These are the finals that Waverley are playing this weekend. If you have the time go and support your club.

Men SL 1 – Sunday 2:00 pm S-1

Women SL1 – Sunday 10:30 am S-1

Men pennant A – Saturday 12:15 pm S-1

Women pennant A – Saturday 2:00 pm S-1

Women Pennant D – Saturday 5:30 pm H-1

Men Met 2 North – Saturday 2:00 pm Waverley

Women Met 3 South – Saturday 12:15 pm Waverley

Men Met 4 East – Saturday 3:45 pm H-1

On early Sunday morning the panthers turned up to play the last round match of the year. The game against 4th placed Maccabi was to decide the minor premiership.
SL 1 player Steve JARVIS made the mistake of turning up to watch his brother play and when our umpire did not turn up he was asked and umpired for us. Maccabi also turned up without an umpire and injured veteran Simon LEUNG stepped up to help out.
The game started strongly with Waverley attacking strongly but Maccabi were able to repel our attacks. Our strikers and midfielders were able keep the pressure on Maccabi and it resulted in the panthers slotting some goals.
I cant remember how but Daniel DOBBINS and Tim STOCKS finished up with 2 goals, Darryl SEEDSMAN, Ben HOCKING and Greg STRYDOM all ended up with a goal.
The longer the game went on the more the only 11 Maccabi players started to get tired. This resulted in the game being very stretched and sometimes Maccabi having 3 players in their attacking 25 while the other 8 players were defending in the 25.
The final score ended up being a 7-0 win to the panthers which guaranteed us the minor premiership and promotion to Met 1 in 2011. Next thing is the final series. First up is Doncaster at home on Saturday.
Congratulations to the men and women SL1 teams for winning the minor premiership. Congratulations also the men and women pennant A, women pennant D, men’s met 4 East, women’s met 3 south and the men’s and women’s veterans teams for making the finals.
Good luck to all.

Saturday saw Waverley’s top Men’s and Women’s sides take to the field with the opportunity to finish 1st in their respective SL1 divisions. The SL1 Men this week headed out to Essendon Hockey Ground to battle the home-side under the leadership of the “Chief Panther”, Zac Hawes. As with the previous week, Waverley were missing both Tim Wischusen and Travis Brooks, for this crucial game, who were away with the Victorian Vikings, playing in the AHL finals series.

The SL1 top 4 was in the balance, with the possibility of 3 of the 4 sides all finishing on 38 points, with only goal difference to decide the final placings, the minor premiership and the much desired second chance in what will be a hard fought finals series. With 2 of the top 4 sides already having played all 18 games and Camberwell with the task of playing last placed Melbourne Univeristy, 1st place was up for grabs for the Panthers if they did the hard work. The equation was simple: if Waverley lost, they would finish 5th and out of the finals race altogether. If they drew with Essendon, Waverley would finish 3rd, in finals but without a second chance and no possibility of a week off. However, a win would place the Panthers in 1st position, and give them the best chance of taking home the SL1 premiership in 2010.

A later start saw the Waverley boys take to the field at 3.30 pm on Saturday afternoon for this important game. Zac’s Men began the game with fierce intensity, taking the ball to start the game, and immediately creating an attacking play. This early momentum saw the Waverley boys up and around their forward circle in the first 10 seconds of play, looking like it was going to be a day out for the boys in navy blue and white. This was not to be the case. When turned over, Essendon went streaming forward with plenty of run and carry, and seemed to get an extra man up in their attacking half. This quickly translated into a scoring opportunity, which was put away by the Bombers extra man, on the post, to put the home side up 1-0. With this dramatic swing of momentum, Essendon were motivated by their chance to play finals for the first time in several years. This continued with the home side slotting another 2 goals in quick succession to put the shell-shocked panthers down 0-3 only 15 min into this round 18 clash.

