Anderson resigns as AFL football operations manager

Updated December 05, 2012 20:23:47

The AFL's football operations manager Adrian Anderson has resigned in another executive departure since the end of the season.

Anderson came to the AFL in 2004 and helped restructure the on-field judiciary process and established the AFL's integrity unit.

He has been linked to the vacant chief executive position at North Melbourne after Geelong chief Brian Cook turned down an offer from the Kangaroos.

Anderson was tight-lipped on the North Melbourne speculation, saying it was simply time for a change.

"It's not a family issue, it's nine years of doing this role and I think it's time for a new challenge," Anderson said in an AFL House press conference on Wednesday..

"I wanted to give Andrew the opportunity to put someone in place for next season. I'll make sure to stick around to make sure that those arrangements are being looked after.

"I feel that I've done most of the key things that I've wanted to do in this role and it's time for me now to do something different.

"I've got a few ideas, there hasn't been a great amount of time for looking and pursuing other opportunities. I've devoted myself fully to what I've been doing and I'm really proud of the efforts I've put in this year.

"I haven't had any discussions with North so I haven't made any decisions about what I'm going to do next."

Anderson said he felt privileged to have held his position for the past nine years.

"I have worked with some wonderful people at all levels of the game and am very grateful to Andrew and the commission for the opportunity I have had," he said.

"I am proud in particular to be associated with the changes to the laws of the game which have kept it safe to play and great to watch; the overhaul of the tribunal system; the introduction of the Illicit Drugs Policy, the negotiation of free agency and a new CBA which balances the rights of players and the growth of the game, and the establishment of an integrity unit to underpin public confidence in our sport."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou paid tribute to Anderson, saying he had played a major role in many of the game's reforms.

"I would like to congratulate Adrian on his outstanding contribution to the AFL since 2004 and for his willingness to tackle challenging issues such as major reforms of the AFL tribunal system, changes to the laws of the game while trying to balance the views of players, coaches and the football public," Demetriou said.

"He has also established a department dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the game.

"Adrian has also made a positive contribution to our major strategies, including competition expansion, the establishment of the Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants and to our current broadcasting arrangements.

"Adrian and his team are often second-guessed and subject to a great deal of public scrutiny and he has always handled this in a very professional way."

Demetriou said it was not known who would replace Anderson at this stage.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 05, 2012 12:18:53

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Ziebell suspension a sad day for football: Scott

Updated July 19, 2012 20:19:52

North Melbourne AFL coach Brad Scott says Jack Ziebell's suspension is an indictment on the game and could force coaches to tell players that going hard at the ball should no longer be their main focus.

The star midfielder was controversially slapped with a four-game penalty at Tuesday's tribunal hearing after being charged with rough conduct for a head-high clash with Carlton's Aaron Joseph.

"He's devastated. It was a bitterly disappointing day and a really sad day in my mind for AFL football," Scott told reporters on Thursday as the ninth-placed Kangaroos prepared for Sunday's MCG clash with 11th-placed Richmond.

"It strikes at the heart of what this game's about.

"I've never ever seen a player get suspended for making the ball his sole objective, attacking the ball with ferocity, but being punished for the incidental contact that occurred because of that attitude in going for the ball.

"It has been a core fundamental of our game since the game has been invented, that you can attack the ball with ferocity provided you keep your eyes on the ball at all times and you make the ball your sole intention."

Asked if a rule change was necessary, Scott said: "That depends on the groundswell of public opinion as to the way they want the game played."

Scott said the tribunal had ruled Ziebell was contesting the ball.

Ziebell did have a reasonable alternative, which was to wait for Joseph to grab the ball and then tackle him, Scott added.

"To suggest that there's a reasonable alternative is to suggest that those sort of players shouldn't be ... so ferocious in their attack on the ball," Scott said.

"Perhaps we need to re-write the coaching manual. Go back and tell players 'no, it's not about keeping your eyes on the ball and attacking it with ferocity - it's about making sure you don't hurt your opponent'."

Scott said he had heard the argument that if the Ziebell incident was a marking contest, he would have not been suspended.

"It is farcical," Scott said.

Scott said the Kangaroos had counselled Ziebell after his suspension in 2011 for a high bump on St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt.

"We said 'Jack you cannot do that, you cannot line up an opposition player, run past the ball and make him your sole focus'," Scott said.

"He is now saying to me 'I did what you said, I made the ball my sole focus, I attacked it and now I'm not allowed to play for four weeks'.

"That's an indictment, in my view."

The AFL has sent please-explain letters to North's Drew Petrie and Geelong's James Kelly for criticising Ziebell's ban on Twitter.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, north-melbourne-3051, vic, australia

First posted July 19, 2012 15:19:26

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Is fantasy focus hurting football?

Comment by Neil Cross

Updated May 15, 2012 13:58:32

Ron Barassi was in an angry state of mind when he confronted Gerard Healy when they were both at the Melbourne Football Club in the early 80s.

At the end of the exchange during a break in the game at the SCG, Barassi told Healy to "give me possessions and I'll shut up".

Possessions, or more particularly statistics, now rule AFL football. Statistics have spawned an industry.

Collecting, collating and categorising each kick, mark, handball, tackle, tap out, entry to forward 50, rebound from defensive 50. It goes on.

The nuances of these statistics are often lost on the general public but not those absorbed in the Dream Team/Supercoach phenomenon.

People in the past were content to enter tipping contests but for the real football nerd now the quest is to win Dream Team/Supercoach games.

For the uninitiated, Dream Team and Supercoach are basically the same statistically based competitions. Participants select players to make up a squad.

Each player is priced according to the number of points he averages per game. The points are based on the number of kicks, marks, handballs, free kicks for and against, hitouts, goals and behinds.

There is a a salary cap and the job of the participant is to select 22 players each week to take on another team. In each round, the participant with the most points wins the match-up.

Coaches repeatedly point out that the worth of a player in a particular game can't be judged on his statistics. This is most definitely not the case in the land of Dream Team or Supercoach. Rather, it is the only worth of a player.

The phenomenon has hit rugby league and rugby union as well as soccer and other sports but the plethora of statistical information in the AFL makes it a superior offering to the thousands addicted to closely watching the fantasy unfold.

Apparently it's fun. Supposedly it keeps participants interested in games even if there is a blowout on the scoreboard - the actual scoreboard; you know, the one that actually shows who wins or loses.

On the other hand, the long term effect of Dream Team and Supercoach could also reduce the public's interest in following a club.

In the fanatasy world, the only thing that matters is the individual and how many points they can accrue for your fantasy team. Hence, the club, the result, the interest in the game itself could die.

Perhaps that is a little dramatic. But then again, there are plenty of people who review the weekend's AFL games according to how Hogan's Heroes or Macca's Madmen or Hellboys performed rather than whether Carlton, Collingwood or West Coast won or lost.

There are even media outlets who publish or read out the fantasy points accrued by players. There are advice columns in newspapers on how to pick the best 22.

AFL is evolving. Fantasy leagues are growing. Whether they are good for one another in the long term will make for an interesting study.

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, australian-football-league, rugby-league, super-rugby, australia

First posted May 15, 2012 13:58:32

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Famous football family mourns another champion

By Lisa Mosley

Updated May 03, 2012 16:31:16

Northern Territory and Western Australian football identity Sebastian "Sibby" Rioli has died.

He was 57.

He died at Royal Darwin Hospital this morning after suffering a heart attack.

Mr Rioli played for the South Fremantle Football Club during the 1970s.

He was the brother of the late VFL and Territory football star Maurice Rioli, who died in 2010 while celebrating Christmas with his family.

"Sibby" Rioli is survived by his wife and six children, and his son Ben plays for the Territory Thunder team, which competes in the NEAFL.

A member of his wider family, Cyril Rioli, now plays with AFL club Hawthorn.

Another relative, Dean Rioli, played for Essendon.

