“HAWKS AND TIGERS PRODUCE A CLASSIC……”

Daryn Cresswell paces around the Sydney Airport Terminal; anxiously watching the live-stream of the game and furiously texting, as his charges wage a battle royal against Albury yesterday……..

In possibly the match of the year the Wangaratta Rovers hold on to pip Albury – 14.9 ( 93 ) to 13.14 ( 92 ).

Fortunes fluctuate wildly during this fascinating encounter……Forty-five seconds into the second quarter the Hawks hold a 29-point lead, and are doing it on the bit; five minutes later the Tigers have narrowed the lead to five points.

The Rovers again produce scintillating football in the opening 15 minutes of the third term, to scoot out to a seeming match-winning lead of 33 points………But their never-say-die opponents flick the switch again to fight their way back into the game……..

The last quarter is last-man-standing stuff……The Tigers finally regain the ascendency and, you’d suggest, have the necessary composure and experience to prevail in this classic contest …….It goes right down to the wire……In a match of inches the Hawks get up by a solitary point, to defeat Albury for only the second time in ten years………..

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If all of that drama was enough to drive ‘Crezza’ to distraction, consider his stand-in replacements, Josh and Chris Naish.

Charged with the responsibility of guiding the Hawks for the day they’d scarcely have visualised such a roller-coaster ride……..But, they’ll no doubt reason, they’re better for the experience.

And, by the way, they’ll probably query, in this ‘game for the ages’, why 22 of the 27 goals were kicked to the town end, when there was scarcely a whisper of a breeze.

This game fascinated from the first bounce……The early star ( and in my book, BOG for the game ) was slightly-built on-baller, Jake McQueen, who booted two early goals and continued to be a dynamo.

At one stage Tiger Brayden O’Hara stuck close in an attempt to dull McQueen…….. That was one of the many match-ups that both sides plotted…..Todd Bryant onto the dynamic Fletcher Carroll also proved effective , but really, most of the ‘big guns’ continued to have their anticipated effect on the game……

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The Rovers had no time to rest on their laurels after everything they touched had turned to gold in the first quarter. Albury soon switched into gear, inspired by the brilliance of coach Anthony Miles, who, in one purple patch early in the second term, picked up 5 touches in six minutes ( and 11 for the quarter).

But it was the curly-haired, fleet-footed youngster Isaac McGrath ( grandson of a former Hawk ) who lit the game up with a couple of majors.

The Tigers were right back in it and went to the half-time break with a four-point lead : 7.6 to 7.2.

Many Rovers diehards on the Maroney Pavilion balcony pondered, and were apprehensive about the prospect of their side regaining the ascendency.

They were ecstatic when they booted two goals in a minute. The latter was the result of a classic piece of Dylan Stone wizardry on the scoreboard-side, when he took six bounces, relayed the pill on to Jayden Bear, who knocked it over to Alex Marklew…..Goal !

And under-rated Dylan Wilson was on the end of another distance-devouring Stone effort, and snapped truly…….It was the third Hawk goal in the opening eight minutes of the third term…….They were back in town.

Further majors to Lukass Webb, Jack Gerrish and Sam Allen ( whose clean disposal had come under notice ) extended the lead to 33 points.

Again Rovers fans breathed easily, and contemplated glory…….

But not for long……

The final stanza had no sooner begun when the pendulum swung for the umpteenth time. Big forward Jacob Conlon slammed through two ‘snags’ in a minute…….Shaun Daly was acquitting himself capably after switching into the ruck, and the usual ‘suspects’, Miles, strong-marking Lucas Conlon, Jake Gaynor, Riley Bice and skipper Jimmy Grills came under notice.

Suddenly, the Tigers trailed by just four points.

When Todd Bryant was interfered with at centre half forward, the relay kick ended up in the hands of tall Hawk Mackenzie Bristow, who nailed it from point-blank range.

Temporary breathing space for the home side…….

But it was short-lived when Jacob Conlon marked on the angle and his conversion put the Tigers back in front at the 17-minute mark.

Then Jimmy Grills snapped his fourth point for the day…..A bad miss……It was desperation-stakes for both sides, as they battled in close.

Two great intercept marks from the gallant Sam Murray, and some outstanding defensive efforts from the reliable Raven Jolliffe, brought sighs of relief to the Hawks……..

