Season 2013 Division 2

[TA25]

A few things for Mernda supporters and others who will be making their way to the Sir Douglas Nicholls oval during the rest of the season.

Parking is not available around the ground. Parking is available at the top of Watt Street (along the train line). You will have to walk a little bit, probably the distance of a football field. Not sure about cover yet, I understand Marques were being set up, I'm not sure if this was for all the supporters (I hope this is the case) or for a function. There is a small amount of coverage available, but I would recommend you bring umbrellas to be safe.

Not the best situation, but now that we are finally there, we can start to work on everything else.

Also as I understand it, the Reserves are said to be beginning at 11:30am and not 11:55am as previously advertised. The NFL website have the North Heidelberg game starting at 11:30am, I'm not sure if both games are due to start at 11:30 or the NFL have changed the starting time on the wrong game. I believe this is so that the STARS can officially launch the oval and have a 'Welcome to Country' and a opening ceremony of sorts, prior to the Seniors kicking off.

Great buzz around the club, certainly ready for the big game and are prepared to face a very different Mernda side than when we last met.

 

[tasmanlvr]

A few things for Mernda supporters and others who will be making their way to the Sir Douglas Nicholls oval during the rest of the season.

Parking is not available around the ground. Parking is available at the top of Watt Street (along the train line). You will have to walk a little bit, probably the distance of a football field. Not sure about cover yet, I understand Marques were being set up, I'm not sure if this was for all the supporters (I hope this is the case) or for a function. There is a small amount of coverage available, but I would recommend you bring umbrellas to be safe.

Not the best situation, but now that we are finally there, we can start to work on everything else.

Also as I understand it, the Reserves are said to be beginning at 11:30am and not 11:55am as previously advertised. The NFL website have the North Heidelberg game starting at 11:30am, I'm not sure if both games are due to start at 11:30 or the NFL have changed the starting time on the wrong game. I believe this is so that the STARS can officially launch the oval and have a 'Welcome to Country' and a opening ceremony of sorts, prior to the Seniors kicking off.

Great buzz around the club, certainly ready for the big game and are prepared to face a very different Mernda side than when we last met.

That sounds pretty reasonable enough. Did ask Sammy Zito whether he and the PVFM boys were covering this game, was disappointed when I found he ain't. Oh well, I've been commissioned to do the match report nonetheless (will include the ground launch for sure). Again, it should be a belter of a game.

 

[tasmanlvr]

Anyway... to the weekend!

Lalor Vs Hurstbridge: Think the Bridges will heap more misery on the struggling Bloods.
South Morang Vs Diamond Creek: Diamo are right up there in premiership contention.
North Heidelberg Vs Whittlesea: More pressure on the Dogs if they lose this one to the high-flying Eagles.
Fitzroy Stars Vs Mernda: Rarely do I go with bias but I think this game tosses up so many unknowns which makes it very hard to pick a winner - how will the ground hold up? What are the tricks to playing the ground (wind, ball movement etc.)? Fitzroy have shown so much in the last couple of years and they are certainly capable of playing some great footy - only need look at their first three quarters against Whit despite that last quarter. As for us I'm confident we can take in our recent form but I cannot stress enough this should be a great game.

 

[TA25]

That sounds pretty reasonable enough. Did ask Sammy Zito whether he and the PVFM boys were covering this game, was disappointed when I found he ain't. Oh well, I've been commissioned to do the match report nonetheless (will include the ground launch for sure). Again, it should be a belter of a game.

The game will be covered by Indigenous radio station, 3KND, 1503am. Though, the presenters only have a knowledge of the STARS side and will not be able to deliver the same experience as PVFM.

 

[Chet_Wynd]

Only approaching the half way mark of the season, but two massive games in relation to teh gap between the top four and the bottom four.
And congratulations to he Stars only finally getting a home ground. Sure to be a big celebration.

Lalor vs Hurstbridge
South Morang vs Diamond Creek
North Heidelberg vs Whittlesea
Fitzroy Stars vs Mernda

 

[tasmanlvr]

Well done to Fitzroy Stars today, their run was fantastic and were too good for us in the end.

But Whittlesea... what is this I don't even. They've come from 68 points down to beat North Heidelberg at North Heidelberg. What in the world.

 

[always happy]

Well done to Fitzroy Stars today, their run was fantastic and were too good for us in the end.

But Whittlesea... what is this I don't even. They've come from 68 points down to beat North Heidelberg at North Heidelberg. What in the world.