Tags: death, australian-football-league, darwin-0800, south-fremantle-6162, melbourne-3000

First posted May 03, 2012 16:31:16

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Sport as War - The Racial Politics of Football

White clings to hope of playing football again

By Bridget Brennan

Updated January 12, 2012 12:10:54

Three-time Brisbane Lions AFL premiership player Darryl White is awaiting a verdict on whether he will continue to be banned from playing football for life.

White has been playing for St Marys in the Northern Territory Football League but has been deregistered from all AFL affiliated competitions because he has breached a 15-game career suspension rule.

He was reported for striking another player during a recent NTFL game.

The 38-year-old fronted an appeal hearing in Darwin last night but says he must now wait up to 48 hours for the decision to be handed down.

"Hopefully, you know, everyone .... agrees that I am not that thug or not a threat to anyone, umpires, opposition players, supporters, opposition staff as well," he said.

"I am just really hopeful, crossing everything I've got at the moment over the next two days."

Under an AFL rule, players can be deregistered if they are suspended more than 15 times in their career.

White says he is anxious about what happens next.

"There were a few things they (the NTFL) didn't know," he said.

"They are ringing the powers that be to see if they are doing the right thing by the policy and by the rules."

Tags: australian-football-league, sports-organisations, people, darwin-0800, brisbane-4000, melbourne-3000

First posted January 12, 2012 12:10:54

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AFL sending mixed signals to SA football

By Neil Cross

Updated December 09, 2011 13:41:38

The AFL has a message for South Australian football. It is just a little hard to make out what message is being sent.

Millions of dollars have been given to the two South Australian AFL clubs this year by the parent body.

The AFL said there were no strings attached and claimed it just wanted to help the clubs make it to a redeveloped Adelaide Oval in 2014 in a sound financial state.

But that did not appear the case when the 2012 AFL draw was unveiled.

The Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide will play Saturday afternoon games at Football Park eight times next season. It is an unpopular time for AFL football in SA. It always has been, and always will be, unpopular.

Amateur, metropolitan and country football is played on Saturday afternoons in South Australia. Inevitably this means fewer people can attend AFL games on Saturday afternoons.

So the Crows and the Power cannot maximise their gate takings with that timeslot. It would seem counterproductive to the aim of making the clubs financially stable to make them play in the most unpopular timeslot available.

That presents as somewhat of a mixed message.

The AFL introduced a knockout competition for State League clubs this year. The Foxtel Cup takes clubs from each of the State Leagues but is weighted towards the stronger competitions, with the SANFL, WAFL and VFL each providing three teams.

The original concept was to have the top three teams from the SANFL. But both in 2011 and for next year the top clubs baulked at entering the Foxtel Cup, citing a combination of on- and off-field reasons.

Instead, South Australia will be represented in 2012 by South Adelaide, which finished fifth in this year's minor round, along with non-finalists Port Adelaide and West Adelaide.

When the draw for the 2012 opening round was announced, the AFL was effusive in its praise for the Foxtel Cup concept.

"Last season's successful introduction of the Foxtel Cup reaffirmed the AFL's commitment to supporting State League competitions and providing further opportunities for emerging stars or State League player greats," said AFL official Andrew Dillon.

In 2011, the South Australian clubs were given first-round opponents from Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. In each case there were big wins for the SANFL. Port Adelaide eventually made it through to the semi-finals, along with clubs from the VFL and WAFL.

But in 2012, the SANFL representatives will have to play WAFL and VFL clubs in the first round.

It could be the AFL is trying to ensure clubs from Brisbane, Sydney and Launceston are represented in the next round, in a bid to further develop the game in those states.

On the other hand, it seems counter to the idea of showcasing the State Leagues to have the best of them playing off against each other in the opening round.

The AFL draw for the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide would appear to hinder, rather than help, those clubs' financial positions.

The Foxtel Cup draw would appear to reduce the chances of the best clubs from the leading competitions making it through to the final.

Sometimes the AFL is a little hard to understand.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, sanfl, victorian-football-league-vfl, wafl, sa, adelaide-5000, australia

First posted December 09, 2011 13:33:02

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Country football review recommends merger

Peter Lenaghan

Updated October 14, 2011 14:30:26

A review of football in country Victoria has recommended big changes to the way the sport is governed.

The AFL ordered the report by AFL Victoria's chairman Peter Jackson earlier this year.

His 25 recommendations include merging AFL Victoria and the Victorian Country Football League and establishing independent regional commissions.

Mr Jackson says the proposal should not been seen as a takeover, but a chance to free up resources and increase the role of country Victorians in decision-making.

The report also includes calls to boost country football funding by $750,000 and recommendations to address a looming shortage of umpires and volunteers.

Mr Jackson says the proposals are designed to help the state's 700 country football clubs.

"The current governance structure overall is just too costly, whether you look at league structures, umpire associations or head office," he said.

"So we've got to look at the best interests of the club, and that's what the recommendation's based on."

Mr Jackson says the changes should be made in time for the 2013 season.

Tags: victorian-football-league-vfl, australian-football-league, sports-organisations, vic

First posted October 14, 2011 14:29:29

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Eyre Peninsula football preview: June 18th

Do they make football shorts with a special thermal insert? The reason I ask is that it was minus two degrees in Ceduna early this week. Minus two degrees! I don't need to point out how cold that is for Eyre Peninsula when I'm already shivering into my jacket, scarf and gloves on a 14 degree morning.

Needless to say watch those fingers this weekend!

Let's take a look around the grounds to see what's happening in Eyre Peninsula football this weekend.

Great Flinders rolls into game 7 this weekend, or game two of round two. It's what I'm calling the division round where the top three teams take on the bottom three - and with a big gap in between the groups the margins might be wide this weekend.

Saints out: Brad Foster (hamstring - training), Scott Fitzgerald (Bali), Darryl 'Boof' Marshall (unavailable - kicked five goals for Elliston the other week on a clearance)

Saints in: Matt Schramm, Joseph's brother Jason Burgoyne played the last game for the Saints against Ramblers and has been picked for this week.

Eagles out: Kade 'Doof' Dufek, Stephen 'Spoggy' Crettenden (AC joint shoulder/concussion)

Eagles in: Tim Boehm, Jarrod 'Chops' Phillips

Emma reckons: When I spoke to Ron Simpson yesterday he said he was almost at the point when you don't want to answer your phone because you don't want to know who else is injured. I think most coaches know how that feels but when you don't have much depth to dig new players out of, it can be a struggle.

The Eagles are on a good run this season despite losing Spog Crettenden to an AC Joint and concussion injury in the first game of the Mortlock Shield against Eastern Eyre last weekend.

At the end of the day the Eagles have got the Saint's measure and will take the points this weekend - by 5-8 goals.

After the game: the Saint's are holding their end of seeding cut-out with Port Lincoln musician Nick Krieg performing - and it's free.

Cougars out: Ben Finlayson (Bs), Luke Spook Moroney (medial ligament in knee in Mortlock),

Cougars in: Landon Gregory (back from hamstring), Ben Green.

Roos out: Tom Reynolds, Scott Reynolds, Guy Morton (ligaments in ankle - bad), Saxon Kay (and Alistair Stairs Pearce still out injured).

Roos in: Matthew Siviour (First A grade game), Brody Burrows, Travis Beard, Josh Dearman (all up from the colts). There aren't 21 players at the level to play As from within their squad or the Colts, so they'll have to pull another one from the B Grade.

Emma reckons: Cougars are devastated to lose their curly haired son in Spook Moroney to a knee injury which I'm guessing happened in the last game against Port Lincoln in the Mortlock Shield last weekend.

While this injury is bad they've got another in Landon Gregory returning from a bad hamstring injury into the forward so he'll be very handy for them.

Lock on the other hand are still struggling to find 21 players to take to the ground for a match. With three colts up and another to find from the B Grade it's going to be a struggle for them to kick goals today.

Cougars by 10+ goals.