The Rovers backline, also supported by Sam Carpenter, Michael Clark, Cody Schutt and Will Nolan had continued to be unstinting in their efforts.

The closing minutes were so drama-charged that roughly 32 of the 36 players were fighting for the ball in front of the Hogan Stand, the end to which the Tigers were attacking.

It was three points the difference with a couple of minutes remaining…….

The dangerous Tiger Jacob Conlon marked right on the line, in front of the point post, played on……and booted a point…….A great escape for the Hawks……A disputed mark to Riley Bice, 25 metres in front, was disallowed…..Then, seconds later, Will Blomely snapped…..and deviated to the left point post…….

There was just a point in it when Sam Murray’s raking left foot again cleared the ball from the danger area towards Jayden Bear and Lachie Taylor-Nugent. Just as Bear toed the ball into space he raised his arms in triumph. The roar of the crowd had drowned out the shrill sound of the siren, signifying a one-point victory in a memorable encounter……

The balcony exploded in uproar…….

‘HAWKS HONOUR CENTURION SAM…..’

Daryl Smith wore the Wangaratta Rovers guernsey with distinction in 195 games, between 1972 and 1982.

On one of his infrequent return visits to see a game at his old club, the triple premiership captain-coach waxed lyrical about a diminutive on-baller who knocked up getting kicks and boring in under the packs.

“I’m rapt in the little bloke who’s wearing my old number,” Smithy said. “He’s a beauty.”

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since, but Sam Carpenter still creates that impression on anyone who sees him in action for the first time.

He’s become somewhat of a cult figure since first pulling on the Brown and Gold in 2013.

And no wonder…… he’s gritty, spirited, courageous – and plays the game as if there’s no tomorrow.

• 

If anyone feels inclined to impress on a young Thirds hopeful how to handle adversity, ‘Croc’ would provide a classic example. His is an uplifting footy story…….

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Sam was just an inquisitive four-year old, playing in his parents’ Tyabb butcher shop, when he caught his left arm in a mincer. His forearm was ground away, almost to the elbow.

He can’t remember much of the accident, or the emergency helicopter flight, which rushed him to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where his recovery began.

“I learnt to live without it,” he says of the double-handed capabilities that he was now deprived of. “Because I was so young I have never known anything different.”

“I’ve never felt there was anything I couldn’t do, or should do differently. After all, the game’s principally about winning the ball.”

“I pride myself on the hard-ball stuff, especially tackling and putting my head over the Sherrin,” he said.

“I was always convinced that I could be a good footballer if I worked hard at it, and always felt I could keep progressing.”

Sam’s Dad Leigh concedes that the loss of his son’s forearm could have been a huge burden on the family, except that the youngster embraced the challenge. “ I can remember people admiring his determination and love of the game, but doubting that these qualities would compensate for his disability,” he once said.

“They used to say when he was very young: ‘He’ll struggle when tackling is introduced.’…….When he didn’t, they’d say: ‘When the game becomes more physical he’ll struggle.’……..But he didn’t.”

Sam won a heap of best and fairest awards in junior ranks with Crib Point and was picked up by the Dandenong Stingrays U.18’s, where he again starred. He won the Best and Fairest in his top-age year.

• 

From there he graduated to Frankston’s VFL side. Contrary to expectations he played four senior games in his first season and became a regular in his second.

The idea was floated that he may be a chance to graduate to AFL ranks, but he was pragmatic enough to realise that cracking the big-time was an improbability……….

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His grandfather Sonny, a colourful greyhound trainer and bookie, began holidaying in Corowa nearly 60 years ago. That tradition had continued on for the family. Sam got to know quite a few of the locals, and decided to move up there in 2008.

He became an overnight success with Corowa-Rutherglen and, after enjoying a brilliant season under the coaching of Peter Tossol, took out the ‘Roos B & F in 2009.

He represented the O & M, and was a warm favourite for the Morris Medal, but a bolter, Yarrawonga’s Michael Stevens took it out. Sam finished two votes adrift, sharing second place with fellow on-ballers Chris Hyde ( Albury) and Matt Kelly (Wangaratta).

