LEAGUE

RESERVES

Ellenbrook 3.6.24 def. By St. Norbets 12.11.83 @ Queens Park

Ellenbrook were soundly touched up by St Norbets in the last game of the season. In a do or die affair to make it into the finals, St Norbets fielded a very strong side and Ellenbrook was not up to the challenge. We had very good players take the field but had very little structure with our first choice ruckman, first change ruckman, Centre half back and a starting mid fielder playing league. Also another starting mid fielder, our best utility in Ty and our Centre half forward were out injured. Snow got picked off early in the match and while everyone out there battle it right out to the end, we were out classed by a quality St Norbets unit.
Thankyou to everyone who took the field in the reserves this year, you were all awesome, and I am proud of each and every one of you and what we achieved. Thankyou to A.J. Whitey and every one from the club who helped me out and supported me throughout the year. I had an absolute ball and could not have done it without you. Hope we are all back next year to go around again….. Go the Eels!

Murray Watson (Eels D Reserves Coach)

BEST: Jared Turvey, Bill Wagland, Tommy Jaroka, Shane Glanville, Brad Gericke

GOALS: Mark “Balla” Ballard (2) Shane Glanville (1)

AWARDS: Jared Turvey, Bill Wagland, Tommy Jaroka, Shane Glanville, Brad Gericke, Ioannis Dimopolous

WHITEY’S WALLOP: Jen for putting up with me throughout the season.

But what I did learn is that when you think you know someone or something you can be proven wrong very quickly  ;) .Any way we still have the awards night and end of year players trip and if you were at the Paddo on Sunday you would of got a taste of  what to expect at the players trip, a lot of laughs.

All the best lad’s and I will see you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sayls #3

Great team win lads with one game & one win to go!!!!

Sayls # 3

LEAGUE

The Ellenbrook Eels made it back to back wins on the weekend during their last home game for the year against the Armadale Demons. The Eels fought off a late charge to hold out the Demons winning 11.6.72 to 8.13.61. The win made it sweet revenge for the Eels after the two teams fought out a thrilling draw back in Round 3 where the scores finished 84 points a piece.

Armadale started the first quarter on fire, dominating through the midfield and outclassing the Eels in most positions around the ground. At quarter time the Demons held a 2 goal lead kicking 4.3 to the Eels 2.1.

After some changes during the break, the Eels managed to shut down 3 key Demon running players which freed up several Ellenbrook players. The Eels started to dominate around stoppages and clearances, completely stopping Armadale’s ability to move the ball. At half time Ellenbrook wrestled the lead to be up 7.4 to 5.7.

Ellenbrook were asked to give a little extra during the second half and the players were made aware of the importance to maintain the intensity during the first 15 minutes after the main break. This proved to be a deciding factor in the end result as the Eels managed to hold off any challenge from the Demons. If not for a late goal from Armadale, Ellenbrook would have held a bigger lead going into the final change.

Final quarter fade outs have been a downfall for the Eels during 2010 and it was again stressed that the players needed to just enjoy what was ahead and not to panic under pressure. Armadale came out firing, kicking the first 2 goals of the final term but the Eels ‘never say die’ approach and hardness at the man and the ball got them over the line. The win was a huge reward for the playing group who have had a challenging year and the way the side never lost belief, proved to be the knockout blow for the Demons. In the end, the mighty Eels held out to win by 11 points.

Michael Jauncey played his best game of the year from the half back line and was awarded the B.O.G for his hardness and gut running through the Eels defensive zone. Steve Strauch completely dominated in the Ruck, which allowed the Eels first use of the ball. He was well supported by Matt Rutherford and young Josh Tuckwell, who were outstanding through the middle. Skipper Paul Saylor also proved a handful for the Demons as he racked up many possessions and really lifted the Eels when it counted the most.

The pleasing thing for the Eels was the performance of this week’s Rising Star nominee Pat Casey who stepped up for his first game of league football. Patty was absolutely outstanding during the dying stages of the game taking several contested marks and displayed a great deal of confidence when the put under pressure.

