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Cannons fall short in big dance

Calder Cannons girls show bravery in grand final heartache

Written by Jarryd Barca 

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls lost no supporters when they fell 33 points short of the Northern Knights in the 2019 NAB League grand final. 

A large crowd flocked to the Ikon Park stands to watch the first edition of NAB League grand final since the competition underwent a name change from the TAC Cup in previous years.

Calder cruised to the big dance after a massive win against the fancied Geelong Falcons in last week’s preliminary final in Dandenong.  

But that momentum couldn’t continue.  

The undefeated Knights kicked with a slight breeze advantage in the opening quarter and managed to kick three unanswered goals in what proved to be match-winning. 

Despite the Cannons’ brave efforts to neutralise the contest thereafter, they were unable to make the most of their forward opportunities in the 6.3 (39) to 0.6 (6) result.

Cannons Laura Cocomello and Georgia Patrikios embrace after the final siren. Photo by AFL Photos.

“Despite not winning the premiership cup in the end, the girls’ efforts over the course of this season has been worthy of much more than that,” Female Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.

“Just to make the grand final and being a part of the occasion was a fantastic effort, they all played to the best of their abilities and that’s all we could ask of them.

“The better team won on the day.”

Captain Georgia Patrikios was her usual self and worked tirelessly up and down the ground to lead the entire field for total disposals (24) and inside 50s (six). 

Terira Fry (seven disposals and three rebound 50s) tried hard in defence all game, while Georgia Sampson’s improvement over the course of the season continued in another impressive performance in the ruck.

Zoe Hardiman (nine touches and six tackles) and Georgie Prespakis (20 disposals) were also named in the best players.

Calder limited Northern to a solitary goal in each term after quarter time but inaccuracy again plagued the side as they sent the ball forward on countless occasions but to no avail.

“The coaching staff was proud of the way the girls managed to battle out the entire game and never give up – that’s the Cannons way,” Humphrey said.

“We would like to congratulate them on a great achievement this season. To all the girls graduating – you’ve done the whole club proud and all the best with your footballing future.

“We look forward to seeing the bottom-age players continue their improvement.” 

Cannons looking forward to big dance

The Calder Cannons booked a ticket to the 2019 NAB League Girls grand final after comfortably cruising past the Geelong Falcons in the preliminary final last Saturday at Shepley Oval. 

The 7.4 (46) to 1.5 (11) triumph means the undefeated Northern Knights await at IKON Park this Saturday – where the two will do battle in the final game of the year at 2pm. 

Calder was able to maintain possession across the field and deny Geelong any access forward for the majority of the contest, while their pressure (83 tackles – their highest tackle-count of the season) was also crucial in the final result.

The collective buy-in from the entire playing group impressed the coaches and supporters on the day.

Captain Georgia Patrikios’ drive through the middle of the ground (29 touches and six inside 50s) paved the way for her side’s forward entry flurry in Dandenong, while one of the league’s best tacklers, Alana Barba, was again a stand out in the clinches laying 13 tackles. 

Three goals in the opening 10 minutes of the game to Alisa Magri, Emelia Yassir and Barba helped set up an early 20-point lead to the Cannons.

And from there they were hardly challenged.

The momentum continued – albeit with less scoreboard impact – as the Cannons went into the main break with a 19-point lead.

Impressively, the away side never rested on their laurels. A goal within two minutes of the second half to Zoe Hardiman was the only major of the premiership quarter.

Knowing the Falcons wouldn’t give up, the Cannons continued to put the foot down in the final stanza.

Hardiman’s second meant the grand final was all but finalised, before Magri put the nail in the coffin with a quick snap in the dying seconds.

The massive win means the Cannons now have the chance to claim their second premiership.

“Every single player played their role for the team and that’s what gives us this chance that we have,” Girls Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.

“If we can play with the same intensity we applied in the Geelong game then we will give ourselves a chance to win this weekend.

“We’re all looking forward to it – the players, the coaching staff and all of the parents.”

Cannons trio selected in Vic Metro squad

Written by Jarryd Barca

Three Calder Cannons Under 18 girls players have been selected in the Vic Metro squad for the upcoming 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships.