Romance had also blossomed with a young Corowa girl, Renee Ronnfeldt. When Queensland club Aspley conducted a raid on O & M and Goulburn Valley players at the end of that season, he was a prime target. The prospect of spending a season playing football in the Sunshine State appealed to him.

And Renee liked the idea of having a break from Corowa. So, along with future Rovers team-mates Tyson Hartwig and Jamie Sheahan, he was lured to the QAFL.

Aspley struggled big-time early in the season, but after sacking their coach and enduring their share of in-club turmoil, they bounced back to finish the year in reasonable shape.

Sam’s own form was quite good, and he finished a close runner-up to ‘Shagger’ Sheahan in the B & F. But he was happy enough to put the Queensland experience behind him.

He moved back home to the Peninsula, and joined his cousin, who was coaching Bonbeach. He spent the following season with MPNFL club Chelsea, where the Carpenter name is held in high esteem.

His father Leigh, and uncle Dale are both members of Chelsea’s Team of the Century, and Sam joined them as a fellow Best and Fairest winner in 2012.

When he and Renee decided to re-locate to her home town in 2013 Sam surprised the football world by throwing in his lot with the Rovers. Barry Sullivan had been on his hammer for a couple of years and his old coach Peter Tossol convinced him of the virtues of the Hawks……..

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Things worked out well. He found plenty of work in his chosen trade as a Painter. The couple bought a house in Corowa and relished the laid-back bush lifestyle.

The Hawks’ gun recruit got off to a sluggish start in his debut season when he copped a hamstring injury before half-time in the opening game. It took a while to heal, costing him seven games, but he flew home to finish third in the B & F.

The following season was even more impressive. He played a few matches under duress after aggravating a posterior cruciate ligament in an early game, and elected to miss a week in order to have a cortisone injection.

That did the trick. He came back in superlative touch, and was a key figure in the Hawks’ push for finals. They were blitzed by Corowa-Rutherglen in the second term of the Elimination Final, and battled valiantly to peg the ‘Roos back for the next two quarters.

• 

Still trailing by 11 points at lemon-time, Carpenter, Tyson Hartwig, James Smith and Shane Gaston were central figures in a dramatic come-back. The Rovers had nine shots to nil in the final quarter, but were unable to put their tired opponents away until the dying stages of the game.

It was Carpenter who iced a classic encounter when he swooped on the most telling of his 35 touches, lined up the big sticks and, on the angle, from 40 metres out, curled it through for an inspirational major……….

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The Rovers lowered their colours to Lavington the following week. But scuttlebutt was already circulating that a vital part of their engine-room had been approached to return to Corowa-Rutherglen.

Sam had finished runner-up to Shane Gaston in the B & F and was named in the O & M’s Team of the Year. The Hawks’ plans for 2015 would be severely dented by his absence.

They slumped to ninth spot and, as they cast around for a replacement for retiring non-playing leader Paul Maher at season’s end, the little fellah again became paramount to their thoughts.

He’d enjoyed another stellar season at the John Ford Oval, taking out the ‘Roos B & F and finishing fifth in the Morris Medal. He was still flying and was held in high regard by all in the Rovers camp.

In a move from left-field, the Hawks hit upon the Carpenter-Andrew Hill combination to lead them into the 2016 season.

For ‘Croc’, it was a dream come true. “Coaching was always a long-term ambition of mine. My Dad coached over 300 games down in the Mornington Peninsula, and I was rapt to get my opportunity at such a proud, successful Club as the Rovers,” he said.

But he could hardly have envisaged such a horror coaching initiation. A Brendan Fevola-inspired Yarrawonga touched up the Hawks by 98 points………To the surprise of most critics, though, they bounced back to be 4-2 after overcoming hot favourites Wangaratta in a bruising local derby, then sneaking over the line against Corowa-Rutherglen.

Unfortunately, Sam sustained a hamstring injury against his old side. By the time he’d returned the young Hawks were bereft of confidence. Their early wins had papered over some obvious deficiencies, but most judges assessed their six wins as a creditable year.

There’s no doubt that the co-coach wielded tremendous influence when he was on the park. Restricted to just 14 games, he finished runner-up to Sean O’Keeffe in the B & F.

• 

The following two seasons were hard-yakka for all connected with the Rovers – particularly the co-coaches. Mid-way through 2018 Sam made the decision to stand aside at season’s end.

