U19s FINAL 3 GRAND FINAL v Mazenod: Won by 17

19th September 2006

What a great week end it was for the Old Mentonians’ Football Club, with both the Reserves and the Under 19’s winning premierships.  It had been sixteen years since the Panthers had experienced success in September, but this year the drought was well and truly broken.

The Under 19’s commence proceedings on Friday night when they defeated Mazenod by seventeen points at Elsternwick park.  The Mazenod side was older and physically stronger than the Panthers, but this did not discourage the team that had earned its place in the final with strong wins in both the First Semi and Preliminary finals.  The desperation and determination which has been the hallmark of the side this season was again to the fore and ensured that this team would provided the Old Mentonians with their first Under 19 premiership.

The game commenced as a battle of defences, and the first goal was not scored until the game had been underway for almost fifteen minutes.  Russ Goulding, who had been under an injury cloud before the game, proved his fitness with the Panthers’ first goal and followed with another two throughout the game.  His brother Kyle continued his outstanding form throughout the finals series and was again the dominant ruckman on the ground.

Two late goals to Mazenod negated any advantage which the Old Mentonians had established during the first quarter and the Panthers took a there point lead at quarter time.  The second quarter was again fiercely contested with the Panthers defence outstanding, restricting Mazenod to only one point for the quarter.  The Old Mentonians forward line could not capitalise on their efforts and poor kicking at goal meant that the lead was only extended to ten points.

Throughout the game Matthew Jenkins was outstanding on the half forward flank as was his captain, Jake Moon.  Moon was to be awarded the medal as best on ground as a reward for the great skill and courage which he displayed throughout the game.  Other fine performance came from Jesse Prowse who was the centre of many attacking moves at centre half forward, while Daniel Daperis showed great skill and elusiveness kicking two goals from the forward pocket.

The Panthers took a sixteen point lead into the last quarter, but Mazenod would not concede and threw everything at the young Panthers.  However everything Mazenod had was not enough.  The tackling and desperation which the Old Mentonians had shown throughout the game rose to a higher level and although Mazenod managed to kick three goals in the quarter they could not match the Panthers for passion and commitment.  Brad Norton kicked the final goal for the game, with one second remaining to be played, and the celebrations began.  This was an outstanding result for a team in its first season in the competition and a fitting reward for the players and their coaches, Mark Fairbanks and Adam Acreman.

Please click through to the photogallery to view photos of the game (Note. photos will be uploaded on Wednesday, thanks for your patience)

OLD MENTONIANS    3.4     4.8     7.9     10.16 (76)
MAZENOD             3.1     3.2     6.5     9.5 (59)

Best:     J. Moon, K. Goulding, J. Prowse, M. Jenkins, D. Daperis, R. Goulding
Goals:    R. Goulding 3, D. Daperis B. Norton 2, K. Goulding, M. Jenkins, J. Prowse 1


Upcoming Events: 2006 Award and Presentation Night

 
Come and celebrate the 2 successful Grand Final winners, the Best & Fairest for 2006 as well as many more awards, including Best on Ground awards from each game; and recognition of those who helped behind the scenes throughout the season.
 
When: Saturday, October 7th
Drinks to be served from 7pm
 
Where: Mentone Grammar Function Room (next to the new Gym)
 
$60 per person
$45 per U/19
 
Includes all food, beer, wine and soft drink.
 
RSVP
Please contact the following to get your seat for the evening:
Kym Regan kymbo@omfc.net, (m) 0409202120, or Alysia Gadsby alysia@omfc.net, (m) 0438594587
(payment is to be made prior to the night if possible)

Payment can also be a Cheque made out to the Club and sent to:
Old Mentonians Football Club, PO Box 309, Mentone, 3194
 
(Annual General Meeting is to be held beforehand, at 6:30. All are encouraged to attend, and have a hand in the direction of the club for 2007.)
 
For the last time of season 2006;
“Make Some Noise”