Newtown Swans Junior Australian Football Club Inc.

Sweet Sucess Continues
Goddard Oval 5th July, 2008

In another wonderful team effort Newtown U 13's succeeded in dispatching a
resurgent Easts Bulldogs, who in their previous week's encounter had defeated reigning premiers West's by 6 points. Newtown are currently 4th on the ladder.

Another seesawing encounter, today's match saw the Doggies down only a
couple of straight kicks at each interval and it was not until the final quarter
that Newtown's Young Bloods were able to stamp their authority on the game
and over-run a tiring yet gallant opponent.

The Swans midfield were dominant, winning plenty of ball and the team was
well served by Sam and Finnean, whilst Tom was also on hand to collect the
hard ball and run through the pack. The Leading and Marking by Forwards
Hugo and Chester was a joy and will show their mid-field team mates that they
have targets up forward, especially when Harry and Victor are also chiming in.
There is plenty of talent and if they continue to hold the hard mark and make a
courageous, defensive contest of the spilled ball Newtown's forwards will give
their upcoming opponents plenty to think about. Jacob again had an effective
game on the wing. Mack again proved more than useful and the team thanks
Vivek and the clutch of 12’s playing up who really helped round out this as a
great club effort showing some moments of sublime footy.

The defense were well served again by a solid Asher and Milan. Zac and
Felix really stepped up today, as did James each of them to be seen getting
ball and throwing on a couple of wonderful tackles to make their Easts
opponent accountable. Calvin is getting back into form after a mid season
injury and Matt was always ready to get into the action.

On the ball or running with play, Greg, Steven and Victor all put in a solid
effort and another new boy Shane also looks like developing into a valuable
member of this confident and improving team.

The only dowsiide of today was that the growing numbers in the squad and
the fact that Easts requested a 16 per side encounter today, caused some
players to only get 2 or three quarters on field. Good to see Coach Bateman
is giving a few of his more experienced charges some time on the sidelines
thus allowing the new boys to experience some of the pressure of a full fledged
encounter. Keep at it Young Bloods - you are all an important part of your team.

East 6.6-42 def. by Newtown 11.10-76

Rod Monk

Newtown Find their Wings and Soar

Victory has come again to the quite improver's - our Under 13's. In what can only be described as a great team effort today, in beautiful winter sunshine, at home, the Newtown Swans U13 posted an emphatic win over Maroubra Saints in an entertaining and hard fought match. The lead changed hands throughout the game but in the final quarter Newtown's centres, who had won most of the contested rucks and bounces, finally found the arms of the strong leading forwards with some regularity.

The Saints beat the Young Bloods in the season's first game at Heffron, then again at ADO a month ago so this success should provide encouragement to the whole team that they are getting back on track through regular training, practice and great coaching. Oh yeah, they are also so obviously having a good time together.

Attack springs from strong defence and Newtown's defenders, ably led by a gutsy Asher, turned around many a promising Maroubra attack and pushed the action back down the ground. Tom and Sam again were reliable ball winners and set up some strong attacks on goal through aggressive ruck work and sensible passing to a team mate in better position. Debutante Steven had a great first up game in the centre. Greg had a blinder, running onto the loose ball and gathering it for a pass up-field or to his reliable brother Victor who was always at his side. When Hugo held some strong marks, Maroubra had to man up on him and Chester was able to fall back into the "hole", mark and convert three times over his former club.

But all the scoring was set up by strong work from further down ground; by winning ball in the centre and rebounding from defence. Jacob was back to his ferocious best, chasing hard and tackling mercilessly, really "putting the wind" up his quarry. Milan, Victor and Harry were reliably contesting every chance they got, Calvin took a few good grabs and Felix did some strong defending and provided a wonderful shepherd to allow Sam to get a good kick away. James was a lot harder at the ball and will mature into a very good player and today's effort should see his confidence grow and Matt found himself with the ball through good positional play. Mack was great in the ruck and tried hard up forward. Vivek was magical in winning a great share of the tap outs to a roving team-mate and his general ground play showed he reads the game well. If all members of the team could show courage in attacking the contest, winning ball and feeding it to each other a few more wins will come this teams way.

Today was a team effort. Newtown came away deserved winners today and should celebrate. As coach Bateman says "congratulate each other and enjoy the win".

Newtown 49 d Maroubra 35 (to be ratified)

Under 13s Vs Glebe ADO - 21st June 2008

Hard Working Team can Hold Heads High

The under 13's can hold their heads high after a hard fought loss to last
years Grand-finalists Glebe. The young Bloods were in front on the
scoreboard at the end of the first quarter and quite a few times again
during this seesawing match in which Glebe's ability to create uncontested
team play in space saw them run out winners by 22 points.