Blues out: Michael 'Maggot' Curtis (hamstring), Luke 'Pardo' Partington (colts), David 'Butts' Butler (away).

Blues in: Jacob 'Gearbox' Cave, Scott Edmonds, Will 'Nanks' Nankivell

Ramblers out: Jim 'Goldie' Holman (baby watch), Scott 'Jock' Blacker, Tom Haarsma, Sam Guidera, possibly George 'Pigdog' Pedler (baby watch)

Ramblers in: Adam Haarsma, Cody 'Skiv' Pilgrim, Craig Fitzgerald, Billy Pilgrim

Emma reckons: I haven't been this excited for a game of football since last year's Grand Final. The idea of the twilight game came about last year and it's a brilliant concept for country football. To play under lights brings a new dimension into the game and the only thing we need to work with us is the weather.

But will the weather be playing along? According to the ABC Eyre Peninsula website weather forecast Friday afternoon it's going to be 18 degrees (down to 11) with WNW winds up to 17 knots in the afternoon and there's fifty per cent chance of between 1-5 mm of rain. Hopefully that falls in the morning.

The Blues A squad had a trial twilight match against the Blues colts last week which was a bit of fun and also great experience in getting used to playing in those conditions.

This weekend Ramblers are producing some more footballers and netballers for the future of their club but with three of their best in Jim Holman and possibly George Pedler out (he says he hopes so), along with the not-breeding-as-far-as-we-know-it Blacker out of the line-up - it's the closest the Blues might get to the black and white in 2011.

Ramblers to win by 3 goals with a nip of port for both sides at half time!

After the game: it's the Blues player's auction - your chance to "buy buy the Blues" footballers and netballers of your choice.

It's game six for Port Lincoln teams this weekend.

Mallee Park Vs Tasman @ Mallee Park

After the game: Kurruru Youth Performing Arts are bringing their show 'Nunga Funny' to the Peckers clubhouse from 7pm. It's a showcase of SA's funniest Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islanders. It's just $10 for Adults.

Waybacks Vs Lincoln South @ Ravendale

Marble Range Vs Bostons @ Wangary

The red and blue crew are rolling into round eight this weekend.

Ports Vs Rudall @ Port Neill

Kimba Districts Vs Cleve @ Kimba (check out their new clubroom facility).

Cowell has the bye.

Far West kick off game six for the year this weekend.

Ceduna Blues Vs Koonibba @ Ceduna

Thevenard Vs Westies

It's game eight for the Mid West League this weekend.

Elliston Vs Central Eyre @ Elliston

Western Districts Vs Wudinna United @ Minnipa

West Coast Hawks Vs Wirrulla @ Piednippie.

After the game at Piednippie: The Hercules Hawk has spoken, announcing that it's Rubik's Cube night, where people come dressed in all the colours of the 80s toy, but by the end of the night you have to swap clothes to be all the same colour - just like you would attempt with the cube. Get amongst it.

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Eyre Peninsula football results: June 4th

Game six was played at the weekend, with teams now beginning round 2 of three for season 2011.

A Grade

Tumby Bay 9.4 58 defeated Lock Roos

*Note this was the official score sent in, but the scoreboard at the end of the game showed the Blues up by only a point*

For a match report on this game visit: Blues take points from Roos after Prime kicks goal with minutes to go.

Blues best: Johnny Southern, Isaac Lebrun, Damian Clark, David Butler, Chris Prime, Jimmy Chard.

Roos best: Brad Agars, Sam Britza, Michael Arbon, Zac Tiller, Luke Northcott, Andrew Hetzel.

Blues goals: Chris Prime 3, John Southern 2, Luke Partington 1, Tom Kelly, David Butler, Jimmy Chard.

Roos goals: Andrew Hetzel 3, Luke Northcott 2, Ben Longmire 2, Brad Agars 1

B Grade

Tumby Bay 19.13 114 defeated Lock 7.3 45

Blues best were Cameron Pedemonte, Brian Coad (4 goals) and Tom Gent who kicked 5 goals and Jordan Allen who booted 3 goals.

Roos best were Craig Wheare, Matthew Siviour and Jedd Hall who kicked 2 goals.

Senior Colts

Tumby Bay 9.15 69 defeated Lock no score

Zeb Griffiths, Luke Partington (2 goals) and Jordan Hind were named best with Sam Harris booting 6 goals for the Blues.

Lock's Travis Beard, Brett Northcott and Aaron Beard were best.

Mini Colts

Tumby Bay 3.3 21 defeated Lock 1.0 6

Blues best were Brett Cooper (1 goal), Joe Bullard and Marley Butler.

Lock's best were Cain Reynolds, Jack Bedding and Aaron Beard.

A Grade

Ramblers 28.16 184 defeated the Saints 11.10 76

Ramblers best: George Pedler, Shawn fitzgerald, Jim Holman, James Minhard, Tysan Mickan, Zac Richardson.

Saints best: Joseph Burgoyne, Bradley Foster, Dylan Dunn, Jason Burgoyne, Tynan Hill, Jordan Telfer.

Ramblers goals: Simon Pedler 8, Haden Parker 6, Trent Starke 3, Shawn Fitzgerald, Jim Holman, Rowan McDonald 1, Zac Richardson, Jim Bascombe, Ben Franklin, James Minhard.

Saints goals: D Males 3, B Foster 2, J Burgoyne 1, T Hill, S Telfer, S Fitzgerald, Jason Burgoyne, D Liddicoat.

B Grade

Ramblers 26.16 172 defeated Eyre United 0.1 1

Magpies J Cuddeford (4 goals), D Pedler (4 goals) and J Darling (1 goal) were best with Brady Blacker booting 5 goals and Andrew Crettenden four goals.

Senior Colts and Mini colts not sent through

After being down by three goals at half time (C 4.5 E 7.6) Cougars coach Julian Doudle says he gave his lads a half time spray that led to a seven goal turnaround by the final siren.

A Grade

Cougars 14.13 97 defeated Eagles 11.11 77

Cougars best: Sam Ness, Roger Puckridge, Jace Rodda, Rick Leonard, Nick Ridgway, Daniel Wedd.

Eagles best: Kade Dufek, Michael Crettenden, Ben Glover, Ben Jamieson, Ricky Skinner.

Cougars goals: Sam Ness 4, Brad Hazelgrove 3, Damian Paech 1, Luke Turnbull, Mark Phinn, Seth Meyers, Dale Bache, Corey Turnbull, Jace Rodda.

Eagles goals: Jess Whittaker 2, Ty Habner, Michael Crettenden, Sam Hancock 1, Ben Jamieson, Bryce Breed, Aaron Lawrie, Kade Dufek.

B Grade

Eagles 12.11 83 defeated Cougars 7.7 49

Eagles best were Tim Boehm, Jayden Harris (6 goals) and Daniel Dingwall, with Marcus Hull kicking 3 goals.

Cougars Dale Rayson, Jesse Peace and Murray Hansen were best with Craig Meaney kicking 3 goals.

Senior Colts

Cougars 16.17 113 defeated Eagles 3.2 20

Cougars best: Jay Green, Billy Pedler, Cory Paech, Brandon Halliman, Dylan Wandner (7 goals), Tom Phelps. (Brodie Falciani kicked 6 goals).

Eagles best: James Glover, Josh Maxwell, Ben Glover, Alex Reynolds-Rowe, Luke Siviour, Lukas Agnew.

Mini Colts

Cougars 7.5 47 defeated Eagles no score

Cougars best were Mitchell Barnes, Jarrod Howell and Kieran Stephens who kicked 2 goals.

Eagles best were Tom Broad, Jaiden Agars, Bradley Phillips and Jed Murnane.

Current A Grade Ladder

(position, team, points, percentage)

1 - West Coast Hawks, 14, 71.80

2 - Wirrulla, 10, 59.22
3 - Wudinna United, 8, 52.19
4 - Central Eyre, 4, 44.99
5 - Western Districts, 4, 42.03
6 - Elliston, 2, 32.11

A Grade

West Coast Hawks 22.14 146 defeated Central Eyre 11.6 72

A strong second quarter saw the Hawks steam away from Central Eyre at Kyancutta.

