Only a small batch of games this weekend with just the Academy, Stingers and Green Machine in action but it was a 100% return with SKOB going three for three on a day when we celebrated a double milestone with Ricky Caldow and Matt Shannon each running out in their 200th games for the Club.
Academy schools the Students
It was prime time on the main stage for the Academy this week. Here's our man's report:
"Coming off two narrow loses The Academy lads took to the main stage at THK at the traditional 2pm slot keen to return to the winning list. Facing off against a determined Uni Blues who were sitting 2nd on the ladder Coach Ollie’s boys knew they were in for a tough day at the office. Coming out of the blocks well the young Skobs kicked the first three to skip out to an early lead. Then set in ‘grunt time’. In an arm wrestle of a game the tempo of the match slowed as both teams struggled to move the ball quickly in heavy conditions.
‘The longer this game goes, the more it will be won on character…’ were the words that were given to the boys as they left the half time sheds. The 3rd quarter was uncharacteristic for The Academy as they were out-worked and out run by the Students who left the door ajar for the Skobs with some poor finishing.
A quick stocktake was taken of character at the ¾ huddle and a commitment given that the Academy boys refused to be outworked on their home deck. And didn’t The Academy respond?! In front of large audience of family and friends, and aided by a Rex Stucky inspired coaching move of bringing Jumping Will Lafferty into the centre, the momentum swung the Academy’s way. Winning clearances from the stoppages and re-committing to the hard working, running game the Skobbers showed why they are viewed as one of the dangers in this competition taking a dour, slog of a game by the scruff of the neck and pilling on 6 goals in the final term to run home comfortable 23 point winners.
Foo, Liszuckiewicz, & Trotter all on the end of Lafferty’s good work in the last with Canning and Dietre damaging up front. Skobbers back to 2nd on the ladder post win and hosting Fitzroy at THK again at 2pm this Saturday."
BEST: Matt Canning, Liam Foo, Harry Trotter, Will Laverty, Sam Doyle and Josh Peake
Stingers make it a double to remember
It was an early start for the Stingers who marched through the beautifully made banner for the milestone men on a crisp but sunny morning in Parkville in the shadows of the University. The small but enthusiastic crowd was there for a celebration, although there was still a game to play. Uni Blacks were at home and looking to spoil the party, but the Stingers were having none of that. They were firing right from the start, putting a gap on the opposition scoreboard early and making sure there would be no-one trying to re-write this script. The Will brothers had the Stingers sharp, booting three in the first to none, then another three to the half. By this stage, the milestone men had kicked two apiece, and proving once again - not that they had to - they were more than handy contributors on the field. The Blacks had the better of the third term booting 3 goals to 2, but any jittery thoughts of an upset were soon put to bed as SKOB piled on seven goals in the last to a solitary major, running out victors by 65 points in an emphatic display. “Dancin’” Rick ended up with a lazy half dozen goals and Matt Shannon booted two as they both celebrated their magnificent milestones. Other stars for the Stingers were Julian Chaffey, Hugo Read, Zach Close, Christian Dachs and Harris Buultjens
No swanning about for the Green Machine
Over at Albert Park, our Green machine were again living the dream, this time against South Melbourne. Having developed over the past few years in limited competitions that saw the Greeners up against similar opposition every other week, this season they have revelled in a full comp that has them playing new teams in new places - and they are loving it.
As the only SKOB women’s team in action and with a few Sainters taking an extended break, the Green Machine had to dig deep into the playing list with nine changes to the team that ran out on Past Player’s Day a fortnight ago.
On a cool wintry day, the sun came out as the players made the field and SKOB went to work. Looking brilliant in their Indigenous jumpers, the Machine were jolted into action by a goal to the home team against the run of play. Coach Lewis was pleased to see his players respond with the final two twins of the quarter to grab back the lead at first change. It was all SKOB in the second quarter, but they found the going tough against a resilient Swans team that dug their heels in as it became a real battle for possession. With the dreamers going a bit wayward in their kicking in the third, and a goal to the Swannies to start the last quarter, there was a faint hint of an upset. “Not today”, said Coach Lewis as the magnets moved and it started raining goals for SKOB. Five in a row to finish the match and run away with the contest as SKOB flexed their collective muscle. Steph Augustes has the nous around the sticks and finished with 3 goals, Petra Edwards chipping in with a couple as well. Lucy Leckey has struck a rich vein of form and was again the dominant player across the ground. Others to feature among the coach’s votes were Lauren Barnes, Charley Lupson and Bella Stephenson. Well done to the Greeners who keep their season long unbeaten run going and remain at the top of the tree for another week.
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