Blues Brief: Twos Grand Final Edition
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The Uni Blues Brief is an email for supporters and friends of the Uni Blues. We'll send you a preview and review of each week's games, as well as keeping you up to date with the goings on at the club. If you want to subscribe/unsubscribe, email Peter Steele at
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UNIVERSITY BLUES versus OLD XAVARIANS
Sunday 21st September 2008, Elsternwick Park, 11:30am
The time of reckoning is upon us. The Grand Final has arrived, and the predicted adversaries Uni Blues and Xavier are taking centre stage. Both sides have had great seasons and are frothing at the proverbial chomper to claim the final prize. The Blues have a young side, while Xavier is older and more experienced. Each team plays a different style. Both will be desperate.
It has been a long wait for the Blues Twos, who have looked likely in recent times but haven’t quite made it. They have had a strong side for a number of years, but have not been in the mix for a premiership since 2004. One has a feeling though, that 2008 as it their year.
They say the heart of a club is its Twos side, and at the Blues that heart is pumping with vigour!
The idea of a Twos team being a beleaguered bunch of old blokes who just can’t give the game up is long gone, but the Uni Blues Twos take it much further. They are all young* and talented footballers, who have Senior aspirations and a passion for the game. In fact it is likely that 18 of the starters this weekend will have pulled on the boots at 2pm some time during this year; a remarkable stat.
For the club, the Uni Blues Twos have been a shining light for 2008, running out early each week and turning in great performances and setting the scene for the Ones. While many of those running out this week had hoped for more Senior games this year, none have let this interfere with their play. Each week they have shown the same fierce competitiveness that has made the 2008 Twos side a great one. And although the Uni Blues Twos are bursting with talent, the thing that is most impressive is their work ethic. Whether it is a tight game or a demolition, this fearless and hardworking team has always come out to play.
In the Grand Final preview a fortnight ago the Blues Twos exacted revenge for round 17, running out big winners. This week the teams are the same, but the stage is much bigger. Xavier of course has the reputation of being a Grand Final specialist, plucking premierships from the grasp of many a favourite over the years. They have won the last two flags. This is the test the Blues Twos must face.
If was a betting man (and I am) I would say the Blues will run out favourites this Sunday. Xavier thrive on snatching Grand Finals but I think, and we are all willing, that the Mighty Uni Blues Twos can knock of the claret and stout in style. May the force be with you boys! Godspeed and good luck! Go Blues!
*Except Hendo
Blues News
JACK WATTS WINS VAFA BEST & FAIREST
Star Uni Blues ruckman Jack Watts has capped off a fairytale season by winning the VAFA A-Section Best & Fairest. It is a fine achievement at any age, but at the tender age of 20 it is remarkable and outstanding. Jack has shown maturity on the field that belies his years, and has consistently been in the Blues best players. Jack has also won selection to travel to Ireland in the VAFA International Rules series, was elected vice captain of the All Australian U23 Australian Amateur side, and was best a field in the VAFA U23 representative game against South Australia. Congratulations Jack, you have had a tremendous season!
As a footnote, Jack’s trip to Ireland will cost $3000 dollars and the Blues are looking for donations to help get him there. If you wish to make a donation for Jack’s trip please contact club treasurer Bernard Angel at
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TOM HUTCHINS PLAYS HIS 200TH GAME
Uni Blues would like to congratulate Tom Hutchins on reaching the 200 game mile stone in this years C18 Grand Final. Tom’s footy career with Blues commenced in 1992 in the U19s. He was a key player in Blues resurgence from B Grade in ’94, and was full back in Blues '95 A Grade Grand final team. Tom returned to Blues after 3 years overseas and was captain of Blues Reserves champion team in 2004. Tom has been on the committee at Blues since 2002, including three years as Treasurer and two as Vice President, and has been a driving force behind evolution of the clubs major fundraiser. Tom is a life member of the MUFC. His five goal performances in the 2nd semi and Grand final were crucial to the C18 team’s premiership and a fitting finale to a fantastic playing career. Everyone at Blues would like to congratulate Tom on a job well done.
