A NUMBER of Hampden league exports produced strong games in round 21 of the home and away season and as the final series draws closer several players still have opportunities to help their clubs reach the top eight.
Sam Walsh
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Carlton Blues
Stats: 12 kicks, 15 handballs, 2 marks
Finished as one of the Blues best with 27 possessions and six tackles in a defeat to Brisbane.
Zach Merrett
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Essendon Bombers
Stats: 11 kicks, 7 handballs, 1 mark
Had a quieter game than previous outings with just 18 touches as the Bombers were well held by Greater Western Sydney.
Rowan Marshall
Home Club: Portland Tigers
AFL Club: St Kilda Saints
Stats: 13 kicks, 8 handballs, 4 marks
Continued his recent run of consistent outings with 21 touches and 37 hit-outs in the Saints defeat to Geelong.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Home Club: South Warrnambool Roosters
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
Stats: 10 kicks, 2 handballs, 6 marks
Had his opportunities in front of goal but kicked three behinds as the Bulldogs lost to Fremantle.
Jamaine Jones
Home Club: Portland Tigers
AFL Club: West Coast Eagles
Stats: 14 kicks,10 handballs, 1 mark
Collected 24 touches and laid six tackles in the Eagles loss to Adelaide..
Hugh McCluggage
Home Club: South Warrnambool Roosters
AFL Club: Brisbane Lions
Stats: 13 kicks, 15 handballs, 6 marks
Another complete game from the Lions midfielder, finishing with 28 touches and seven inside 50s in the win over Carlton.
Sean Darcy
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Fremantle Dockers
Stats: 6 kicks, 6 handballs, 3 marks
Lead from the front in the ruck with 30 hit-outs as the Dockers upstaged the Western Bulldogs.
Willem Drew
Home Club: Koroit Saints
AFL Club: Port Adelaide Power
Stats: 7 kicks, 18 handballs, 3 marks
Collected 25 touches and had five inside 50s in a strong outing for the Power despite their loss to Richmond.
STATE LEAGUE DUTIES:
Ben Cunnington
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: North Melbourne Kangaroos
Made his playing return in the Roos’ VFL defeat to Sydney, collecting 18 touches.
DID NOT PLAY
Lewis Taylor
Home Club: Terang Mortlake Bloods
AFL Club: Sydney Swans
Josh Corbett
Home Club: North Warrnambool Eagles
AFL Club: Gold Coast Suns
Gary Rohan
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Geelong Cats
We’re thrilled to be heading into the 3rd week of our Junior Final Series. Please see below game times for football and netball.
Date: Sunday 14 August 2022
Venue: Leura Oval, Camperdown
Gates Open: 9.30am
Football
Match Type | Grade | Time | Competing Teams |
N/A | Under 12’s | 11.00am | South Warrnambool vs Koroit |
Preliminary Final | Under 14’s | 12:00pm | Hamilton Kangaroos vs Koroit |
Preliminary Final | Under 16’s | 2.00pm | Hamilton Kangaroos vs Warrnambool |
Netball
Match Type | Grade | Time | Competing Teams |
N/A | Development Age | 10.00am | Terang Mortlake vs South Warrnambool |
Preliminary Final | 13 & Under Reserves | 11.00am | Terang Mortlake vs Hamilton Kangaroos |
Preliminary Final | 15 & Under Reserves | 12.00pm | South Warrnambool vs Cobden |
With only three Rounds to play the opportunity to secure a top 3 finish is wide open. Whilst North Warrnambool currently hold third spot, they have a tough run home coming up against both South Warrnambool and Cobden in the last rounds. Only four points behind are Koroit who have an easier run home and have a higher percentage. Warrnambool take up the fifth spot but are a game and a half behind Koroit.
A Cap of Last Week’s Results
South Warrnambool defeated Hamilton Kangaroos by 9 goals. Hollie Phillips scoring well for the Roosters with 42 goals and Clare Crawford was accurate in attack for the Tigers with 21 goals and a best on court performance.
North Warrnambool comfortably accounted for Terang Mortlake with a 16 goal win. The Eagles experimented with a few positional changes and were down by a goal at the first break but were able to fight back and scored a good win. Eboni Knights had another strong game in attack for the Bloods scoring 27 goals.
Koroit had a percentage boosting win over Camperdown winning by 26 goals. Nell Mitchell was back to her best scoring 35 goals for the Saints and Krystal Baker recorded 18 goals for the Magpies.