All up the win was by far a huge step in the right direction for the Eels and the platform for bigger things to come next year is well and truly in place.

This weekend will see the Eels travel to Queens Park to take on St Norberts for the last game of the home and away season. If they maintain the intensity they’ve displayed over the past 2 weeks then they’ll certainly be well on the way to finishing 2010 with 3 straight wins.

Hobbsy
2010 league Coach

ADACES FORTUNA JUVAT
fortune favours the brave

50 club games: Michael Jauncey

Best Players: Michael Jauncey, Steve Strauch, Paul Saylor, Matt Rutherford and Pat Casey.

Goal Kickers: Robby Schnaars 3, Aaron Power & Aaron Diss 2 each. Michael Jauncey, Warwick Hutcho, Matty Jones & Josh Satie all kicked 1 goal each.

Hutcho man:

RESERVES

Ellenbrook 12.9 - 81def. Armadale 1.2 - 8

Ellenbrook took the honours this week in a very hard action filled game. The Eels played quality footy all day. Ellenbrook zoned well, setting up the first goal from a good mark by Adz G. on the kick in. It was the first of many highlights as Ellenbrook took control of the game. 10 minutes into the last quarter, Armadale kicked two quick goals which caused Ellenbrook to man up better. This exposed that Armadale had a nineteenth player on the field and Ellenbrook called for a headcount with the scores at Ellenbrook 11.8.74 to Armadale 6.5.41.After Armadale tried several attempts to convince the umpires that they only had 18 on the field with no success, their score was wiped and the game continued on. Armadale concentrated more on going the knuckle after that point with several elbows and fists being thrown but Ellenbrook did not take a backward step, taking on and beating Armadale in every way!

It was great to have a good win against Armadale who beat us in round 4. I am proud of the way the guys rallied together in a tough situation and really looked after one another. Looking forward to the last round against St Norbets next week in the final home and away round in a must win game for us.

Murray Watson (Eels D Reserves Coach)

BEST: Johno Dick, Shane Glanville, Ty Campbell, Steve McGuire, Brad Gericke , Mark “Balla” Ballard, Chris “Simmsy” Sims, Deano Crosswell

GOALS: Mark “Balla” Ballard (5) Allen “Snowy” Robertson (1) Johno Dick (1) Brad “Macca” McKenna (1) Shane Glanville(1) Adam Gericke (1) Carl “Bozi” Bishop (1) Jared Turvey (1)

AWARDS: Johno Dick, Shane Glanville, Deano Crosswell, Chris “Simmsy” Sims

Whitey’s Wallop: Simon “Simmo” Withers was outstanding in the first half with plenty of smothers and general hardness at the ball. His courage going back with the flight of the ball earned him a knee in the back and Muzz elected to rest him after half time due to the bruising.

With our backs up against the wall playing the bottom side I was wondering how the  league boy’s were going to react  against a club that was celebrating 30 years of  history and had nothing to lose.

 Before the game started we decide the day was going to be about enjoying our footy and protecting our mate.Hobbsy then reassured us that himself and Haydos have never doubted us as a team or our ability  to play as a team, he also said that we had to believe in each other out on the field and if we did the result will take  care of  it self  and it did.

It was really great to see the boy’s up and about running hard to help or just protect each other for four quarters, you could  really see the boys enjoying the game.

We have two games left and no reason why we can’t win both.

Sayls # 3

LEAGUE

Robby Schnaars boots 6 goals to help the Ellenbrook Eels to their biggest win of the 2010 season on Saturday, as the Eels ran rampant over Nollamara to claim a 73 point victory.

The Eels lead all day and it was clearly the best team performance for the year. It was evident that all 22 players were focussed on nothing less than a win, where the Eels set up a 20 point quarter time lead. Aaron Diss was outstanding on the wing as his courage to win the disputed ball set the tone for his team mates, while Cal Schnaars dominated up forward.