Jogging back to the half line after that third goal, the Panthers knew they were going to have to dig deep if they were to “continue on the journey” that coach Zac Hawes and the playing group had set for them selves in the early stages of pre-season 2009/2010. A number of players weren’t having their best day, requiring a couple of quiet reminders from the coach. Along with this, the men at the core of Waverley’s defensive unit, lead by Corey Joseph, pulled themselves and those around them into shape, in a bid to switch the momentum of the game just one more time. The next attacking effort from the Waverley boys saw a scrap around the goal line that was eaten up by Wes ‘Old Pro’ Moore, who never misses a tough opportunity to put one in when required. With half time inching closer and closer, Zac felt as though his Men probably needed one more goal on the board to put them in the position required to take a victory from this difficult position.
With only seconds remaining in the first half, Waverley were awarded a short corner. The decision was made in the huddle at the top of the circle that Steve Jarvis, Waverley’s first real drag-flicking specialist since Luke Doerner, had the task of putting the game within reach before the half way-point in the match. The push came out lightening fast from ‘Old Pro’, trapped dead, from which the ball was hurtled towards the goals… The ball came into contact with an Essendon player on the post, from whom it was deflected into the goals, causing Waverley to celebrate. This celebration, however, was cut short by the umpires rushing over to each other to confer whether or not the goal was in fact a goal. To Waverley’s dismay, and Essendon’s delight, the umpires awarded another short corner due to the line of the “ball just missing the goals”. As I myself thought, “if it’s a corner, then it’s a goal. Surely ‘advantage’ goes to Waverley”. This decision again, was short lived, and due to a few quite words from the Waverley players, coach, coaching staff, managers and supporters, common sense prevailed and the umpires turned their decision over once more to award Waverley a goal. Half time saw the Panthers 2-3 down.

A passionate Zac Hawes lay down the law to his troops in his half time address. Volumes of which, were heard by some of the Waverley faithful on the other side of the ground. This stirring speech set the scene for the second half, with the Waverley Men having absolutely no doubt in their minds of what was required on every level in order to take home the chocolates.
Waverley began the second half with a structure and flow to their game that was much more recognisable to those who watch regularly. The ball was moved swiftly around the back three and the forwards seemed to have a lot more fluidity in their leads and attacking play. Although this didn’t translate into a flood of goals, the ball rarely reached Waverley’s defensive circle and created many attacking opportunities for the Panthers. Early in this second half, it was none other than Wes ‘Old Pro’ Moore, who once again stepped up to the plate to score the equaliser and place the momentum firmly in Waverley’s favour. Not surprisingly, the experienced players perform in big games such as these and it was again the ‘Old Pro’ whom secured the lead for the Panthers mid-way through this second half to make it 4-3 and give Zac’s Men the lead for the first time in the match.

Although Waverley had the lead, they knew that one breakaway for the opposition could be the difference between finishing 1st or 3rd at the end of season 2010. With this in mind, there was one or two attacking plays from Essendon, however, these were repelled by keeper Tom Scott and his defence. Waverley managed several more attacking plays in last 10 minutes of the game, one of which resulted in a short corner. Knowing that a goal would secure top spot and put the game out of reach for the home-side, the Panthers put their best foot forward. With Waverley’s corner battery looking vastly different from the previous 3 years, they have converted significantly more opportunities this year, with this occasion being no exception. With a long bunt from new Waverley recruit Lewis Mathews, the ball was delivered to Simon Preston wide on the left who was able to lace out a pass to Danny Brennan on the spot. He made no mistake, deflecting the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net, to secure the win, secure top spot on the SL1 ladder and reward the boys with the minor premiership in season 2010.

The boys celebrated with measure, knowing that although it was a great win, “a roller-coaster ride” (Aaron ‘Sparrow’ Swindells’), that the hard work was only about to begin. The Waverley boys are doing all that they can to prepare themselves for a 1st Vs 2nd clash this week against Hawthorn, which began with an early Sunday morning recovery session at Elwood Beach. The State Hockey Centre will be host to the SL1 finals series, with all games being held on Sundays. The winner of this week’s game will get a week off and head straight into the SL1 Grand Final.
Please come and support your clubs top side this weekend on SUNDAY at 2pm at the SHC. ‘Chief Panther’ Zac Hawes demands it!!

