Looks like our last Home Game Day was a ‘thumbs up’ kind of day!
Whether you helped organise the day, cooked a BBQ, worked in the can bar, played a game or simply
soaked up the atmosphere as a spectator – you helped make it the fun, successful day that it was.
THANK YOU!!
Congratulations Matt Blake for your round 11 nomination
for the NTFL Rising Star Award!!!
Waratah Football Club would like to wish you
and your family a wonderful Christmas.
May you all have some time to relax, unwind
and enjoy the festive season with family and
friends!
U12 ATKINSON –
The boys had a good win on Friday night against the Darwin Buffalos.
It was a slow start in the first quarter for the Tahs, the ball was moving around quickly and the opposition
showed some pace before the boys lifted, taking a bit more control of the ball which they worked around
resulting in a couple of goals for the Tahs while Buffs were held goalless until quarter time.
Buffs started hard in the 2nd quarter going into attack on numerous occasions but the Tahs defence held up well
keeping Buffs goalless once again, while relentless attacks forward by Tahs resulted in 2 goals, a set shot from Ty
Aitken, and a quick snap in the square by Ben O'Brien.
Again in the 3rd quarter the Buffs started off hard and had the better of the Tahs boys for most of the quarter,
kicking a couple of goals and several behinds, but Tahs held on to maintain a lead at the final break.
Tahs showed some good composure in the last quarter to steady in what was an evenly fought last quarter with
a-goal-a-piece, the Tahs running out the eventual winners 5 goals 3 behinds to Buffalos 3 goals 5 behinds.
The were some good performances from many players with the standouts for the game being Kai Allen, Max
McLachlan, Declan Pauline, all of whom are moving on and will be missed, but were farewelled with a win. Other
good performances were from Ty Aitken, Mitchell Connors and Josh Alber who all put in good performances
throughout the match.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
U14 GUNDERSEN & LEW FATT The under 14's squad have grown into a tight knit bunch of boys who are starting to enjoy their mateship both
on and off the field. After the last game before the Xmas break the boys that hadn't gone on holidays or home
to community had a little get together to celebrate Christmas and give Cooper and Zac a final send off before
they move south.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
U15 GIRLS –
U15 Youth girls are having a great season currently sitting on 5th on the ladder. In their last game of the year
against Buffettes they were holding them to 1 all at half time when a massive lightning strike ended the game,
which was a shame as the girls were determined to have a win and 'hunt a buff or two' for Gwynnie.
This team is very fortunate to have plenty of volunteers to help out each week and for that we say thanks. Have
a Merry Christmas and looking forward to some more great footy in 2017.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
U16 HICKMAN –
Coaches Jare Krinjic and Matt Toogood are making great progress with this team but with school holidays
whisking our borders away, the Under 16’s still remain 1 and 7 heading into the Xmas break. Helped by senior
players Fraser Jennings, Brock Jennings, Daniel Simpson and Jack Hatcher, these rookie coaches are learning
what a frustrating caper this is. The under 16 boys have had many changes every week and injuries and
absences have not allowed the boys to field a consistent side each week. The boys love having the presence of
the senior lads at training, helping and training with them and offering guidance. They have then backed that
up with being present at games which certainly lifts the morale of the team.
Thanks to Steph Jungfer for being the team manager to this point, and Sue Kotz will be assuming this role post
Xmas if there are no other takers! The boys would also like to thank the parents that wash their jumpers each
week and supply lollies, soft drink, fruit and ice blocks for half time and post game.
Round 8
Tahs 7-5 def by Palmy 11-14
Round 9
Sthn Dist 12-16 def Tahs 4-3
Round 10
Tahs 0-1 def by Buffs Dark Blue 19-16
The boys resume on Australia Day for a 1pm game –v- Wanderers and will resume training at 4.30pm Tuesday
17th Jan (unless otherwise advised)
Merry Xmas
U18 BOYS –
Round 10 Tahs V Buffs – Gardens Oval 10.15am
1st Qtr – Tahs - 1 Goal 1 Behind = 7
Buffs - 1 Goal 0 Behinds = 6
In a few minutes of play the group started to see some leading play as we found our legs, with Thomas Habets
kicking the first goal from the pocket and starting to look on fire (as we have been told all week), we had some
great work from the mid field from Daly and Finn in the Ruck improving every week, the back line is starting to
support and back up each other with Textra and a welcome return to Coen that will provide plenty of run and
voice.
The game was cancelled due to a lightning storm over the top of Gardens Oval at the 8-minute mark – with the
final result being a draw.
Over the last week of training the focus for the group has been about team building skills, IE:- blind folding a
team mate and guild them as a group around the marking cones not allowing the other group to tackle the
player; we also tried running laps with a player blind folded as his team mates guided him safely around the oval
with great success (a couple of times our senior coach Mago was playing the distraction to the group with
players in group brave enough running through Mago to protect the blind folded player).