PRESENTATION NIGHT LOCKED IN FOR OCTOBER 31ST
The University Blues Presentation Night has been booked for October 31st, so keep your diary free. This year the glittering evening with players, partners, family and friends will be held at renowned function venue The Lincoln in Toorak. Official invitations are due very soon so keep your ear to the ground, and cancel your plans!
ROSS YOUNG PLACES THIRD IN SANDOVER MEDAL
Former Uni Blues premiership player Ross Young has placed third in the Western Australian Football League Best & Fairest count. Ross was part of the Blues stellar year in 2004 and has since played VFL and AFL football before his recent move to the west. Congratulations Ross!
The Uni Blues are proudly sponsored by Batch Executive, Olympic Park Sports Medicine, Megabolt Australia, Muirfield Financial Services and the Leveson Hotel
The Uni Blues Brief is an email for supporters and friends of the Uni Blues. We'll send you a preview and review of each week's games, as well as keeping you up to date with the goings on at the club. If you want to subscribe/unsubscribe, email Peter Steele at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ROUND 17
SENIORS - UNI BLUES vs OLD IVANHOE, Chelsworth Park, 2:00 PM
The Uni Blues Seniors bounced back last week with a resounding win over the Old Xavs. The game was still delicately poised at half time with the Blues leading by only two goals. Something snapped in the third quarter though as the Blues piled on 7 goals and 8 points to put the game firmly out of reach. It was a crushing blow to Xavier’s finals chances with the claret and stout now out of the four. Patty O’Connell had a terrific game off half forward, while Mark McLeod was a standout in defence. George ‘Old Timer’ de Crespingy showed he has still got it, slotting a classy 7 goals.
This week the Blues head out to the ‘Pine Lodge’ to take on Ivanhoe. The Ho’s have had the ‘moz’ on the Blues for three years down at Chelsworth Park, including some heartbreaking and costly losses. So while both sides cannot make the finals, I get the feeling it will be a spirited and potentially spiteful game. With the settling of old scores as motivation and the great form of last week, I reckon the Blues have a great chance of pulling off a muddy win. Head down to the Ho this Saturday and make sure you pack the Binoculars for a spot of Bird watching before the game!
RESERVES - UNI BLUES vs OLD IVANHOE, Chelsworth Park, 11:40 AM
The Mighty Blues Twos were humbled last week by a rampaging Xavier. The Blues looked off the boil all day while Xavier continued to press until the last. In the end it was an ugly margin in favour of the Xaverians. The Blues were undermanned but Coach Gunga was certainly making no excuses for Saturday’s poor performance. On a lighter note, Al Dillon made a very successful return after a long stretch on the sidelines, and was adjudged best a field. Nick ‘The Sandman’ Burchell and Simon ‘I’m too sexy’ Gilbertson were also shining lights for the Blues.
This week the Twos take on Ivanhoe down at ‘The Swamp’ Last time it was the Blues by millions in a rout, however, it seems the Ho’s have dramatically improved their form since then. Smarting from last week though and with finals around the corner, I am predicting the Twos will be fired up and desperate to redeem themselves. Coach Gunga is certainly pushing for an emphatic finish to the year to set the foundations for the 2008 finals campaign. With De La chasing the Ho’s for fourth spot it is shaping as a great game. Make sure you belt down to the Bayou for the Twos Clearwater Revival!
UNDER 19 - UNI BLUES vs DE LA SALLE, Waverly Park, 2:00PM
The Young Guns comfortably accounted for St Kevins last week, running out 20 point winners. The hapless Skevvies did take it up to the Blues Gen-Y troupe, but in the end were outdone and outclassed. Tommy Pryde and Tom Fairbairn were the standouts for the victors.
