Tag: Calder Cannons

Patrikios continues to lead the way

Written by Jarryd Barca

Calder Cannons graduate Georgia Patrikios has been named Vic Metro and AFLW Under-18 Championships MVP after a stellar campaign.

The 18-year-old averaged 23.3 disposals and led both the tackle and rebound 50 count in two of the representative side’s three matches played against Vic Country, Queensland and the Eastern Allies.

Patrikios was also named captain in Day 2 where Metro ran away 18-point winners.

It’s the second year in a row a former Cannon has achieved the same accolade, with Madison Prespakis taking the top honour in last year’s carnival before being drafted by Carlton.

It’s another feather in the cap of the young gun who was runner-up in Calder’s best and fairest award two years straight, while also captaining the Cannons to the 2019 NAB League Girls grand final.

Fellow Cannons Felicity Theodore (captain against the Allies) and Alana Barba also played every game for Vic Metro throughout the championships.

“Were extremely proud of the three girls that represented the state in the metro squad. All the girls played in every game which is just fantastic,” Calder Cannons Female Talent Coordinator Russel Humphrey said.

“Georgia and Felicity both being given a chance to captain the side is a great accolade for them both, while Alana also had a great carnival.

“As a football club we’re proud of Georgia’s achievement in winning the MVP award for both metro and the championship – it’s fantastic and well deserved.”

Patrikios, whose run and carry and composure with the ball in hand protruded her NAB League opponents, told nableague.com.au that she benefited from her also skilful teammates in Metro’s 2019 campaign.

“I’ve been able to pick up different qualities from all the leaders, putting all their skills together, gaining knowledge from them and working together,” Patrikios said on the Gold Coast.

“Ellie McKenzie (Northern Knights) just looks like she has so much time. She has a nice sidestep and is really composed for a bottom-ager. Gabby Newton (Northern Knights) has unreal hands, is really smart with the footy and covers the ground really well. Izzy Grant (Western Jets) is quick and agile and does the little things like tackling and winning ground-balls.

“Just getting to meet all the girls and create closer bonds with them is probably the most important thing. You only get to play with each other in three or four games for the year, so to make those new friendships is pretty special.”

Patrikios, Theodore and Barba will now all shift their focus on the VFLW competition where they’ll represent the Essendon Bombers for the remainder of the season, along with Gloria Elarmaly and Krstel Petrevski.

Cannons teammate Terira Fry also played in a development game for Essendon against GWS on the weekend and held her own.

Red-hot Cannons show Stingrays no mercy

Written by Jarryd Barca

The Calder Cannons head into this week’s Development Weekend with two wins in a row after crushing the Dandenong Stingrays by 68 points in Round 13.

Calder soared to a 45-point lead at half time after booting seven of the first nine goals of the clash at Highgate Recreation Reserve, before showing the Stingrays no mercy in a seven-goal final quarter onslaught. 

The Cannons were coming off a spirited 22-point win over highway rivals Western Jets last week in Futures Round and backed it up with a similar-looking youthful outfit – electing not to play Vic Metro trio Daniel Mott, Harry Jones and Brodie Newman. 

The win sees the Cannons leap frog the Stingrays into 6th spot on the NAB League ladder. 

Midfielder Sam Ramsay was again the most prolific player on the ground finding the ball on 32 occasions, while Jackson Cardillo (27 and a goal) and Ned Gentile (23 and two) continued their season-long form. 

Running defenders Curtis Brown and Max Simpson provided plenty of drive off the half-back line and had critical synergy with teammates ahead of the ball.    

Jake Sutton (17 touches, nine marks and two goals) also played his best game for the club. 

Winning every critical stat on the day including disposals (+85) and marks (+34), Calder’s arial prowess shone above all recording 19 for the entire contest – its most in a single game this season.

Talls Mason Fletcher (four goals and six marks) and Jeremy O’Sullivan (two and five) showed that in spades.

Sam Paea in his second game also provided a strong target up forward.

“We had a real emphasis pre-game on contested ball and our pressure around the football and it was terrific for the boys to respond to Ross and the coaches’ messages around these focus areas needing to improve,” Football Operations and Admin Coordinator Matthew Burton said. 