From the whole coaching and playing group we hope the entire club has a Merry Christmas and Successful new
year, we look forward to see everyone around the club in 2017 “GO TAHS”
DIV 2 –
After 10 games into the season the reigning Div 2 premiers the mighty Tah’s are sitting at 5 wins and 5 losses
and are 5th on the ladder, but are happy being the hunters for now. The boys have got some work to do, but are
on the up and let’s be honest you can’t win a flag in December.
Over the past month we have faced second top side Nightcliff Spartans where an undermanned Tahs side were
on top early but overcome in the second half going down by 9 goals. Followed by our best win of the year
against Palmerston having kicked only 5 goals to three quarter time and needing a further 5 goals in the last
quarter to win, the boys got home by 5 points, led by 3 goals each from Josh Dearing and Adam Lyons. This form
was carried into the next week were possibly our best side of the season was fielded and recorded a run away 22
goal win over the Mindel Sharks with Adam Lyons again damaging up front with a 6 goal haul.
In our round 10 match we faced the undefeated Jabiru Bombers where the boys gave there all in a courageous 4
quarter effort going down by only 6 goals. This was probably our gutsiest effort of the year after starting one
short and losing Raz to an ankle and Bevo to a couple of broken South African spare ribs in the first 10 minutes of
the match the boys finished strong.
Sitting mid table and with the benefit of the Prem’s and Div 1 boys having great seasons the boys are just
starting to warm up as we start to set ourselves for the business end of the season. Bring on 2017!_
___________________________________________________________________________________________
DIV 1 –
After starting the season being undefeated in the first 5 rounds , we have lost 3 since then. Although margins
have been small it has still been very disappointing as we had opportunities to win all 3. We have an important
match against St Marys to finish of season before the Xmas break. As for all of the season – player numbers have
been strong and efforts from the whole side have been super – we just need to win more of those close games to
get reward for our efforts!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE –
The Women’s Premier League team comfortably sit in the top three after 10 rounds of competition, recording
only two losses this season. We face another finals aspirant this weekend in Pint, and are confident of another
win to end the calendar year on a high before a well-deserved mid-season break. Katherine (and soon to be
Darwin) based Alicia Stanley has had a blistering start to the season, whilst team leaders Lisa Roberts and Clare
Harper have lead strongly from the front. The second half of the season is sure to be tightly fought, with as many
as six teams still well and truly in contention. It’s shaping up to be the closest end to the season in many years
and there’s sure to be some great games of footy to come!
The girls have been getting into the Christmas spirit this week, a number of our women were seen volunteering
to wrap Christmas presents down at Parap Market on Saturday morning – In Tah’s colours of course!!
We’d like to wish everyone in our Waratah Family a very Merry Christmas and Safe and Happy New Year. We’re
looking forward to seeing all of you back in the red and white in 2017._
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE –
The Premier League have had mixed success in Rounds 8-11. The boys are gelling as well as can be expected making no less
than 6 changes to the team per week.
Round 8 saw us defeat Palmerston at home, Dan Meroli and Nick Bourke played their first games for the club and the back
six were on fire only allowing Palmy to score 3-3 for the game after only managing 2 points for the first half. Goal scorers
were Kantilla 3, Meroli , Lachy “finemaster” Collihole, Dusty Gordon and Matty Blake all with 2 and singles to Nick Bourke,
Timmy Mosquito and Henry Kerinaiua
Round 9 saw us do battle with Southern Districts at TIO. We held a 19 point lead at ¾ time and districts copped the mother
of all sprays from coach Shannon Rusca at the last change which seemed to work as they kicked 8-4 to our 3 goals in the
final term to run over us by 15 points. Districts veteran Matt Cannard was their inspiration retiring before the game. On a
positive note our boys battled hard and we saw the return of Luke “whopdog” Harder,the Neagle boys, Matty and Jydon,
Aaron “Wilbur” Wiles and new recruit Ben Maiden from Ainslie in the ACT. The boys just fell short of getting the job done.