“I’ll be able to focus on my own game a little more in the twilight of my career. I’ll be staying on here, and I’m sure we’ll be able to turn things around quickly,” he said.

His friendship with Daryn Cresswell played a part in luring the former Sydney Swans star to the Findlay Oval in a coaching coup.

And the revitalisation that he predicted arrived soon enough. The Rovers became one of the League’s glamour teams in 2019, missing the finals on percentage, but showing promise of things to come.

Carpenter, the renowned mid-field general, was transformed into a small defender-cum-winger and relished the new role. It was no surprise when he outpolled pre-count favourite Nathan Cooper, to take out his first Bob Rose Medal………

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He’s a quietly-spoken, down-to-earth bloke with simple tastes and a well-honed sense of mischief. His two kids, Sonny and Remi, are the apple of his eye, and his definition of bliss, I’m sure, is to be floating down the Murray River in a tinny, stubby in hand, dangling a line………

Even though he’s nudging 34, there’ll be plenty of time for that in the future. But in the meantime, he’s a key component of a Rovers side which is challenging for a finals berth in 2021.

• 

  Carpenter versus the field – Race 7, Corowa, 2015

When I reminded him of his upcoming milestone ‘Croc’ pleaded with me to ‘keep it dark’. The Hawks, however, place great significance on their ‘100-Game Club’ and will wholeheartedly celebrate the Club’s latest Centurion…………..

• 

An updated version of the 2014 Reflections Story: ‘A Salute to the Elusive Number 4’

“PURE FANTASY ?……HAWKS AND PIGEONS IN A NAIL-BITER…….”

Rovers fans have been sweating on this day for more than four months.

After another fruitful recruiting campaign, which has netted more than a dozen newcomers, there’s an air of optimism at the Findlay Oval.

And you pick up the positive vibe as you walk into the ground. They’re doing a roaring trade in Member’s Tickets and you detect a buzz about the place. It’s great to catch up with some of the old-timers who have been seemingly welded to their favourite vantage spots for more than 30 years.

Rex Hartwig is one who has a spring in his step. Old Rex celebrated his 90th birthday during the footy hiatus . But he has a glint in his eye, akin to the focus he had in his halcyon sporting days when he’d face off against tennis legends Kramer, Segura, Gonzales and Sedgman.

Of course, there’s a good reason for Rex’s enthusiasm. His grandson Tyson is back, after a sabbatical of four years. Tys has done it all with the Hawks – Captain, champion defender, Best and Fairest, All-Australian Country rep…… Now he just wants to add to the 139 games he has accumulated…and play a part in the revival of his home club.

I stumble upon another permanent fixture; perched on the steel railing to the left of the Hogan Stand. That’s been Steve Norman’s domain ever since he hung up the boots.

He used to say how handy it was because he was within reaching distance of the Can-Booth, and right in the midst of the most one-eyed section of the crowd. Most of his fellow-protagonists of yore, like Herbie Day, Alfie Onslow, ‘Spud’ Patat, Theo Hall and Ken Johnstone have gone to their mortal coil, and others have drifted off, to be replaced by fans of a more tolerant bent.

No one was able to split the big sticks at his spiritual home quite like ‘Superboot Steve’. He had a sixth-sense. You don’t boot 1016 O & M goals without possessing something out of the box. He ‘owned’ the 50-metre arc, and his team-mates upfield could read him like a book.

There’s another bloke hobbling past who delivered a fair few of those ‘lace-up’ passes to Steve. It’s Andrew Scott, who’s become synonymous with the Rovers since he arrived in town as a ‘cop’ 45 years ago.

Geez he could play. In his first year with the Hawks he won the Morris Medal and became the idol of those hard-boiled fanatics around the Bar.

And he was so adaptable. In the latter part of his career he had a turn on the forward flank. He snagged a lazy 10 one day against Lavi, to the delight of the ‘diehards’ . The other thing about ‘Scotty’ was that he always rose to the big occasion when he was needed.

Get yakking to him and you wonder at first if he’s still carrying the weight of the footy club on his shoulders. But then he emits a huge belly-laugh, to lighten the situation. He’s continued to contribute to the Club, has this ‘rough-nut’ plumber . What an institution……. !