Alana Barba, Georgia Patrikios and Felicity Theodore are three of 59 NAB League girls in line to potentially represent their state.

This year’s Under 18 Championships begin for Country and Metro on Saturday, June 22 at Avalon Airport Oval (starting at 2pm).

They will then travel to the Gold Coast for three more games from July 8-12 against Queensland, Western Australia and the Eastern Allies (NSW/Tasmania).

Former AFL champion Nathan Burke, who played 323 games for St Kilda, will take the reins of Vic Metro.

Last year’s Country and Metro squads contained several players subsequently selected towards the top of the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft, including joint Championships MVPs Nina Morrison (Geelong Falcons to Geelong AFLW) and Madison Prespakis (Calder Cannons to Carlton).

It’s the third time Cannons captain Georgia Patrikios has been selected in the squad, while Barba and Theodore will represent Metro for the first time.

“Congratulations to all three girls for making the Vic Metro squad, it’s an amazing effort on their behalf,” Calder Cannons Girls Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all three girls to showcase their skills on a bigger stage and the club wishes them all the best.”

State Talent Manager Paul Hamilton said the Championships give Victoria’s best emerging female footballers the chance to highlight their skills on a big stage.

“The NAB AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships have the potential to put our up-and-coming female players firmly on the radar of AFL Women’s clubs,” Hamilton told nableague.com.au.

“Our Vic Country and Vic Metro girls will have access to some of the best coaching resources in women’s football in order to develop their games and will be able to experience playing at elite-level venues against the best talent the rest of Australia has to offer.

“Travelling to the Gold Coast in July will also provide them an extra opportunity to bond with girls who share a common goal of furthering their careers within the elite talent pathway.”



Power prove too strong for Cannons

Another slow start and goalless first quarter has hurt the Calder Cannons in Round 7, this time falling to the Gippsland Power by 51 points at Morwell Recreation Reserve.

Coming off two consecutive wins for the first time this season, Calder was looking to continue the momentum and climb up the NAB League ladder.

But Gippsland had other ideas and instead inflicted the Cannons’ fourth loss of the season with a 12.12 (84) to 4.9 (33) result.  

Inside midfielder Jacob Martin continued his strong form with another impressive performance, racking up 33 disposals and 10 clearances. 

Daniel Mott and Brodie Newman (25 and 22 touches respectively) were the other prolific ball-winners on the day. 

Fergus O’Neill’s 15 disposals and four tackles also stood out, while Jackson Cardillo and Kyle Baker shared the tackling spoils with five apiece. 

It was the third time in four weeks the Cannons were held goalless in the opening quarter. 

Despite having just one less scoring shot for the quarter, Calder found themselves stranded 16 points behind their more clinical opponents at the first break.

The momentum then shifted in the second term as Curtis Brown, who spent much of the day forward, sailed through the away team’s only goal of the half.

Gippsland’s three behinds meant the margin was 11 points at half time. 

The Cannons were much more competitive to start the second half but were for the most part out-bullied, the Power finding a way to kick seven of the term’s eight goals to open up a match-winning 47-point buffer in the blink of an eye.

It was two goals apiece in the final stanza but the damage had been done in windy conditions. 

The Cannons have now shifted their focus towards this Saturday’s Round 8 clash against the Murray Bushrangers in Wangaratta. 

The Bushrangers are currently 14th on the NAB League ladder with a 2-4 record but have a higher percentage (96.9) than the 3-4 Cannons. 

Goal Kickers: J. Cardillo, C. Brown, J. Hotchkin, J. Kemp

Best Players: J. Martin, D. Mott, N. Gentile, F. O’Neill, J. Hotchkin, C. Brown 

Powerful win sends Cannons to finals

Girls show poise, eminence against Gippsland

Written by Jarryd Barca 

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls jumped into third spot on the ladder at the conclusion of the 2019 NAB League season following a dominant 31-point win over the Gippsland Power on Mother’s Day.