Goal kickers were Luke Harder 3, Matty Neagle and Henry Kerinaiua with 2 and singles to Kantilla, Collihole, Godden, Wiles,
Oliver and Westerberg
Round 10 saw us take on Buffs at Gardens Oval. The day was sunny and hot and then a freak storm passed over with
lightning, thunder and torrential rain. The Under 18 men’s and women’s games were abandoned due to the lightning
strikes. The ground was wet and boggy and we welcomed Brendan Lee, Tom Maddocks, Jack Dehne, Jordy Ives, Johnny A
(returning from a hammy) and Ben Noakes all in for their first games. We trailed at every change and Darwin were just too
good on the day beating us by 48 points. Goal kickers were Collihole, Bonson and Kerinaiua with 2 and singles to Brodie
Carroll and Sam Godden
Round 11 and Tiwi were our opponent for the 2pm TIO fixture. This was a game we all wanted to win after we drew on the
island last time. Dillon Montgomerie was back in the side together with Ben Maiden and Jare Krinjic made his debut for
2016/2017 in the prems. It was a very hard fought game, in humid and overcast conditions and the game was fraught with
umpiring decisions that we found to be indifferent! We also lost our ruckman, Westy, in the second qtr with an ankle and
Jare Krinjic did an ankle early but dug deep to still be in a rotation and get the job done. Westy came on in the 3rd and took
a great mark and handed it off to Blakey who kicked an important goal. Tim Mosquito was again on fire and the great man
was fired up and addressed the group at ¾ time about playing smart footy and playing the game on our terms and if we did,
we would be rewarded. Then Mago came in and certainly reinforced that with an animated display from the great man who
gave the boys a fair and deserved bake. We won the game by 10 points with some gallant efforts and smart footy. Goal
kickers were Montgomerie, Collihole, Mosquito and Blake with 2 goals each and singles to Kantilla, Maddocks and Krinjic.
Huge shout out to Cath Sadler and Dirk Alber who have been on timekeeping duties and to our regular volunteers who get
this team on the paddock. #getaroundyourvolunteers’
Merry Xmas and we look forward to playing finals footy in 2017!_
_________________________________________________________________________________________
G’day!
The Guru here again to give you
the rub from around the club,
the facts from the track and
the truth from the coach’s
booth!
What a huge day against the Pies!
A massive crowd was in attendance to see all senior sides salute, and of course the highlight of the day
was ‘Trotto’s Cow-Pat Lotto’. The lotto was a sell-out! BUT the substitute cow either didn’t get the
memo or got a case of stage-fright and could not produce a pat! At one point the tail did lift - to the
roar of the crowd - but our pony only produced a number 1. Winners were instead drawn from the
barrel after the game. The cheeky pony then proceeded to release a steaming pile as it was lead onto
its float! …... what do they say about working with kids and animals?
Being footy season, the Carroll hostel is in full swing. Data shows that 40% of Waratah’s players have
spent some time living at the Bul Bul address - and have sampled the delights of Poo’s chops & 3
vegies. But trying to get a bed is a tough gig! Nephew Brodie had to wait for others to move out before
getting accepted into the household.
Word is - he was told he had to secure a Premier League spot before he could secure a room.
Tough Coach - Tough Uncle - is Poo Carroll.
The women’s team are not only the best footballers in town, they are also apparently the most
hygienic! The Guru has learnt that ruck recruit, Hedgy, has one of the most comprehensive sets of
vegan based shower products ever assembled - with the charcoal facewash being her favourite. And
the generous ruck-woman is only too happy to share with the rest of the side to keep the girls fresh.
Perhaps a career with Avon beckons?
Assistant coach Davey O found himself the target of some recent internet trolling after his bike was
taken from the Stuart Park shops. The eagle-eyed Davey O spotted it in its new - and unlawful ownership, and went to retrieve his stolen property. However, a neighbour had seen him enter the
property, and not realizing it was his own bike, filmed him getting the bike and then put it on the
Gumtree website accusing him of theft. After contact was made with the accuser the differences were
settled and Davey O has use of his bike once again.
Randy Rumours ….. with many players arriving from interstate the lads are settling in and making
new friends. One Merbein import seems to have set a new record on facebook for girls added as
friends, and is clearly enjoying the local talent. A late season competitor has recently emerged with a
recently single tall defender apparently finding his groove again. Fair to say the attention the boys are
getting has not gone unnoticed by teammates. And speaking of attention, at the recent Tahs
gentlemans night here seemed to be only one man in each of the ballerinas eyes…must be all the chops
& veggies he’s getting at Bul Bul!
A huge wrap for star player Timmy Mosquito recently with Senior Coach, Mago, telling reporters he’s
the best player he’s coached. Pretty high praise considering Mago has coached 3 senior NTFL sides,
Territory Thunder and the Indigenous All-Stars team. It’s a long way from Warmun to Waratahs, but
Timmy definitely lights up the park when he pulls on the Red and White. He was electric against Tiwi
Islands in the important win in the race to the finals.
And finally, keep an eye out for all the Australia Day activities lined up including the Parliament House
Centenary function, Tahs v Wanderers clash with Triple J Hot 100 beach party and the Tah’s
Centenary Ball. The Australia Day game will be huge as the teams clash for finals position, but the
entertainment on the day will be just as big with the Hottest 100 cranking in the skyGARDENS
pavilion and the girls Slip’n’Slide bigger and wetter than ever!!
That’s the Guru for this week, have a safe and Merry Xmas and see you all in the New Year!
We would like to thank our Major Sponsors for their
ongoing support to The Waratah Football Club: