cardiffhawks-blog

[cardiffhawks-blog]

BLACK DIAMOND CUP REPORT

By Coach Nathan Harkness

Finally back on our home deck we hosted KIllarney Vale on yet another beautiful day in Cardiff.   With the side not quite settled yet, we again had many changes. Special mention to Dave Graan returning for 2017 and Zac Moore playing his first 1st grade game for Cardiff FC.

It took 5 seconds to kick our first goal.  Simon O'Brien's fast centre clearence and kicking the ball deep into our forward 50, ending up with Dave Graan running into an open goal. This was the start we were looking for, but the rest of the first quarter was a bit of an arm wrestle and in a close contest we only kicked three goals to KIllarney Vale one goal. By half-time the game had opened up with Simon O'Brien,Marcus DeLeur, Matt Vukovich, Nick Chapman, Brandt Job and Tom Yensch combining in the middle with plenty of delivery to our forwards with Cam Jones kicking 4 goals in the first half.

The second half was much the same as the second quarter and we powered away with the final winning margin being 97 points. Zac Metcalf continues his outstanding form with restricting KIllarney Vale's  coach Scott Reed to only 2 goals and also creating plenty of rebounds out of defence.  Lenny Pratt has started to gather some solid form and looks very settled playing the small defender role. In patches the midfield and half back line connected better with our forwards which enabled the forwards to finish off the some  positive ball movement with Tom Quade, Aaron Wivell, Cam Jones, Beau Heeney Dave Graan and Brandt Job all kicking multiple goals.

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 21.18.144 Killarney Vale 6.11.47

Best Players:

Z. Metcalfe, S. O'Brien, T. Quade, T. Yensch, M. DeLeur, C. Jones.

Goal Kickers:

T. Quade 5, A. Wivell 4, C. Jones 4, D. Graan 2, B. Job 2, J. Lennon, S. O''Brien, B. Heeney, C. Mayo.

RESERVE GRADE REPORT

By Captain Tony Edser

The Hawks returned to the nest after a gallant effort last week against Terrigal. Killarney Vale came into the game up and about after recording 3 wins to start their season. The game started well for the bombers who kicked the first major and controlled the game for the first 10 minutes.

Josh Murphy got the Hawks on the score board after a strong mark and spectacular set shot from the boundary. This was the first of 7 goals for J Murph who played his strongest game of the season. A strong midfield performance from Jesse “Rory Smith” Coombes, Miles Petersen, and Andrew Walker ensured the Hawks finished the half in front despite not taking advantage of inside 50’s and overall possession.

The third quarter for the Hawks was more pedestrian than the over 90’s 100m sprint. No intensity, no commitment, or accountability. This was reflected on the scoreboard at ¾ time as a health lead turned into a level game. Tom Lashlie took the game by the horns and ensured the Hawks recorded a win at the nest. His best on ground was a great display especially in the fourth quarter changing the momentum of the game. Lots to work on, but we are heading in the right direction.

#flytogether

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 15.15.105 Killarney Vale 9.12.66

LADY HAWKS REPORTBy Coach Paul Cooksley

A beautiful day greeted the players at Hillsborough oval for their encounter with Kilarney Vale. A few outs saw a few positional changes, with Mollie Palmer starting in the midfield and Imogen Mahony coming in on the wing. Sarah Dodds was a welcome in, starting on the halfback flank. A strong start from the hawks wasn’t quite enough as the bombers took an early lead with 2 goals to lead, 13- 1 at the first break.

[caption id="attachment_700" align="aligncenter" width="449"]

Photo credit: Lyn Cooksley[/caption]

The second quarter was a very contested affair with both teams hard at the foot. The hawks defense was under the pump with Faith Lewis and Iesha Veness repelling raids with solid defensive work abley supported by midfielders Jess Day, Apryl Baily and Mollie Palmer who flooded back well to help the defense out. A weight of possession and field position to the bombers proved too much and we went to the main break 22-1 down, which was a very good result given the amount of time the ball was in our defensive 50.

