Around the Grounds with Hilly: Round 13

Around the Grounds with Hilly: Round 13

15th July 2022

Indigenous Round Success
The feedback from the inaugural Indigenous Round in the Hampden Football Netball League last weekend was a positive one. The smoking ceremony that took place at the Bushfield Recreation Reserve was a moving one, with Peek Whurrong elder Rob Lowe senior providing a historical insight into the rich indigenous culture of the local region, as well talking about his relation Pompy Austin, the first ever indigenous player in the VFL. The discussions have already started with indigenous round growing next year with specially designed jumpers and more venues taking part in smoking ceremonies. Well Done to all, outstanding outcome.

Hammer’s Back
Outstanding news recently with Hamilton reappointing Hamish Waldron as senior coach for the 2023 season. ‘Hammer’ has been a breath of fresh air for the Kangaroos, he’s highly respected, a driven individual and he bleeds royal blue and white. The Kangaroos have shown terrific growth this season, still in strong contention to play finals football and more importantly have blooded a host of talented junior players. A great appointment and wouldn’t it be great to see the lads from Hamilton participate in finals very soon.

Goals of the Season
I’ve been fortunate enough to have witnessed some great football matches this season, and see first-hand some terrific marks and goals. Some of the main culprits providing a plethora of highlights include Koroit’s Sam Dobson and Connor Byrne, Portland’s Tom Sharp and Toby Jennings, Bloods forward Will Kain, South Warrnambool’s Jack Dye and Cobden’s Jack Hutt to name a few. On the weekend, I was privileged to call one of the best goals I’ve seen for some time and it was from North Warrnambool defender Luke Wines. ‘Nuggie’ received the footy from a team-mate on the paint of his defensive 50m. He automatically began to run and carry the football through the corridor with no opponent in sight, taking 5 bounces before floating through a goal from 48m out. It was a terrific finish and a highlight in his 150th match. If you would like to see the goal, head to the Hampden League website and search for North Warrnambool and Warrnambol, it was kicked in the third term.

Round 13 Matches
What a fixture of matches we have this weekend with a number of matches important for top position, top three and top five purposes. It’s been a great season to date and hopefully the final six weeks of the season before finals provides many highlights.

Koroit vs South Warrnambool – What a clash coming up. The Roosters were dominant last time around on Good Friday. Both sides are almost at full strength and will relish this week’s opportunity. Top position is on the line, with a first week bye in the finals on offer. A hard game to select a winner, I think Koroit just with a home ground advantage.

Hamilton vs North Warrnambool – A vital game for Hamilton to remain in contention for a top five berth. North Warrnambool is coming off a top win and will be eager to still contend for a double chance. I think North is just playing a little better football at the moment.

Camperdown vs Portland – It’s been a tough year for the Magpies and hopefully they can push one of the best young sides in the competition. Portland are needing to keep winning, especially with the Eagles lurking around their heels for that third position. I think the Tigers will win.

Terang Mortlake vs Warrnambool – Warrnambool has been unlucky in recent weeks with injuries to key players, Cowling, Bell, Ryan, O’Keefe and Cody. Whilst they have given the senior opportunity to some younger players, they are just hanging onto fifth position on the ladder. A real danger game for mine, with the Bloods winning two out of their last three games. I think the Blues get the job done, only just.

Cobden vs Port Fairy – I love the direction Cobden is heading and I believe they will register another victory this week. The efforts and performance of the Seagulls during the last two weeks has been greatly improved and lets hope they can lodge a win or get extremely close before the season concludes.

Enjoy your day at the footy.

Hilly

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