Match Report: Thirds Vs Boroondara

Sunday 17th August 2013, Central Park Malvern
Central Park 4 - Boroondara 1

Colours of Boroondara no match for Central Park purple patch.

The title of 'runner up' obviously didn't sit well with Mark 'Hendy' Henderson in the Golden Croc stakes, as the lad set about reminding all who cared to watch and listen just who is "da man" down at Burke Road.
The jet setting bound Scot signed off for the year in style with a tidy home town hat trick against a hapless Boroondara on Sunday.

Central Park didn't have it all their own way though, and a comical and ultimately disastrous screaming match that Jimmy Barnes and Mariah Carey would've been proud of, between Tim and Rowland will no doubt find it's way on the end of season highlights reel.

(Unrelated to football yes, but you're not complaining are you?)

Confidence has soared down Malvern way of late, Central Park unbeaten in the last 2 outings and up against a real 'rocks or diamonds' Boroondara team. Throw in the return of old heads Steve, Rich and of course Hendy, suddenly the side's chances were boosted further.

A fiery and at times spiteful clash with Boroondara early in the year seemed like a world away, as Central Park went about making light work of the away team's lackluster showing.

Avenging a loss was one thing, doing it in style another, Central Park had no fewer than half a dozen shots on goal in the opening 10 minutes with only some solid goalkeeping things at nil all. That in itself was a minor miracle given the firepower Boroondara found themselves up again. Canonball Jones returned from a lengthy layoff to team up with man mountain Ed, whilst will-of-the-wisp (he'll love that) Tom and Tim C buzzed around and were a constant threat.

The onslaught continued, and the pressure became too great as Hendy fired in his first after a sweetly constructed sweeping 'set play' down the right wing.

Somehow, the men in purple went into the break on level terms..... oh alright, i'll walk you through the sodding equaliser then: So, an innocuous back pass drifted it's way between last defender (Rowland) and goalkeeper (yes, me) with, oh, i don't know maybe 10-15 seconds and about 40 metres between the nearest Boroondara player and the ball -

Rowland: "keeper!"
Tim: "backpass!"
Rowland (a little more panicked): "keeper!"
Tim N (even more panicked and spying the dopey Boroondara forward getting closer): "backpasssss!"
Rowland (as the ball was now in the penalty area): "it's yours!" (or something similar)
Tim: "No! i can't, it's yourssss!" (or something similar)
<insert speech bubble of Boroondara striker> "these two are f*cked!"
Rowland & Tim duet: "it's f*cking yourssssss!"

<Tim & Rowland now completely stationary staring at the ball>

Do i need to draw you a freaking diagram, that's right, the luckiest man in purple walked, not ran and slotted the ball into an unguarded net. The next round of screaming came courtesy of Steve Cresswell, but i'm told children read this from time to time, so i won't elaborate on the dialogue espoused.

Other than to say, it was a complete cock up of monumental proportions and cost Central Park the lead. Fortunately, Hendy was able to save the day, first for Boroondara in heading off the line an absolute sitter! Boroondara then used the wind to it's full advantage whipping in a free kick that was narrowly tipped over the bar by Tim in goals.

1-1 going into the second half, and still lots of work to be done. Richard Owen's afternoon ended early succumbing to a mysterious 'thigh injury' (*cough* the atrocious weather), as Central Park turned into Kansas. Stu held up the defense well, and needed to - as both the Loh brothers were feeling the rigours of a long season and sitting this this one out, along with Rod on childminding/orange peeling duties.

Feeling like eskimo's in an igloo, the lads disembarked from the safety of the dressing rooms, Rod leaving his infant daughter in charge of minding the guy's belongings. As the weather worsened, so did Boroondara's chances, Ed bettering Hendy's first half efforts in missing an absolute sitter from a Tim Charters corner.

Possession continued to be dominated by Ed and Nick, the bigger bodies out muscling all before them, in turn producing brilliant service to the likes of Hendy and Alex. Hendy once again found himself in open space, and after missing a couple of gimmes, this time summed up the situation and curled the ball around the advancing keeper and far post for the lead. 2-1

However where Central Park couldn't help themselves, Boroondara did it for them, Steve curled a corner into the difficult breeze and let the wind, as well as the Boroondara keeper, do the work as the poor sod knocked it into his own net. Of course Steve the damn cheat, was ever so quick to claim it (an Essendon supporter, interesting huh?).....