This week the young guns face the challenge of De La out at Waverly Park. The Blue and Yellow Bandits are flying this year with only two losses recorded. For the Blue Unders it is a great opportunity to see how they have progressed in the last 6-8 weeks. The Unders are a much improved side from earlier in the year, and though they are unlikely to make finals, this is the perfect time to prove a few people wrong and grab an upset. The Blues Unders are certainly an exciting team to watch, so make sure you head down to Waverly to see the boys in action!
CLUB 18 - UNI BLUES vs OLD XAVIER CROCS, Elsternwick Park, Sunday at 2:30PM
This is it. The Clubbies have arrived at the gates of Grand Final glory. In this Sunday’s Grand Final the Clubbies take on the Xavs Crocs, who last week knocked off Collegians to put the Purple Plague out in straight sets.
It is with great anticipation that the University Blues as a club look forward to this weeks huge match. Often the Clubbies at any club miss out on the support and spotlight that the other teams receive, but this week it is all about them! There is a terrific bunch of core players who have been the drivers of the Clubbies success this year, as well as several senior and reserve players who have chipped in along the way. This week will be the ultimate test of just how well the Clubbies unit has gelled. Xavs Crocs have had a long history in Club 18 finals, and have in fact been present in the last 18 in a row. While Blues will go in favourites, I think everyone is aware that it will be an extremely tight game that could go either way.
Every Blues Supporter is willing the Clubbies on this week and hoping for the fairytale ending that they deserve. It will be a great game, and I urge all friends and supporters of the Blues to get down for a look on Sunday. Good luck boys, we know you can do it!
POST MATCH AT THE NORTH’S - SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST
John and Sue North are kindly putting on drinks and nibbles at their home in Camberwell for all players, parents, supporters and friends after this Saturdays games. Last year the same event was a tremendous success, bringing together players and supporters from all levels of the club for some great food and hospitality.
The North’s home is at 4 Craig Avenue, Camberwell (off Prospect hill Rd near Burke Rd shops).
If lost call either 9882 0206 or John on 0408 306 832.
Start time is around 6.00pm, on your way home from the game.
See you all there!
MATCH DAY ASSISTANCE
If you are ever available to assist in the smooth running of any Uni Blues game, please contact Dave Phefley on
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to nominate yourself. It does not have to be every weekend, but if you know you will be at 6 Blues games though the year, contact Dave and get yourself onto the Match Day Roster.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WWW.UNIBLUES.COM
Our website has been revamped and is the place to go for all news and information relating to the club and photos of recent games and events.
Go Blues!
The Uni Blues are proudly sponsored by Batch Executive, Olympic Park Sports Medicine, Megabolt Australia, Muirfield Financial Services and the Leveson Hotel
The Uni Blues Brief is an email for supporters and friends of the Uni Blues. We'll send you a preview and review of each week's games, as well as keeping you up to date with the goings on at the club. If you want to subscribe/unsubscribe, email Peter Steele at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ROUND 16
SENIORS - UNI BLUES vs OLD XAVS, University Main Oval, 2:00 PM
Last week the Seniors posted three good quarters only to be overrun by a rampant Brighton in the final term. The final score line suggested a thrashing; however the Blues were well in touch at three quarter time. While overall all it was a very disappointing result, the Ones application through the most of the match was good. John Wood had a terrific day on star full forward Adam Pirrie (who remained goalless), and was ably assisted in the back half by Tim McKinnon and Andrew Solly.
This week the Blues take on Xavs at home. Last time round the Blues staged an exhilarating comeback to snatch a win south of the river. Much water has been under the bridge since then though, with the Blues faltering and Xavier clinging to a spot in the four. There is a strange energy that these two sides seem to gain when playing each other, and no matter the stakes it always seems to be a tight and fiery game. This week should be no exception. The Blues need to finish the season well while Xavier are trying to shake off a fast finishing Brighton for fourth spot. It should be a cracker, so make sure you get down for a look!