Heidi Jones from Portland had an outstanding game in attack scoring 29 goals and helping her team take a 15 goal win over Port Fairy.
The Top 5 prior to this Round
South Warrnambool, 54 points, 142.09 percent; Cobden 46 points, 139.30 percent; North Warrnambool, 46 points, 119.24 percent; Koroit, 42 points, 120.48 percent; Warrnambool, 36 points, 98.46 percent.
Milestone Games
This week we Congratulate Emily Forrest who will play her 150th Open game for the Port Fairy FNC. Emily played her first Open game as a 15 year old in 2010. Emily was a member of the 2016 Open premiership team, has won multiple Club Best and Fairest awards and has also represented the HFNL at the Association Championships. As well as playing Open she is currently Assistant Coach for the Open team and has been a great role model for the younger players at the Club guiding them both on and off the court. Congratulations Emily, a great effort!
I also wish to congratulate Rachel Dobson who plays her 150th Open Game this weekend for the Koroit Saints.
Good luck to both girls who will play off against each other!
Umpire Accreditation
Congratulations to Lauren Westhorpe from South Warrnambool who successfully obtained her B Badge accreditation in Umpiring last weekend. Lauren has been working hard to develop her Umpiring skills during the season so this is a great result for Lauren. Well Done!
Congratulations also to Nat O’Dea from the Hamilton Kangaroos who was awarded her C Badge accreditation last week.
My Predictions for this Week.
Warrnambool take on Camperdown this week. Camperdown have worked well on developing their younger players this season and have a lot to look forward in the next few years but Warrnambool will be working hard to ensure they are at their best approaching finals and should take the win here.
Koroit are gaining momentum at the right end of the season and will be too strong all over the court for Port Fairy and will have a comfortable win.
Cobden host the Hamilton Kangaroos at the Community Bank Recreation Reserve. Despite not making finals the Kangaroos have been very competitive this season but Cobden have been in good form in recent weeks and will have too much to lose if they drop this game. Cobden should take the points here.
Terang Mortlake verse Portland in what will be a tough contest. Portland’s experience in defence will be a key factor and have a bit more depth than the Bloods. I think Portland will win a close game.
In the final game, South Warrnambool take on the Eagles at the Friendlies. This will certainly be a great contest and a must win for the Eagles if they are to hold third spot. North Warrnambool at their best have the ability to shut down opportunities for the Roosters strong attacking circle and may do enough to get over the line, just.
Good Luck to all the Junior Teams competing in the Junior Semi Finals on Sunday and best of luck to everyone else participating in both football and netball this weekend.
Author: Josie Logan
Supporting the Seagulls
It has been one tough year for the Port Fairy Seagulls and it became even tougher only days ago with the club announcing they would be forfeiting their senior football clash with Koroit. No doubt, one of the hardest decisions this club has had to make in recent times, but with low player numbers, high injury numbers and illness, the Seagulls had no other choice. The big question for us to think about as a football community now, is how can we best help and support them moving forward and getting them back winning games? The club stated in their media release this week “they aren’t going anywhere and have no intention to change that anytime soon”, which shows the hard working committee are ready to fight this tough time. We as a league need a competitive Port Fairy side in the competition, they’re an important part of our fabric. Planning for 2023 has well and truly commenced and lets hope we hear some pleasing news in the coming months. There is some quality amongst the Seagulls playing list, star power in Sully, McMeel, Mercovich, Sullivan, and young talent coming through including Lecardie, Pollock, Myers and Dalton. Hopefully we see some experienced players head to Gardens Oval to work with this group, as well as former Seagulls wanting to return to the club and help build again.
Kelly 150th
South Warrnambool tall Sam Kelly will play in his 150th senior game this weekend against the North Warrnambool Eagles. Sam was a key ingredient in the Roosters 2011 premiership win and continues to be a vital cog in the 2022 line-up. Whilst assisting Ollie Bridgewater in the ruck at times this season, Sam has forged a tight knit unit in the South Warrnambool forward line this season with Weir, Beks, Henderson, Dye and Irving. He has kicked 24 goals this season. A major milestone Sam will be proud of, but no doubt his main focus is what the team can achieve in September. Congrats on the milestone Smell.