The game began to peter out, Central Park dominating all that counted, and the couple of Boroondara performers finding themselves largely friendless. Not even our 'favourite' referee (see previous blogs, several of them) could ruin our afternoon as his disinterest was validated with a long yawn. Petrakos kept up the enthusiasm with his trademark 'one - two' gallivanting and lung busting prancing down the left touchline as he linked up with Tom and Jeremy. Breathtaking stuff!

A tired goal kick went only as far as to Hendy's feet, who as quickly as he received it, beautifully fired it straight back into an open goal for Ranger's fourth and Hendy's third. Boroondara busted, pushed further into the quagmire that is the bottom of the table, and the game done. Another solid Central Park display

Best: Hendy
The Rest: Alex B, Nick, Ed, Alex P


one for the road.....

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Match Report: Thirds Vs South Yarra

Sunday 11th August 2013, Central Park Malvern
Central Park 3 - South Yarra 0

Worm turns on more than just Election debate.

As Abbott & Rudd prepared to out manoeuvre one another in a rather beige televised chat about leaky boats, Central Park warmed all up and showed both parties how it's done in their comprehensive demolition of South Yarra.

In one of the biggest boil overs of the season, a red letter day ensued as Rangers took apart the might of the Yarra for the first time in club history.

With the very real possibility of the game being washed out, the lads worked around the clock in getting the pitch into a playable state. In the space of a week, the goal mouth bog had become more like a well, as Tom Davies put in the hard yards in attempting to irrigate the mess with a reluctant broom.

New faces aplenty, nearly as many as the Yarra in fact who seem to have their own birthing wing at the nearby Alfred. Though known for their revolving door of British pack backers, the footballing mole assured us that our timing wasn't great, for the Yarra were fielding 'several' Saturday players from the glittering Provisional League. This didn't bode well, given the 6 nil touch up dish out Rangers way last meeting sans Yarra superstars.

The new look South Yarra was responded to with a new look Central Park when it came to desire and commitment. Central Park raced out of the blocks showing no respect to the much more fancied opponent and clearly the element of surprise had South Yarra on the back foot early. Having won the toss and taking full advantage of a sub-arctic gale, it was South Yarra who most would assume be the more dominant side. In a convenient twist though, the difficult conditions forced Central Park to play short direct balls on the deck, an adopted game plan that seemed to suit the lads perfectly and set the tone for the afternoon.

(Clockwork: An artist's impression of Central Park on Sunday)

The Rangers shape was good, excellent actually, as South Yarra typically tried to bend it's formation to their liking with long through balls and flanking runs. But the lads wouldn't have a bar of it, Ian keeping close tabs on the away side's resident Yardy who threatened with his pace nearly as much as his menacing studs up-take no prisoners attack on anything with a pulse. Not a flinch could be seen though as Rod and Rowland coolly shifted the ball out of defense courtesy of an impressive Rangers midfield who did their bit in tracking back when needed to provide a passing option out of trouble.

Like a matching pair of Malvernite mansion escapee terriers, Ben and Tom hounded the Yarra defense in search of the ball. The pressure was tremendous, and it wasn't long before the likes of usual suspects Tim Charters, Flynny and Petrekis were dining out on the subsequent turn-overs. Charters was having trouble getting the required purchase to genuinely threaten on the corners, but the writing was on the wall for South Yarra - a win here was going to require their best effort.

An 11th hour inclusion, Tim in goals dropped the Voltarin and mummified his sore thumb before somehow squeezing his hand into the glove, and was on regular alert, snuffing out even half chances and keeping the talk up at the back.

The Yardy made his intentions clear, unrealistically lumbering after a through ball and throwing a boot out in the direction of Tim sliding in cover. A nasty collision left Tim clutching at his arm nearly as obviously as he was giving the referee a verbal spray for ignoring the cheap shot.

Ed and Petrakos were taking full aerial advantage of some decent goal kicks that were illogically finding distance despite nature's fans being on full throttle. With this kind of determination, it wasn't long before Rangers had the lead. Alex B, in a real purple patch of late, ran rings around a couple of also-rans and drilled the opener. Another step toward his maiden Golden Croc.

I'm not sure who was more shocked at how the game was unfolding, us or them, but Flynny couldn't give a shit either way (Flynny do you even keep score or know who were playing against?). Arriving dressed as though he'd just completed a Himalayan jungle expedition, Flynny parked the Red Barron on Wattletree Rd, slipped into some Rangers day attire and helped himself to Central Park's second. "What's all the fuss?" he'd later be overheard quizzing.

