Senior Men's & Women's Football and Netball, Junior Boys & Girls Football, Auskick and over 35's Veterans and Masters Football. Affiliated with EFNL. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land in Boronia.
After a lengthy break and various interruptions, the game against Donvale was one that we’d be preparing for over a number of weeks. Add to that, the inclusion of Mitch Mellis back from Eastern Ranges provided us even more confidence to execute and achieve our team goals.
We got off to a flyer in the first quarter through dominance in the midfield. Benny Anderson had his work cut out for him in the ruck and through the support of the 3 Mellis brothers and Harry, he found a way to beat his opponent all over the ground. Effective use out of the middle, including great run down the wings from Ryan, Sammy Fung, Johnny and Jimmy, gave our forwards ample opportunity to capitalise – 18 inside 50 entries in fact! The quarter time break saw us 7.1.43 to a scoreless opposition.
The key to our second quarter was to not get ahead of ourselves and to ensure we maintained the same disciplined approach. The backline remained patient and rock solid. Linking up and rebounding the footy was something we focused on and executed well through the likes of Will, Sturds, Lee Fletcher, Hammer, Hoff, Dos and Milky, who made a welcomed return from injury. The pattern of quick scoring seemed to slow down, although the ball movement and pressure were maintained. Bakes continued to be dangerous up forward and was well supported by Connor, Muels, Brody and Tuna. Notley also managed to get on the train ride as he started to prove why he is a dangerous forward. A late move saw Hoff go forward – never have you seen a young footballer with such a bounce in his step! At half time, Donvale managed only 2 behinds with the wind and the lead increased 57 points.
The feeling was good at half time and the team seemed to be maintaining focus. We set ourselves some targets for the third quarter to ensure we kept progressing our game. Hoff remained up forward and the rest of the team built on the first half dominance. Ben Anderson and Mitch Mellis stepped up their game and combined with those around them to explode the ball forward an outstanding 22 times. With 7 more goals added to the scoreboard and another scoreless quarter from the opposition, the lead was now 104 points at 3 quarter time.
The coaches had a chat about maintaining consistency in our approach to achieve a four quarter performance versus the opportunity to develop players in some new positions. We agreed to make a few changes, including Bakes into the midfield, J Mellis to CHF, Jimmy moving down back and Milky up forward. Unfortunately, we didn’t apply the same discipline and allowed Donvale to move the ball forward with more ease. We learnt quickly after the game about remaining structured for 4 quarters and maintaining effective communication. To the opposition’s credit, they scored a couple of goals and outscored us for the quarter. Nonetheless, hard work early pays off and we enjoyed the 90 point win.
A big effort on the track is required by all players this week. With the potential for 5 players to return for our game against Sth Belgrave, the pressure for selection is on!
Boronia 17.11 113 d Donvale 2.8 20 Goal Kickers: H. Fewson 3, K. Notley 3, J. Mueller 2, J. Gardiner-Hoffman 2, J. Baker 2, B. Aughterson, W. Morrison, M. Mellis, S. Fung, R. Williams
Best Players: M. Mellis, B. Anderson, J. Gardiner-Hoffman, S. Fung, J. Mellis, K. Notley
Come down to support your Club. Canteen and Bar will be open. Two great games of footy: Boronia v Donvale in ERWFL and Boronia v UFTG in the Vets. GO HAWKA!
MC: James Hird, a fantastic player, delivered on the big stage. The older players Tim Watson & Paul Vander Haar; Roger Merrett was a hard footballer.
Q: Who do you love more James Hird or Whitey?
MC: I do love Hirdy & Whitey is a great young man.
Ryan White
Q: You are a long-time coach & player. How many years?
MC: 17 years senior football at both Bayswater & East Burwood, a long journey. 200 games plus, missed a few games for being undisciplined, a hard lesson learnt.
Q: Your best position on the ground?
MC: I thought I was a midfielder for a time but started my career in the backline at Bayswater; played across the midfield / wings for a while at East Burwood; then finished in the backline for Bayswater again.
Q: Best memory as a player?
MC: Playing with a good bunch of blokes. The clubs I played for were a couple of clubs that had a lot of success.
Q: You won a best on ground medal in a grand final?
MC: I got best on ground in the reserves grand final, but just good to play with great mates.
Q: Best footballer you have played with & why?
MC: Gary Galvin at Bayswater still at 33 he was a jet; Stuart Cook at East Burwood just kept kicking multiple goals even in his 30’s.
Q: Best footballer you played against?
MC: Langford who played at Knox was a fantastic footballer. Played on the great Bernie Quinlan.
Q: Best nick name you have heard at a footy club?
MC: Like most footy clubs you sometimes know blokes by their nick name more than their actual name. Some nick names you just can’t print. I remember having a few players that we only know by their nick names on the team board while coaching. Lucky I don’t do the votes.