Maskell Medal Change
Some exciting news this week was unveiled in regards to the 2022 Maskell Medal Day, with each club set to host their own function with the awards to be conducted at Silver Ball Studios. The Hampden Leagues partnership with Fitzmedia will be further enhanced, and as part of the new concept, the studio hosts will conduct live crosses to each club throughout the afternoon and interview winners of each awards. Terrific innovation, and a great chance for clubs to build extra revenue this season.
Round 16 Matches
The top five is locked and loaded for this year’s finals series with Warrnambool consolidating their position last weekend. The race for a top 3 position is still well and truly between South Warrnambool, North Warrnambool and Portland. We might have to wait until the final round to see who will receive the double chance.
South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool – A toss of the coin decision for this one. The Roosters could welcome back as many as 9 first choice players this weekend as they’ve been undermanned in recent weeks. North Warrnambool are building some great continuity and will be confident in their chances. A great game coming up with both clubs having so much upside. I think South Warrnambool narrowly will get the win.
Terang Mortlake vs Portland – The Bloods have had a great second half of the year, with a number of their young players performing well. Portland had a big win last round and will be focused on regaining good form heading into their first ever finals campaign. Tigers for me.
Warrnambool vs Camperdown – Warrnambool will be hoping to make it consecutive wins whilst Camperdown will be hoping to take a scalp. I think this game will be reasonably close if the Magpies can be at their best. The Blues will want good form heading into September and I think they win.
Hamilton vs Cobden – Two young emerging teams going head to head. Cobden have improved so much throughout the course of the season while Hamilton has shown their best football is hard to come up against. A real even contest and I think Cobden narrowly win.
Have a great weekend at the football.
Hilly
We’re thrilled to be heading into the 2nd week of our Junior Final Series. Please see below game times for football and netball.
Date: Sunday 07 August 2022
Venue: Mortlake Recreation Reserve
Gates Open: 8.30am
Football
Match Type | Grade | Time | Competing Teams |
N/A | Under 12’s | 9.00am | Koroit vs South Warrnambool |
Semi-Final | Under 14’s | 10.00am | Koroit vs South Warrnambool |
Qualifying Final | Under 14’s | 11.30am | Hamilton Kangaroos vs Terang Mortlake |
Semi-Final | Under 16’s | 1.00pm | Warrnambool vs Cobden |
Qualifying Final | Under 16’s | 2.45pm | Hamilton Kangaroos vs South Warrnambool |
Netball
Match Type | Grade | Time | Competing Teams |
N/A | Development Age | 10.00am | Hamilton Kangaroos vs North Warrnambool Eagles |
N/A | Development Age | 10.00am | Terang Mortlake |
Semi-Final | 13 & Under Reserves | 11.00am | Hamilton Kangaroos vs North Warrnambool Eagles |
Qualifying Final | 13 & Under Reserves | 11.00am | Koroit vs Terang Mortlake |
Semi-Final | 15 & Under Reserves | 12.00pm | Koroit vs Cobden |
Qualifying Final | 15 & Under Reserves | 12.00pm | South Warrnambool vs Warrnambool |
WITH the business end of the year approaching, the Hampden League’s AFL exports continue to produce strong displays, with numerous players recording big possession hauls and hitting the scoreboard in round 20 of the home and away season.
Sam Walsh
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Carlton Blues
Stats: 17 kicks, 23 handballs, 6 marks
Big numbers from the Cobden product with 40 touches, six clearances and six inside 50s but his Blues were upstaged by Adelaide.
Zach Merrett
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Essendon Bombers
Stats: 25 kicks, 13 handballs, 6 marks
Collected 38 possessions for the second successive week and was again easily one of the best players on the ground with 10 tackles, eight clearances, eight tackles and a goal in the Bombers victory over North Melbourne.
Rowan Marshall
Home Club: Portland Tigers
AFL Club: St Kilda Saints
Stats: 21 kicks, 9 handballs, 9 marks
Producing a rich vein of form, with 30 disposals, 35 hit-outs, seven tackles, seven clearances and five inside 50s earning him best on ground honours in the Saints in their triumph over the Hawks.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Home Club: South Warrnambool Roosters
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
Stats: 6 kicks, 3 handballs, 6 marks
Backed up last week’s performance with 2.1 and six marks in the Bulldogs loss to Geelong.