South Yarra were pissed, like i mean really pissed man.... and savagely pushed in the final 10 for a score. A moments madness from Tim in goals was rescued by Ian on the last line, and that's as close as the Yarra would get.

Kars and Brian were proving excellent backup and run off the bench, Brian keeping the Yarra sweeper on his toes, and Kars providing a critical blanket job on the South Yarra's lines turned twinkle-toed winger.

Chances fell to South Yarra as the second half wore on, but the Rangers lads were equal to the challenge. Tim returned the favor to Ian, who's disastrous miss-kick from the mud brought the best of the Rangers number 1 who pounced on the feet of a closing Yarra striker.

But for all of the might South Yarra threw at Central Park, the lads managed to grow a leg and harden further. There were cold Peroni's staring at us from the sideline, and the Rangers lads intended on downing them to the tune of embellished post match war stories.

Then the moment came, an opportunity to put the Yarra to the sword for good. The lads don't win nearly as many penalties as they concede (do they Rowland?). And perhaps penalty taking practice could be added to our already 'brimming' training schedule. Actually to their keepers credit, he saved magnificently from a well placed Ed shot, keeping South Yarra's ever so faint heartbeat murmuring along.

Nobody had forgotten the feeling of last week's capitulation again Bayside, and nor did the lads wish to experience such a fade out. So the question was rhetorically asked - "would last weeks bitters turn to this week's jitters?"

If the script said so, then someone forgot to tell the Charters and Loh families, who fielded the a fair chunk of the side thanks to the very handy inclusion of little brother Jules Charters. Tim C had invited the lad down for a boys weekend from his native Sydney for a bit of a R&R. Jules mightn't be so keen next time, especially if Tim keeps bullshitting to him about playing for an unbeatable Premier League side in between pints.

South Yarra had thrown everything at the home side and come up with duck eggs, and instead turned to berate each other. Meanwhile Tim in goals and Alex B decided to adopt the Blackburn Rovers circa 1995 title winning long ball game, and help themselves to a 3rd. Alex chasing down a wind assisted kick out and nailing his second to round out a solid days work.

A 3 nil flogging against a very highly regarded side. A fine way to get off the bottom of the ladder, as a no doubt nervous Boroondara prepare to face an ever improving Central Park.

P.S. The tupperware has been found!

Best: Alex B/Tim C/Rod
The Rest: Best team effort of the year me thinks!
Christy Brown: Mr. Senneck, step up please sir!

Match Report: Thirds Vs Elwood

Sunday 4th August 2013, Elwood Park Elwood
Elwood 4 - Central Park 4

Thumbs down as a Rangers victory slips through the fingers.

Like sands through an Elwood Beach hourglass, Central Park have somehow managed to blow a 3 goal lead in an 8 goal thriller, resulting in a draw that felt very much like a heartbreaking loss.

In a tale of two halves, both sides would play their best attacking and worst defending in the first half, only to then reverse such a trend in the second. Sunday Thirds football i tells ya'.....

Central Park and Elwood are fast establishing a solid rivalry that showcases high scoring affairs and plenty of controversy. If memory serves, last fixture saw the lads move from 2 nil down to 3-2 up, only to be debunked by the very handy Thirds anomaly: a 'heap' of substitutes - something Rangers couldn't boast.

6-3 Elwood was how that one finished.

Things were equally high scoring this time round as Rangers went agonizingly close to exacting revenge, only good fortune and persistence saving Elwood from an upset loss. Central Park fielded a strong side consisting of teeny bopper duo Tom and Ben, and, much to the delight and surprise of all - the return of Jungle George from a career threatening snapped hamstring. Throw in a decent and focused match preparation and suddenly an upset of the home team threatened to ruin many a local Sunday brunch.

Suddenly, the first piece of drama unfolded even before the kickoff. Finalizing the warm-up, a rambunctious Petrakos completed the match book in record time, and fired a ball Tim's way. Taking his his eye of it for just a split second, a rabid dog-like howling shriek could be heard across the bay all the way to Newport as Tim buckled over in agony with a sprained thumb.

With no time for one of the plethora of Central Park medico's to provide medical aid, the Careflight chopper was waved away, and Tim instead prayed to god and anybody who would listen, that his services would be rarely needed. (Forgive me for the histrionics, but i'm still carrying significant guilt for the result - and AM accepting monetary donations).