Nothing much changed in the third quarter with good, hard, contested footy. Our ruck duo Jade and Madi Ryan kept toiling hard as they continue to build their reputation as formidable rucks. Sam Kelly is proving valuable up forward with good communication skills and willingness to put blocks on defenders, enabling our forwards that little bit more time to settle. Sara Gilbert scored to send the hawks to the final break down 41-7.

The fourth quarter would prove what a bunch of fighters we have on our hands here. Again the defense were under pressure but our back 6 werent giving in. Cat Reed was giving her opponent nothing and the mids continued to push back and help out. Despite being down on rotation and behind on the scoreboard our Lady Hawks finished the game with their best quarter, scoring 2 goals and conceding just one. It was a quarter full of courage and I am so proud of the way we finished the game off. I don’t think the scoreboard reflected our efforts on the day and I look forward to the next game knowing we are always going to give 100% effort.

Special mention to Nicola Walker, Apryl Baily, Sarah Dodds, Jess Day, Mollie Palmer, Iesha Veness, Deb Carlin, Jade Ryan and Madi Ryan.

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 3.2.20 Killarney Vale 7.7.49

[cardiffhawks-blog]

Hawks Coaches' Reports Round 4 – 29.04.2017

BLACK DIAMOND CUP REPORT

By Coach Nathan Harkness

On an outstanding day for football, we travelled down to the Central Coast to play in a top of the table clash against Terrigal Avoca. Due to certain circumstances we had a few changes from last weeks team, which included some big inclusions - Nick Kocon, Beau Heeney, Marcus De Leur, Dan Mulvey, Tom Quade, Jack Pratt, Trent Thompson and Lenny Pratt.

We got off to a reasonable start kicking three goals to four in the first quarter, but after losing Jack Pratt, Liam Gibson and Bryce Graetz to injuries during the second quarter the already massive task become an even higher mountain to climb. Four goals down at the main break we started the third quarter with many scoring opportunities. But unfortunately we only scored three points to Terrigal's three goals.

The last quarter was basically damage control as the loss of three players to injuries and Terrigal's large ground was just too much for us. Marcus De Leur's return was a true reflection of his spirited character and was simply outstanding in the middle of the ground and back in defence.  Matt Vukovich and Simon O'Brien were super in the middle and their efforts throughout the game were truly brilliant. The return of Beau Heeney was very exciting in patches and when Beau's fitness peaks he will add a huge X factor to the team. Nick Chapman, Chad Mayo and Zac Metcalf were solid performers throughout the game and are quickly becoming valuable assets to the team.  Tom Yensch was again a massive contributor all round the ground and won this weeks players player award. The players player award is presented at one of our major sponsors -  Duke of Wellington Hotel after every game at approximately 7pm.

Next week we host Killarney Vale at Hillsborough Oval at 2pm on 6 May.

Final Score:

Terrigal Avoca 20.15.135 Cardiff Hawks 8.7.55

Goal Kickers:

T. Yensch 2, T. Quade 2, M. De Leur 2,  T. Thompson, A. Wivell.

RESERVE GRADE REPORTBy Coach Peter Bleus

With more withdrawals than a Catholic marital bed during the week, it was going to be a big ask for the Hawks to continue their hard winning performances of the previous weeks as we travelled to Gosford.

A late change from 18 on the field to 16 didn't help the Hawks as they sought to modify their defensive structures and the early confusion cost them a quick goal. The glove had been thrown down and it was now up to Cardiff to respond.

The Hawks dominance was not felt in the middle of the ground as it had been in previous weeks and indirect kicking by both teams had kept each other in the game.

Despite a small lead by the Panthers at the end of the first quarter, the Hawks continued to apply pressure with 4 separate goal scorers in the second half to share the scoring like a bowl of keys at a 1970s neighbourhood party to trail by just 2 points at the long break.