The second quarter saw the Eels suck the life out of Nollamara’s scoring opportunities as the Cougars could only manage 1 goal 7 for the quarter while the Eels managed to kick another 3 goals. Robby Schnaars proved unstoppable during this quarter as he kicked all 3 goals for the Eels to give them a handy lead at the main break. Half time Ellenbrook lead 6.7 to 1.9.

During the half time break the Eels were challenged to dominate the second half and they did just that. The Eels managed to kick 6 goals during the 3rd quarter, which really set up the win. Ryan Phillamore completely dominated clearances which gave the Eels plenty of scoring opportunities. They stretched their lead to 58 points.

The Eels finished off the last quarter kicking 4 goals to 1 as Nollamara had no answer to the Eels run. Josh Tuckwell was outstanding during the final term as he continually won the ball around the stoppages and was well supported by the team skipper Paul Saylor. In the End the Eels had too much class to run out winners 16.10.106 to 3.15.33.

Whilst 2010 has been a hard year for the Eels on the field as they lost quite a few quality players from the year before, they have managed to blood quite a few young players into league football this year. Saturday’s result against Nollamara was a great reward for the playing group and there’s no reason why the Eels can’t win their final 2 games against Armadale and St Norberts.

Best players for the Eels were, Aaron Diss who racked up a host of possessions on the wing, Robby Schnaars was unstoppable up forward kicking 6 goals, while Brother Cal chipped in with 2 majors. Young Luke Hurley was outstanding at Centre Half Back taking several marks in our defensive half, while Steve Strauch had his best game for the year dominating in the Ruck.

All up, the most pleasing thing about the win was the way all 22 players contributed to the end result and all 22 put together 4 consistent quarters of team footy, something we’ve been unable to achieve this year before Saturday’s win.

AUDACES FORTUNA JUVAT
fortune favours the brave

Hobbsy
2010 League Coach

Goal kickers: Robby Schnaars 6, Aaron Power, Ryan Phillamore, Cal Schnaars & Anthony Zan 2 goals each, Josh Satie & Mat Best kicked 1 goal each.

Best Players: Luke Hurley, Aaron Diss, Robby Schnaars, Steve Strauch & Josh Tuckwell.

50th game today: Aaron “Pav” Innes

Hutcho Man:

RESERVES

Ellenbrook 21.10 - 136 def. Nollamara 4.3 - 27

The Nollamara game had potential to be a danger game for Ellenbrook with Nollamara usually fielding a stronger team at their home ground and they were also expecting a large vocal crowd to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of their “A’ Grade flag. The Eels took control early though and never let the crowd become a factor. The run off half back from Simmsy and Ty was outstanding along with the hard running through the mid field by Snow, Billy and Whitey. Leckie was a huge target at half forward and Balla was fantastic out of the square finishing the game with 9 goals. It became a very one sided affair with Ellenbrook really turning it on with some fantastic passages of football. It was an awesome win for the Eels and a very important percentage booster heading into the last few weeks of the season.
With two weeks left , it is good to be back on track and we are looking forward to a huge game against Armadale next week who beat us earlier in the year.

Murray Watson (Eels D Reserves Coach)

BEST: Ty Campbell , Mark “Balla” Ballard, Allen “Snowy” Robertson, Billy Wagland, Brady Leckie, Simon “Simmo” Withers

GOALS: Mark “Balla” Ballard (9) Allen “Snowy” Robertson (3) Wayne “Hiley” Maiden (3) Brady Leckie (3) Brad “Macca” McKenna (2) Chris “Simmsy” Sims (1)

AWARDS: Ty Campbell, Allen “Snowy” Robertson, Billy Wagland, Simon “Simmo” Withers

Whitey’s Wallop: Hard to pick one person out in such a team effort but veteran Wayne “Hiley” Maiden was instrumental in winning the contests and protecting his team mates. Well done Hiley.