WC Hawks best - Derick Freeman, Darren Guidera, Lijah Daniel, Aiden Whitford, Cameron Montgomerie.

Central Eyre best - Ryan Sampson, Jared Sampson, Jake Bruce, Jonny Beard, Josh Beinke.

WC Hawks goals - Darren Guidera 3, Brenton Bascomb 3, Aiden Whitford 3, Tristan Carcuro 2, Dillon Cabot 2, Dylan Kelsh 2, Lance Appleby 2, Darren Brown 2, Jake Sargent 1, Cameron Montgomerie 1, Max Shaw 1.

Central Eyre goals - Martin Grocke 2, Jonny Beard 2, Matthew Beinke 2, Jake Bruce 1, Craig O Brien 1, Kane Sampson 1, Kane Murphy 1, Josh Beinke 1

B Grade - Central Eyre forfeited to West Coast Hawks

Colts

West Coast Hawks 16.10 defeated Central Eyre 0.1 (half time score when teams merged)

WC Hawks best - Quinn Mohi, Sam Johns, Jaxon Gilmore, Toby Kelly.

Central Eyre - Tyler Chapman, Brett McComb, Toby Kelly.

WC Hawks goals- Izaac Goosay 6, Quinn Mohi 4

A Grade

Wudinna United 23.15 153 defeated Elliston 16.6 102

Wudinna were up 5.4 to 4.1 at quarter time, at half time it was Elliston 11.2 to Wudinna United's 7.10. At the end of the third quarter Wudinna United had clawed the lead back 15.10 to Elliston's 14.3 and Wudinna continued hard from there, taking out the points.

Best Wudinna United: Mark North, Ryan DuBois, Josh Mitchell, Dallas Waters.

Best Elliston: Jay Williams, Todd Romanowycz, Jason Matthews, Robert Pickett, Tom Beaty.

Goals Wudinna United: Neil Seaman 9, Josh Mitchell 3, Nick Wedding 3, Ryan DuBois 2, Tyson Jackson 2.

Goals Elliston: Tom Rumbelow 6, Darryl Marshall 5, Todd Romanowycz 2

B Grade - Elliston forfeited to Wudinna United

Under 16s

Wudinna United 17.25 127 defeated Elliston 7.0 42

Best Wudinna United: Ricky Seal and the whole team.

Best Elliston: Nathan Smith, Tyson Tree, Guy Hutchison.

Goals Wudinna United: Logan Elliott 4, Chris Thompson 3, Izaac Boylan 2, Brock Wilkins 2, Darcy Martin 1, Jeb Nettle 1, Remi North 1, Ian Jericho 1, Ricky Seal 1, Fraser Douglass 1.

Goals Elliston: Guy Hutchison 3, Nathan Smith 2, Lachlan Hutchison 1, Brody Kenny 1

Before the match Wirrulla was sitting second on the table under the Hawks, while Western Districts were in fifth spot.

A Grade

Wirrulla 16.17 113 defeated Western Districts 9.7 61

Best Wirrulla: Craig Johnson, Tyler Baldock, Robert Holmes, Braden Holmes, Dion Pittaway.

Best Western Districts: Yianni Kozminski, Trent Brace, Angus Gunn, Gareth Tomney, Nathan Hebbermann.

Goals Wirrulla: Craig Johnson 5, Shane Pittaway 4, Tyler Baldock 2, Andrew Cox 2.

Western Districts: Wade Shepperd 2, Angus Gunn 2, Scott Feltus 1, Jesse Hull 1, Damien Carey 1

B Grade

Western Districts 9.14 68 defeated Wirrulla 7.3 45

Best Western Districts: not available

Best Wirrulla: Jethro Holmes, Andrew Atkinson, Blake Thompson.

Goals West Districts: Darren Shoobridge 3, Dylan Cook 3, Callum Cook 1, Chris Lynch 1.

Goals Wirrulla: Clint Olsen 3, Carl Sullivan 1, Andrew Atkinson 1, Mark Slattery 1

Colts

Wirrulla 14.11 95 defeated Western Districts 2.5 17

Best Wirrulla: Corey Cabot, Daniel Theunans, Matthew Greatbatch.

Best Western Districts: not available.

Goals Wirrulla: Andrew McEvoy 4, Corey Cabot 3, Daniel Theunans 2, Jack Kessell 2, Mitchell Gum 1.

Goals Western Districts: Julian Dickson 1, Kirk Hull 1

With the last match before the Mortlock Shield some Far Westers will be looking forward to a long weekend break, with others planning their trek to Port Lincoln for the football.

A Grade

Western United 20.10 130defeated Ceduna Blues 7.7 49

WU best: D Hardy, T Warmington, B Woods, L Brown.

Blues best: Mat Williams, D Wright, C Knudson, S Takas, T Theodoseiou.

WU goals: J Murphy 4, D Hardy 3, M Ross 3, J Ketchington 3.

Blues goals: R Burnett 3

B Grade

Western United 8.12 60 defeated Ceduna Blues 7.9 51

Westies best were J Polkinghorn and L Mosey (3 goals) with B Skinner kicking 4 goals.

Blues best were C Murphy and A Beattie with M Pearce and R McKay kicking 2 goals each.

Under 16s

Westies 18.18 126 defeated the Ceduna Blues 2.0 12

Westies best W Boogar (4 goals and best), T Hoffrichter (3 goals second best) and L Woods (3 goals third best).

A Grade

Koonibba 23.20 158 defeated Thevenard 2.5 17

Koonibba best: Waylon Johncock, James Betts, Bill Peel.

Thevenard best: Dom Denton, Chris Williams, Josh Threadgold.

Koonibba goals: Trevor Saro 6, Bill Peel 5, Ware, Charlie Coleman 2.

Thevenard goals: Barry Coleman 1, Luke Oestmann 1.

B Grade

Koonibba 25.29 179 defeated Thevenard 0.3 3

Koonibba's best were Gerald Williams, Malcolm Taylor and Conrad Newchurch with Shaun Betts kicking 6 goals and Derek Gray and Graham Bilney 4 goals each.

Thevenard's B Mullan, R Thompson , R Masters and D Miller were best.

Under 16s

Koonibba 21.19 142 defeated Thevenard 0.1 1

Koonibba's best players were Norman Wombat, Daryl Dudley, Andrew Miller who kicked 8 goals and Troy Newchurch who kicked 5 goals.

Thevenard's Cruze Mullan, Toby Lee and Corey Thompson were best.

Game seven for season 2011 see's Cleve with the bye and games at Kimba and Rudall.

Kimba Districts 15.10 100 defeated Ports 6.4 40

Best Kimba Districts: S. Larwood, D. Woolford, N. Woolford, T. Freeth, J. Kessling

Best Ports: B. Wake, R. Helling, T. Davey, W. Ramsey, B. Leahy

Goals Kimba Districts: L. Fitzgerald 3, B. Seal 2, J. Fitzgerald 2, B. Buchanan 2, B. Clements , A. Lienert , J. Kessling.

Goals Ports: B. Hitch, S. Masters , S. Dohnt , B. Wake , T. Davey , S. Singh

Cowell Cats 15.15 105 defeated Rudall 11.7 73

Best Cowell: R. Simms, M. Franklin, J. Kemp, W. Piggott, K. Fiegert

Best Rudall: J. Siviour, J. Calverley, N. Hannemann, J. Pearson, G. Elliott

Goals Cowell: N. Johnson 3, T. Wiseman 3, N. Franklin 2, N. Gale 2, K. Fiegert 2, J. Kemp 2, M. Franklin

Goals Rudall: S. Roberts 3, J. Calverley 3, N. Hannemann , T. Harris , J. Pearson , G. Roberts , N. Cook

A week before the Mortlock Shield carnival it was the last chance for footballers to shine enough to be noticed by selectors.