Q: Teaks has given you a huge wrap but how would you describe Teaks in a sentence?
MC: A consistent loyal good friend; great values.
Q: You & Teaks have been a double act for a long time, who is the apprentice & who is the master?
MC: We have a great friendship both when I played and now coaching together; but Teaks started as the master and is a great sounding board. It’s been a great journey together – I might have just about completed the apprenticeship!
Q: You & Teaks must spend a lot of time together, do your wife’s ever think there’s something going on other than footy?
MC: We do talk & spend a lot time together, but no nothing unusual, just a great friendship, If I was going to coach again this year then it was always going to be with Teaks.
(L to R) Steve Teakel and Matt Clark
Q: I stand beside the coach’s box most games and you are all very controlled (except Ash), but what are the player non-negotiables in the Matt Clark coaching manual?
MC: Discipline is what I believe in. As a player I started my career very undisciplined and it cost me playing in a lot of big games with successful sides. No umpire changes their decision and the stats say you can’t win every contest, so be disciplined and learn from each contest and each game.
Q: Describe the characteristics that stand out for you in a footballer?
MC: Quality person. Resilient. A footballer who finds a way to get the job done.
Q: The toughest footballer you have played with or against?
MC: Gary Milligan & Mick Connel,l both at Bayswater. Mick was just as tough off the ground as he was on the field. Both great footballers as well.
Q: What player at the footy club best represents Matt Clark as a footballer?
MC: A bit like H with a bit more pace.
Q: Whack.
MC: No no, I just meant more athletic. I’ll just shut up!
Q: Have you a motto or saying that describes your coaching philosophy?
MC: Respond not react; play hard but fair footy; keep positive; consistency; be a leader; build the brand.
Q: There is a rumour around the club you have Eddie McGuire syndrome?
MC: “laughs” What’s that?
Q: Well Eddie has Buckley fever & you have Whitey Fever?
MC: Yes, he is a good young footballer learning all the time.
Q: Have you got an obsession with Cows? Why?
MC: I do love a cow. I do a lot of country work and am always looking at the cows. I would like to own a few cows one day.
Clarky’s Retirement Dream: Cows.
Q: Just to clarify, what do you like about cows?
MC: I would like to have a bit of land, put a few cows on it, let them grow fat and turn them into steaks.
A: Nice.
Q: When have you cried other than a family event?
MC: Gee you have good intel! I might have shed a small tear when Hirdy retired, but I have never admitted it until now.
Q: How about when he got sacked for the peptide supplements?
MC: No, just a sad day for the club and it’s former champion player.
Q: Watson had to give his Brownlow back. Do you think all the Bomber supporters should return any proceeds they won from bets back during the peptide supplements scandal?
MC: Watson’s Brownlow return was a political decision, I enjoyed all my Melbourne bitter slabs I won.
Q: You love Melbourne Bitter. Is it true that Ash promised you that BFC would put Melbourne Bitter on tap if you signed as coach?
MC: If that’s the case I’ll do a Buddy Franklin and sign for 10 years and maybe they can throw in a karaoke night every now & then!
Q: You fancy yourself barking out a few songs. What’s your go to tune?
MC: After a few beers I don’t mind a bit of a sing. Love Shack is a crowd pleaser; Stand by Me; a bit of Elvis goes down well.
Clarky belting out “Love Shack”.
Q: How do you relax away from footy?
MC: Family keeps me grounded & relaxed. They are very supportive with my coaching. I like to go for a run in the morning to relax and clear the head.
Q: What have you learned about the Hawks after one pre-season & nine games?
MC: A huge amount of opportunity for the players, supporters & club. The ONE club structure is a great setup. I’ve never seen this setup before at local level, it’s a great initiative. The people around the club, their passion & hard work has stood out.
Q: I’ll give you a bit advice, you need to mention Woody (The Chairman) at every opportunity when talking on the radio or media or he’ll cut up rough.
MC: That explains why he has not talked to me all week. On the radio the other day they did ask me who is the power broker at the club. I said Ash.
Ash Johnston – Powerbroker.
Q: I think Woody is going to ask you for a game in the ones. He’s getting a fair bit of me time on the Facebook page.
MC: Woody who?
Woody Who?
Q: What did you learn more about after the Ringwood loss? More about Ringwood or more about Boronia?
MC: Obviously this is the first time I’ve seen Ringwood play. They play a good hard brand of footy but for our boys I learned a lot. There was plenty of knowledge gained about our team and players by the coaching staff to take into the second half of the season.
Thanks Matt “Clarky” and good luck for the rest of the season.
@Boroniahawks asks all players, members and supporters to support our MAJOR RAFFLE as our biggest fundraising activity for the season. Our raffle books are currently being handed out to all our players and families.