LEAGUE

This would have to be our worst game of the year as we were completely outclassed all over the park against a very skilful and fit Swan Valley. Certainly not the way we’d planned for the Battle of the Burley but what can I say????

Right from the opening bounce it was clear that Swan Valley would be a challenge and whist the score was a complete blowout our lads never gave in. I feel that the little we say about the game the better, but let’s just say we’ll lock that one in the memory bank for our next clash against the Valley where we’ll regain the Burley!!!!

On a rather sad note the club farewelled a club legend on the weekend as Devo played his last game of footy to hang up the boots. Devo has been an instrumental part of the club over the years as he played in over 280 amateur games in Perth and over 50 for the Eels. He’ll certainly be missed on the field and will be remembered for kicking many miraculous goals. On behalf of the team and the club I’d like to thank Devo for the great memories he has given us over the years and I certainly wouldn’t be with the Eels if it wasn’t for Devo’s input. Thanks mate; I know the lads will reward you with a few wins before season end.

On another note to our supporters and to those who knock us for the lack of success we’ve tasted this year, I’ll take a little time to remind you of a few things. Firstly we had more than half the team playing in our league side on Saturday with only 10 games or less of experience playing league footy which is remarkably high. Secondly the club has lost quite a few quality players from last years Grand Final side including 3 Founders Medal winners so we’ve blooded and exposed quite a few new faces into league footy this year. Thirdly the club has gone through many changes off the field as well with new coaching staff and club management.

Now I’m not trying to make excuses for our results or lack of success this year, I am bringing to your attention that there have been several changes within the team. Those players who have stepped up into league footy this year will be so much better for it in 2011. So all I can say to our valued supporters out there is to stick with us as I do believe we will turn the corner very quickly. There are some exciting plans in place for next year and our recruiting has already begun.

I’m here for the long term and I’m certainly not giving up on what we desire to achieve. It start’s this weekend against Nollamara, where I’ll be expecting noting less than a win.

Heads up Eels it’s not all doom and gloom as I can see success in the not to distant future, you’ve all just gotta stick together that’s all and believe in what you’ve got to give as a team.

AUDACES FORTUNA JUVAT
Fortune favours the brave

Hobbsy
League Coach

Best Players:Matty Jones, Dizzy, Luke and Tucky.

Goals:Devo & Power kicked 1 each.

The Hutcho Man: In his farewell game, who else but David “Devo” van Raalte.

RESERVES

Ellenbrook 9.3.57 lost to Swan Valley 8.11.59

Swan Valley got off to a good start against Ellenbrook kicking the first three goals of the game and really took control with some good hard running. Ellenbrook settled though, began to man up well, shut down the run and got on top of the Valley by half time. The Eels who were severely under manned continued to play good footy in the third and pulled away to a 3 goal lead at half time. Snow lead the way in the mid field with Ty and Whitey doing well in mid field roles they are unaccustomed to and Balla presenting well up forward. Swan Valley was not done with though and played an outstanding last quarter showing better fitness and a little more depth to get up at the end of the day by 2 points.

It was a bad loss for the Eels heading towards the business end of the season and we really need to regroup and get back in the winners circle against Nollamara next week.

Murray Watson (Eels D Reserves Coach)

BEST: Allen “Snowy” Robertson, Jason Powell, Ty Campbell, Mark “Balla” Ballard, Callum “Whitey” White, Simon “Simmo” Withers

GOALS: Mark “Balla” Ballard(4) Allen “Snowy” Robertson (2) Steve McGuire (1) Ty Campbell (1) Wayne “Hiley” Maiden (1)

AWARDS: Jason Powell, Allen “Snowy” Robertson, Simon “Simmo” Withers

Whitey’s Wallop: When the numbers are are low, the runner pulls on his boots and takes to the field. Well done Brian “B.T.” Taylor.

 .

On saturdays game what can we say out played by a much better team simple as that.