Newtown were dogged and definitely won the hard ball in the centre and at
the breakdowns. The Swans defenders never let Glebe an easy shot at goal
and the forwards fought hard to retain possession whenever the centre's
delivered the pill. If coach Bateman and his players can address and
polish just a few aspects of teamwork and concentrate for the full
quarter, for the whole four quarters then greater success will come
Newtown's way.

Still there were many successes out on the park today and
it is worth reflecting upon the 90 point drubbing Glebe handed Newtown
earlier this year and the fact that Newtown now sit in fourth position on
the ladder, to appreciate the vast improvement that the U13 squad has
made. Good work today Boys - you are getting better, each one of you and as
a team week by week. Keep at it.

Cheers,
Rod Monk

Sam gets his wings...

Sam Lonergan-Stewart from the Newtown U13s has been selected as part of the train-on squad for the Pigeons U13 team. Sam is one of seven Sydney City players who were selected from the GSJ U13 Championships to represent the AFL southern region.

Pigeons are the next level of representative football & will play at regional carnivals later in the year.
Congratulations to Sam.

Sam Lonergan-Stewart from the Newtown U13s has been selected as part of the train-on squad for the Pigeons U13 team. Sam is one of seven Sydney City players who were selected from the GSJ U13 Championships to represent the AFL southern region.

Newtown U13's are getting their team play and fitness together at the half way point in the season. Yesterday saw them run out convincing winners in at ADO on a blustery and cold winters day after the fixture had been switched to ADO from a wet Goddard. Drummoyne to their credit played hard all day and arguably won the second quarter however Newtown found something extra in the tank, their teamwork lifted and they came away singing the team song. There was a wonderful display of friendship and respect between the two teams in the after match congratulations - it is really good to see such spirit.

The boys were full of praise for coach Mark Bateman who is an important part the team and his preparation, ways of talking positively and getting the most out of his charges is emerging into a few very creditable performances against quality opposition. If only he and long time Manager Paul Murphy and all the adult support people of the team would learn the words to the victory song and join together in song, the joy would be complete.
Sydney Swans player Robert Lewis Thompson said in a recent interview, his favourite phrase is " Fail to prepare, prepare to fail". There were no failures on the field today just some standout performances amongst a group of young men who are preparing and are prepared to work hard for each other in the true Newtown "Blood Brothers" spirit. Thanks again to a wonderful effort by true age under 12's and younger players who chimed in and gave the 13's the numbers needed to deliver this magnificent win.
Newtown 91 d. Drummoyne 13

Newtown Vs Maruobra at hefforn Oval 17th May 2008

On a breezy day at Heffron Park Maroubra ran out convincing winners over a Newtown team which tried hard all day but fell a bit short. Do those tall Maroubra players parents stand there sons in fast grow potting mix all summer? Tallness and athletic ability were certainly on the side of Maroubra who also played to the strengths in their team-mates. Newtown were lead valiantly by Sam who together with Greg, Tom, Asher, Mack and Finnean got plenty of balI out of the centre but found they had too few options up front when the time came to pass. Their forward team-mates were well marked by a vigilant Maroubra defence.

Jacob had some patches of brilliance as did Victor, Harry, and Felix. Hugo led hard into space and made some wonderful kicks. Chester went hard too but was well marked. Dropped marks, poor hand and foot passes, second to the ball and not backing up after a kick to a mate saw the Newtown boys chase their opponents or put themselves straight back under the pump of a Maroubra attack. When Milan had his ribs crunched under a tough tackle the Newtown defence was left undermanned.

I don't think Maroubra stand in manure all summer rather their "secret" was on display after the match; almost all the men (I presume fathers) of the Maroubra club went onto the field for a friendly game of kick and pass. There were some shocking kicks and great ones too. Plenty of shouting. Really those men were showing their sons was how to have a lot of fun passing and kicking a ball to each other. Inspiring.
Good on you Maroubra. Congratulations to a hard working Newtown Swans, each of you can hold your heads high knowing that today you played hard and reached for a level beyond. Keep enjoying the footy boys, play for yourselves and each other and you will always walk tall.