The third quarter, as we all know is the premiership quarter and this set the scene for the final score as Terrigal started to kick away outscoring Cardiff 4 goals to 1.

The final quarter, whilst won by Terrigal, never delivered the final coup de grace Terrigal would have hoped for as the Cardiff boys toiled away like a fat mans belt, constantly under pressure but never giving up, leaving the two Cardiff coaches proud of the teams efforts.

Special mentions needs to go to Zac Moore who saw more leather than a high flying Sydney lawyer at the Hellfire club and Matt Erich "the stealth bomber" who doesn't appear on the radar until he's right there. Jesse Coombe also deserves special attention. Just like the guy your girlfriend tells you not to worry about, keep your eye on him.

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 9.10.64 Warners Bay 15.10.100

LADY HAWKS REPORTBy Coach Paul Cooksley

On Saturday the Lady Hawks travelled to Don Small Oval at Tacoma to take on Wyong Lakes. The game started with real intent, as both teams competed hard for the early ball. The more experienced Wyong took an early lead, but the Hawks weren’t deterred and responded with a Goal of their own, through Sara Gilbert, to go into ¼ time down by just 11 points.

The intensity increased further in the second term with the hawks pilling on the pressure, making it difficult for Wyong to get their game going. This kept Wyong scoreless throughout the quarter while the Hawks powered on with another goal by Eliza Bunner, who returned to the field after several weeks on the sideline with a knee injury. The third quarter was much the same, both teams competed hard for the footy.

The Hawks won the quarter again to take a narrow lead. Sara Gilbert came through with another goal, assisted by Captain for the day, Sam Kelly, who put her body on the line with a courageous shepherd, holding two players up to allow Gilbert the time to score. The Fourth and final quarter was brutal, with both teams sensing victory. The Hawks were desperate in every contest and hung on to the narrow lead for most of the quarter.

Another goal from Sara Gilbert made the lead slightly bigger. Unfortunately it was Wyong who scored the vital goal to seal their 5 point win. The message after the game was not to focus on the score board but to focus on the many great things that we did throughout the game. In a game where there were so many contributions, I am reluctant to single out too many players.

However, I will give special mention to Jess Day, Faith Lewis, Jorja Gow, Madi Ryan, Jade Ryan and Sara Gilbert, but honestly, I could name the whole team.

Cheers, Cooky

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 4.5.29 Wyong Lakes 4.10.34

[cardiffhawks-blog]

Hawks Coaches' Reports Round 2 – 8.04.2017BLACK DIAMOND CUP REPORTBy Coach Nathan HarknessRESERVE GRADE REPORTBy Coach Peter Bleus LADY HAWKS REPORTBy Coach Peter Austin

Round 2 was against Nelson Bay and due to Hillsborough Oval's unplayable surface the game was transferred to Nelson Bay.  This made the already tough task even harder as Nelson Bay has a reputation of being a stronger side on their own deck.

19 points down at quarter time and we knew we were in for a massive fight. We re-grouped and focused on our tackling pressure as that was down in the first term from where we wanted to be. Deputy Vice Captain Nick Chapman and electric forward Aaron Wivell finished off some super midfield pressure both kicking 3 goals by half time.

Unfortunately Matt Cross and Eithan Millward sustained injuries early in the second term not allowing either to take any further part in the game leaving us only two on the bench for the rest of the game.  Understanding the huge task over the next half we kicked five goals in the third quarter giving us a healthy lead going into the last. The Marlins came out fighting, but our defense stood up under Nelson Bay's enormous pressure to hang onto a ten point win.

Julian Clements played a vital role in defense nullifying one of the Marlins damaging small forwards.  Nick Chapman, Marcus De Leur and ruckman Tom Yensch were all massive contributors in the middle. Aaron Wivell kicked six goals down forward and continued his exciting form. But young gun Brandt Job was a clear best on ground with 2 goals and an abundant of possessions all over the ground.