“We’re still having lapses at the half time break where we seem to take our foot off the gas a little bit, but the way we started the game and then how we responded after three-quarter time to run out the game really strong was some of the best team football we’ve played all year.

“Two wins in a row with a majority of inexperienced players having played over the past two weeks has been fantastic for the group.

“A good problem to have is when selection becomes really difficult with so many players putting their hand up for selection. 

“Our midfielders set the tone on the weekend with Jackson Cardillo playing his best game for the club.

“Sam Ramsay having a change of role this year and becoming more of an inside midfielder has been fantastic.

“Nathan Stewart joining our squad late once the season had started has provided another midfield option for us and has held his own.  

“Once again Ned Gentile gave us four quarters of effort. 

“It’s one of those weeks where we could honestly mention every player that played. Every player contributed on the weekend which was very pleasing.”

The Cannons will enjoy another week off before making the trek down to Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on the Bendigo Pioneers in an attempt for three consecutive wins.

Youngsters will be “better for the run”: Gourley

Written by Jarryd Barca

Calder Cannons caretaker coach Brett Gourley believes a key focus going into the side’s Round 12 match against the Western Jets was to expose the club’s youth to a higher level of football.

The Cannons turned to their future by blooding 13 bottom-age players along with four debutants at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

The several young players created plenty of spark throughout the match and showed no signs of nerves playing amongst older, draft-eligible talent. 

With a vastly different looking Cannons outfit to previous weeks this season, Gourley was adamant when asked about the focus going into the match against the arch rival.

“To give them an experience of playing at this level of footy,” he said post game. 

“So four first-gamers and three of those were 16 year olds – we were really pleased with the effort from all of them and I think they’re going to be better for the run.”

The Cannons broke away late in a scrappy contest where both sides seemed to have a case of the goal-kicking yips. 

The scores were locked at 1.7 to 0.4 at half time before the home side experienced a drastic change of fortunes, booting five goals straight in the second half to claim bragging rights. 

Gourley said he was pleased with the leadership shown by the more experienced players who led from the front foot. 

“Even though our captain Brodie (Newman) wasn’t here, we had a real emphasis on making sure that we had someone else step up or a lot of those 18 year olds, even Mason (Fletcher) a 19-year-old, just to make sure that they help the younger boys out in terms of how to play the game and just give them a real confidence boost,” he said.

“I thought Rama (Sam Ramsay) was outstanding in the middle today – gave us a bit of pace through there. 

“Ned’s (Gentile) ever-reliable self and Minty (stand-in captain Harrison Minton-Connell) was really good as well.

“Mason moving forward definitely helped us, kicking a couple of goals in a low-scoring game was outstanding.”

But where was the game won?

“The effort and intensity in the last quarter I thought was great,” Gourley explained. 

“We sort of let ourselves down a little bit in the third (quarter) but the way we responded in the last quarter was just outstanding.” 

Young Cannons too good for Jets

Written by Jarryd Barca

The Calder Cannons have retained the Shane Sexton McDonald’s Cup after a hard-fought 22-point win over the Western Jets in Round 12 of the NAB League season.

It was a scrappy affair at Highgate Recreation Reserve as no side registered a goal until the second term, with Calder holding on for a retentive 6.7 (43) to 2.9 (21) triumph. 

Despite the inaccuracy which plagued both teams, the home side booted five goals straight in the second half to run away with their sixth win of the season coming off a two-week break.

The ‘futures’ fixture required clubs to select at least 11 players who are currently in their 16th or 17th year, with team line-ups allowed to consist of up to 24 players. 

The Cannons fielded 13 bottom-age players who all showed signs of things to come. 

Sam Ramsay (31 disposals and eight tackles) was a clear standout through the middle of the ground, while fellow top-agers Curtis Brown (29 disposals) and stand-in captain Harrison Minton-Connell (27) were also prolific. 

Giacomo Thomas, Ben Overman, Cody Brand and Josh Hotchkin were the others to be named in the best players.

The Cannons also fielded brothers Ned and Flynn Gentile – the latter one of four debutants to take the field in the rivalry clash.  