The 5.7 (37) to 1.0 (6) result at Morwell Recreation Reserve sends Calder into the finals series on a two-game winning streak, now bracing for a clash against the Geelong Falcons in one of two preliminary finals to be played in Dandenong this Saturday.

It was a must-win game for the Cannons with the Oakleigh Charges breathing down their necks heading into Round 9.

With the Northern Knights and Geelong Falcons having the top two spots sewn up, a Chargers victory against the Bendigo Pioneers means the Cannons qualified by two points and percentage, with the Eastern Ranges closing out the four finals spots. 

“It’s a true testament to the way these girls have handled themselves over the course of the season,” girls talent coordinator Russell Humphrey said post-game.

“Their form over the course of the year really does warrant a finals spot and I know that we have what it takes to be really competitive.

“They just have to believe in themselves, stick to what they’ve been doing and play with the confidence that they have in the past two weeks and much of the season.” 

While the away side recorded just 20 more disposals, their pressure around the ball meant the Power only managed to send the ball inside 50 on 10 occasions – the fewest the Cannons have conceded this season. 

Calder took 75 marks and took full control of the ball to dictate all four quarters. 

Sixteen-year-old Georgia Sampson, Terira Fry, Zali Friswell, Alana Barba, Zoe Hardiman and Makeisha Muller were named as the Cannons’ best players.

“I thought Sampson was terrific in the ruck and around the ground as well,” Humphrey lauded the young ruck. 

“Zali Friswell is another that stood out to me on the day and Terira Fry – particularly her tackling pressure – was fantastic, it was a significant aspect that helped us win the game.”

Captain Georgia Patrikios led from the front foot from the opening bounce and kicked the entire first quarter score of 2.1 – the behind a poster.

Further majors to Muller and Georgie Prespakis meant the Cannons took a commanding 27-point lead into half-time.

The game took a slow turn in the second half. Zoe Hardiman booted the only goal for the Cannons, whose 10 points for the half was enough to consolidate a spot in this year’s finals series. 

“Our chances of making the finals seemed quashed a couple of weeks ago when we let a couple of games slip through our fingers,” Humphrey said.

“While we may have been buoyed by other results going our way, all we could control were the games in front of us.

“The girls had two must-win matches and won them both. We’re all very proud of where they’ve come but there’s more work now to be done.” 

The preliminary final will take place from 2:15pm at Shepley Oval immediately following the clash between the Northern Knights and Eastern Ranges.

The winner of both matches will meet in this year’s grand final to be played at IKON Park on May 25. 

NAB League Girls finals fixture announced

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls will play in a do-or-die preliminary final against the Geelong Falcons this Saturday, May 18 at Shepley Oval, Dandenong in a preliminary final.

The match will be played at 2:15pm, directly after the Northern Knights and Eastern Ranges also do battle.

The winners of both matches will face each other in the 2019 grand final at IKON Park on May 25.

It is the first time in the competition’s three-year history that preliminary finals will be played involving the top four teams.

All games will be live video streamed via the NAB League app.

Geelong bodes as a tough match-up for the Cannons after losing just one match this season.

But a brave showing by Calder in the side’s gallant Round 7 loss against the Falcons means the spot in the big dance is well and truly up for grabs.

The Cannons were inaugural girls premiers in 2017 and leap-frogged their way to third spot on the ladder on the weekend with a win over the Gippsland Power.

In the lead-up to the finals, NAB League girls supporters can now watch replays of every home-and-away match up to Round 8, with Round 9 to be uploaded during the week. Champion Data stats feature for all games as well. Download the NAB League app.

Back-to-back wins “reward for effort”

Calder Cannons finding form

Written by Jarryd Barca

While the Calder Cannons Under 18 boys recorded back-to-back NAB League wins for the first time this season when they downed the Bendigo Pioneers in a dour Round 6 battle, assistant coach Brad Murphy believes it was only a matter of time.

“You could argue a case that we should be 5-1, (we were) in front of Oakleigh at three-quarter time and they’re the best side in it apparently and we had our chances against Tasmania as well,” he said. 