Zac BOG (best on ground) went to Corey Joseph
Skin Institute MVP ($100) went to Wes ‘Old Pro’ Moore

Great effort by Karl Giersch and his band of helpers

Brett Meyer

Megan Meyer

Scott Keating

Dan Keating

Michael Keating

Karon Oldfield

Sonalie Muttiah

Anique Muttiah

Charles Green

Colleen McCormack

Karen Malysiak

Josh Malysiak

 who gave up some of their time on on Sunday to man Bunnings BBQand raised in excess of $1000 for the club.

Well done and I hope I have not left anyone out

Help us celebrate our 2010 Senior Presentation Night at the Manningham Hotel on the 29th October. The night promises to be one to remember, with hors d’oevres on arrival followed by a three-course meal inclusive of beer, wine, soft drinks and entertainment throughout the evening.

• Time: 7.15pm arrival for 7.30pm
• Dress: After 5
• Tickets $85 including all food and drinks

Please contact us confirming your attendance for table arrangements by downloading and returning a ticket order form.

Now that the reguar season is almost over, its time to start thinking about indoor hockey. For the juniors, teams are being considered for U11, U13, U15, U17 competitions available depending on the level of interest. Where there is not enough boys/girls for a team there are mixed competitions. We are also looking for coaches for these teams.

Senior men and women interested in playing indoor need to contact their respective president, Don Larter or Danita Eastman.

Teams will be finalised and entered this Friday the 3rd September so you need to think quickly and register your interest.

More information, enquiries and registration of interest can about indoor hockey can be made to Brian Maddock via email at indoor@waverleyhc.org.au.

Round 17 saw the Met 2 North panthers take on its toughest opponent in 2nd place Doncaster. This game would decide who won the minor premiership and be promoted to Met 1 in 2011.

On a warm day the game started well with a back and forward tussle between the midfields producing some good hockey. David HOWSON started the game well and didn’t stop all game. He was well supported by Rudy LAMEJIN and Ben HOCKING in making some good runs but also supporting the defence as well.

The panthers had the most of the possession to start with but Doncaster defended well to repel our attacks, they then turned this into attack by gaining a free hit on the top and the centre half slipping a pass to the right for a good shot to go past Dion STERGIOU’S pads for Doncaster to go 1 up.

I have no idea how it happened but Benny HOCKING scored a goal to put us even at 1-1.

The game continued but neither team was able to gain any ascendency. Some minor discipline issues started to come out and captain Daniel DOBBINS bore the brunt of the umpire by spending some time on the bench before half time.

The 2nd half started well and again the play was free flowing. Waverley was able to obtain a short corner. Greg STRYDOM stepped up to the mark and put a direct shot through the keepers pads to put us up 2-1. Doncaster were able to hit back quickly and level the game 2-2. Doncaster again scored to put the game at 3-2.

Waverley gained another short corner and I called a variation, but Rudy reminded me that he hadn’t had a flick yet, so I said go for it. He was able to put the ball to the keepers right and into the net for 3-3.

Some more disciplinary issues sprung up with Ben HOCKING and Rohan JOSHNA spending time on the bench. The game stayed that way to the end with a draw a fitting result.

A massive thanks to Ian HOCKING for coming to umpire in a big and important game.

All that is required this week is a draw against 4th placed Maccabi to obtain the minor premiership. Here’s hoping.

Waverley Hockey Clubs top men’s side took one step closer this weekend towards playing a significant role in Victoria’s most elite competition, State League 1 (SL1).

With the Australian Hockey League (AHL) this year being played intermittently throughout the regular SL1 season, many games have been moved around to accommodate sides that have a number of players representing their state. As a result of this, a number of the clubs in the SL1 top 4 have already played all 18 rounds of the regular season, with ladder points and goal difference already decided. Prior to the commencement of round 17 saw Waverley sitting 4th on the SL1 ladder, although only 2 points separated 1st to 4th.

Coming up against a solid opponent, in MCC, this was a must win game for the club. Waverley were missing two of their stars from the midfield and forward line due to AHL commitments, however, the players that replaced them in the side this weekend took their opportunities and played a significant role on the day. The venue for Saturday’s encounter was played at Victoria’s premium hockey facility, the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville.

