Scotch College

Football Club coming home strong

After Round 16, the Old Scotch Seniors found themselves in a very good position to set up a September finals birth, winning seven out of their last eight games. There was a general consensus pre-season that the senior side was one or two good players off a premiership team. However, coach Dale Tapping introduced a policy to brew some of the younger players to give them the experience they needed and some self-belief. That earlier consensus has since been demolished and the team is moulding together well. With five teams for four positions in the finals, the Cardinals are heavily in the mix.

Well at the business end of the season, the new faces that have added to the current on-field success include Andrew Pugsley (Collingwood/Box Hill Hawks), Cameron McKenzie McHarg (Australian Rowing Representative) and Tim Demitriou (Werribee Tigers).

Round 13 was the turning point for both the Seniors and the Reserve sides. Something had to be done … and it was. The ‘Snake Pit’ was the location. St Bernards was the target. Both senior teams showed their new spirit against the 2004 Grand Finalists, resulting in two victories that were celebrated long into the night at the Dinner Dance Auction at Leonda. Guitarists Dean and Carruthers stole the show and over 200 attendees danced the night away.

The Reserves side has continued to impress, and will finish second on the ladder. Coach Serge D’Angelo requires 100 per cent commitment and dedication from his players at all times. With an attitude like that, the finals campaign looks to be a beauty. Nick Leitl, Will Elliott and Lachlan Armstrong have been the major stand-outs in the Twos and are pushing for senior selection. The Reserves are sitting on 12 wins and 4 losses, heading into the last two rounds.

Rohan Price, Steven Hume and Ian McMurtrie at the Dinner Dance Auction Night

In the Club XVIII section the third XVIII made the finals but lost to Prahran in the First Semi-Final. Coach Andrew Millar and Assistant Simon Hosking have managed the team with distinction.

The Cardinals also made the finals and also lost the First Semi-Final.

The puppies of the Old Boys (U19) have fielded two teams this year and are an important part of the club’s future. Bruce Armstrong and Ian Leith are the respective coaches and have put their hands up to take responsibility for developing the younger players. Let’s hope the boys can finish off the season well.

ADAM ROUTLEDGE

Rohan Price, Steven Hume and Ian McMurtrie at the Dinner Dance Auction Night