This weekend saw the Mighty Rams heading to the bush in stark contrast to last week’s hit out in Hawthorn.   Beautiful Alexandra was the setting for our second trial match of the 2011 season where the Rams battled against local Yarra Valley Mountain District Team Alexandra in a 6 quarter game cut short from two full games due to player availability from our side.  This meant of course those gladiators that were able commit to playing were up against two full strength sides from the home team.

But the result was much the same as the week before against the ever improving Swinburne.  That is the Rams brought home the bacon in an amazing effort of endurance and courage.  Twenty five players made the trip north and all were tested on the day playing the first three quarters of the game against the Alex’ two’s and sailing through at a trot posting 13 goals 11 behinds to Alex’s hard fought efforts of 5 goals 8 behinds.

But the story was only about to begin.  Our 25 Ram-jets sucked in the deep breaths and steadied themselves for the next onslaught – another three quarters against the Alex’ big guns.   And steadying the ship is exactly what would inevitably be needed in this capital game of attrition.  After Alex’ Ones came out in the first of the three quarters and faced off against a team that had already played all but a full game, they slammed on 7 goals to one, but their day out was about to be rammed !

The fifth quarter saw both sides defences get right on top with only one goal apiece as the arm wrestle continued.  But the Rams were about to dig deeper than anyone could have expected.  They came out in the last quarter – remember their sixth and Alex’s third and the boys found character abundant by outscoring the home team three goals to two in this torrid affair. 

To quote Coach Greg, “I’m pleased to say at the end of the game the accumulative score had you in front”.    He also acknowledges the fantastic team effort to put up 12 different goal scorers for the day.   Go Ram’s – you done yourselves proud on March 26, 2011.

Final scores MLOCFC 18–18–126 defeated Alexandra 16–20–116

2010 Club Captain – 'Juzzy' Justin Roberts
enjoys his run through the middle

After coming off a long and arduous preseason on the training track/s the Rams first practice match for the year saw them flex their collective muscle against old D4 rival Swinburne on a day that might have been more suited to the beach than chasing a Sherrin around a paddock, all be that paddock in the middle of the ‘burbs in East Hawthorn.

Like all practice matches the coaching staff used the day to play with team structures and try new tricks.  Shane Roberts replaced his big brother in the forward line for the day and kicked a few while the afore mentioned Juzzy Justine Roberts had a paddle around the middle adding some bulk to what has previously been the domain of the speedsters. 

Coach Greg described these and many other swaps and experiments as working to varying degrees of success and was looking forward to a much more flexible line up this year as many of the young guns mature and head towards suitable senior game numbers.  He is very hopeful of a competitive year at the D3 level and expects his troops to be battle hardened and ready to go round one.

Aussie Rules like quite a lot of sporting clubs is generational.  Having a husband who was a passionate player and having a son who has been guided from ‘Auskick’, junior football and now beyond, from country Victoria, country New South Wales and now suburban Melbourne, I have had the pleasure to have been associated with various football clubs.

All of the football clubs have given me various experiences, all very enjoyable; however, the Mount Lilydale Old Collegians Football Club has by far been the most family orientated and thoughtful to the family unit as a whole.  It is a delight to be part of a club that actively involves all the members of the family and their friends with warmth and friendliness. 

I have met new and wonderful friends that are cherished and fun to be with, people with such kind hearts.  I consider myself and my family fortunate to be part of such a wonderful football club.

The club relishes input from the families of the players and always has a warm greeting ready when you arrive at the ground. 

Not long after joining the club, supporting my son, I was feeling rather empty as my husband was working overseas, the club always made me so welcome and they rallied around me to take the emptiness way for just that few hours, which made such a difference and something I was very thankful for at that time in my life.

It is wonderful to see the younger children have play areas inside and out in an environment that is safe and fun.  Seeing them growing up in the few short years I have been with the club is just a delight, and hopefully seeing them in the future taking up the baton from their fathers to play for Mt. Lilydale.  I am sure the wonderful atmosphere will give them a sense of home and they will all be associated with the club for many years to come.

So as you can see, it is not just another ‘club’, the warmth and compassion with a real sense of civic community spirit exists in the club with the members, players and families.

Written by Val Strong

With the 2011 footy season now approaching I would like to share some news about your footy team, the Mt Lilydale Rams.

Mt Lilydale OCFC has spent the summer building on a successful 2010 and we are now ready for the step up in grade to D3.

To kickstart the year is the season Launch on April 2nd. 
The night will feature a live band  MT3, gourmet finger food, the players' jumper presentation and the welcoming of the new life members. 

A practice match is scheduled for the day, so come early and enjoy a drink while the players have their final hit-out.
 
Our first match in D3 is against Ivanhoe on April 9th,  at our home ground on Quarry road.  

In preparation the players have been honing a hard running, direct kicking style.  
The recent intra-club practice match featured a fast pace and high standard of footy. 

Umpiring the whole match, Michael  T-bone Rhodes was very vocal and impressive.

There have been player movements over summer which happens every year.  We wish the departing players well and welcome the new recruits who have been training impressively since December. 

The two Micks,  Darren, Richie, Dale, Luke, Shaun and Diesel have impressed with their desire on the track.  Also on board are returning players Cezza, Bassy, Fitzy, Molly,  Pebbles and Fridge.

Without doubt the players are ready for the challenge. 

I would also like to acknowledge the retirements of Pat Carolan and Francis Varga who have both provided many years of service and played terrific football.

Pat was an instrumental figure at the club's inception, and was also captain when the club last graced D3, is the leading overall goal kicker and one of only 2 players tohave played over 200 games.  He is one of the club's greats.

Franga has played for 10 seasons and featured in the club's 3 of the club's 4 grand finals.  He has been a class  act on the field as a leading forward and ruckman, and has been club treasurer the last 2 years. 

Pat and Curl, and Frank and Aimee are expecting this year and we wish them the very best.
 
This year promises to be every bit as exciting and fun as  2010, it will also test our mettle as we advance up a grade. 

The players have dedicated themselves to make a successful season, we hope you join us

cheers
Dela

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