Thought Mernda were totally outcoached, your coach does seem to have a game plan B and needs to rotate the midfield regularly during a quarter and not get dictated to by the "superstars" , great day though to see the ceremony was inspirational, 4th spot will come down to the Nth game in a couple of weeks.

 

[The hurricane]

Thought Mernda were totally outcoached, your coach does seem to have a game plan B and needs to rotate the midfield regularly during a quarter and not get dictated to by the "superstars" , great day though to see the ceremony was inspirational, 4th spot will come down to the Nth game in a couple of weeks.

AH, you have a good grip on Merndas discrepencies. The lack of a hard man around the packs will this week be solved with Volpe coming back from suspension. Lalor at home should be easy, H'bridge will be interesting, to say the least.

 

[tasmanlvr]

Bit quiet on the grapevine this weekend! Thought there would have been more discussion about Whittlesea's incredible comeback!

Hurstbridge Vs North Heidelberg - the game suddenly looks a lot more interesting given North's three game losing slide, Hurstbridge have been pretty good at times this season but I think North will get up.
Diamond Creek Vs Whittlesea - Gee Whittlesea's Jekyll and Hyde form in the same game makes it a tough one. If Diamo get as big a break as North did last week I don't think Whittlesea would be able to get them. But if Whittlesea play for four quarters then you'd think it'd be difficult to tip against them. Diamo at home I reckon.
Mernda Vs Lalor - no excuses, we have to win this one given Lalor's recent form.
South Morang Vs Fitzroy Stars - I'm sensing the Stars are going to really push for the flag (I'm talking I reckon they are more than capable of at least making the Grand Final) this year after seeing them first hand last week - cannot forget first and foremost that they beat Diamo at Preston and did lead Whittlesea by nine goals at three quarter time at Whittlesea (although Whittlesea were very powerful once they got going in the final quarter). I think they will continue their very good run of form and beat the Lions.

 

[Chet_Wynd]

Are we looking at a preview of the grand final at Coventry Oval today ?

Hurstbridge vs North Heidelberg
Diamond Creek vs Whittlesea
Mernda vs Lalor
South Morang vs Fitzroy Stars

 

[always happy]

AH, you have a good grip on Merndas discrepencies. The lack of a hard man around the packs will this week be solved with Volpe coming back from suspension. Lalor at home should be easy, H'bridge will be interesting, to say the least.

Well a more desperate committed Lalor showed Mernda what hard footy is all about, once again minimal rotations, Volpe did he actually get more than one possession, coach seems out of his depth when things don't go his way, coaching as if it is still D3 level.

 

[tasmanlvr]

Very disappointed we lost, didn't see the game as I buggered off to the G following a run in the reserves. Which I was quite happy with for winning.

 

[thirstyforwater]

AH, you have a good grip on Merndas discrepencies. The lack of a hard man around the packs will this week be solved with Volpe coming back from suspension. Lalor at home should be easy, H'bridge will be interesting, to say the least.

Just wondering do you play at Mernda, if so you show a distinct lack of respect for your opposition. Well done to Lalor today on their win considering you are easy!!!! Don't disrespect your opposition in such a public forum.

 

[always happy]

Just wondering do you play at Mernda, if so you show a distinct lack of respect for your opposition. Well done to Lalor today on their win considering you are easy!!!! Don't disrespect your opposition in such a public forum.

Don't think he was not showing the opposition no respect the opposite reads to me, Mernda like to play running unaccountable football(D3), unfortunately most of the clubs have worked that out, Lalor made them accountable and all due respect to the Bloods they don't have the talent Mernda has but yesterday showed that is only part of playing, Mernda play their "best" 18 and the interchange are there because you have to name 22, 4 of them rarely get a run, when Rees comes back will a bit more bite to a very lame forward line

 

[TA25]

Some straight kickers down at South Morang! 22.8 across the Seniors and Reserves, compared to the STARS 41.40.

South Morang started well kicking the first 5 goals, really didn't look like a bottom side.

Big game this week for the STARS. Seniors playing to go a game clear into second spot and the Reserves are playing for top spot!

A win against North Heidelberg in the NAIDOC game will also help secure a top 2 spot.

 

[tigerkelly]

What's happened to that rolling juggernaut called Mernda.
Are successive losses just a hiccup or have the wheels fallen off.

 

[roaringtwo]

Good to watch the first quarter when SM looked to be all over the stars, but then, stars regrouped and were too strong, except for their goal kicking. Shame there seems to be some other stuff going on heard there was a scuffle between a reserves older player and coach, then there were the 2 female spectators that got into an interesting argument/wrestle, during the senior game. Hope they can get their act together, cause they have the potential to make the GF.

