Review - Last Weekend

Uni Blues' Twos are the 2009 A-Section Reserves Premiers!

"Back-to-back at Elsternwick" is no mean feat but Uni Blues' reserves chalked up consecutive premierships under coach Damien Guengerich when they defeated Old Xaverians by 28 points on Sunday.

Blues were dominant during the home-and-away season, losing only three games (two by a goal or less) and sitting atop the ladder from round 12. Results such as these do not guarantee finals success however and Blues received a rude awakening in the Second Semi when Xavier upended them by more than 8 goals. A gritty four point win against Old Brighton in the Preliminary Final provided an opportunity for redemption and Blues did not disappoint the Uni faithful in their third September appearance at VAFA HQ.

Led by skipper Alex Suvoltos, the boys from Parkville teamed well to break away from Xavier in a telling 5-goal third quarter. Pat Smith, a standout during the finals series for Blues, and David Brady continued their fine form from the previous week's win over Old Brighton to make telling contributions. John Wood, Hamish Rankin and Nick Hardie-Grant worked hard to keep the team in the contest and in a relatively low-scoring affair, Tom Girdwood, Quinton Gleeson, Tom Stainforth and Jono Vickers-Willis were the victors' multiple goalkickers.

Congratulations to Dr Gunga, all those who played for the Twos this season and the medical and matchday staff. A fantastic achievement!
For a complete wrap of the history-marking triumph, simply click: here

Events

With all four Blues teams figuring in the finals this year and one Premiership Cup winging its way to the Pavvy, the 2009 Uni Blues Presentation Dinner will be a fitting celebration of the season that was...

2009 University Blues Presentation Dinner

Friday 23rd October
7pm - midnight

Lincoln of Toorak
Lv 2, 445 Toorak Rd

Students $ 70

Non-Students $85

Non-student couples $160 
RSVP Essential: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 0401 592 668 

Payment
University Blues Football Club

BSB: 083 457 - Acc #: 519943398 
(please identify yourself when making deposit)
OR
Cheques made payable to:
University Blues Football Club

Thanks

The President and Executive Committee of University Blues would like to acknowledge those who have supported the club over the course of the 2009 season.
Thank you in particular to all supporters, parents and past players who attended games and club functions.
Thanks also to the tireless matchday and medical staff and to the coaches of all teams.
The support provided by Uni Blues' sponsors is critical to the club's ongoing fortunes. Blues have been fortunate to have had a fantastic group of sponsors during 2009 and their backing is greatly appreciated.
We look forward to acknowledging your support in person at the Presentation Dinner on 23 October 2009.

CHRISTMAS BARBEQUE There was a fantastic turnout for the final social function of the year, with about 40 players and supporters gathering by the banks of the Yarra for the annual Blues Christmas Barbeque. The pre-Christmas training sessions appear to be paying off with players in great nick for this time of the year. Well done to all who helped organise the event, and thanks for your attendance.  

NEW RESERVES COACH APPOINTED One gentleman spotted enjoying his yuletide sausage-in-bread was newly appointed Reserves Coach, Mark Maddocks. Despite a playing career with the 'other Blues' out at Monash, Mark is not a total stranger to the Uni Blues family; he's had two sons who've recently come through the Under 19s, and over the past few years Mark has been a familiar face over at the Crawford as he's been supporting Unders coaches Steve Carroll, Ben Covelli and Matt Embling. The Mighty Blues Twos are an integral part of the University Blues Football Club, with an outstanding record of both premiership success, and consistently providing the senior team with fit and committed players ready to go. We welcome Mark to the fold and wish him every success as we endeavour to continue that strong reserves tradition. Congratulations Mark!  

SUPERCOACH GUNGA STANDS DOWN With a coaching record that makes Sir Alex Ferguson look like Gerard Neesham, Damien Guengerich has hung up his clipboard. Two seasons, two premierships, Gunga engineered great onfield success, and took the reserves coaching position to a new level of professionalism. A 2004 A Grade premiership player who has been involved with the club since 1996, Gunga is taking a well-earned break as he and wife Mandy look forward to the arrival of their first child in early February.

PRESENTATION NIGHT

On Friday, 23rd October, Lincoln of Toorak hosted Uni Blues' 2009 Presentation Dinner.  It was an evening upon which the achievements of the season were celebrated and individual performances recognized.

Chief amongst these was the life membership bestowed on the evergreen George de Crespigny, a great servant of the club both on and off the field for many seasons.

The Chris Brown trophy for best clubman was awarded to John Carmody and the tireless Tom Granleese was the winner of the Ted McNamara Award for Best Team Player.

Mark "The General" Paterson took out the Senior Best & Fairest while the Reserves award was shared by Issac Orr and Ben Millard.

Ben McConnell was runner up for the Seniors Best and Fairest, but received plenty of consolation when he beat a tough field to take out the evening's other major award the BBDFA (Brian Blood Disservice to Fashion Award).

 

For a full list of all award winners click here.

