Premier C Scribe Team of the Year

By Christian Burgess – Premier C Scribe

The top four sides (Caulfield Grammarians, Mazenod, Peninsula, Old Ivanhoe) have all been well aware of their finals campaigns for a matter of weeks, using the recent games to prepare, taper and ensure their lists are fit for September action.  But the relegation zone at the opposite end of the ladder, made for some exciting finishes to the home and away season, including a number of upsets in recent weeks. A standout performer for me has been Old Camberwell’s efforts in the back half of the year. After round 12, the Wellers had two wins to their name and looked a certainty of finishing in the relegation zone. But, to their credit, the Wellers won five of their last seven games; to finish in 6th position and well clear of relegation. Ormond and Oakleigh will be relegated to Division 1 as they both finished two wins behind Marcellin.

Looking at the finals ahead, I think we are going to have the most intriguing September clashes across all grades. All four sides are more than capable of claiming the top prize. All four play significantly different styles of football, and hold keys to their finals success. Caulfield are a scorekeepers nightmare, often hitting the scoreboard from all angles playing a ruthlessly attacking brand of football. Mazenod have the ability to choker-hold oppositions attack with one of the best defensive lines in the competition, providing the ball manages to be pushed pass the Nodders outstanding midfield. Peninsula are the excitement machine, playing an all out attack style combining experienced heads with youth and flare. Old Ivanhoe – when they are on, they are ON! They play tough and physically intimidating football, beginning with their midfield. Dave Bruno and Carl Groth are the most difficult combination for opposition to stop in Premier C.

Listed below are what I believe are the keys to each sides success during the finals race:

Caulfield:

• They are the high scoring juggernauts of the competition. Accuracy is their key. If they can convert in front of goal, they have the ability to bury opposition (kicked 67 behinds in the last four games).
• Will Barker – a goal kicking midfielder who is in superb form, kicking 27 goals for the season. Arguably the in-form player at the business end of the season. Closely followed by Louis O’Keefe (51 goals) and Declan Reilly (28 goals from 13 games).

Mazenod:

• Defence: They aren’t a high scoring side, but have the ability to stop opposition in their tracks. The Pirates are the second highest scoring side in the comp but have been reduced to 65 & 50 points when confronted against the Nodders.
• Mckeogh, Kovac & Cincotta – all kicked more than 25 goals for the season. Opposition can generally stop one, but all three?

Peninsula:

• Run and dare – They are an exciting side to watch. Their young brigade offer flare and pace through Moignard, Feldgen, Kellerman and Fletcher. The more they can play with dare and take the game on, the more challenging they will be.
• Healthy list – They have the personnel, but only three players have played all 18 games this year. An injury free list is a must for the Pirates!

Old Ivanhoe:

• A Graders – An A grader is someone I consider in an elite category of Premier C and is more than capable of playing in William Buck Premier. Every side would love to have an A grader on their list. I believe the Hoes have at least four. Carl groth, Mal Mitris, Dave Bruno and Adrian Del Monte. If they fire, The Hoes won’t be stopped.
• Round 18 form – The face a round 18 rematch, where they stopped The Pirates attack and outmuscled them to the final siren. Round 18 form will take them deep into September.

The Premier C ‘Team of the Year’ has been significantly difficult to assemble. A squad was initially selected combining 42 players names all worthy of selection. The squad was then reduced to 22 players based on their form in selected positions, coaches feedback (club and opposition coaches), times players were named in clubs best and my personal opinion. The Coach of the ‘Team Of The Year’ was awarded to Simon Williams. Simon took the reigns as Senior Coach after their 2015 season, when the club won only two games and was relegated. Since taking charge, Simon has led Caulfield to 15 victories and a minor premiership. Caulfield stated that, “One of the Club’s aspirations at the start of the season was to bring stability and a sense of ‘club’, and Simon’s contribution to both of these aspects cannot be underestimated. The players, and coaching panel have got right behind what Simon is seeking to create , and the results speak for themselves.”

Premier C Team of the Year