Jamaine Jones
Home Club: Portland Tigers
AFL Club: West Coast Eagles
Stats: 10 kicks, 8 handballs, 1 mark
Continued his recent run of good form with a goal, three clearances and 18 possessions in the Eagles three point loss to the Gold Coast Suns.
Hugh McCluggage
Home Club: South Warrnambool Roosters
AFL Club: Brisbane Lions
Stats: 13 kicks, 13 handballs, 5 marks
Another 25 plus possession game from the South product, who also kicked a goal in the Lions defeat to Richmond.
Sean Darcy
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Fremantle Dockers
Stats: 7 kicks, 12 handballs, 2 marks
Undertook the task of taking on Max Gawn and won the hit-out battle 37-28 but Gawn’s Demons got the last laugh with victory.
Gary Rohan
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Geelong Cats
Stats: 5 kicks, 2 handballs, 2 marks
Kicked two goals from seven touches but was subbed out of game after sustaining a concussion in the Cats victory over the Western Bulldogs.
STATE LEAGUE DUTIES:
Josh Corbett
Home Club: North Warrnambool Eagles
AFL Club: Gold Coast Suns
Kicked five goals from 17 touches in the Suns thrilling VFL win against Port Melbourne.
Lewis Taylor
Home Club: Terang Mortlake Bloods
AFL Club: Sydney Swans
Racked up 22 disposals in the Swans VFL win over Greater Western Sydney Giants.
DID NOT PLAY:
Willem Drew
Home Club: Koroit Saints
AFL Club: Port Adelaide Power
Stats: 0 kicks, 0 handballs, 0 marks
Was selected as the Power’s medical sub but did not feature in their side’s narrow loss to Collingwood.
Ben Cunnington
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: North Melbourne Kangaroos
Was due to return via the VFL but his comeback was delayed a week after he entered the AFL’s health and safety protocols.
Netball Victoria conducts Talent Identification (TID) during Netball Victoria competitions and tournaments. Talent scouts assess athletes to be considered for invitation to trial for the Netball Victoria Talent Academy and State 17/U and 19/U Programs.
Congratulations to all the HFNL players who have been identified, along with the players in HFNL clubs who represented the Warrnambool City Netball Association.
Following the outstanding performances at the Association Championship finals, this is yet another indicator of the strength of netball in our region. Thank you to all of the players, coaches, umpires and volunteers who continue to go above and beyond week in and week out!
See the full lists on the Netball Victoria website here: https://bit.ly/3oQgoEZ
2023 Talent Academy Selection Invitation List – 15/U
Frankie Butters
Kimora Calloway
Indiana Cameron
Lara Clarke
Grace Cleaver
Matilda Darcy
Ruby Darcy
Reet Kaur
Kylita Kelp
Ellorah McConachy
Molly McLaren
Shelby O’Sullivan
Eva Ryan
2023 State Screening Day Invitation List – 17/U
Tyleah Barr
Mia Mills
Scarlett O’Donnell
2023 State Screening Day Invitation List – 19/U
Meg Carlin
Mary Place
The HFNL also wishes to congratulate all other players from HFNL clubs selected who represented the Warrnambool City Netball Association
We’re thrilled that the Junior Final Series is kicking off this Sunday 31 July. Please see below game times for football and netball.
Venue: Cobden Community Bank Receation Reserve
Gates Open: 8.30am
Football
Match Type | Grade | Time | Competing Teams |
N/A | Under 12’s | 9.00am | South Warrnambool vs Cobden |
Elimination Final | Under 14’s | 10.00am | South Warrnambool vs Portland |
Qualifying Final | Under 14’s | 11.30am | Terang Mortlake vs Koroit |
Elimination Final | Under 16’s | 1.00pm | Cobden vs Koroit |
Qualifying Final | Under 16’s | 2.45pm | South Warrnambool vs Warrnambool |
Netball
Match Type | Grade | Time | Competing Teams |
N/A | Development Age | 10.00am | South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool Eagles |
N/A | Development Age | 10.00am | Hamilton Kangaroos vs Terang Mortlake |
Elimination Final | 13 & Under Reserves | 11.00am | South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool Eagles |
Qualifying Final | 13 & Under Reserves | 11.00am | Hamilton Kangaroos vs Terang Mortlake |
Elimination Final | 15 & Under Reserves | 12.00pm | Port Fairy vs Cobden |
Qualifying Final | 15 & Under Reserves | 12.00pm | Warrnambool vs Koroit |