Marble Range 12.4 76 defeated Lincoln South 8.13 61

Best MR: Matt Parker, Damon Scott, Todd Owen, Ryan Gurton, Jacob Watson, Braydon Calderwood

Best LS: Mitchell Hall, Philip Cummings, Bradyn Traeger, Jesse Kemp, Aaron Castley, John Sinclair

Goals MR: Matt Parker 2, Sam Wake 2, Scott Charman 2, Todd Owen 2, Nathan Fox 1, Braydon Calderwood 1, Zac Calderwood 1, Rowan Miegel 1

Goals LS: John Sinclair 3, James Lakin 1, Jay Williams 1, Bradyn Traeger 1, Andrew Jericho 1, Mitchell Hall 1

Reserves

Lincoln South 10.4 64 defeated Marble Range 5.5 35

LS Best: not available

MR Best: Michael Sargent, Craig Welfare, Hamish Rowsell, Adrian Popke, Michael Bates, Ryan Walsh

LS Goals: Kris Franklin 4, Rory O'Brien 2, Shannon Little 1, Dillon Bellenger 1, Scott Tomkinson 1, Michael McFarlane 1

MR Goals: Hamish Rowsell 2, Craig Nielsen 1, Luke Miller 1, Adrian Popke 1

Under 17s

Marble Range 8.8 56 defeated Lincoln South 6.3 39

LS best: Aiden Coulthard, Jordon Smith, Aiden Baker, Juan Lovegrove, Tyler Baker, Joe Bawdin

MR best: not available

LS goals: Aaron Dunn 3, Aiden Baker 1, Broden Dennis 1, Aiden Coulthard 1

MR goals: not available

Under 15s

Lincoln South 8.11 59 defeated Marble Range 7.8 50

LS best: Jacob Cherini, Dylan Blewit, Tyler Vogelsang, William Woldht, Aiden Baker, Angus Bell

MR best: Keenan Ramsey, Max Cooper, Connor Dickie, Joe Marchall, Daniel Wiseman

LS goals: Jacob Cherini 3, Dylan Broome 1, Jordon Ness 1, Adam Polden 1, Jordon Brewster 1, Dylan Blewit 1

MR goals: Keenan Ramsey 5, Jayden Sampson 1, Riley Mislov 1

Under 13s

Lincoln South 4.10 34 defeated Marble Range 1.0 6

LS best: Bradyn Robinson, Joel Avery, Beau Cindric, Dylan Haselgrove, travis wells, Joe Dutscke

MR best: Dejene Otto, Grady Dutschke, Tom Charlton, Kale Olds, Billy Byass

LS goals: Beau Cindric 2, Mitchell Lyons 2

MR goals: Liam Dennis 1

Under 11s

Lincoln 5.5 35 defeated Marble Range 2.0 12

LS best: Callan Avery, John Dunn, Kyle Ellis, Aiden Coulson, Hayden Carey, Jaceb Baldwin

MR best: Daniel Docking, Kobi Sampson, Kyle Castley, Jordan Chilman, Lachlan Webb, Jack Bradford

LS goals: Kaedyn Wardrop 2, Ben Shillabeer 2, Ethan Pycroft 1

MR goals: Trevor Matheson 1, Charlie Sawley 1

A Grade

Tasman 14.14 98 defeated Boston 9.2 56

Tasman best and goals are unavailable.

Boston best: Ky (U21) Miller, Kaden (U21) Hull, Leigh Watherston, Michael Paech, Rhys Marsh, Alex (21) North

Goals Boston: Rhys Marsh 5, Ky (U21) Miller 2, Tim Corneliusen 2

Reserves

Tasman 6.9 45 defeated Boston 4.6 30

Tasman best: Josh Frost, Scott Forrest, Nick Cumnningham, Jake Norris, Aaron Whyte, Craig Bascombe

Boston best: Vaughn Dohnt, Tom Schuman, Terrence Gerrard, Tom Edmonds, Samuel North, Ky Richardson

Tasman goals: Josh Frost 2, Craig Bascombe 2

Boston goals: Killian Mantle 2, Ky Richardson 2

Under 15s

Under 15s

Tasman 13.4 82 defeated Boston 8.4 52

Tasman best: Tom Ambrose, Harrison Ford, Max Buckland, Matthew Prout, Chase Tucker, Kyle Emery

Tasman goals: Jackson Tansell 5, Luke Walsh 3, Harrison Ford 3, Luke Orbons 1, Jack Bunder 1

Boston details not available

Under 13s

Boston 9.1 55 defeated Tasman 2.2 14

Boston best: Jordan Mills, Jack Redman, Nicholas Sevelj, Marcus Ellis, Brodie Wallace, Bruce Forrest

Tasman best: Brett Binns, Tyson Collins, Harry Haebich, Harrison Boots, Marty Hood, Luke Whitehair

Boston goal: Nicholas Sevelj 5, Blyane Hull 2, Jack Redman 1, Jarrod Nicholls 1

Tasman goal: Nick Heron 1, Blake Staunton 1

Under 11s

Tasman 4.6 30 defeated Boston 3.6 24

Tasman best: Jacob Collins, Elijah Thomson, Kodee Spry, Sam Casanova, Luke Mundy

Boston best: Daniel Dorward, Casey Arthur, Charlie Leech, Bailey North, Decan Hall, Jake Bryant

Tasman goal: Jacob Collins 3, Elijah Thomson 1

Boston goal: Adam Davies 1, Daniel Dorward 1, Decan Hall 1

A Grade

Wayback 15.11 101 defeated Mallee Park 8.17 65

Waybacks best: Rory Hunt, Joey Cragg-Sapsford, Ryan (U21) Kelly, Ben (U21) Sampson, Bradley Davidson, Matthew Goodwin

Mallee Park best: Kingsley Bilney Jnr, Quade Ware, Michael Burgoyne Jnr, Waydan Sumner, Fabian George

Waybacks goals: Ryan (U21) Kelly 4, Ben (U21) Sampson 3, Matthew Keatley 3, Ziek (U21) Kay 1, Rohan Montgomerie 1, Brett Osborne 1, Toby (U21) Lynch 1, Matthew (U21) Kelson 1

Mallee Park goals: Kingsley Bilney Jnr 3, Malcolm Miller 2, Wesley Bilney 1, David Dudley Jnr 1, Harry Miller Jnr 1

Reserves

Mallee Park 8.5 53 defeated Wayback 7.7 49

Waybacks best: Kurt Baldwin, Ben Smith, Greg Maxfield, Tristan Kouwenhoven, Simon Rechner

Mallee Park best:

Waybacks goals: Tristian Fennell 2, Kurt Baldwin 1, Simon Rechner 1, Greg Maxfield 1, Kym Turvey 1, Brendan Cappelluti 1

Mallee Park goals: Shane Dudley 2, Russell Carbine 2, John Coaby 1, Wayne Joss 1, Shane Sumner 1

Under 17s

Mallee Park 9.10 64 defeated Wayback 6.8 44

Mallee Park best: not available

Waybacks best: Jake (P) Andersen, Matthew Holden, Tanner Schlink, Anthony Ianello, Ryder Thomas

Austin Miller 1, Trevor Johncock Jnr 1, Terrence Nelson 1,

Thomas Goldsmith 1

Waybacks goals: Matthew Holden 2, Timothy Wiseman 2, Kostya Sheehy 1, Adam Dixon-Short 1

Mallee Park goals: William Roderick 2, Bradley Kelly 2, Jordan Kartinyeri 1,

Under 13s

Wayback 4.4 28 defeated Mallee Park 1.2 8

Waybacks best: Aiden Enge, Koby Hawes, Conor Davidson, Kerry Redshaw, Daniel Newman

Mallee Park best: Tyler Roderick, Drue Mueller, Raheem Betts, Croyden Goldsmith, Darius Chester

Waybacks goals: James Johnston 1, Koby Hawes 1, Cooper Nohlmans 1, Joe Sheehy 1

Mallee Park goals: Tre Porta 1

Under 11s

Waybacks 1.5 11 defeated Mallee Park 1.2 8

Waybacks best: James Ryan, Dylan Vonderwall, Ricky Young, Kye Robinson, Kya Eldridge

Waybacks goals: Sonny Puglisi 1

Mallee Park best and goals not available.