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 12.8-80 Nelson Bay Marlins 10.10-70

Best Players:

Brandt Job, Nick Chapman, Julian Clements, Tom Yensch, Aaron Wivell and Marcus De Leur.

Goal Kickers:

A. WIVELL 6, N. CHAPMAN 3, B. JOB 2, J. MURPHY 1.

The Sun was high and the air was still, as the horn sounded and the first centre bounce was won by Cardiff. Few were lost that day.

Toby "the doctor" Marchant sliced his way through the opposition, like the knife of an especially fastidious and steady handed surgeon, moving the ball forward with ease, unaffected by the carnage and destruction left behind him.

The ball moved well into the forward line all day as Mick Ryan and Clinton James gorged themselves at the trough off an all you can kick goal scoring buffet. Meanwhile Cam "I don't know if my shoulder is up to it" Jones spent almost his entire day with his arms up in the air pulling down marks, suggesting his shoulder may be in better shape than he suggested.

Whilst the backs were not under a great deal of pressure during the day, they stood firm in their resolve, with Scott "the Wolfman" Wolfenden showing very early on his commitment to the team game plan and the work that he had put in all off season.

It would have been easy for the Hawks to slow down after half time, like a middle aged weekend cyclist simply coasting down the hill but they chose to keep their heads down and show their discipline, like a victorious Tour leader, by holding their zone on oppostition kickouts which lead to the legendary 7 point goal.

With so many players playing well it will be a hard decision to pick next week's team and attendance at training and commitment to our values of culture, communication and commitment will have to play a big part.

Well done boys.

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 24.15-159 Nelson Bay Marlins 1.3-9

Saturday's match takes us back to Nelson Bay to play the reining premiers. A boost in players during the week had us with 18 fit & enthusiastic footballers. Within the first five minutes Eliza had two possessions and then got injured. My heart nearly broke. Eliza is a good addition to the vocal bench but that's not what she gets paid to do.

A goal to Jess Day ( who did complain of lack of bum taps  )in the first quarter was just reward from the domination of the back six, who were repelling numerous attacking efforts. A low scoring first half put us in a position to create an upset. But as the match went on, the limited rotations would see that Cardiff were unable to narrow the scores.

Great efforts of all to play four demanding quarters of footy, most without a rest. Highlights was Jess's first goal of the season and her efforts all day, Jorja "I f@ck'n love to tackle" Gow and Sam Kelly were terrors around the ground. The continual improvements of Madi & Paige's accumulation of possessions were other positives for the team.

But best player with her marking, carry of the ball & determination was first gamer Iesha. Also noteworthy was Deb. Showing that age is no obstacle to determination and effort. Great day to be proud of efforts ...apart from some injuries. Get well Paige, Eliza and Abbey. And now Danica. Warners Bay next and this is a very even match up.. let's go Birds.

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 1.0-6 Nelson Bay Marlins 9.10-64

[cardiffhawks-blog]

R3 Hawks Coaches' Reports Round 3 – 22.04.2017

Black DIAMOND CUP REPORT By Coach Nathan Harkness RESERVE GRADE REPORT By Captain Tony Edser LADY HAWKS REPORTBy Coach Peter Austin

On an absolutely magnificent day we headed out to play Warners Bay on their new state of the art deck. With Chad Mayo, Jack Lennon, Toby Machart, Clint James, Cam Jones returning to 1st grade and Lauchlan Carey playing his first game of AFL football . The side had significant strengthening changes but was always going to be a tough task away from home.

We started off well with Keiren Bellemore kicking the first goal in the opening minute. But then we weren't able to hit the score board again until Aaron Wivell kicked his first in the second quarter. This was due to Waners bay's pressure around the contest and they played two spare men behind the ball. This game style made our inside fifties very difficult to connect with our forwards. Zac Metcalfe played loose in defence and was instrumental in us keeping relatively close on the score board going into the main break.

