Looking back with Wayno #2 (that old bloke behind the goals)
Thanks for the feedback on Edition #1. It seems like it's worth doing!
Playing for the Big V is the pinnacle of VAFA football, and I am proud to say that, in my opinion, Collegians have a rich history of doing so.
Congratulations to the eight players recently selected in the squad, and the four who played on Saturday. It reminded me of one game that is very close to my heart and remains one of the club's finest Big V moments.
The year was 2012. At the time, the Metropolitan Championships were huge, and there was plenty of argy-bargy about which was the best competition in the state. The VAFA had previously taken all before them, but the major leagues were queuing up for a crack, most notably the very strong Eastern Football League, who had made it their mission to knock the "Ammos" off in 2012.
The game was played at a very high standard, with the EFL taking a commanding four-to-five-goal lead into half-time. The EFL hierarchy were very happy with themselves at the main break, but little did they realise there were six Collegians in the Ammo side who were determined to make sure that any euphoria would be short-lived.
A ripper second half saw the Ammos storm home to retain the title of Metropolitan Champions.
OW’s Trent Zimbachs (back pocket), James Jorgensen (ruck), Daniel Strachan (centre), Nick Sautner (full forward), Andrew Scott (on-ball) and Jack Bull (a Scotchy who saw the light!) all represented the club with distinction. Sautner, who remains the greatest VFA/VFL goalkicker of the modern era, broke the hearts of the EFL with two clutch goals late in the game to seal the deal.
Needless to say, this proud President enjoyed the EFL's hospitality after the game!
As a side note, at least three or four others could have played in that game, notably Will Tardiff, Nick Ries, Shura Taft and Lachie Ferguson. Not surprisingly, we went on to claim the premiership that year as the back-to-back champions!
Last article's trivia
Congratulations to former players Andy Greenway and Ross Katsambanis, who both got the answer to last week's trivia.
Yes, AFL/VFL Hall of Famer Gordon Coventry, of Collingwood fame, did in fact coach Collegians and has one end of Marvel Stadium named after him. Our very own Nick Sautner, a star in the VFA/VFL and a two-time Collegians premiership player, has one end of the Sandringham oval named in his honour (which we will play on in Round 13 this year!)
Did you know...
Current President Andrew Kenneally coached the Under 19s to the 2004 premiership, crushing Old Camberwell by about 15 goals.
Crackers couldn't help himself and brutally reminded the Old Camberwell faithful of that victory at the earliest opportunity when we played them at home! Talk about rubbing salt into the wound!
Some great players from that 2004 side included Josh Ashman (son of Carlton legend Rod), Mark Parrent (one of the most courageous players I have ever seen), Matt Rice (son of recent Big V champion Ian), Myles "Tractor" Lynch and Marty Williams, who also played in the 2006 B Grade premiership.
This week's trivia question
James Bennett played AFL/VFL football for Hawthorn and Fitzroy, as well as captaining Collegians to two A Grade premierships.
Simon Arnott played for Geelong and Sydney, won five premierships at Central Districts, then won a B Grade flag with Collegians before co-coaching our 2011 and 2012 A Grade premiership sides.
What do these two legends have in common with Footscray legend and Brownlow Medallist Tony Liberatore?
Finally, despite the weather, it was a great day at the Trott for Past Players Day a couple of weeks ago. There's nothing like a full house, plenty of banter and, of course, a big win!
Good times.
GO LIONS!!
Cheers,
WD