“It is reward for effort. We only made one change as well this week which was a forced change, if Sammy Graham wasn’t playing tomorrow there probably wouldn’t have been a change made and that’s a sign of stability and a sign of faith from the coach as well to put the faith in the guys.

“I wouldn’t imagine that there will be too many changes again next week so it was great to get back-to-back wins.

“It was a good, ugly win.” 

Calder prospectively faced a tough start to the season with matches against the highly-fancied Sandringham Dragons and Oakleigh Chargers to kick off its 2019 NAB League campaign. 

But they’re 3-1 since that point and playing with a confidence that Murphy thinks can drive them forward for the remainder of the season. 

“We’re 3-3 which is reality and are stuck in the ruck, with games coming up against sides that are against us on the ladder,” he explained. 

“If we can win those then I don’t see why we can’t be in the top four.” 

Murphy puts the Round 6 win down to what has proven to be an uncharacteristic fast start to the game.

The Cannons kicked the opening four goals of the contest to kick off proceedings – the first time in three matches they registered a major in the first term.

“It was a real focus coming in, obviously winning the toss and kicking with a decent wind in the first quarter probably helped.

“And efficiency as well I think we kicked four or five goals straight and then maybe kicked a point after that so all those things added up to starting well.

“The main focus for us as well was tackling. I think we had 20 tackles in the first quarter and plus we were in front in possession in the first quarter so I think all those things added up to a really good start and probably won us the game in the end.”


Cannons too slick for Pioneers

Boys go back-to-back

Written by Jarryd Barca

The Calder Cannons have recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season following a monotonous 16-point win over the Bendigo Pioneers on the weekend. 

The 7.10 (52) to 5.6 (36) victory at Highgate Recreation Reserve was the side’s third in four matches after losing their opening two games in 2019, squaring the win-loss ledger to 3-3 after six NAB League rounds. 

Inclement skies above meant the contest at times turned into an eyesore.

Midfielders Jacob Martin and Daniel Mott – who played the second half as a defender – both collected 36 disposals and had the ball on a string throughout the entire day.

Second-gamer Josh Hotchkin’s 14-disposal and 31 hit-out performance was also compromising, while captain Brodie Newman – particularly influential in the first half – backed up his 36 touches and 17 marks from the previous week with a 21-touch and 12-mark outing. 

Calder’s tackle count – a high-focus element heading into the contest – of 76 was also its highest tally of the season. 

After two consecutive weeks of a goalless opening term, Calder was able to dominate play from the get-go to register the first four goals in the opening 10 minutes of the match. 

The slight breeze advantage aided the Cannons to a 21-point lead at quarter-time before the rain began to plummet.

The second term was a regressive scrap with Bendigo’s Caleb Fisher steering through the away side’s first goal 13 minutes into the quarter, before back-to-back majors to Cannons Mason Fletcher and Matthew Allison saw a match-winning 28-point lead open up at the main break.

With Calder coach Ross Smith shuffling the magnets around in the second half it was a less stabilised and clinical side that saw out the rest of the match.

Coupled with sluggish conditions under foot, the home side registered 1.5 in the remaining two quarters but held on to register their third win of the season. 

“We’ve found some good form, which is nice. We changed a few things in the way we move the ball and that’s paid dividends,” Smith told heraldsun.com.au.

“We’re trying to get some versatility into our side and show recruiters our players can play in a number of positions.”

Smith lauded inside mid Martin for a break-out performance in Cannons colours. 

“We’ve been waiting for Jacob to give us a little bit, we sat him out for a couple of weeks because his form didn’t warrant selection,” he said.

“He’s gone back and worked on a few things and he was our best player on the day, which was really pleasing.”

The win puts the Cannons ninth on the NAB League ladder with the side looking forward to a trip to Morwell this Mother’s Day to take on the sixth-placed Gippsland Power. 

Calder Cannons girls keep finals dream alive

Ball in Cannons’ court

Written by Jarryd Barca

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls have kept a finals berth in sight after downing finals aspirant Bendigo Pioneers by 21 points at Highgate Recreation Reserve in the NAB League. 