Waverley started the game well, controlling the play early. Firm ball movement around the back and hard running up front saw the Panthers get early an pay off through a short corner. From this, the Panthers were able to put their first goal on the board through Tim Thompson, whom put the ball in the top of the net. Not long after this, Waverley made it 2-0 through their highest goal scorer of the season, Aaron ‘sparrow’ Swindells, which brings his tally to 12.

At this point, the momentum began to change a little with MCC having multiple attacking plays. Eventually this resulted in a short corner, which was converted, making the score 2-1. As Waverley slowly regained ascendancy late in the first half, the panther’s key short corner weapon, Steve Jarvis, stepped up to the plate and delivered what was required. At the half time break, the score line stood at Waverley 3, MCC1.

After a stirring half time talk from coach Zac Hawes, the Panthers took to the pitch with renewed desire and vigor. With multiple attacking plays early in the second half, Waverley went without reward for some time. With 15 minutes remaining in the game, however, Luke Anthony was able to run around behind the MCC defence and along the base line and give a perfectly weighted cross to Nick Dallimore who put away the opportunity to make it 4-1. With Waverley firmly in the drivers seat, 5 minutes later saw Nick Dallimore again with possession of the ball inside the attacking circle, but this time he returned the favour and passed to Luke Anthony on the post to seal the game at 5-1.

This result means that Waverley are only one game away from finishing in the top 4 and playing a significant role in the SL1 finals in 2010. The top 4 sides are so close on points, however, that a win in round 18 will mean Waverley finishes 1st but a loss puts them 5th and out of the finals. This massive game will see the Panthers take on Essendon at Essendon on Saturday at 3.30 pm.

Recent reports have lamented defensive lapses, missed goal scoring chances and lost opportunities to win games that would have helped the Waverley Under 17 Shield team to secure a position in the final four. The performance of the team in this Round 16 clash against top of the table TEM was in stark contrast to these reports – it was a game in which every player displayed focus, applied himself and made a significant contribution.

Some of the highlights of this game included:

• A magnificent performance by Ben Wilkinson in goal. There is no doubt that the result would have been very different had it not been for his numerous spectacular saves.
• A lead by example performance from David Jensen (Captain).
• Sensational running from David Howson that saw him continually break through the TEM lines.
• The wonderful defensive pressure, hard running and creative ball movement from Todd Cope, Zac Davis, Patrick Rawlins, Stuart Rayner and Jonathan Wentworth that consistently halted TEM forays forward and subsequently set up many Waverley offensive moves.

First Half

Goal 1: Unlike previous weeks, it was the Waverley team that put early scoreboard pressure on the opposition when a brilliant David Jensen run resulted in the ball being moved into the circle to Nicholas Spencer. Nick’s precise pass to James Munro on the spot resulted in an excellent flick into the back of the goal.

Goal 2: Some skilful stick work saw a number of TEM players eliminated with the subsequent back stick pass from Munro finding a well positioned Elliot Kitchingham. With poise, Elliot clinically slotted the ball home.
Following a dominant performance in the first half that resulted in a 2-0 score, some in the crowd were no doubt waiting for a lapse that would allow Waverley’s highly fancied opposition to assert itself. However this was not to be as the boys entered the second half fray with even greater determination and application.

Second Half

Goal 3: A disciplined offensive play was rewarded with a short corner. Waverley grasped this chance via an excellent penalty corner drag, clean trap and powerful drag flick by Munro into the top left hand corner of the net.

Goal 4: Tomahawk specialist, Riley Maddock produced another gem as his powerful shot beat the TEM goalkeeper and enabled Waverley to stamp its authority on the game.

Goal 5: A clean trap, deft stick skills and a low flick were the ingredients employed by Nick Steffens to score a classy goal.

Goal 6: Nicholas Spencer completed the Waverley performance when he was rewarded for his extraordinary hard work throughout the game. Nick kept a cool head in the circle and used fine finishing skills to score an excellent goal.

The Team: Todd Cope, Zac Davis, David Howson, David Jensen (Captain), Elliot Kitchingham, Riley Maddock, James Munro, Patrick Rawlins, Stuart Rayner, Nicholas Spencer, Nicholas Steffens, Jonathan Wentworth and Ben Wilkinson.