FIRST PRIZE: a Tradesman Trailer chockfull of great products – valued at $4199! Goodies include:
a large Coolaroo Cantilever Umbrella– perfect for poolside or backyard BBQ area;
a four-burner BBQ;
a 100 litre steel tray wheelbarrow from Total Tools;
a 4.28m x 3.66m portable Coolaroo Gazebo with UV protection;
and many more…..
SECOND PRIZE: $500 voucher from Rebel Sports!
THIRD PRIZE: $300 IGA Liquor Voucher
We ask you to sell all your tickets and / or buy them yourselves to keep the Club ticking over. It is through our fundraising and social events that we are able to provide the equipment and facilities for our players and supporters while keeping membership fees and prices low. The Club is a not-for-profit organisation and relies on the generosity of our loyal Club members.
A huge thank you to Ash Johnston, Mick Flanagan and Libby Flanagan for all their work to launch and run our Major Raffle.
The Past Players Day on 2 June brought together many greats of the Club, but no other quartet has the collective service of these four outstanding contributors to the Hawks. Each of these legends has been recognised by having a Best and Fairest Medal named in their honour.
From Left to Right: David Murrihy (Medal for U19’s B&F); Bob Henry (Medal for Senior B&F); Ian McKenzie (Medal for Reserves B&F); Ray Lacey (Medal for U17’s B&F).
Boronia Hawks are saddened to learn of the passing of longtime supporter John McLeod, a true pillar of the Boronia community. John will be remembered as a gentleman who always did his bit around the Club. He was particularly known for his tremendous service with the local fire brigade and for his involvement with the Club’s ANZAC Day ceremonies. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
14 J. Bolton 25 B. Bowes 45 H. Burgess 16 M. Buzinskas 23 J. Collins 15 H. Chinn 12 D. Fairchild 29 J. Godwin 2 L. Hannon 8 J. Hannon 1 R. Henderson 21 N. Heuston 32 L. Johnson 11 J. Lake 19 B. McAlpine 17 L. McKernan 6 A. Phillips 42 B. Rapisarda 52 B. Robertson 47 T. Steele
37 R. White 40 B. Wright.
@boroniahawks D Squad for Round 10 v Donvale at 12:05pm at Tormore Reserve – presented by http://www.dysoncurrie.com.au
5 S. Bell 72 H. Betts 60 M. Bruce 7 C. Burgess 70 N. Carrodus 4 B. Castersen 64 D. Dower 51 Z. Dower 43 C. Flanagan 9 J. Granland 71 P. Kinniff 10 C. McDonald 41 K. Milde 33 R. Miller 35 C. Murrihy 30 J. Paterson 58 J. Purdon 28 J. Rambaldo 31 D. Romano 15 D. Ruff 67 M. Smith 75 J. Stamatakos 24 R. Warren 77 J. Whitmore.
@boroniahawks U19’s Squad for Round 10 v Donvale at 10:00am at Tormore Reserve – presented by http://www.barkking.com.au
13 B. Anderson 3 B. Aughterson 22 J. Baker 28 C. De Boer 27 H. Emslie 5 H. Fewson 29 L. Fletcher 1 S. Fung 14 J. Gardiner-Hoffman 7 T. Griffiths 10 J. Lech 19 J. McDonald 9 J. Mellis 99 M. Mellis 12 T. Mellis 73 R. Migues 16 W. Morrison 23 H. Mountain 26 J. Mueller 76 K. Notley 17 J. O’Neill 30 L. Sturdy 8 S. Tunstall 2 R. Williams.
@boroniahawks Womens Team for Round 7 v Donvale at 12:30pm SUNDAY at Tormore Reserve – presented by Knox Leisureworks YMCA
25 K Little 6 P Lacey 3 B Allen 11 C Wright 2 A Cellante 7 A Penny 12 C Chu 14 T Doran 10 D Langford 15 K Buzinskas 24 C Storen 4 B Forrer-Lacey 16 S Peril 9 J Lacey 5 B Kinniff 22 C Timms 23 A Davidson 1 J Buzinskas 8 D Thomas 18 L Kabris E Stanios.
@boroniahawks Veterans Squad for Round 5 v UFTG at 2:30pm on SUNDAY at Tormore Reserve – presented by GK Travel & Cruise
70 C. Aaltonen 6 S. Beaton L. Burnett 41 M. Chawulak 3 M. Clinton 24 L. Cook 45 J. Cranfield 52 B. Dahan 11 J. Davis M. Dyson 17 G. Hall 46 D. Hansby 36 S. Kavanagh 21 C. Krenn 25 G. Krenn 94 S. Lehman 26 S. Little 28 S. O’Reilly 43 C. Reid 42 M. Ryan 4 T. Vining 27 R. Weisz 13 B. Wiesner R. Witte 34 K. Wood 18 A. Wright.