The stakes were high in the Round 8 contest with both sides locked away on 16 points for the season – with the winner to be the only finals hopeful remaining outside of the top four. 

The Pioneers managed to score the only goal of the first half, but their slender advantaged was short-lived as a rampant Cannons outfit piled on the only four goals of the second half to leave their destiny in their own hands. 

The 4.6 (30) to 1.3 (9) result means the equation is now simple for the 5-3 Cannons – now fourth; defeat Gippsland Power this weekend and qualify.

Female talent coordinator Russell Humphrey said he was proud of the girls’ strength to come back from a dour first half. 

“At half time, even though we hadn’t scored a goal and Bendigo were on top, we were only a goal down so it wasn’t panic stations,” he said.

“The coaching staff were very positive with the girls telling them that they needed to work a bit harder and open the game up a bit more.

“Bendigo were really good early in the match to keep it crowded and not allowing us to open it up.

“Once we did we were able to play more free-flowing footy with plenty of run and the result looked after itself.

“Our ability to keep the ball moving forward, to take the game on a bit more by running and ball use really stood out to me.”

The Oakleigh Chargers were on 18 points going into the weekend, but a loss against the GWV Rebels means Calder remains two points clear in fourth position heading into the final round of the home-and-away season. 

“With one game to go it’s important that our second half momentum from the weekend continues going into the next four quarters of footy,” Humphrey said. 

“We want to finish the home and away season off strongly against Gippsland down at Morwell which is always a hard place to win.” 

A serious foot injury to half-forward Gloria Elarmaly in the second quarter ensured that it was a bittersweet feeling in the dressing rooms post-game. 

The 18-year-old, who last week signed with Essendon’s VFLW side, unfortunately broke her foot in a tackle and required surgery on Sunday. 

“The resilience of the girls to play like they did after seeing their teammate go down with a serious foot injury was really impressive and showed they held the values of the club close to their hearts,” Humphrey said. 

“The club wishes Gloria the best in her recovery.” 

Midfielders Laura Cocomello (17 disposals and five tackles) and Georgia Patrikios (27 and a goal) led from the front with young ruck Tamsin Crook also named in the best players. 

Krstel Petrevski, Isabel Young and Neve Crowley also caught the coaches’ attention with solid performances. 

Humphrey said he is looking forward to taking on the Power this Sunday. 

“We appreciate the mums coming down to Morwell on Mother’s Day and we hope that the girls’ performance is a tribute to their fantastic support over the course of the year,” he said. 

Inside the Brodie Newman sanctum

Leader, self-taught hairdresser and everything else

Written by Jarryd Barca

Thirty-six disposals, 17 marks, seven rebound 50s and three tackles – meet Brodie Newman.

That was the output from Calder’s Under 18 boys captain in their Round 5 clash against the Geelong Falcons. 

Oh… and he’s a key defender.

But don’t be fooled, Calder sent the ball inside 50 more often than its opponent.

It was the second time the 18-year-old has led the disposal count for the Cannons this season and he is the second ranked player in the NAB League for average marks per game (7.5) despite missing Round 4. 

The 193cm defender’s impressive performance ironically came just two days after appearing on the ‘Cannons Uncovered’ podcast, where he singled out Richmond’s Nick Vlastuin as a player he keeps a close eye on as a high possession-winning defender.

Vlastuin collected 28 touches against the Demons on Anzac Day eve in a near best-on performance against Melbourne in Round 6 of the AFL.

“He’s a really hard worker. You know Richmond’s back six – Alex Rance, Grimes – they get a big wrap but the guys like David Asbury and Nick Vlastuin, I don’t think they get a big enough wrap,” Newman said.

“You saw last night he was the leading disposal winner for Richmond. He’s great, just someone I really like to watch.”

The aspiring defender acquitted himself with credence in the NAB League contest, often acting as a brick wall for Falcon midfielders and the mastermind behind many of Calder’s offensive thrusts. 

While he did his chances of being drafted at the end of the season no harm, he also lured nothing but praise from his coaches post-game.

“I thought Brodie Newman was outstanding across half back,” assistant coach Brett Gourley said.

