Jetta and Josh Williams. Those with a sense of humour are referred to #221 in this thread. So, it is on to 2018 PSD. We hold picks 24, 42, 53 and 72. We hope the scouting team will come up with some gems and that the match committee are not swayed by the late night drunken ramblings of chels.
The Cows 2018 PSD is complete. We percived this draft as different, not just becuase it was held prior to the pre-season inter-club games, but because (i) we did not hold early picks; and (ii) there were no players available who would provide a boost to scoring in the way Sam Menegola did last year. Further, the squad came back much fitter than in previous years and it seemed, subject to no injuries, we could put an adequate team on the park each week. So we decided to invest in emerging players. The success of our strategy may not be apparent for perhaps 18 months; hopefully it will be a fun ride. We welcome four new players: Harry Morrison (D) and Ollie Hanrahan (F) are youngsters we liked the look of when the Hawks came to NZ for pre-season. Titch, Howey and Burto talked them up and then Clarkson (admittedly after a long day's wine tasting) mentioned they were a couple of his favourites. Both are RS eligible, but as we saw in 2018 the best eligible young player in the afl does not necessarily get recognised by the afl (pillocks). Brandon White (D) has been in the system a couple of years and may make the break through and become a regular in the Saints side. Like Harry and Ollie a beautiful kick and is now really building his fitness levels. Paul Hunter (R) is a little older and is an example of graeme's risk aversion overcoming chels's impetuousness. He is a more than useful back up to the Sauce ROB combo both at the Crows and the Cows. In a weird way we hope he does not get a game for a couple of years. Some statistics so beloved by our members: Mean and Median age: 24.1 years and 24.3 years Oldest player: Jarrad McVeigh, 32.9 years; youngest player; Harry Morrison, 19.3 years Mean and Median number of games: 64 and 32 Most games: Jarrad McVeigh, 300; Yet to play an afl game: Paul Hunter, Ollie Hanrahan The season beckons, the streak of 19 wins is there to be extended - cannot wait to get started again. Meanwhile a few convivial wines in the Bulls Hit are on the cards as a break from our recent venture into cider production. Ah, fresh Hawkes Bay pip-fruit going into Zeffer Cider. Drink up and help fund the Cows. You know it makes sense.