RESERVES - UNI BLUES vs OLD XAVS, University Main Oval, 11:40 AM
Well blow me down and call me Suzie, the Mighty Uni Blues Twos were struggling along at three quarter time last Saturday. Brighton had led all day and an undermanned and underperforming Blues were being asked questions, hard questions. However, to their credit the Twos answered the challenge and played an inspired last quarter to snatch a memorable victory. Simon ‘Nice Tan’ Gilbertson shook off his Thai Tummy to produce a great performance from half back, while Evan ‘Bay Ray’ Wilkinson and Matthew ‘Encino Man’ Torney also had great games.
It is a huge week for the Blues Twos, as they take on likely finals nemesis Old Xaverians. Both Xavs and Blues are highly fancied for this years Twos premiership, and both realise this game will likely be replayed in the second semi-final in three weeks time. This is the week to gain that all important mental advantage leading into September. Last time it was a see-sawing and tense encounter with the Blues Twos running away the victor. Coach Gunga will be keen to see a lift this week, and with the stakes so high I think the boys might just bring home the prosciutto!
UNDER 19 - UNI BLUES vs ST KEVINS, Crawford Oval, 2:00PM
Assistant Coach Mick Irving was as shocked as anyone last week when the umpires declared that the match against Rupertswood would have to be called off because of the state of the ground. Luckily some lateral thinking locals turned a bit of chicken wire, some old tyres, rope and a ute into a makeshift ‘ground maintenance vehicle’. As Mick recalled to this scribe, ‘it is not often you see blokes doing doughnuts on the ground before the game!’. The match finally proceeded and turned out to be a good one for the Blues. It was a tight game all day, but eventually the Unders broke through to record a hard fought 9 point victory. Tom Fairbairn was best for the Blues and Will Hartnell snagged a handy four goals up forward.
This week the boys take on the struggling St Kevins at the Crawford Oval. Last time the Young Guns were able to easily account for the Skevvies who are looking down the barrel of playing in the grade below in 2009. This week is their last gasp to avoid the downward spiral and I wouldn’t be surprised if St Kevins put in a spirited performance. However, the Blues Gen-Y brigade will go in solid favourites and should grab the points. Get down to the Crawf to see the boys in action!
CLUB 18 - UNI BLUES vs ????????????, Elsternwick Park, TBA
Straight through to the Granny! On Sunday the Clubbies turned out a truly heroic performance to overcome a tough and talented Collegians outfit. Losing both their previous encounters, and trailing by 5 points at three quarter time, many would have thought the Blues Clubbies were finished. Not so! In a rampaging last quarter the Clubbies pegged back the margin, hit the lead and fended off all remaining attacks the Purple Plague served up. Hayaf el Fahkri starred in the last quarter, jemmying the ball out from under packs and scything bullet passes to set up several goals. Old stager ‘Uncle’ Tom Hutchins was able to snag five great goals (in between staving off lack-of-fitness-induced cardiac arrest) while Joel Kitely had a terrific all around game and was adjudged BOG.
The Clubbies now have a two week break to rest, recuperate and ready themselves for a likely rematch with the Purple Plague.
MATCH DAY ASSISTANCE
If you are ever available to assist in the smooth running of any Uni Blues game, please contact Dave Phefley on
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to nominate yourself. It does not have to be every weekend, but if you know you will be at 6 Blues games though the year, contact Dave and get yourself onto the Match Day Roster.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WWW.UNIBLUES.COM
Our website has been revamped and is the place to go for all news and information relating to the club and photos of recent games and events.
Go Blues!
The Uni Blues are proudly sponsored by Batch Executive, Olympic Park Sports Medicine, Megabolt Australia, Muirfield Financial Services and the Leveson Hotel
The Uni Blues Brief is an email for supporters and friends of the Uni Blues. We'll send you a preview and review of each week's games, as well as keeping you up to date with the goings on at the club. If you want to subscribe/unsubscribe, email Michael Thomas at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ROUND 13
SENIORS - UNI BLUES vs UNI BLACKS, UNIVERSITY OVAL, 2:00 PM
A loss is never pleasing but the Blues Seniors certainly put up a good fight against St Bedes Mentone. The match could have gone either way in the last quarter, but in the end though the boys from Beaumaris were too good in the clinches and ran out 13 point winners. Dave Paton made a stunning return, with several telling pack marks. Usual suspects Ace Lowcock, Jack Watts and Quinton Gleeson also played excellent games.