Sayls # 3 

LEAGUE

Ellenbrook 11.10 - 76 drew with East Fremantle 11.10 - 76.

The Eels welcomed East Fremantle to Coolamon Oval “The Home of the Eels” in the Round 14 clash. Both teams were striving for a much needed win and the Eels were looking for some pride after a well below par performance the week earlier against Safety Bay.

After such a promising start the Eels yet again fell away at the last hurdle to fight out another thrilling draw, our second for the year. Final score being 11.10.76 apiece. For the Eels this was a disappointing result after they’d lead all day and outclassed the Eagles for the first three quarters.

Our first half was pretty much faultless with the lads dominating the clearances and around the ground with our short play on options. If not for some wayward kicking during the first quarter the Eels would have found themselves a lot further in front at the main break. They still managed to hold a 29 point margin at the half time siren.

For some reason the boys seemed to lack self confidence and self belief when the Eagles challenged us during the final term which cost the team a much needed 4 Premiership points. We need to learn from our lack of self belief when challenged as its cost us several victories this year and we would have been placed a lot further up the ladder if we’d won those games. It is what it is though and a draw’s still better than a loss.

Matty Jones was again outstanding on our half-backline and was awarded the best on ground award for his toughness. Big Rhino had a day out up forward booting 6 goals, taking his overall tally to 38 for the season. Other players to play well for the Eels were Billy who just keeps improving every week and Jauncey who had his best game for the season.

On a positive note for the Eels we managed to promote 2 U-17’s into the League side, which was a massive achievement for the club. Both Jordan and Cass were outstanding and acquitted themselves quite well in the side. The Round 14 Rising Star award was split between the 2 players as both lads did the club proud and made an easy transition into senior footy.

In closing I’d like to personally thank Dave (The U-17’s) coach for allowing both Jordan and Cass to step up into the league team. I certainly look forward to these players running around with the Eels for many years to come. Well done lads and on behalf of the Eels I’d like to congratulate you with the way you settled in.

The Eels will be fielding a Colts team in 2011 so it’ll be a priority over the remaining games that the league team works as closely as possible with our U-17’s so that we can best prepare these young players to play league footy.

AUDACES FORTUNA JUVAT
Fortune favours the brave

Hobbsy
League Coach

Best Players: Matty Jones, Dizzy, Rhino, Jordan & Cass.

Goals: Rhino 6, Devo, Dizzy, Robby, Macca and Sayl’s all kicked 1 each.

The Hutcho Man: Always in and under, this weeks winner is no surprise - Aaron “Dissy” Diss.

RESERVES

Ellenbrook 11.12 - 78 def. East Fremantle 5.7 - 37 @ Coolamon

Rd. 14 vs. East Freo was a very important game for Ellenbrook. East Freo was sitting fourth and Ellenbrook was very keen to not only back up our good win from the week before but beat East Freo for a second time this season and put ourselves well into the mix for finals. Ellenbrook played some good football all day and slowly pulled away throughout the day to end up convincing winners by 41 points. Luke Hurley absolutely dominated at centre half back leading the way with a lot of big hits, big marks and consistently getting the hard ball. With both Balla and Leckie missing from Ellenbrook’s usual forward line set up, Anthony Zan and Patty Casey stood up to kick 7 between them and provide some good focal points up forward.

Murray Watson (Eels D Reserves Coach)

BEST: Luke Hurley, Shane Glanville, Anthony Zan, Patty Casey, Troy Abbott, Allen “Snowy” Robertson, Callum “Whitey” White, Brad Gericke, Tamas “Tommy” Jaroka,

GOALS: Anthony Zan (4) Patty Casey (3) Steve McGuire (1) Troy Abbott (1) Jason Powell (1) Wayne “Hiley” Maiden (1)

AWARDS: Luke Hurley, Shane Glanville, Anthony Zan, Patty Casey

WHITEY’S WALLOP: Luke Hurley for big hits and hardball gets