Holt to lead Tiger Train
The first of the coaching announcements for season 2023 was made last weekend with Portland re-appointing Jarrod Holt for another season. While we still have another several home and away fixtures before finals commence, the Tigers are going to be a part of the action for the very first time this season, and much of this has to be credited to Holty. He is one of the club’s favourite sons and is much respected by the playing group. Jarrod has certainly built a nice foundation at Portland and no doubt will be keen to see where the Tiger Train can go in the next couple of seasons.
AFLW coming to the Reid Oval
What a terrific announcement this week, with Essendon and Geelong to meet in a home and away season fixture in October. It is terrific that the new facilities at the Reid Oval can host such a match and hopefully a big crowd will attend a first for the region. Essendon will have a local flavour in the match, with senior coach Natalie Wood coming from Warrnambool is one of the great ambassadors of the code. The round seven match will take place in October and already there is a lot of excitement in the air.
Indigenous Round
It is absolutely sensational this weekend the Hampden Football Netball League is celebrating Indigenous Round, which coincides superbly with NAIDOC Week. The week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aborigibal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we haven’t had so many talented indigenous people involved in our league over the journey. A couple of indigenous players who I thoroughly enjoyed watching in my time following Hampden Football include:
Tim Chatfield – A tough forward who provided many headaches for opposition defenders. Tim had terrific hands and was a beautiful kick at goal. Dominated at VFL level in his mid 30’s.
Jason Misfuld – One of the great Hampden League players of the modern era. Unbelievable work ethic, could play multiple positions, outstanding leader and a matchwinner (the 2003 Hampden League premiership is great evidence).
Adrian Collard and Willie Rioli – Two names that were dominant players for the Mortlake Cats. Both players had a plethora of party tricks, played an unpredictable yet exciting brand and both were capable of great things at a higher level.
Cedric Cox and Jermaine Jones – Whilst these two young kids were only in the league for a short time, but both have gone onto AFL careers, majorly stemming from their interleague campaigns with the Bottle Greens. Both Cedric and JJ had dash, poise and excitement.
Round 12 Selections
North Warrnambool vs Warrnambool – Crucial game for both sides, the Eagles for their top aspirations and for the Blues, consolidating their spot inside the top five. Reviewing current form, North Warrnambool should win.
Cobden vs Camperdown – A great match coming up between the arch rivals. Recent form would suggest Cobden get the win but I’m expecting a hungry Camperdown to perform well. It’s a toss of the coin, but I think the Bombers just.
South Warrnambool vs Port Fairy – Outstanding to see a really competitive Port Fairy last weekend, but they’re up against one of the big boys and won’t win this one.
Terang Mortlake vs Koroit – A huge challenge for the Bloods. I love the emergence of Hutchins, Vickers, Roberts, Roberts and Hobbs. Unfortunately, they won’t be close to the Saints. They’re in rich form at the moment and are my Grand Final favourites at the moment.
Portland vs Hamilton – One of the great rivalries in the Hampden league and what a huge game for Hamilton. The Kangaroos are a game outside the top five and would love to take scalp, including their arch rivals. Portland is in great shape and will be hard to stop.
Have a great day at the football.
Hilly.