For a moment there, Tim felt he might just get his Starlight Foundation wish and not be required at all - cos Central Park were smoking from the kickoff, as an ageing Elwood (nice to be able to make that distinction of the opposition for a change) struggled to cope with the zippy and enthusiastic Rangers pace (ESPECIALLY nice to be able to make THAT distinction about the opposition for a change).

The game was no more than 5 minutes old, when Charters and Tom worked their magic on the left, leaving a stretched Elwood in all sorts. A total ballz up at the back ensued and the ball spilled to Hendy, who did what he does, skipped past a couple of would-be's, took it wide and slotted the opener.

From the kickoff, Elwood, quite possibly in possession for the first time of the match, surged forward. With little support around him, the diminutive Elwood striker went for broke with a floating lob/shot/hack/chip that caught Tim off guard. The Rangers no. 1 managed to get a pinky (on the good hand) to it as the ball rattled against the post and back into Tim's save keeping. A close call, however Tim wouldn't be so lucky the next time around, as the gangly yet skillful Elwood no. 9 fired off an equally innocuous shot his way. One astute witness would later compare it to "sinking in quicksand" as a 'graceful' 95kg of goalkeeper attempted to ice-skate his way across the goalmouth bog and save the day. The lucky little son-of-bitch was in hysterics for the home side as the scoreboard ticked over to 1 a piece.

Yet the tempo and dominance of the game still didn't change, Rangers going about their business once again. Stu, with a rare starting spot, worked in well with Hendy and harassed the Elwood defence on the right. Now i think Stu will be the first to admit that finishing hasn't always been a footballing strength of his - see file footage below. So of course fate would have it that Stu managed to squeeze the most unlikely of shots between the legs of at least one defender and in the tightest of spots (the cankle of Elwood's no. 1 and the post) for a Central Park goal.

(defeat from the jaws of victory - Stu laments the 'one that got away' against South Yarra) Courtesy: Bradbeer Images 

But the lad made good, and continued to have a sound game. Central Park's first changes were then made, as Ben and Brian got in on the action, Jungle and Charters did what they pleased whilst the back four continued to keep the Elwood cavalry quiet. Tom remained busy, and was as deserving as they get when he buried Ranger's third, despite Elwood's complaints for offside.

If Elwood were staggering like a wounded boxer after that, they were on the canvas next when a disastrous Elwood goal kick barely skimmed the grass and ended up in the extremely competent keeping of Alex Bradbeer. Whilst no fewer than 5 Elwood players stood around admiring Alex's dazzling footwork, the Ranger's strongman waltzed his way through a hole even the well fed Elwood keeper couldn't fill, and past red shirts who resembled Marks & Spencer mannequins (most of the Elwood guys are British, so it seems). 4-1 after half an hour, and it suddenly looked like "how many?".

Central Park made another change with Brian swung into the action, as Elwood used the stoppage to get their shit together and begin to work a bit harder, and actually started winning some more of that elusive possession.Whilst not a lone hand, gangly no. 9 (who with his strikingly white sleeves and spaghetti like arms resembled an Octopus or one of those inflatable whacky guy things used car salesmen attract business with) was clearly Elwood's most dangerous scoring option and kept all four Ranger's defenders on guard as he drifted into space across the park. Fitting it was then that he was the one to get in behind the Rangers defence to put in a high floating cross that was bait for even an U9's goalie. With a sore hand (yes, i'm blaming that again) and feeling rather gun shy, Tim advanced out, calling the cross his own as he attempted to punch the ball away. A complete air swing transpired, that even the ball seemed to laugh about, as an unmarked Elwood player, hardly believing his luck, headed home the easiest of finishes.

(Whacky inflatable tube man!!! Did anyone else think numero 9 resembled one of these?)

Elwood were slowly gaining momentum, and no doubt thoughts of "let's test this keeper" were a constant. The home team again found themselves in a golden attacking position, and another cross found it's way in to the 18 yard box for a the Elwood captain to fabulously flick over a diving Tim in goals for a third score.

Whilst club plastic surgeon Ian Loh worked around the clock in building a prosthetic hand for Tim, the lads seemed puzzled about the extraordinary situation they found themselves in. A feeling that the game should've been dead and buried was clearly on the minds of all.

As the second half commenced, Elwood were clearly still riding high from their impressive comeback, and the better, more attacking team. Central Park meanwhile played like a World Cup Italian team - securing the lead with the very strong intent on defending it.

