Opening Round
It was great to have the siren sounding, the car horns beeping and leather being kicked around last weekend in the opening round of the Hampden Football Netball League.There were some many great moments from the season openers, with some close matches and outstanding individual performances.
Friday Night Football was a huge success at the Reid Oval, with a big crowd watching the Blues and Saints play in an absolute thriller. The game was in the balance for most of the last quarter and the young Koroit side was able to record a very mature victory. South Warrnambool flexed their muscles with a commanding win against North Warrnambool, with Shannon Beks dominating the air and in front of the goals. Former Fremantle star Michael Barlow made a welcome return to the HFNL, gathering 42 disposals in an outstanding individual display. Jason Rowan in game 250 starred in his team’s win over Portland, booting six majors and taking a crowd pleasing hanger. Terang Mortlake are tipped to fare well this season, they recorded a great win over Camperdown in twilight football while Cobden were strong in their win over Hamilton at home.
Paddy Anderson Milestone
One of the most famous names at South Warrnambool will celebrate a major milestone this weekend, with Paddy Anderson playing game 150. The son of the great Shorty Anderson, has been a part of the Roosters fabric for a long time now and is renowned for his beautiful left foot kick and his efficient use.
Paddy was a key ingredient to South Warrnambool’s back six last season and enjoyed the spoils of a premiership. One of the competition’s great fella’s. Well Done Paddy on your milestone.
League Stats
For the very first time in the Hampden League, each game was properly stated last week. Knight Vision Analysis are the league’s statistics partner for 2024 and what they have provided is first class. Each Wednesday edition in the Warrnambool Standard you will see each week’s player stats from the previous round, which will be great for our local football fans.
Some of the major standouts were
Michael Barlow – North Warrnambool: 42 disposals (19 kicks, 23 handballs) and 1 goal
Max Lower – Terang Mortlake: 34 disposals (13 kicks, 21 handballs, 7 tackles and 6 clearances)
Ryley Hutchins – Terang Mortlake: 33 disposals (21 kicks, 12 handballs, 3 goals and 5 Inside 50’s)
Round 2 Matches
Koroit vs Cobden – The Bombers will unleash new key defender Alfie Armstrong for the clash. Koroit have impressed with their young brigade. A great encounter is coming up.
Port Fairy vs Warrnambool – Port Fairy will fancy their chances after a solid performance last round. Warrnambool will be better for the run and will be hopeful to give Cunnington, McCarthy, Wason and Black their first wins as Blues.
Hamilton vs Camperdown – Hamilton will play this game at Hawkesdale Recreation Reserve for the first time and welcome back triple Maskell Medallist Levi Dare. Camperdown has lost some quality, an even clash coming up.
North Warrnambool vs Portland – The Eagles are always tough to beat at home and this will be no different. Portland will unveil some new names, looking forward to seeing how they go.
Terang Mortlake vs South Warrnambool – A clash of the titans coming up. South Warrnambool have been classy in their first two matches of the season and Terang Mortlake were great last week. Great to see Louis Herbet playing his first game of the year at Roosterland. Keep an eye on Max Lower from the Bloods – he is a jet.
Another great weekend of Hampden League Footy upon us.
See you at the Footy
Hilly.