View the original article here

Eyre Peninsula football preview: June 4th

Which league has just changed an A Grade ruling on how many players are allowed onto the ground. Who from Cougars and from the Roos will miss a few weeks with shoulder injuries? Which Far West club has an 80s Mock Prom fundraiser event on after the game. This, Great Flinders' in's and out's, and all the football matches played across Eyre Peninsula this weekend.

There's been a rule change this week that all Great Flinders A Grade football sides will be playing 21 players for the rest of the season - and the 21st player doesn't have to be under 16. There are two arguments on this - one is that some believe it will make the strong teams stronger and the weak teams weaker, and the other is more players on the bench may improve player's welfare in regards to injury (come off when injured rather than playing at half fitness and doing worse injuries).

Ramblers out: (Billy Pilgrim was a late withdrawal last week and Ben Ballb Franklin came in).

Ramblers in: Sam Guidera.

Saints out: Damian Modra (calf at training on Wednesday), Brodie Maitland (?).

Saints in: Sam Telfer (back from ankle in first round), Jack Jacobs.

What Emma reckons: The Saints are on a high after their twenty-point victory last week, but it was a tough game and the lads will only just be getting over their body soreness. I will note that I mentioned Jack Jacobs in the report last week saying he'd done alright, but it was in fact Jack Kelly wearing Jacob's Guernsey - my apologies and well done JK.

Ramblers are also on a high, after beating their arch-rivals Cougars last week. While I tipped them to win by their 3 goal victory, I'm told that if Ramblers were on their goal game the margin would have been wider - with one goal six kicked in the first quarter.

Now I've seen both sides play, I'm going to tip Ramblers - they're just a little more classy and precise where the Saints are still finding their feet.

Ramblers by 5 goals.

Eagles out: Tim Boehm (Bs).

Eagles in: Aaron Lawrie, Chris Lever.

Cougars out: Ben Green (Darwin), Daniel 'Shaggy' Cummings (shoulder), Josh Nisbett (few weeks ankle ligaments), Adam Green (Bs).

Cougars in: Luke Gerbs Turnbull, Corey 'Pig' Turnbull, Ben Finlayson (Bs), Nick Ridgway (Bs), Dylan Wandner (colts).

What Emma reckons: This will be a cracker between the second (Cougars) and third (Eagles) teams on the ladder. The Eagles should have high confidence levels after some great victories but they will know coming up against Cougars isn't the same as the Blues or the Roos in 2011.

Cougars have a lot of returnees this week and from experience it's not the most settling thing for a team needing a win.

If my Cummins connection is still functioning, I reckon that despite what people think, Cougars would have been very disappointed that they lost to Ramblers last week. But they would have now refocussed and be looking to pluck a few feathers today.

As with most games the clearances out of the centre will be telling and the battle of the rucks will be prominent.

While Eagles are playing top footy, I think Cougars may do it today - but only just - 8 points.

Roos out: Alastair Stairs Pearce (shoulder), and all the younger ones are back into the Bs. (trained after being quite ill Tim Zacher after the game last week but

Roos in: Clint Beard (wedding), Zac Tiller, Kane Tiller, Thomas Reynolds, Saxon Kay (first game back in).

Blues out: Sam Read (work), Jacob Gearbox Cave (hamstring), Michael Curtis (hamstring), Josh Cave (trained but twisted ankle - depends on fitness on Saturday), Will Nankivell, Scott Edmonds.

Blues in: Luke Partington (playing his first A Grade game for the Blues good luck Pardo), Ricky Clark, Addison Lands, Andre Smith, Shawn Letton (all from Bs) and Jack Gerrie (returning from illness).

What Emma reckons: The Roos and the Blues always have a good, tough match and I hope for the bottom two sides that today won't be any different.

Both sides need things to start happening - the passion to awaken - the want to win revived.

From what I've heard, Roo's coach Gussy Bower has been trying out his team in new roles - shuffling his lads around trying to see what they've got in them - the question that remains is - can you teach a backman (or a full-forward) new tricks? Maybe we'll see today.

Tumby Bay supporters will hope that things can change in a week- the Blues revolving door into Roy the trainer's room - has been in use since game one and things don't seem to be changing with six changes this week (after eight last week).

With the launch of Blues young gun Luke Partington into the team the blokes missing out this week will be watching him with interest (to see if they get their spot back).

Blues by 4 goals.

Central Eyre Vs West Coast Hawks @ Kyancutta

After no seniors matches last weekend against Elliston the Hawks will be keen for a run but after going down by 11 goals to Western Districts last week Central Eyre's boys need to improve their game significantly to take the points.

Wudinna United Vs Elliston @ Wudinna

Wudinna will be hoping for a victory after going down by just four points last week to an in form Wirrulla at home. Neil Seaman and Eugene Wauchope were handy for Wudinna in front of goals kicking ten between them. Elliston obviously come off a double A Grade B Grade forfeit against the Hawks last week and as bottom on the ladder need to improve.

Minute to win-it is on at the Wudinna club after the game.

Wirrulla Vs Western Districts @ Wirrulla

Wirrulla are sitting second on the table under the Hawks, while Western Districts are in fifth spot.

Thevenard Vs Koonibba

The Thevenard Sports Club have got on an 80s Mock Prom Event with $5 entry if you're in costume or $10 if you're not. DJ FLip starts the tunes at 9pm.

Westies Vs Blues

Rudall Vs Cowell @ Rudall

Kimba Districts Vs Ports @ Kimba

Cleve has the bye

Lincoln South Vs Marble Range @ Centenary

Tasman Vs Boston @ Ravendale

Mallee Park Vs Waybacks @ Mallee Park

View the original article here

Eyre Peninsula football preview: May 28th

After the weather has blown straight through us during our association matches last week, there appears to be a calmer weekend in store this weekend.

Firstly congratulations to Eastern Eyre for taking out the interleague trio round robin match in Wudinna against Mid West and Far West, and also well done to Port Lincoln for getting over Great Flinders in their Centenary celebration match. Get the results on the website.

There are some great clashes in the local leagues as we return to normal again this week, to see the Mid West, Eastern Eyre, Far West and Port Lincoln Leagues or netball scroll below, but Great Flinders you're up first.

Thank you also to Sally McClure for sending in this great image of the guernsey's on her clothes line after doing the washing for Broken Hill's Central Magpies under 6 side.

Here we are at game five, which is the local derby of neighbour pitted against neighbour, cousin against cousin and it's the end of our first round of three games for the season - that's right, we're already a third of the way done!

Cougars out: Luke Turnbull (sick), Corey Turnbull (cracked ribs),

Cougars in: Brad Hazelgrove (strained calf missed Assoc), Sam Ness (?) Dale Bache, Ben Green.

Magpies out: Adam Haarsma, Ben 'Ballb' Franklin,

Magpies in: Jimmy Bascomb (A Grade debut originally from Elliston), Tom Haarsma.

What Emma reckons: As most of us know this is the Grand Final replay with both sides undefeated for the season to date so it's bound to be a blockbuster. Not to mention the close to 100 years of strong competitive history between the two that will have the blood-pumping through the screaming supporters on the sidelines.

To be honest from what I've seen this year, I don't reckon it's going to be as close as what some people are saying. When I saw Cougars play a few weeks ago, they didn't seem to have the fitness through the mid-field to keep up with the Blues youngsters - maybe they just didn't want to hurt the young lads, it just seemed like they were outrun a little. Saying that, when there was a sniff that the opposition was coming back Cougars would regroup and get the footy from the centre into the goals in around 30 seconds, which is what you want your team to do.