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Anyway, I’d better pop into the rooms to wish Sammy Carpenter all the best. Playing his 100th game today, is ‘Carps’. I don’t recall too many mediocre ones in that lot, either.

I know the veteran rates the ‘ton’ as a real highlight. He’s been a bit of a journeyman and must be nudging the 300-mark in his glittering career. There wouldn’t be a fan anywhere who doesn’t admire what ‘Croc’ has achieved.

• 

I interrupt a chat with his old man – and greatest fan – Leigh (who also has young Sonny in tow), to shake his hand. He’s suitably chuffed and says he’s honoured to join the greats of the Club.

Heck, he’ll play an important role in this clash with Yarrawonga. His cool head will be a crucial asset, particularly considering there are so many new faces in the side.

There’s an electric atmosphere in the rooms. The Reserves have their game well in hand, so the fans have been drifting in to catch ‘Crezza’s’ pre-match build-up. It’s packed in here; you could cut the air with a knife.

One of the stars of the pre-season, in my book, has been the boy from Manley-Warringa, Tyrone Armitage. He’s a damaging left-footer who played with VFL club Northern Blues at one stage. I love his zest on the track and he seems to have fully ingratiated himself into the Club. It’ll be really interesting to see how he performs in this footy. I’m tipping he’ll be a star.

Glancing across the rooms, I guess this must be one of the tallest Rovers sides for some years. Besides young Ed Dayman and ‘Gatto’, there’s another giant in the ranks, Nick Redley from Langwarrin. Could be a surprise packet, this fellah.

I notice Ryan Stone edgily flicking the pill from hand to hand. It’s great to have him back. He developed into a top-flight player at Heidelberg since leaving the Hawks after the 2013 season. I’m sure he’s relishing the opportunity to play his first Senior game with the Rovers alongside his young brother, Dylan.

I sneak outside for a bit of fresh air and spot a familiar face ; underneath that trademark Pigeon cap, he’s wearing his usual pre-game furrowed brow. It’s old ‘Jinxy’ Clarke himself – one of Yarra’s best-known fans.

“Whattya reckon Jinx ?”. “Ah well, you blokes have had all the publicity about your recruiting, but we’re happy with what we’ve got,” he replies.

“Just remember,” he adds, “apart from those couple of hiccups last year, we had the wood on you for more than 10 years.”

I do remember, because ‘Jinx’ would remind me every time. “What’s that up to now ?…. 23 on the trot…….. ?”

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Not long after, the siren sounds to launch the 2020 opener.

It’s the usual nervy, frenetic start, but the Pigeons appear to have settled down nicely. Their first major comes from tall Matt Casey, who’s managed to find a yard on Hawk champ Nathan Cooper, and nails one from just 20 metres out.

There’s no doubt that the big wraps on their gun recruits Willie Wheeler and Leigh Masters are spot-on. Wheeler – and his brother Harry – are in everything in the mid-field, negating the ruck effectiveness of Dayman and Redley.

In fact, the Hawks look listless and a couple of sloppy turnovers prove costly. You can detect the blood of coach Cresswell rising, as normally cool customers make mistakes under pressure.

• 

He gathers his troops at the quarter-time break for a good, old-fashioned rev. They’re 22 points down, the Hawks, and look a far-cry from the glamor-side they have been pronounced in pre-season tittle-tattle………..

Things don’t improve much early in the second term, either. But an intercept from veteran defender Sean O’Keeffe finds the ball in the hands of Carpenter, who feeds off to Sam Allen.

The long kick from the youngster – well beyond the 50-metre mark, sails through for a timely goal. Surely that will have the Hawks up and about.

Slowly they begin to creep back into the contest, despite not making a huge impact on the scoreboard.

Mark Whiley, Yarra’s first-year coach, has been in everything, as has the evergreen Xavier Leslie. Whiley is certainly an inspiration and Cresswell will need to make a move to shut down his effectiveness.

• 

• 

Despite the Rovers’ best efforts, the lead has crept out to 31 points at half-time.

The Hawks are quickly ushered into the coach’s room. Meanwhile, shell-shocked fans wait about, but it’s a good 12 minutes before they file out – suitably chastened and grimly determined……..

The third term produces a stunning turn-around. Shaggy-haired Will Nolan has been swung onto Whiley, and curbs his influence. And Tyson Hartwig begins to create a presence up forward.