The first quarter proved to be an eyesore with both sides registering a total of just seven behinds in gusty conditions. 

It took until the 19-minute mark of the second term before a goal was registered, with debutant Sam Paea snapping truly from the boundary line to break the deadlock. 

Calder’s nine-point half time advantage was short-lived as the Jets found a reply through Eddie Ford early in the third term.

And as it seemed the Cannons would be counting the cost of their missed opportunities early, back-to-back majors to Nathan Stewart and Mason Fletcher meant the margin was back out to 11 points at the final break.

Saad El-Hawli’s goal in just over a minute into the final stanza drew the Jets to within five points of the lead. 

But the hungry Cannons – in a show of resilience – never backed down or dropped their heads.

The Cannons flexed their muscles in the final stages of the contest with both Jackson Cardillo and Fletcher again capitalising on goal-scoring opportunities.

But the final major to 16-year-old Flynn Gentile – a classy finish on his opposite side – meant it was the sweetest of endings for a young Cannons outfit. 

Calder will look to carry the momentum into this Saturday’s contest against the Dandenong Stingrays at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

Smith relishing Cannons journey

Written by Jarryd Barca

He played 224 games for North Melbourne across a playing career spanning 12 seasons and has spent time as an assistant coach with successful AFL clubs such as Hawthorn and Richmond. 

It’s fair to think that the demanding rigours of AFL football – where the ultimate goal is to win a premiership in a winner-takes-all competition – and its professionalism is the level you need to reach to find real enjoyment in the footy industry.   

But it’s at the Calder Cannons where head coach Ross Smith is re-establishing a similar joy he had whilst coaching his sons in the Under 12s and 16s at Aberfeldie many years ago.

One of those sons – Jesse – who was also a part of the Cannons system, was drafted by North Melbourne in 2004.  

The NAB League being more about development than results is an aspect the 54-year-old is relishing. 

“Absolutely, it’s probably the biggest joy,” he said.

“Seeing kids become more responsible and seeing their skills improve and leave here hopefully better people – they’re all the joys.

“It was really enjoyable coaching the Under 12s and 16s when I coached my two boys (and) this is very similar to that with a few more responsibilities here.

“The focus is taken away from winning a little bit – we all want to win when the game roles on and players are no exception to that – but the main focus here is to develop players and get as many drafted as possible.

“Second to that is making sure we develop our players to become better people.”

Smith – who has coached the Cannons since the start of the 2018 season – jumped at the opportunity to join his good friend and former teammate Alastair Clarkson when the four-time premiership coach dialled his number prior to 2005. 

“I started off as opposition analyst and then was a coach for the next six years,” he explained.

“I spent seven years at Hawthorn with ‘Clarko’ and learnt an enormous amount there.” 

Smith recalled a significant moment of the 2008 grand final which may or may not have spurred the Hawks to an unlikely victory against a red-hot Geelong outfit in the big dance. 

The Cats had lost just one match for the entire season and were clear favourites going into the match in their bid to win back-to-back flags. 

“It’s funny because I speak about how you look at what’s written on a white board before games, they do a lot of work during the week obviously. But you look at our white board before the grand final and it had nothing on it,” Smith explained.

“Alastair wanted a shark on the white board, so we just super impose one up and I traced it. Alastair came back into the room and thought I was an artist!

“But that’s all he had on the board for the grand final. Geelong were the shark and it was about stopping it – that was the reference.” 

After being left out of the North Melbourne premiership side in 1996, the ’08 flag slayed a few personal demons. 

“Collectively to win a flag coaching with Alastair – a very good friend of mine and doing it with some great people – it was just amazing,” Smith said.

“(It was) an amazing day really, we were under dogs against the Cats who were unstoppable. We obviously rushed a few points – it wasn’t deliberate – and they missed a few as well and that helped us. 

“Everything just went right for us on the day. It is a different feeling for a coach than it is a player but in some ways there are similarities as well.”

Following his Richmond tenure which ended in 2016, Smith worked at The Social Golf Club in a year out of footy.

But the opportunity to come to the Cannons as a full time regional coaching director in 2018 was one that Smith couldn’t pass up – and the club is better for it.