BLUE BLOODS MASTERS GOLF DAY

To launch the Uni Blues Supporters' community into 2010 Andrew Henderson is organising the inaugural Blue Bloods' Masters Golf event on Saturday 13 February, 2010 at the 13th Beach Golf Club, Barwon Heads.  Entry to the Blue Bloods Masters is open to all Uni Blues Past Players, Parents and Supporters of all golfing abilities.  We currently have tee times for 24 golfers, so please get in quickly to ensure your spot in the Masters.

The Masters will coincide with the pre-season football camp taking place in Torquay on the same weekend.  Following the golf and crowning of the Masters Champion, all golfers are encouraged to make their way out to the camp and join the players and coaches for some refreshments.

For more details click here.

SOCIAL NOTES

A big congratulations to Blues legend Toby McIntyre who married his fiance Jo in November. Toby, less formally known as 'Windsock', was recruited to Blues from the well-known footballing nursery of Ararat, and went on to win a Senior Best and Fairest in 1993. Blessed with incredible courage and an inimitable kicking style, Toby was a crowd favourite throughout his career and the everyone at Uni Blues pass on their best wishes to Toby and Jo.

More celebratory news with the recent engagement of club stalwart Justin Jamieson to his girlfriend Vicky Thai. Jamo has contributed to Blues for nearly 20 years in a number of roles: high leaping ruckman, VAFA representative, matchday runner, Spa Pavvy founder and now club sponsor through his graphic design company Grin Creative. Congratulations Jamo and Vicky.  

FINALLY The Blues Brief would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas, and we look forward to a successful 2010 for University Blues.

Review - Last Weekend

Uni Blues' 2009 Premiership tilt came to an end on Sunday when the senior team fell short to De La Salle by 17 points in the Preliminary Final. The day began with a familiar feel: the previous week's hero George De Crespigny bagged 3 of the team's first four goals and Blues asserted their authority in the opening term to establish a handy break. By half-time however, Uni's lead had been trimmed to 8 points and the students' inaccuracy in front of goal meant they were ultimately unable to hold out a De La outfit that finished with the infamous Elsternwick breeze at its back.

Blues were not out of the game until the tense final minutes, led by a spirited display from Matt Torney in defence and some fine aerial work from Dirk Heinz closer to goal. Mick Lewis kept De La honest with his physical pressure and McConnell, Paterson and Mugavin were a dynamic force in the midfield.

While entitled to be disappointed given how close they came to a Grand Final appearance, John Kanis, his coaching brains trust, support staff and all 47 players who pulled on the jumper for the senior team this season gave their supporters a tremendous ride over the 2009 journey and will be keen to take it a step further next year.

Elsternwick was a happier hunting ground for the Blues Twos on Sunday. They shrugged off a determined Old Brighton outfit to book themselves a spot in Sunday's Grand Final. Pat Smith and David Brady were in fine touch for Blues, Sam Roache contested well and Tom Girdwood slotted three important goals. A 22-point half-time lead was whittled down to four points by the final siren but it was enough to ensure that Dr Gunga's men will be running out on Sunday in the final game of the season.
For a complete wrap of scores, best players and goal kickers from the weekend, simply click: here

Preview - This Weekend

And then there was one...

Uni Blues Reserves v Old Xaverians
Grand Final, Elsternwick Park, Sunday, 11:20 am

Uni Blues did not bring a Reserves premiership cup back to the Pavvy until 1994 (a B-Section flag under coach Justin Jamieson and led by captain "Stormin'" Jimmy Norman). In the 15 years that have followed, the depth of talent at Uni Oval has seen the Blues Twos establish itself as a consistently competitive force. A-Section Reserve premierships in 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2008 are testament to the development of a winning tradition for those kicking off the dew in a Blues jumper. The team taking to Elsternwick Park on Sunday has the opportunity to make history by snaring the elusive prize of back-to-back Premierships.

Twelve months ago, coach Damien Guengerich and his charges defeated Old Xaverians in the Grand Final. The two teams face off again on Sunday. Prior to Xavier's relatively comfortable win in the Second Semi Final, there had been nothing between them during the 2009 home-and-away season. Be on the hill at Elsternwick on Sunday to see whether the Blues can reverse this most recent result and take custody the Premiership cup for the second year running.

Go Blues!

Events
With all four Blues teams figuring in the finals this year, the 2009 Uni Blues Presentation Dinner will be a fitting celebration of the season that was. It all happens on Friday, 23 October 2009 at Lincoln of Toorak (http://www.lincolnoftoorak.com.au/). All Blues players, supporters and parents should mark the date in their diaries now.

Blue Bloods - Past Players - Blues in the News

The VAFA vote count and Presentation Dinner was held on Monday evening. The Woodrow Medal, won last year by Jack Watts, went to De La Salle but Blues players were still prominent: here

Also on Monday night, Ross Young, 2004 Uni Blues Best & Fairest and Premiership player, was awarded the highest individual honour in West Australian football when he won the Sandover Medal. The full story of Youngy's outstanding season with Perth in the WAFL can be read: here

Notes

Blues supporters in attendance at Elsternwick on Sunday will be able to experience a new dining experience. From noon until 2:15 pm, the resident catering crew at VAFA HQ will be operating a marquee form the hill just inside the main gate. A light lunch and a beer will be on offer and bookings are not required.