Still on the red and black we hope that strained calf that kept Hazelgrove out of the Centenary Association side last week is 100 per cent because Cougars can't afford to lose a player early in the game - or another forward (lost Landon Gregory in game 3 with serious hamstring).

In the Ramblers camp, what I saw in game two was like watching a slick unit perform in late August.

Their midfield of Scott 'Jock' Blacker George 'Pigdog' Pedler and Hayden 'Parks' Parker was fast and most importantly accurate and well fed by ruck James 'Spider' Minhard.

Their defensive line of last week's medal winner Tyson 'Rooster' Mickan, James 'Flog' Pedler, and Henry Zwar was almost impossible to penetrate. And their forward line contained talls who could take strong overheads (Jim 'Goldie' Holman), as well as the short and sneaky crumbing types (Shawn 'Bunga' Fitzgerald).

I guess it's who wants it more today.

I'm going with Ramblers to win by three goals.

Roos out: Zac Tiller (knee), Clint Beard (wedding), Kane Tiller (wedding).

Roos in: Saxon Kay, Chris 'Crispy Biscuit' Pearce, Alistair 'Stairs' Pearce, Gary Gaz Hetzel, Josh Dearman, Travis Beard (16 years old), Brodie Burrows, Scott Reynolds.

Eagles has no changes.

What Emma reckons: The Eagles have got two wins on the board and as sad as it is to predict this early, after today they're going to have three. The Eagles youngsters we've seen on the paddock week after week seem to have grown into men in the off-season and they're fielding what seems to be an early twenties team who have mature football brains, together with seriously talented older blokes who have taught the young ones all they know.

Lock can't win a trick at the moment with injury and if they can only return to the team they fielded against the Blues in round 1, they'd be back on track. But they're still a competitive side with a lot of heart and best of luck to their young ones out there today.

Also congratulations to Eagles Kade Dufek and Holly Turner who have recently announced their engagement.

Saints out: Tate Garnaut (Bs)

Saints in: Karl Pfitzner

Blues out: Jack Gerrie (sick), Addison 'Addo' Lands, Ricky Clark, Shaun Letton, Jordy Allen, Tom Gent, Sam Harris, Tyson Gerrie (all into B Grade).

Blues in: Craig 'Ferret' Curtis, Sammy Read, Tyson 'Crossy' Cross (shoulder), David 'Butts' Butler, Aaron 'Gatesy' Gates, Josh 'Yoshi' Cave, Jacob 'Gearbox' Cave, Daniel 'Dangas' Lockwood.

What Emma reckons: Both the Saints and the Blues are sitting with one win apiece for the season and want this to change.

The Saints will be itching to get the points from their neighbours but the Blues have bolstered their stocks and an incredible eight back from injury, including two who wore the trio of stripes for the Sainters last year (Gatesy and Butts) will make them the formidable opponent.

It's impossible to talk about the Blues without mentioning the stellar efforts being served up by their young lads week after week this season - Luke Wilkins and Will Nankivell are just hitting that late secondary school footy fitness that we see over the years and as a spectator, it's great to watch their confidence grow.

The return of the lost forward Sammy Read for the Blues will open up options in their forward line - something that's been lacking over past weeks with a lot of the pressure landing on the often double-tagged Chris Prime.

Despite what the percentage difference on the ladder is some years, the Blues and the Saints always have a great game. The good thing for the Saints is that with a win on the board this year, they will remember how good it feels to be winners - and they might just want it more.

After seeing Sainter Joseph Burgoyne in action for the maroons last weekend I now know what their supporters have been buzzing about.

If Jordy Telfer has recovered 100 per cent from the injury that kept him out of the Centenary side last weekend, then he, Burgoyne and Brad Foster could combine to do some damage. If they can get the ball through the Cave men and into the arms of Denis Males we'll be in for a cracker.

But with all the returnee's I'm going to go with the Blues to take it by 8 points.

Don't forget if you're passing through Lock on Sunday to pull over for an hour and check out the netball action taking place at the Eyre Regional Netball Carnival.

The best netballers from all Associations across Eyre Peninsula will be playing a Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17s and A Grade competition.

Brooke Neindorf tells us that an A Grade Top Twelve of the Carnival will be picked to play in a round robin with State League teams Contax and Tango early next season.

Best of luck to all competitors.

Game of the round - Wirrulla Vs Wudinna United @ Wirrulla

Western Districts Vs Central Eyre @ Minnipa

West Coast Hawks Vs Elliston @ Streaky Bay - but word is that Elliston has forfeited the A Grade and B Grade because a wedding in Port Lincoln is happening that most of the players are invited to this weekend.

Struggling with B Grade numbers too, a number of footballers have left the district and others have been picked up by other clubs.

Game of the round: Cowell Vs Ports @ Cowell

Cleve Vs Rudall @ Cleve

Kimba Districts has the bye (more work on their new clubhouse?)

Game of the round - Koonibba Vs Westies

Blues Vs Thevenard @ Smoky Bay

Game of the round - Boston Vs Mallee Park @ Poole

This is my game of the week, due to tensions from previous meetings (bit of biff) and also for the fact that Ky Miller is now playing for the Tigers, he should see some close attention from his former team mates.

Wayback Vs Marble Range @ Centenary

Tasman Vs Lincoln South @ Ravendale

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Football 'debauching' news values

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 22/05/2011

Reporter: Barrie Cassidy

Newspapes in Melbourne have reported tenuous links between three footballers and the cirulation of inappropriate images on social media websites.

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Eyre Peninsula football preview: May 14th

Here we are at another Friday with our winter sports season now well underway. The weather seems to be returning to an actual cold winter season again which is perfect for farmers who are doing laps in their tractors seeding at the moment.

Talking about seeding half the coaches and team contacts I've been speaking with about their ins and outs today have been on the tractor so all the best to everyone for the upcoming season.

With sowing, often comes a shortage of footballers as blokes decide that their year's work matters more than a game or two. B Grade sides in particular can struggle to find numbers so this provides the opportunity to blood younger lads in the colts sides who have been waiting in the wings for their turn.

So mind the young fellows today and if you have one in your sights just remember you were young once.

It's also the weekend before the Association round so we'll probably see some of the wounded sitting out for the extra long body recovery session. More on the association games at the bottom.

It's the week before the centenary celebrations so it's a great opportunity to say congratulations to the organising committee for putting together a great weekend. It's been a large amount of work for a small group - and it's probably not quite done yet, so all the best over the final touches this week. We can't wait to see the 100 Great Flinders years book. To see the squads for the centenary games next weekend look below.

(team, won, lost, points, percentage)

Ramblers, 3, 0, 6, 68.3

Cougars, 3, 0, 6, 67.1
Eagles, 1, 1, 2, 53.1
Saints, 1, 2, 2, 42.2
Blues, 1, 2, 2, 39.0
Roos, 0, 0, 0, 30.8

Saints out: Nick Telfer (has left and gone to Kingston). The team is wishing you all the best with your adventures.

Saints in: Brad Foster (late withdrawal last week)

Cougars out: Landon Gregory (bad hamstring out for a while), Ben Finlayson, Kent Shunty Pringle, Dylan Dilba Wandner.

Cougars in: Lochie Paech (colt), Dale Rayson (Bs), Josh Nisbett (from Tasmans played Bs last week), Mark Phinn (wing/centre/half back from BBH Rams).

Emma reckons: Today will be interesting for the Saints after their huge victory last week has got things buzzing out the road especially given that they were without one of their best in Brad Foster who was very sore and decided to take a break.

Last week Sainter Dennis Males kicked seven goals but given that he's a former Cougar - he may see some close attention today.

Cougars were tested against the Blues last week and despite winning by 5 goals were really tested, especially through the mid-field from the Tumby youngsters who could match them for pace.