Yarra’s dominance around the ball, which has given them control of the game, now wanes, as the dynamic Charlie Thompson, Jamason Daniels and Raven Jollife continually get their hands on the pill.

In a 16-minute burst, the Hawks have reduced the margin to less than a kick. By three-quarter time it’s the Pigeons who are looking rather ragged……..

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But they’re not done with yet……

They register early last-term goals through Jess Koopman and talented youngster Jack Sexton, to regain the ascendancy. Then, dashing Jack Gerrish takes possession from just beyond the half-back line and scoots off, dodging and side-stepping in typical fashion.

He’s within kicking distance ( there’s a player loose who he doesn’t see), and lines them up.

Goal !……… The faithful in the Maroney Pavilion rise as one.

• 

The Hawks slot another, after Armitage swoops on the ball and kicks truly with his left boot from the angle.

It then becomes goal-for-goal, in what has become a classic contest.

Entering time-on, the Pigeons hold a slender four-point lead. Both sides are tired, but desperate, as the ball bobbles between the respective half-back lines.

I’m tuned in to OAK-FM and ‘Gamby’ breathlessly informs us that there are less than 15 seconds left.

Suddenly, Carpenter, the 100-gamer, retrieves the ball out of nowhere and spots Ed Dayman. A pass, delivered with surgical precision, thumps the young fellah on the chest….15 metres out….straight in front….just as the siren blares…….

What pressure !……..Big Ed lines them up and sneaks it through.

It’s a Hawk victory by two points……..!

• 

‘HAWKS SAVOUR THE REWARDING TASTE OF VICTORY…..’

“Losing builds character;  losing week after week builds grace……. When the prospect of winning is there, when we can sniff the four points, things just seem to work better……… Kicks hit the target, marks stick and clearances are won. It makes the rare taste of victory all the more worthwhile and rewarding……”
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In a match that had minimal significance on the radar of the Ovens and Murray populace, North Albury and Wangaratta Rovers – situated eighth and ninth on the ladder – squared off at the Findlay Oval today.

It’s been a season from hell for these two proud clubs, combatants in three O & M Grand Finals, but they looked pretty evenly-matched. To paraphrase the Form Guide’s summation of a horse running at Rosehill today, they were: ‘…..Back in class in this one….. Not without a chance……’
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Talking about character, the Hawks were feting two of their own who have it in spades.

The respective journeys of Ben Kneebone and Sean O’Keeffe to the 150-game milestone is a study in contrasts, but a tribute to their deep love of the game and the Club.

Benny was in Year 8 when his fellow Wang High School student,’Okey’ was drafted to Carlton. He was, he says, in awe of the precocious talent of a kid who had already played senior footy with the Rovers at age 16 and was to go on to a stellar career in three states.

It included representing the Australian Under 18’s against Ireland in International Rules ;  playing AFL football ;  winning a Best & Fairest and successive VFL flags with Sandringham;  SANFL appearances with Sturt ;  taking out the Goldfields (WA) Medal with Kalgoorlie club Railways and finally, dual B & F’s with the Hawks.

His dad Greg had been a star back in the seventies and eighties, his family was steeped in the Rovers tradition and it was always his ambition to finish his career in the Brown and Gold.

Just that he didn’t think it would extend to 150 games…….

Whereas ‘Okey’ had the happy knack of the Sherrin being drawn to him, Benny, like so many of us, had to search for the key to unlock the game’s subtleties.

He figured in a Thirds premiership in 2003 – five years after ’Okey’ achieved the same distinction and spent a couple of solid years with EDFL club Blackburn whilst at university. He then returned home to realise one of his great ambitions – to play alongside his distinguished uncle, Matt Allen, as part of the Hawk defence.

An assortment of injuries have stricken his wiry frame over the last dozen or so years, and have usually hit when he was well-established in the side. Then he’d have to resume the fight, after a lay-off, to regain his spot.

He’s the archetypical ‘battler’ who has won over his coaches by giving nothing less than 100 per cent effort……..

Ben reflected briefly on his debut game, back in 2004, when his coach Peter Tossol threw him the monumental task of lining up on a ‘Hopper star, Daniel Leslie. “Wow,” he said to himself,”Look at the physique of this fellah,” as he proceeded to chase him around all day.