After changing up our structure our second half was a better spectacle, kicking five goals to one in the third quarter and three goals to one in the last, running out 26 point winners.

Simon O'Brien was instrumental in the middle of the ground as was Keiren Bellemore playing on the wing.  Keiren played his best game for our club and is starting to show his run and carry which is what we are trying to implement into our game. Dave O'Donnell and Bryce Greatz racked up important possessions , driving the ball forward,  giving our forwards important scoring opportunities.  Tom Yensch, Nick Chapman and Cam Jones were also solid throughout the game and gave us valuable versatility around the ground.

Final Score:

Cardiff Hawks 10. 8 - 68 Warners Bay 6.6-42

Best Players:

Zac Metcalfe, Keiren Bellemore, Bryce Graetz, Nick Chapman, Tom Yensch and Simon O'Brien.

Goal Kickers:

Cam Jones 3, Aaron Wivell 3, Tom Yensch, Matt Vukovich, Toby Machart, Keiren Bellemore.

With several key in’s and outs a new look Cardiff team headed to Warners Bay ready for their first real challenge of the season. Derby’s are always tight and this was no exception. With both teams undefeated the first quarter was tight and this was reflected on the scoreboard with Warners Bay leading 14-13.

Cardiff came out fighting in the second term and kicked 3 consecutive goals thanks to a strong middle performance from Beau Heeney, great vision up front from Tom Quade, and all over the park display from Paul Donkin and Trent Thompson.

Warners Bay showed resilience late in the half but defensive pressure from Nick Kocon, Peter Bleus, John Irish O’regan, and Jason Burgess ensured Cardiff went into the main break with a lead.

The third quarter was tight with much needed goals from Josh Murphy, Brendan Wold, and Zac Moore repelling a determined Warners Bay. Cardiff zoned up in the last quarter and smothered the dogs out of the contest. The inside 50 pressure was enormous, and despite Cardiff not converting their many chances this is the period that won the game.

Ten minutes was spent deep inside Warners Bay territory and ensured Cardiff came away with the four points and remained undefeated.

Final Score:

Cardiff 12.8.80 Warners Bay 7.8.50

An away game to Warners Bay with an expected close game came into fruition. The Cardiff Ladies team where strengthen by club senior recruiter Lynn Cooksley, in obtaining 6 new girls to the sport.  All new recruits, with limited previous AFL experience preformed magnificently on the day.  Their adaption to the new sport was inspiring to all.  Brooke Miller even chipped in with a goal after taking many marks around the ground.

First goals for the season to Maddison & Jade Ryan where just results after an excellent start to their season.  Captain for the day, Keeley also hit the score board to register a mighty goal. Apryl was setting the highest standard with her input into the game.

A dominate first quarter by the ladies kept Warners Bay scoreless but with a slight wind advantage would see Cardiff up by a mere one point at the half time break.  A tough second half with all players very keen to get on the field and march to victory.

Nicola was critical to team success with her efforts at CHB, Iesha was now the bounce queen with many fine running efforts and Jess " Wolf" Day scrapping, niggling and tackling with such determination that this writer would not like to play against her. All played so well that a loss was not a just reward but will provide motivation to continually improve. In the end Warners Bay would take the four points but Cardiff had success in many facets from this match

A great game, a fun game, and a close game resulted with players, staff and supporters all proud of the commitment and efforts of the ladies team.  I am sure that many that had had their first experience with AFL will be back for the next match against Wyong.

Final Score:

Cardiff 4.4.28 Warners Bay 5.2.32

[cardiffhawks-blog]

R1 Hawks Coach Reports Round 1 - 1.04.2017

RESERVE GRADE REPORTLADY HAWKS REPORT

What a great start to the season for the seniors with a massive win against the reigning premiers Newcastle City last Saturday by four points.