The rain tumbled harder, which probably suited the homesick Club UK, a tight and at times fiery clash unfolding. The referee, who up until this point had been hardly unsighted, other than to ignore the occasional offside, started to lose his shit a little bit and flash more than the odd yellow card.

Verbal sprays were becoming a norm, as Rowland enjoyed a spicy relationship with several Elwood heavies, including their linesman*, who even from where i was standing in goals, clearly advantaged his side on more than one occasion for the sake of possession.

*see excerpt below from previous Rangers Vs Elwood fixture.....

An equally frustrated Elwood kicked the ball away more than once, earning their own piece of yellow, however it was the hack on Hendy by the last man in defence that should've garnered red. Somehow, with a certain goal unsportingly squandered, Elwood retained 11 men.

George kept himself involved, and was also rewarded with a yellow card, tempers continuing to fray. A gallant Central Park defended extremely well under a mountain of pressure, long range shots, swinging corners and dead ball free kicks all testing the lads mettle.

As the clock wound down, it seemed like Central Park might just hold on, and to win it was looking like this might be necessary - Hendy couldn't take a trick and bury any number of the chances presented his way, whilst Alex B's leg looked as though he'd been gone to town on with a Bobby's baton. Jeremy led by example and hit hard - and maybe that was where Ranger's were a little bit lacking in the latter stages. The more seasoned (older) Elwood conditioning was proving handy as legs grew weary.

A corner with 5 minutes on the clock was wizzed in by Elwood who found two at the back, one of which managed to brilliantly head home from point blank range for an equaliser.

The lads sat in silence eating oranges out of Brian's finest Gorge Jensen silverware. Perhaps this would be the only silverware to end up in our keeping this year, but nobody can dispute the level of heart, commitment and improvement the guys have shown in the back half of the season.

Best: Tim N.....       chillax, i'm kidding! Rowland was da man this week
The Rest: Tim C, Petrakos, Tom, Ian, George, Alex B
Christy Brown: Tim's thumb

"Rowland's Vindication"

*Central Park Vs Elwood, 19/05/2013

You could look it either way - we were down to one option for linesman, or no substitutes. As Central Park powered on, it was the curse of the other (i.e.- theirs) linesman who would play the bigger role. Our old Elwood henchman (more on him later) foe, so offside that he was more or less tending to the roses in the greenhouse up the western end of Central Park, found himself lumbering towards goal. A well placed and unchallenged shot found Tim napping at the near post for the opener. A sheepish looking Elwood linesman felt the chastising of the Rangers back four (c'mon, play it straight buddy, you effed up....). 

Match Report: Thirds Vs Middle Park

Sunday 28th July 2013, Webber's Garage, Albert Park
Middle Park 1 - Central Park 1

High viz  wardrobe proves X Factor as Middle Park sneak home.

Words like “character”, “determination” and “triangle” are bandied around far too freely these days. And by these days I don’t specifically mean today. I mean these current times in which we live. These material times. These times in which I am a material girl. Or boy. The celebrity driven, x factor loving, reality-fame driven bubble. Yes, we are inundated with words that no longer have import. They have been hijacked by every Tom, Dick and Harry who is next in line for their 8 minutes of fame:

This is Timmy, a 13 year old singer songwriter from Mallobumby. Mallobumby is a country town with a population of 16. Mallobumby used to have a booming steel industry. But hit tough times during the glam metal years when half the town left to chase the glam dream. Those that stay recall the halcyon days of Miss, the local cross dressing glam rock band dedicated to Kiss who played every Thursday at the local RSL. Some families stayed, including Timmy’s family. Timmy was raised by his grandfather who is 83. Timmy’s grandfather can’t be here because he is coprophobic. Timmy’s parents died after an anaphylactic reaction to face makeup. A large statue of lipstick stands proudly next to a slouch hat digger in memory of Timmy’s parents. Timmy’s whole town is behind him. Except Errol. Errol is angry at Timmy because Timmy wouldn’t put his hands in Errol’s pockets. Giggity. This is Timmy’s chance to shine. His point to prove. His moment…..

No friends that is not character. Character is being the bottom team on the Sunday league ladder and not giving an inch. Battling against the second top team in the league until the 93^rd minute. Character. Drive. Resolve. Central showed plenty of it. Triangle.

And so it was that the Central Park boys turned up to find a highly skilled 15 or so players in yellow high visibility shirts running through game day drills. It was the antithesis of council workers everywhere.

