Breakthrough

Debutant Doug Kerr had a dream debut for SKOB with 4 goals in his first Senior game as SKOB Seniors notched their first win for 2026. After some strong performances in the Under 19s, Kerr received the call up and was instrumental in helping SKOB break their season duck. After conceding the first two goals of the game it was Kerr who then kickstarted his Senior career with two goals and SKOB didn’t look back from that point on. Earlier, the Reserves found themselves with too much to do after a shocker of a first quarter saw them 5 goals down at the first change. Despite a spirited fightback, they were unable to get back in front and went down to the SnowDogs. In the opening game at TH King, it was Tom Burley’s 19 3s who broke through for their first win and get the day started right for the hosts. Over at Old Rigret the Saints Gold had to come from behind to topple a plucky Old Westbourne. The Blues cruised to their first win in the curtain raiser, whilst the Green Machine were living the dream with a win at Elsternwick. In the under 19s it was heartbreak for the Premier team who faded late and were shaded by De La by the barest of margins. The U19 SD1’s had another massive win - this time on the road at Beaumaris. In Thirds competition, our Academy and Stingers were both bettered on the day whilst the SKOB Dogs were able to taste their first success for 2026 with a win at St Bedes. All in all it was a much healthier return this weekend with 7 out of 11 across all the grades.

Debutant Doug Delivers...

Under the watchful gaze of the Premiership players from 1996 who had gathered for a memorable reunion lunch and joined in the rooms with the current day crop for a jumper presentation and pre-match address, the SKOB Seniors ran out onto TH King in the Club’s heritage jumper - a true throwback to honour the past with the present. For the first few minutes though, it seemed that SKOB were still trying to learn their lines as the script was clearly not being followed. The Bernies got the jump - and the opening two goals of the game - before finally, after 10 nervous minutes, the ball was launched long to the goal square and Doug Kerr on debut won the free kick and converted for his first goal in Senior colours. He didn’t need to wait long for a second, as it came moments later on the end of a strong mark. Billy Bryan then snapped a clever goal and Jack Ball (who was a last minute inclusion) justified his call up with a smart snap on the left. This 10 minutes of play delivered not only 4 quick goals, but a belief that had been absent in 2026 until now. Even though St Bernards finished the term with the last two to make things even at the first change, there was enough there for SKOB fans and players alike to know that this would be their day.

The second quarter was all SKOB, pretty much everywhere but on the scoreboard. They completely blanked the SnowDogs who did not register a score as the ball was parked in the home team’s half for the entire term. Only some late magic from Sam Tucker saw SKOB get much value for their dominance. A return of 2.7 was the only thing keeping this game alive. After the major break, and with the restless crowd on the balcony finding even more voice, SKOB finally started to get bang for their buck. A run of 6 goals - many of them back to back were enthusiastically roared through the sticks by the Spirit of 96. Billy Coates was giving his mids first class service out of the middle, and around the ground he was causing all sorts of headaches. His pin point pass to find Doug Kerr for a fourth goal to the debutant was enough of a highlight for the fans to take home smiling. At the final break, SKOB were clear and had their hands on the JOC O’Connor Cup once again - having relinquished it in the final round of 2025. The last quarter saw the home team pepper the sticks for a 4.5 return, but the visitors never gave up, kicking the last couple of goals and fighting it right to the finish. Noah Walsh played his best game for SKOB so far this season and was dominant all day, popping up for a couple of goals and creating many chances for team mates. Doug Kerr had a dream debut with four goals, Angus Hart - with a couple of uncles in the stands watching - was a rock in defence. Billy Coates dominated the ruck and gave “Captain” Cam Hodges the ball on a platter, while Sam Tucker was another big presence up forward. Most pleasing was the consistent efforts of the whole team. They say that the hardest win to get in a season can be the first, and so it was a huge relief for the coaching staff, players and supporters to notch a W in the column.

The Under 19 3's tasted their first success of the season - with a win over South Melbourne