This week the rivalry is back! It is the Blacks versus Blues derby all over again! The stakes are high with the Blues trying to maintain their ground after a few tough losses and the Blacks desperately trying to get out of the relegation crosshair. Plenty of water has been under the bridge since the last grudge match in April, and the rematch is shaping up to be a terrific game. The Blacks are full of confidence after scoring their first two wins of the year in the past two weeks, while the Blues in contrast are regrouping after consecutive losses. The Blues Seniors were not far away from it last week though and with so much to play for I am sure they will be bursting to chalk up a win over the neighbours. It will be a great game, that much is for sure.
RESERVES - UNI BLUES vs UNI BLACKS, UNIVERSITY OVAL, 11:40 AM
Last week the Twos had a bit of a shock in the first quarter with a bristling St Bedes outfit leading the Blues at the first Break. After adjusting to the idiosyncrasies of the tiny Bridisi St Oval, the Twos regrouped and piled a few on to wrest back control of the game. It was a good contest for the rest of the day but the Mighty Blues Two remained in control and ran our 25 point winners. Patty Smith was in excellent form while Andrew ‘Dossier’ Henderson was adjudged best afield.
This week it is the grudge match, the brag scrag, the big hullabaloo down at the University Main Oval against ‘the enemy that is close to home’, Uni Blacks. Last time it was a relatively one sided affair on a dreadful day for football. Since then the Blues have gone from strength to strength, while the Blacks Twos have been keeping pace in the four. The dry weather predicted should prove for a great showdown, with the skills of both sides able to be displayed. With two sides snapping at their heels for fourth spot, the Blacks Twos will be desperate for an upset. However, the Blues Twos have proved this year that they can perform in the pressure games and this week should not be an exception. Come down early and enjoy the gourmet spread and another great performance from the talented Uni Blues Twos.
UNDER 19 - UNI BLUES vs OLD XAVS, Crawford Oval, 2:00PM
It was an unfortunate day out at Camberwell for the Young Guns, who were soundly beaten by a slick Scotch outfit. Sam ‘Bracksy’ Lovison had a fine game with Mic Steinbach offering good support throughout.
This week the Blues take on the similarly placed Old Xaverians in an exciting game which will frame the rest of the season for both sides. Last time Xavier took the points quite easily but the Blues Unders have been steadily improving since that game, and will be keen to square the ledger. Finals are still a possibility for the Unders, who could kick start there campaign for a top four finish with a win this week. Coach Ben Covelli has been warning his chargers of the perils of ‘over relaxation’ during this holiday period, and I am sure the Unders will be keen to rouse themselves from their seasonal scholarly hibernation with some stirring football. Make sure you get along for this crucial game in the Unders season!
CLUB 18 - UNI BLUES vs OLD SCOTH, Crawford Oval, 11:40 AM
It was a fantastic win last week with the Blues Clubbies overcoming a full strength Xavs outfit to put dibs on the double chance. The boys put in a truly a rousing effort with many regular clubbies stalwarts on sabbatical. Jessie Brooke was sensational in the middle while Stracky wore the Xavs down with hard work and aggressive tackling.
This week the Clubbies take on the struggling Old Scotch. With two games to go it is essential for the Clubbies to keep the momentum up into the finals. Several players are back from the snow and it should be an even stronger outfit this week. Some may pencil this week in as a solid win but it is funny what this time of year serves up. Will "Car Chase" McLachlan has certainly not become complacent, putting in extra running and neck exercises in the lead up to this week’s game. Coach Tommy G has echoed the sentiments of Will, and given the ominous performance warning: finals selection will be tough! Get down to have a look at the best drilled Clubbies side in the VAFA!
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