Review - Last Weekend

After the "Great Escape at Camberwell" that was Round 18, Blues supporters were entitled to expect a more relaxed Sunday at the football last weekend. It was not to be. The senior team's heartstopping First Semi Final triumph over St Bedes Mentone in extra time had the Uni faithful reaching for the worry beads all over again. JK's men had never bettered the Tigers of Brindisi Street but picked a fine time to turn the tables and progress to a Preliminary Final in the process.

The A-Section's premier rubdown merchant, Ray Scanlon, was telling anyone who would listen that George De Crespigny would kick eight goals before the day was done. Exceeding Ray's lofty projections, George managed nine in a majestic performance that included booting the team's first five majors. Meanwhile, Jack Watts was pulling down marks on every other corner of Elsternwick Park, John Meagher and Al Austin were resolute in defence and Mark Patterson banked another trademark pack-busting performance.

The Blues Twos had no such good fortune in the Second Semi Final the previous day at Elsternwick. A sluggish start and a subdued performance against an Old Xavier team that needs little favours saw the minor premier fall short by 49 points. Hamish Rankin and Nick Hardie-Grant were busy for the Blues and Pat Smith and Ben Millard toiled manfully.

The Blues Under 19s' finals campaign came to a close on Saturday afternoon when they could not overcome De La Salle in the Preliminary Final. It was "all square" on the scoreboard at the first break but De La pulled away from the boys from College Crescent as the game wore on. Jared Edwards, Tom Foott and Llewyn Butler all flew the Uni flag and the undergraduates' spread of goalkickers, nine in total, is testament to the plucky team effort.
The Under 19 players, coach Matt Embling, team manager Alan Salter and all associated with the team this year are to be congratulated for the manner in which they completed the season. To finish third was a stunning achievement after a patchy beginning to the year.

For a complete wrap of scores, best players and goal kickers from the weekend, simply click:here

Preview - This Weekend

With both remaining Blues teams in action at Elsternwick Park and Fathers' Day a distant memory, a big show of Uni support is expected at VAFA headquarters on Sunday:

Uni Blues Reserves v Old Brighton
Preliminary Final, Elsternwick Park, Sunday, 11:30 am

The Blues Twos were too good for Old Brighton on a windswept Beach Oval in Round 12. When they meet again on Sunday Dr Gunga and his charges will be desperate to atone for last weekend's showing and earn themselves another crack at Xavier in the one game of the year that counts.

Uni Blues Seniors v De La Salle
Preliminary Final, Elsternwick Park, Sunday, 2:00pm

For the second week in a row, Blues meet a team smarting from a comprehensive loss. De La found themselves a long way from the relative comfort of the Dairy Bell last Saturday when they managed only five goals as Xavier dished out what one scribe described as "one of the most comprehensive semi-final hidings ever seen at Elsternwick". By contrast, the Blues v De La matches of 2009 have been very tight, hard-fought affairs befitting the clubs' longstanding rivalry. Blues stormed over the top of De La to win by two goals when they met back in April and then held on in a thriller at Uni Oval for a two point win five weeks ago. Expect another a gripping struggle this week with a Grand Final appearance on the line.

Go Blues!

Events

The 2009 Uni Blues Presentation Dinner will take place Friday, 23 October 2009 at Lincoln of Toorak (http://www.lincolnoftoorak.com.au/). Further details will follow but all Blues' players, supporters and parents should mark the date in their diaries now.

Announcements

BLUES DEPART ON NEW ADVENTURE WITH BASHUKWAY TRAVEL

University Blues has great pleasure in announcing the signing of Bashukway Travel as a sponsor of the Club.

Bashukway Travel, established in 2001, is a small, family run Australia-based business operating out of Tokyo, Southern China and Western Victoria which specializes in organizing low-impact, small-group, adventurous and "out of the way" trips in Japan, Australia, China, Laos, Canada, Korea, Mongolia, Wales and Scotland. It operates group and individual tours for other operators as well as taking private bookings for groups and individuals. As an active and grassroots company, Bashukway work closely with local communities, local staff and family run accommodations, but also have gourmet, premium and more conventional products to provide their unique style to a variety of markets.

Former Blues player (cult figure!) and Bashukway Travel director Aaron Davis said, "We are proud to support a great club like University Blues and wish them all the best for the remainder of the 2009 A-Grade finals series."

University Blues President Grant Williams said in relation to the new sponsorship, "University Blues thanks Aaron Davis and Bashukway Travel for contributing as a sponsor of the Blues and we encourage the University Blues community to speak with Aaron for any travel requirements you may have throughout these locations."

Visit www.bashukwaytravel.com/trips/mmfc.html for more examples of the exciting post-season travel options provided by Bashukway Travel. And, if you are interested in working with Bashukway as a group leader please visit the employment page of the website for more details.