The new look side filled with 11 recruited or returning players took a little while to blow off some cobwebs and switch on to the job at hand. Trailing by 13 points at the first change we spoke about doing the basics in footy. This approach helped calm the boys nerves and we finally got our groove going kicking four of the last five goals in the second quarter. In the third quarter Brandt Job and Aaron Wivell both kicked two goals putting our noses in front by the end of the third quarter.

In the last term Dan Mulvey was moved forward and he kicked one of our three goals in the first ten minutes. Signs were looking good until a few of the boys started to cramp in their legs due to the heavy ground. So in the last fifteen minutes of the game we didn't have a bench and City kicked the next three goals bringing the margin back to a one point lead.

Tom Yensch took a big pack mark in the goal square and kicked a much needed goal which gave us some breathing space. With only 30 seconds left on the clock Brandt Job made a game winning tackle inside City's forward line and was rewarded with a free kick. That relentless effort by Brandt was enough to hold on to a four point win against City who we hadn't beat since round 17, 2013.

Tom Yensch was best on ground closely followed by Captain Simon O'Brien and Marcus De Leur who together controlled the middle for majority of the game. Chris Davis played an absolute ripper game with his run, marking and his disposal. Brandt Job played a super important team role kicking three goals and making the game winning tackle.  Dan Mulvey battled hard in defense until moved forward kicking a goal.

Final score

Cardiff FC 14. 10 - 94 - Newcastle City 13.12-90

Goal kickers: Tom Yensch 4, Brandt Job 3, Aaron Wivell 3, Dave O'Donnell 2, Daniel Mulvey 1, Marcus De Leur 1

This Saturday we are playing Nelson Bay at Dick Burwell Oval @ 2pm . We had a awesome crowd last week and would love to see as many Hawks fans as possible this Saturday.

Cheers,

Nathan

Read more from new Hawks Coach Nathan Harkness

A new look Cardiff Reserve Grade Squad headed to Maitland after a solid pre season on the track. With a good mixture of youth and experience, and the addition of new players to the club the signs were good early and this was reflected on the score board by quarter time.

Toby Marchant was great around the ball, while Mick Ryan gave Maitland plenty of headaches at Full Foward. Chad Mayo, Nick Kocon, and Regan Bowe controlled the game effortlessly when they had the ball, while our defenders were solid the whole game keeping Maitland to 1.2. Zac Moore who debuted for Cardiff was outstanding all over the park, kicking several goals, forcing turnovers, and linking handballs.

Despite our last quarter being our lowest scoring quarter it was the most pleasing - we hit targets, held the ball, and ran it out to the siren. We have plenty to work with, plenty to work on, and the 2017 should be an enjoyable season if the boys stay on the track and continue to build a new culture based on communication, commitment, and respect.

Cardiff Hawks 19.18 132 – Maitland Saints 1.2.8

#flytogether

Tony Edser

A midday start with only 17 players was not going to hamper this team. Many new faces with Cat lining up for her first game and the Ryan sisters debuting for the club/sport. In the first quarter Madi Ryan was a star in defence and Sam and Abbey were furious in keeping the ball in the forward line. Abbey with the first two goals of the season.

As Jade took control of the ruck, with Jess Day and Paige creating many forward entries to Sara resulted in goals. Newcastle were under a lot of pressure in their defensive half. Unfortunately our Abbey became injured during a tackle in the second quarter and was unable to continue. This left us with no subs. As Faith was needing a rest she suggested full forward.

This created a double prong attack with the rampaging Sara & between them they were scoring goals ( and points) a plenty. Keely & Mollie were rocks in the backline limiting Newcastle to just two scoring shots. Paige and Eliza showed the same great skills and endeavour as the gala day and were marking queens. Jorja was running (carrying) the ball well as per her training instructions.

Cat's many possessions ensured she was the star in that household Sat night. Well done to all, especially considering most players did not get a rest. Now to take on the reining premiers.

Cardiff 9.17 = 71 Newcastle 2.0 = 12

Austy

http://www.cardiffhawks.com.au/