“In terms of individual efforts it’s probably one of the best games from a Cannon that I’ve seen. 

“Obviously missing Brodie last week was a huge factor against Tasmania, he’s a quality player, a quality person and a quality leader. 

“We’re just happy any time that he steps out in a Cannons jumper because we know it’s going to make our job as coaches easier and also helps the players a lot as well.” 

Newman missed the side’s Round 4 match-up against the Tasmania Devils after being selected in the Under 18 Vic Metro squad.

Teammates Sam Ramsay, Curtis Brown, Harrison Jones, Campbell Edwardes and Daniel Mott were also selected to take on Vic Country.

Newman said it was a privilege to be a part of the squad and give himself another platform to prove himself as a capable footballer, now a chance to represent the Metro in the AFL National Championships in June. 

“It was the first real hit-out against Country and it was just good to get a feel for it above standard and hopefully I get the chance in June,” Newman said. 

“It was just good to get out there and have a hit with the boys, most of the boys that played we were with in early December and then early January on our camp so it was good to finally get a go with them actually on the field instead of just training.” 

Newman was in the Cannons leadership group last season and he admitted captaining the side was a major goal to work towards.

“To be announced captain of this group was something that I was really proud of and really honoured to be a part of,” he said.

“The bunch of boys that we’ve got this year are just fantastic, we’re a really tight-knit group as we talk about every week (and) nearly every day at training. To lead those boys out every week is just an honour, it’s fantastic.

“I’ve got Daniel Mott and Harry Minton-Connell by my side as vice captains and they’re great as well,” he added. 

“There’s plenty of leaders scattered who aren’t labelled as leaders but there’s plenty of them scattered throughout, even the younger guys coming through, they’re even standing up as leaders so they make my job really easy and at the end of the day I’m just another player.”

It’s everyone’s childhood dream to be drafted, but a sign of Newman’s maturity comes from his will to be the best possible leader. 

“I just want to play, personally, consistent footy and try to lead the boys as best I can and try and get the best out of the guys coming through,” he said. 

“It is the first time (for) some of the boys playing elite level footy, so (I) just try and be a role model for them. 

“As an 18-year-old you are trying to play your best footy and keep developing so it is finding the balance between being keeping that team-orientated mentality and also making sure that you put your best foot forward and show people what you can do.

“I think as a captain I’ve got to put the team first and that’s what I’m trying to do week in, week out.

“The leaders I had last year – Mitch Podhajski – the way they took the young guys under their wing was something that I found really helpful so I’m just trying to mirror that this year, that’s one of my goals.” 

The bachelor of business management student at RMIT said there are both pros and cons to no longer having to juggle Year 12 commitments with football anymore – like the vast majority of the league are currently doing. 

“In terms of individual efforts it’s probably one of the best games from a Cannon that I’ve seen.”

He also spends two days a week working at a freights and removals company and one night a week at local footy club Aberfeldie’s canteen. 

“Not being at school gives you a lot of time to relax, kind of do your recovery and focus a lot more on your footy,” he said.

“But you’ve got to keep busy when you finish and some boys struggle to do that and they just go into that footy orientated mindset, so I thought it was really important to do something this year.”

Perth-born Newman spoke of a specific ritual that he sticks by at every game that he plays.  

“I’ve got this really old pair of boots – they never get worn – but they just come to every game with me and just sit there in the bag, it’s a silly one but they just sit in the bag,” he said. 

“They never get chucked on.”

When questioned, Newman assured that the boots are not homogeneous to ‘Like Mike’ style basketball sneakers with super playing-ability powers. 

And if football and business management both don’t come off, Newman – who cuts his own hair every fortnight – could always derive a career out of hairdressing.

“I did a little trim, a little polish up for the boys down at the (Queenscliff) camp, It was six or seven boys who wanted a trim so I thought ‘yeah I’ll give them a trim’ and they were happy with it,” he explained.

The infamous camp cut was then known as ‘The Brodie’. 

If his performance against the Falcons is anything to go by, then Newman has no doubt dipped his toes into AFL waters. 

Listen to Brodie’s full interview on our podcast below.