 

[TA25]

Good to watch the first quarter when SM looked to be all over the stars, but then, stars regrouped and were too strong, except for their goal kicking. Shame there seems to be some other stuff going on heard there was a scuffle between a reserves older player and coach, then there were the 2 female spectators that got into an interesting argument/wrestle, during the senior game. Hope they can get their act together, cause they have the potential to make the GF.

Didn't see the incident. Though I have been told the player was unhappy with the amount of time he was spending on the bench and left the ground early (apparently throwing his jumper, I can not confirm this). The player was not an "older" player, he is 20-21 and one of 15 players who fight for the final 2-3 spots in the Reserves team. As I understand it, the player will not play again this season. As a Reserves player, I am happy with how the team and club has handle the situation and team unity or morale has not been effected. We look forward to playing off for top spot against Diamond Creek this week.

The two female spectators involved in the incident you mentioned above has no impact to the side at all.

 

[tasmanlvr]

North Heidelberg Vs Lalor - Lalor will be buoyed by a big win but I don't see them beating the Dogs.
Fitzroy Stars Vs Diamond Creek - something special brewing at Fitzroy I reckon.
Whittlesea Vs South Morang - Eagles should win here.
Hurstbridge Vs Mernda - looking forward to our response to the loss earlier in the season as well as the loss last week. Hurstbridge at home will be tough, unlucky to lose last week to the Dogs and Brett Woodhouse has been in good form, not to mention Fennell kicking eight last time out against our mob. Would like a win tomorrow and we're going to have to earn it. Think Hurstbridge will go in favourites. Should be an absolutely ripping game of footy.

 

[Chet_Wynd]

Just like the lower division, two very important games as well as the traditional rivals clash with both these teams on the winners list from last week;

Hurstbridge vs Mernda
North Heidelberg vs Lalor
Fitzroy Stars vs Diamond Creek
Whittlesea vs South Morang

 

[TA25]

Great effort by the STARS to beat DC by 11 goals. Looked great. With NH coming off a 25 goal win, next week's match should be a cracker!

Unfortunately a few boys from the Seniors pulled out this morning which forced 'Reserves players' (i use that term loosely, as i'd say they are 1's players, playing Reserves) to go up. Reserves was a tight match all game, with the STARS leading most of it but DC hitting the lead in the final 7 minutes and keeping it for a 5 point win.

 

[bridge_boy]

great game of footy for the most part Mernda deserved winners. some of our blokes maybe a little intimidated after the carry on before the game.
a little sad to watch to be completely honest, their is no place in football for that.

 

[tasmanlvr]

great game of footy for the most part Mernda deserved winners. some of our blokes maybe a little intimidated after the carry on before the game.
a little sad to watch to be completely honest, their is no place in football for that.

I didn't see the pre game incident beforehand, as I was talking to the umpires as umpire escort, but I'll put it as a standpoint that if what has allegedly happened happened, then its quite a regrettable incident. Having said that as soon as Hurstbridge came out and trained the same side as Mernda there was trouble brewing. I'll keep quiet about the rest of the issue, I don't really want to answer questions to an incident I didn't see and we'll let everything run its course internally and from the NFL if required I am sure.

Good game nonetheless, happy with the win.

 

[The hurricane]

I didn't see the pre game incident beforehand, as I was talking to the umpires as umpire escort, but I'll put it as a standpoint that if what has allegedly happened happened, then its quite a regrettable incident. Having said that as soon as Hurstbridge came out and trained the same side as Mernda there was trouble brewing. I'll keep quiet about the rest of the issue, I don't really want to answer questions to an incident I didn't see and we'll let everything run its course internally and from the NFL if required I am sure.

Good game nonetheless, happy with the win.

Will be interesting to see if it does go much further, as the 'Bridges president was quite happy to let the incident go if the mernda person involved had no further participation in the game, in which he didnt.
Great game, and I dont think hurstbridge was overly intimidated.

 

[bridge_boy]

true tasman was a good game but unfortunately where Mernda did their warm up was a true sign of disrespect that was in no doubt a ploy to try to throw some of our blokes off their game that worked touché unfortunately that whole incident could have been averted if Mernda had done there warm up where every other visiting side in the competition does theirs- at the other end of the ground and to hurricane I believe the president was happy to let the incident slide if the Mernda person has no further participation for the rest of the year not just the game but I will stand corrected