Today Cougars will be wearing Black Armbands in the memory of Max Paech a Cougar life member courtesy of his time in the Kapinnie Football Club, Max passed away this week and our thoughts are with his family. His grandson Lochie will be playing up in the A Grade from the colts today.

Cougars by 3 goals.

Eagles out: Aaron Bubby Little, Chris Lever

Eagles in: Tim Boehm, Troy Phillips

Blues out: Ben Cave, Josh Cave (wedding in QLD)

Blues in: Johnny Southern, Shawn Letton

Emma reckons: Always a great game today is going to be an close tussle given that the Blues are without their tough Cave men in the backlines.

The Eagles have been performing well this year but despite that have only posted one win on the board against the Saints. The Blues are also on a single win from their game against bottom placed Roos in the first round. Both teams don't just want the win, they need it to secure a spot in the four.

I'm looking forward to seeing former Far Wester Kade Dufek back in action for the Eagles today and just seeing what their new recruits have to offer because they've been very quiet lately - with only their local lads making the best list.

With all the injuries in the Blues camp they mightn't be fielding the team that they thought they could, but the young fellows have been doing a stellar effort. Will Nankivell, Luke Wilkins and Adam Milton have been outstanding with a number of other youngsters also doing a top job in tough times.

I'm going with the Eagles at home, but a close one.

Magpies out: James Spider Minhard (away)

Magpies in: Billy Pilgrim (Bs)

Roos out: Alastair Stairs Pearce (away), Gary Gaz Hetzel (illness)

Roos in: Chris Crispy Pearce (if his hamstrings have pulled up okay), and another

Emma reckons: Looking at the ladder this is top taking on bottom and with Stairs out of the rucking contest for the Roos, and Gaz running through the middle it's just going to make things harder for Lock to clear the ball from the centre.

Saying that the Lock boys really need to forget about what happened last week, lift their heads up and focus on what they're going to do today.

Magpies are on a great run and they want to hold their spot above Cougars on the top of the ladder so they'll be working hard today.

Magpies to win by a lot.

Wirrulla Vs Central Eyre @ Wirrulla

Western Districts Vs Elliston @ Poochera

Wudinna United Vs West Coast Hawks @ Wudinna

Cowell Vs Kimba @ Cowell

Ports Vs Cleve @ Arno Bay

Rudall has the bye

Westies Vs Thevenard

Koonibba Vs Ceduna Blues

Lincoln South Vs Boston @ Centenary

Tasman Vs Wayback @ Ravendale

Marble Range Vs Mallee Park @ Wangary

This year with the Great Flinders centenary there were early changes to how association was to be played, as Great Flinders wanted to play Port Lincoln.

So Great Flinders are hosting Port Lincoln at Cummins for the centenary.

But interestingly also next weekend, Mid West are hosting a trio association series - the first of its kind on Eyre Peninsula, when they host Eastern Eyre and the Far West crew at Wudinna

Now there will be some games to go and see and congratulations to organisers for their flexibility of letting Far West into the games, as Port Lincoln was initially going to be sending a team up to Ceduna to play but that didn't work out.

These are the current lists for training on Wednesday the 18th of May at Cummins oval. All players must wear their club guernsey's.

A Grade

Get there at 6pm for a 6.30 start, followed by tea at the hotel. Apologies to Coach Craig 'Ferret' Curtis on 0427 881 924 or Chris Watson on 0427 766 049.

Bradley Hazelgrove, Michael Curtis, Michael Arbon, Landon Gregory, Jimmy Chard, Zac Tiller, Daniel Cummings, Tom Kelly, Luke Northcott, Jace Rodda, Luke Wilkins, Sam Britza, Sam Ness, Daniel Wedd, Seth Meyers, Rick Leonard, Ricky Skinner, Tyson Mickan, Joseph Burgoyne, Bryce Breed, George Pedler, Jordan Telfer, Mark Habner, James Pedler, Matthew Schramm, Ty Habner, James Minhard, Tate Secker, Jim Holman, Matthew Crettenden, Scott Blacker, Steven Crettenden, Simon Pedler, Aaron Watson, Trent Starke, Jess Whittaker, Zac Richardson, Matt Haylock, Hayden Parker, Luke Moroney, Ben Green.

Under 17

Get there at 5pm and stay for the BBQ tea after training. Apologies to Coach Justin Pedler on 8687 6042 or 0427 805 999.

Jake Schulz, Troy Phillips, Thomas Reynolds-Rowe, Glenn Siviour, Dalton Proctor, James Glover, Lucas Agnew, Billy Pilgrim, Jack Maughan, Zac Richardson, Jack Haarsma, Lochie Paech, Dylan Wandner, Thomas Phelps, Mathew Nicholls, William Nankivell, Joe Walker, Sam Harris, Brandon Filsell, Tyson Gerrie, Jordan Hind, Callan Hammond, Nicholas Gale, Jack Kelly, Jackson Liddicoat, Alex Will, Jonathan Telfer, Dane Fredrickson, Lewis Pfitzner, Nathaniel Simpson, Toby Fredrickson, Brody Burrows, Casey Beard, Josh Dearman, Travis Beard, Matthew Siviour, Scott Reynolds, Jack Jacobs.

Under 15

Get there at 4.30 and stay for a BBQ tea after training. Apologies to coach Michael 'Bobby' Harris on 8684 4263 or 0429 824 357.

Corey Paech, Brodie Falciani, Brady Tosold, Dillan Trezise, Jay Green, Alex Mahoney, Lachlan Gale, Tyson McCallum, Mathias Simpson, Justin Jessop, Alex Young, Thomas Heath, Mark Arbon, Jed Bald, Sam Charlton, Wade Gerrie , Zeb Griffiths, Brodie White, Luke Partington, Jake Barrett, Adam Brown, Brandon Rogers, Ben Glover, Luke Siviour, Jack Crettenden, Alex Reynolds-Rowe, Toby Maughan, Zac Bald.

Under 13

Get there at 4.30 and stay for the BBQ tea after training. Apologies to coach Corey Murnane on 8676 5170 or 0-428 762 046.

Flynn Paech, Jack Green, Patrick Puckridge, Jake Mahoney, Guy Kay, Tim Reynolds, Kain Reynolds, Ryan Siebert, Jack Bedding, Thomas Kammermann, Damon Siviour, Max Treloar, Jake Skinner, Issac Hall, Jesse Rule, Jacob Kennerly, Will Haarsma, Mitchell Partington, Tim Shugg, Archie Harris, Reece Gerrie, Brayden Martin, Brodie Miller, Calis Cafuta, Adam Murnane, Alex Glover, Tom Broad.

Great Flinders Football League are holding their Centenary Celebrations Dinner at the Cummins Institute on May 21st 2011 after the association game against Port Lincoln. All are welcome.

It begins at 6.30 for a 7pm start. The event will include guest speaker, ex Adelaide Crow Sean Rehn as well as a three course meal for $35 each.

Tickets are available from the Cummins Post Office 86762020, Cummins Newsagency 86762062 or your local club for the Great Flinders Football League Centenary Dinner.

There is a great day planned, with a Football match in a unique Centenary Guernsey, against Port Lincoln. Guernseys will be auctioned off at the dinner. All tickets are being pre sold and must be paid for.

The Great Flinders Football League History Book will also be launched and Memorabilia will be on display in the Bowling Club during Saturday with Association Team photos from nearly every year.

The day will commence with Football at the Cummins Oval Great Flinders V Port Lincoln starting with Under 13's at 9.30am - Under 15's at 10.30am - Under 17's at 12.30pm - A Grade 2.30pm.

The Great Flinders Netball Association will also play the Port Lincoln Netball Association in what looks to be a great round of Netball. Please support what will be a fantastic day and night on the 21st of May, 2011.

For more information call Catherine Gale GFFL Secretary on 86767021, Grant Beard GFFL President on 0427891093 or Marrett Secker Centenary Committee on 86765046.

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