“And I had to do the same thing out there this arvo, for a while.”

Sean and Benny are both blokes who set the classic example to the young’uns of what it takes to be part of a footy club.

On a match-day it might mean having a yarn to the gate-keeper on the way in, paying due respects to the supporters who wish them well, and thanking the volunteers who do so much to keep the club going behind the scenes.

That’s why this game meant so much to their team-mates……..
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To be honest,  it didn’t scale any great heights, but boy, it was a fair dinkum contest.

It was obvious early on that the Hawks’ biggest bugbear would be Leslie, North’s co-coach, and the subject of some controversy in recent weeks.

He played today as an on-baller and racked up a mountain of possessions, but I wondered whether his absence as a marking target, would cost the Hoppers when they launched into attack.

The Hawks snuck away to an early lead, with the first two majors of the game, but North, with the aid of the breeze, enjoyed plenty of forward thrusts.

The home side obtained a distinct advantage at the stoppages, where Shane Gaston and Chris Knowles held sway in the ruck, feeding plenty of opportunities to those at ground level.

The continued improvement of Ben Clarke throughout the season was best exemplified today. With unerring Bontampelliesque precision he continued to extricate the pill from the packs to a running player.

Sam Carpenter, too, knocked up winning kicks, enjoying the rarified-air of the open spaces. Josh Newton’s consistent year continued, as he worked hard in the clinches. At the main break the Hawks had opened up a 21-point break and were playing like winners.

But the fans were still none too sure. In a season when they have barracked for the clock as much as the scoreboard, their ‘glass half-full’ attitude was understandable.

Consequently, it was terrific to hear the pent-up, guttural roar come from the balcony, when, in a matter of a couple of minutes, Cam Fendyk twice snapped truly to extend the advantage.

The Beechworth youngster has proved his mettle in recent weeks and looks a born-forward.

Again North fought back, but just couldn’t kick the multiple goals which would put the pressure back on the Hawks. Shaun Mannagh, who is always a danger-man, snagged a couple of majors for the day, but was fairly well-held by the Hawk ‘blanket’, Dale Martin.

Another reason for their difficulty in finding a clear path to goal was that the defiant, loose-limbed Michael Clark, who has fought against the odds this season, was providing stern resistance in defence.

Ben Lloyd made the most of his chances and was a fine player for North, as were Tom Gallaway and Danny Warren. But with the Rovers well in command it was obvious that they’d need a huge turn-around to pull this one out of the fire in the final stanza.

You knew that the Gods were shining down on the Hawks when Kneebone, the ‘Milestone-man’, gathered the ball on a tight angle in the pocket, sighted the big sticks and squeezed it through, a’ la Eddie Betts.

The only downer for the Hawks was that they relaxed a little in the dying stages, and leaked a couple of late goals. When North again scrambled the ball forward, the siren thankfully prevented them inching closer than the 26 points which separated the two old rivals.

It had been a solid team performance, with a host of contributors.

So the Rovers song was belted out with extra oomph in the packed rooms after the game, and the message is that there’s still plenty of life left in what was purported to be a scarcely-breathing corpse……..

“IT SURE BEATS LOSING……”

Hello ! We’ve got OAK-FM here to cover the game…… and I spot a photographer with a giant lens lurking in the vicinity……..you notice the old Corowa-Rutherglen brethren with a bit of a spring in their step.  Maybe the football world senses that the ‘Roos’ losing streak is coming to an end today.

To tell you the truth, I’m starting to wonder about it myself.

After all, the Hawks are coming off four straight losses of 90 points or more – and that’s something that can dissipate the confidence-levels of the proudest of football clubs.

Yes, the clash of the O & M’s cellar-dwellers seems to have a expectant atmosphere to it, and has attracted a larger-than-anticipated crowd to the John Foord Oval on this sunny, crisp winter afternoon.

Corowa-Rutherglen have named their youngest-ever debutant. At 15 years 7 months, the 180cm Will Chandler is apparently one out of the box and will be worth watching. He’s the son of former North Melbourne player Jeff, and has been plucked from the Under 16 competition.

The Rovers have also seen fit to promote their Thirds captain, Paul Sanderson – last year’s Leon Dean Medallist – and a highly-skilled small man. Surely, I surmise, as my eyes wander around the visitor’s rooms, this must be one of the Hawks’ youngest-ever sides…….