Central Park adopted a traditional 4-4-2, which worked well in the early exchanges. Possession was even with a much of the game being played either side of the halfway line. I guess that’s where it’s normally played. But my point is that both sides struggled to get into any decent attacking position.

Central’s defence stood strong with Rowland and Reuben forming a rock solid partnership. Rowland was strong in the one on ones. Reuben dominated in the tackle, but also looked for a pass each time he won possession - a unique attribute for Sunday league football. The Central lads were able to pass out of defence and backwards in times of danger.  This relieved much of the midfield pressure.

The midfield was strong with good communication from Tim C. Bushranger Tim provided some nice touches and one-twos. The wide men did their jobs, bombing the wings and helping out in defence. Few, if any, genuine opportunities fell to the strikers, but what scraps did come were largely snuffed out by Council.

The yellow team deftly hit a free kick outside the box, which was rudely fended away by a ridiculous full diving stretch save from our keeper. Tim C made it into the box via a jinking run, but only managed to shoot weakly. Central were unable to capitalise from the parried save. Finally, a cross from Alex caught a head and ballooned towards the 30 yd box. Ed, text book like, hit a thunderbolt volley which whistled a couple of centimetres over the bar. It deserved better. Central shut up shop in the last 5 minutes looking to preserve the scoreline into the half time break.

Half time was met with careful optimism. The central park boys looked to stay in the game and eke out a draw or snatch a vital goal. The boys decided to stick to the same plan and avoid a cheap goal, lest all our efforts drain away like sands through the hourglass.

The yellow team came out with a similar resolve in the second half. One sensed their internal dialogue, ‘how the farq are these guys bottom of the table?’ Again few chances presented. And the few chances that did present were squandered. A bit like kars and alex did during my stag weekend in Byron, although Kars was less prolific with his assists. But that’s for another blog.

Standout performers in the second half were Reuben who put in a lung busting box to box performance - some outstanding tackles, followed by the arrogance to pirouette, fade and pick out passes under pressure. Big Ed was all over the pitch winning some crucial first time contests and making some loping but highly efficient runs down the flanks. Young Tom got in on the action and was his usual creative self and loomed large going forward. Alex started finding range with the left boot and pinged in a few solid crosses. Very few mistakes were made and the central boys really did stand up and give it a solid crack. Tim C managed another jink into the box but could not poke the ball on target with a three way contest between himself, defender and goalkeeper.

The yellow team, sensing they may be undone by the central boys, made some wholesale changes and brought on fresh legs to really challenge the tiring central park lads. And so, the changes proved, in hindsight, to be the difference. A fresh faced and fresh legged winger charged down the flank to hit a bouncing ball from 40 yards which floated our keeper. In no way keeps’ fault. One of those ones which, off the boot, has only one destination. The jury is out as to whether it was a shot or a cross, but the outcome was the same. And central were one goal down.

Now Central have been accustomed to cracking in similar situations this season. And from the restart heads were down. Rarely have the central boys played better, yet still trailed by a goal. But the pessimism did not last long and nearly everyone stepped up to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Central have been guilty of looking to others to make the difference in such situations, but there was an individual resolve which resulted in a collective character. Determination. Fortitude. Triangle.

Several goal mouth scrambles ensued, mostly at the yellow end. Central had a couple of chances to draw level had the shooting boots been on. Alas the few chances that presented were snatched or skewed. It was end to end stuff with Central’s shape largely holding and everyone looking to get back and prevent the second goal. Finally, the whistle blew for full time. It was curtains for Sunday. Theatre of the highest quality. Slightly anti-climactic for the central lads, but like a lars von trier film, there was plenty to take away and think about.

BOG – Reuben 

The Rest – Ed, Keeper (everyone else).

Positives – shape, chat and grit. Negatives – lack of that bit of quality in the final third.

Next week – I went to Einstein on the Beach on Friday night. No, not a new hipster bar in Collingwood. It is, in fact, an opera by Philip glass in 4 parts. I heard this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9CuZD69pJ8&list=AL94UKMTqg-9CxrePSXtp13JWORqWx2iJu I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure they play this to the Barcelona Youth Academy players when they are in their mothers’ womb. It’s literal translation is “offer pass accept offer pass accept offer pass accept offer”. Please ensure that it is going through your mind for 90 minutes on Sunday. If you have the ball, pass it. If you don’t, create an option to receive it. Repeat. Triangle.