“We’ve been extremely fortunate having Ross here, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and has been invaluable,” Football Operations and Admin Coordinator Matthew Burton said.

“One of his strengths is education and development which is perfect for this competition. 

“He brings a level of both professionalism and enjoyment and I know not only the staff but all the players enjoy having him here.” 

Cannons selected in Under 16s Metro squad

The Calder Cannons will be represented by four players in this year’s NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.

Noah Candotti (Airport West), Joshua Goater (Sunbury Lions), Jack Newitt (Sunbury Lions) and Zac Taylor (Pascoe Vale) have all been selected in the final 28-player Vic Metro squad.

The four Cannons who form part of the 23-player Metro team (plus five emergencies) will begin their Under-16 Championships campaign on Sunday, June 16 when they take on Vic Country at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong from 12.30pm.

Both Metro and Country will then travel to Queensland for rounds two and three of the Championships, which feature games against South Australia and Western Australia on Monday, July 8 at Southport (Gold Coast) and Friday, July 12 at the Gabba (Brisbane).

Metro played its final trial match ahead of the Championships last Saturday at Preston City Oval, defeating Vic Country 12.8 (80) to 7.3 (45).

Taylor was impressive in the contest, racking up 21 disposals, 10 tackles and kicking two goals.

Calder Cannons Football Club wishes all four players the best of luck.

Cannons win ugly against Knights 

Calder Cannons continue rise up ladder after holding off Northern Knights 

Written by Jarryd Barca 

The Calder Cannons Under 18 boys improved their 2019 record to 5-4 after keeping the Northern Knights at bay on Saturday afternoon.

The Round 9 contest was originally meant for Highgate Recreation Reserve, before a late venue change saw the two sides do battle on a wet Preston City Oval.

The 10.5 (65) to 8.8 (56) result puts Calder seventh on the ladder leading into this week’s match against the highly-fancied Oakleigh Chargers. 

Midfielders Ned Gentile (21 disposals and five inside 50s) and Zach Molloy (20 and seven tackles) were both instrumental in a contested game, while Max Simpson and Curtis Brown created plenty of drive off the half-back flank.

Football Operations Manager Matthew Burton said many players stood up in the absence of Vic Metro trio Brodie Newman, Daniel Mott and Harrison Jones. 

“With our metro and PEGS kids unavailable, it’s given some others an opportunity at the level and it’s a real positive when you play four first-gamers and they’re all able to play their part,” he said.

“At this stage of the year it gives other kids an opportunity to stand up and perform when we have some of our better players absent. 

“The week also provides an opportunity not only for players but with Ross (head coach Ross Smith) with Vic Metro commitments it gives an opportunity for our aspiring assistant coaches to step up and enjoy the pressures of coaching,” he added.

“It was a pretty scrappy game but you always enjoy it when your side wins ugly.”

Both sides exchanged goals in the opening term and it was Cannons tall Jeremy O’Sullivan who took the game by the scruff of the neck early with three first-quarter majors.

With scores locked at 3.1 apiece and in a game where scoring was difficult, it was the Cannons who proved more efficient in the second quarter booting four goals to one to open up what proved to be a match-winning lead. 

A major highlight of the quarter was debutant Josh Eyre slotting a 45-metre snap on the run to finish off a great end-to-end team effort.  

With a 17-point half time lead in Calder’s advantage, the Knights were able to wrestle back control in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 10 points and ensure a nail-biting finish. 

Simpson and Jackson Cardillo’s final-quarter majors within a minute of each other drew the margin out to 22 points.

But two late goals to the Knights meant the final margin was pegged back to nine points at the final siren. 

The Cannons finished the game with 25 less disposals and three less inside 50s than their opponents despite keeping their winning record in tact with another victory. 

“Even though Northern led many of the stats – they beat us in every KPI we set – we were still able to win the game which was very pleasing,” Burton said. 

“We identified that Northern are a very contested side and they showcased that early on.

“After quarter time we were able to match that through our contested ball and competitiveness. 

“In every game there are always areas we identify we need to work on and we look forward to another great week on the track and having our second crack at Oakleigh for the year.” 

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.”