Our Electronic Scoreboard is up and running at Miller Park.
It looks fantastic. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank a number of people who made this project possible and a huge success. Firstly, Kerryn Westcott (U17 Parent). Kerryn was instrumental in putting in an outstanding Grant submission, securing us a $40,000 grant for this project. Well done Kerryn!
Thank you to Nathan Allen (Senior Vice Pres and Player). Nathan ran the project from start to finish, ensuring everything went to plan with the placement, planning and erection of the board. Top effort Nathan. DillioRech (Coterie and Senior Clubman). Dillio was our excavator in this project, digging the trenches and holes for the steel framework. His work was very generously gifted to the club. Hats off to Dillio.
Shane Bishop (Past Junior President and Past Parent of the Club) did all the electrical work associated with the scoreboard, including running power to the shed at Millers. Thank you for all your efforts. Cam Mellis also assisted with initial steel fabrication information and project info. Thanks Cam. I know there were other people who assisted Nathan with the concrete footings, and I would like to thank them for all their efforts as well.
It’s with the great support of people within the whole club that allow us to complete projects such as this. Well done and thank you once again.
Ellisa Schmidtke, Junior President
The new scoreboard at Miller Park, which has now been configured and programmed for Boronia, not Vietnam v BizMac!
This was a highly anticipated game of football with Boronia taking on the visitors from Thornton-Eildon in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Tormore Reserve. Both teams struggle a bit up forward, so the game was set to be tight. The Hawks welcomed Lina Kabris to the team for her first game and were also very pleased to have Briar Forrer-Lacey back in action after her return from China the night before the game! We had a strong lineup this week despite missing three key players in Sam Mellis, Kat Buzinskas and Lana Kitteringham from the previous game.
The first quarter was intense, with lots of hard footy as the ball rebounded up and down the ground. As always, Rhiannon Smith and Phoebe Lacey were working hard in the last line of defence; Candyce Wright, CharmaineChu on the outer side and Jess Buzinskas and Tegan Doran on the members side of the ground were all keeping busy and racking up possessions. ChloeTimms was doing well in the ruck. Both teams were here to play, but Thornton-Eildon snuck through for a goal against the run of play. Only seven points down at quarter time and there was a sense that the Hawks were right in this one.
The Hawks attacked relentlessly in the second, with Amanda Davidson, Dee Caiafa and Briar driving the ball forward. Amanda Cellante even took two bounces as she dashed through the guts! Then it happened – the opposition lost their structure under pressure and the ball spilled free to Brynie Kinniff who pounced on the loose ball in the goal square and scored the historic first goal for the Hawks! The girls mobbed each other to celebrate the goal and the crowd erupted with cheering and applause as the wild scenes continued on-field! Co-coaches Ray Lacey and Scott Nicholas embraced on the bench as Sam, our runner for the day, ran on to the field and jumped up and down in jubilation! Back to business though as Thornton-Eildon lifted their game to lead by 21 points at half-time.
The third quarter saw more hard yakka around the packs. Enter Bec Allen and Courtney Storen who both thrive with the hard ball gets, while Darcy Flanagan and Alix Penny kept up the tackle pressure. The deeper bench of Thornton-Eildon meant that fresh legs were now making an impact at the scoring end as they ran the ball forward to create more opportunities, taking them to seven goals. Did the Hawks have enough in the tank to run out the game?
Dee Caiafa was on fire in the last quarter, taking one memorable run of 30 meters without a bounce, but also carving up the back line to break through for a behind soon followed by a team-lifting goal! It now seemed that the girls saw their chance as the forward line came alive with Stacey Peril,Jasmine Lacey and Karen Little getting dangerous and creating opportunities. Amanda “Davo” Davidson and Jess Buzinskas were playing tough footy in the final stanza, locking the ball in to our half. Courtney and Chloe both took strong contested marks inside 50 but found the big sticks were elusive with the tricky breeze.
The Hawks were down by 41 points when the siren went, but the whole side had played their best footy for the season. With a number of players back soon, including Demi Thomas, the signs are good if the consistent approach to training continues. The whole Club was buzzing after the game and the girls won a lot of friends amongst the Hawk supporters watching them for the first time.
@boroniahawks 2.4 16 go down to Thornton-Eildon 8.9 57
Goals: Brynie Kinniff ? Dee Caiafa ?
Best: Dee Caiafa, Brynie Kinniff, Amanda Cellante, Amanda Davidson, Candyce Wright, Courtney Storen.
Stacey Peril applies the shepherd for Brynie Kinniff.
A gutsy TEAM effort which made the coach very proud of all players’ efforts. The final scores did not reflect the efforts by the lads. Super proud guys!