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Chatting with a couple of old ‘Roos about their well-publicised plight, they say it hasn’t had too much of an effect on the attitude of the players . “They haven’t been too competitive on-field but off-field they’re as happy as Larry. It’s nothing that the infusion of a few players won’t fix. We won’t be going anywhere,” said one.

In their best performance this year, they fell short by only a couple of points against Wangaratta. Today’s is the best line-up they’ve fielded since then, and they admit, they’re quietly confident of doing okay today………

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The Hawks were off to a flier. Within a minute or two of the start, captain Shane Gaston provided a big target down forward and, with a well-timed lead, cradled the Sherrin to his chest . A lovely pass, but an equally-impressive conversion, as the big fellah landed it over the goal-umpie’s head and it cascaded towards the gum trees.

Most of the early play had been in the Rovers-half of the ground, but when the ‘Roos grabbed the ball from a turn-over and rushed it forward, the locals were in raptures. The silky-smooth Chandler swooped and booted their first. What an entry to O & M ranks !

I happened to be standing alongside the iconic Jimmy Sandral – the triple Morris Medallist – who would have to be the most unaffected and humble champ you’d find. But you could detect that even Gentleman Jim’s chest was swelling with pride.

Especially when the lad kicked his second – and then third goals for the term. He was to go on and finish with five for the game. You had the feeling that, among the smouldering embers of Corowa-Rutherglen’s current misfortunes, fresh hope was born in this new star.

The Hawks’ recent goal-kicking woes ( they had kicked just 22 in the past 4 games) seemed a thing of the past, as they snagged six in the first term through a variety of avenues.

They led by three goals at quarter-time, but it was noticeable that the ‘Roos’ gun forward James Lawton had just started to impose himself on the contest, as had the talented Will Robinson.

Within minutes, during the second term, both were off the field. Robinson had a sprained ankle and  took no further part. Lawton returned in the third-quarter with a his knee heavily-strapped and was restricted.

He’s obviously a star, and still finished with three goals. I wonder what a difference he may have made had he been able to help out this young team for the full season.

The Hawks led by 28 points at the main break, but their opponents were snapping at their heels. It was proving an entertaining game and the ‘Roos certainly weren’t out of it.

They mounted a real challenge in the third term and reduced the margin to 15 points at one stage.

But within a matter of five minutes or so, the fight-back was snuffed.

It was possibly attributable to Shane Gaston’s period of dominance at the centre bounce. The Hawks swept the pill forward on three consecutive occasions and goals were booted after strong overhead marks by Chris Knowles, Jack Reiter and Simon Pane.

The result was that they led by 33 points at three quarter-time and had resumed complete control.

One of the highlights of the day, in my book, was the clash between Corowa-Rutherglen stalwart Kade Kuschert and the dogged Hawk centre half back, Michael Clarke. ‘Pup’ punched, marked and persisted magnificently, to take the honours. He and his half-back sidekick Mitch Horwood both give the impression that they are badly in need of a good feed, but you just can’t fault their application.

The classy Dylan Stone was on fire, particularly during a scintillating first half, and amassed 33 possessions, many of which set up scoring opportunities.

Cam Fendyk played possibly his finest game in Brown and Gold and impressed with his precise kicking. He’s a dangerous presence around goal and most of his 23 touches were effective.

Likewise, the enigmatic Jack Reiter made Hawk fans sit up and take notice. Whenever he took possession you figured that something was going to happen. His five goals were a reward for  presenting  himself at the contest and his long left-foot kicking was a feature.

Josh Newton continued his fine form and was ferocious in his attack on the ball. His work in-and-under was impressive, as was the contribution of the hard-working Ben Clarke.

And Sam Carpenter continually worked himself into position and drove the Hawks forward. He must have appreciated some room to move, after being sweated upon for the last few games.

There weren’t many better players for the Roos than Brent Rose, who starred in defence and on the ball, as did the helmeted Jay O’Donoghue and dynamic Hayden Filliponi.

So the Hawks belted out the club song with plenty of gusto and the group of five players who figured in their first win for the club were the subject of the obligatory Gatorade-spray from their joyous team-mates.

Yes, it sure beats losing………