There were only five STRAIGHT KICKS between win and loss. Maroubra 14 g 6 b 90 defeat Newtown 6 g 9 b 39

cheers,
Rodney Monk
[footnote from Brendan the Webmaster: The Maroubra dads you saw were actually training for a game in a couple of weeks against the Bangers _ I can't play - torn MCL. It is none the less inspirational for the players to see such support from the parents]

Newtown Vs Easts at ADO 10th May 2008

Newtown 67 def. Easts 30

Fitter Team’s First Taste of Season’s Victory

On a fabulously glowing Saturday Afternoon at Alan Davidson Oval Newtown U13’s tasted victory over Easts. The Bulldogs had no answers for the rampaging Swans, who piled on a 32 point lead by in the opening term. This was largely due to some magnificent ruck work by Vivek, who fed the ball to his centre team-mates who really worked hard to gather the ball and
feed it back into the team. Sam in his elegant and controlled way and
Finnean, who when he got the pill would pile on his trademark burst for
the open space of the half forward line.

Tom would run and run and run into space and fed the ball to eager forwards. Jacob had each of his opponents “rattled” through ferocious tackling and attack at the ball, acouple of good kicks and he can hold his head high for another game which demanded the respect of quite a few opponents. When Easts did mount an attack Asher and Victor (who was welcomed back today after a four week injury recovery) stymied the thrust at the half back line and if it ever
did get past them then Milan (who had a wonderful game at Full-back) and
his well organised last line of defense colleagues Zac and Matt maintained
control and were able to pass into open space for Finnian or Asher to
collect and feed to team-mates further upfield.

The Red and White’s fitness has definitely improved but was tested in the
second quarter when East rallied. Newtown however “stood firm” and
deflected thrust after thrust. Poor kicking for goal did not help the visitors and Newtown’s forward line, lead most ably by a vocal and “on song” Chester answered with 2 goals one behind to again win the quarter.
Greg came into the game strongly and made some impressive bursts out of the pack and into space or was there to gather the loose ball thumped long into attack. Harry took a couple of great marks and James (who is
improving with every game) made a contest every time the ball came his way and got a free or two.
For a team missing quite a few good players (Hugo, Louis, Mac and Remy) it was a grand effort. Club support was underlined through wonderful games by Vivec, Bruno, Daniel, Oscar,Tom and Leo from the 11’s and 12’s who each put in big games. How good could Newtown U13’s be if every player made it to every game and training? The answer; EXCELLENT! So if your family has trouble getting you there mention it to manager Paul and he’ll find someone to pick you up.

In the third quarter energy levels were sapping however tireless effort by
Tom and Sam and their centre area colleagues saw a continual contest for
the ball and Easts were not able to run over the Newtown boys who again
won the quarter.
The final quarter was won by Easts 22 points to 14. Newtown however hadn’t
“gone missing” and continued to get to the contest. The score reflected a
couple of wobbly frees on goal rather than a flagging of determination by
either team.

Undermanned Swans Go Down to Well Drilled Team
ADO 3rd May

Newtown U13's were an undermanned outfit today with many of their best players absent but played hard until the end. There were plenty of lessons to be gleaned from Glebe's "basic" style of play and commanding victory.

When the Greyhounds won the ball they kicked or passed truly to a
team-mate leading into space or in a better position. They also put marks onto the chests of there better forwards which saw them able to drill goals from set shots 20 metres out. On a few occasions Newtown did the same and scored some goals and behinds however the Swans weren't able to maintain this type of team effort all day. Being down on numbers meant no interchange and those on the field felt the paint of a whole game without rest.

Newtown and Glebe players all worked hard all game during an entertaining spectacle, but Glebe were more skilled and played harder for each other in a deserved victory. If they want to win Newtown players have to work on their skills and fitness so they can do even better for their mates and the team.

Kicking a couple in the fourth quarter was a great reward for Newtown's hard effort and it shows that the Swans can match it however they need a full strength squad giving a four quarter game. Today we thank Leo, Bruno and Daniel from the 12's who came into the squad. Glebe had a full 24 of their U13's to pick their on field 18 from. The team needs to have a full squad.

Best today were Tom, Aaron, Jacob "the fearless" and Greg whilst Milan and Finnean chipped in with a couple of handy moments. Bruno kicked a beauty from a set shot as did Finnean. Mack made an impressive debut in the ruck which could evolve into a better centre set-up. Hugo, Chester, Louis, Matt, Harry and Daniel (who was playing his fourth game for the day) all contributed strongly. Felix got his hands on the ball and kept pressure on his opponent. Every player worked hard but Newtown couldn't pick up all of
Glebe's loose men and didn't connect with each other as well as Glebe did.

A group of individuals make a team so keep on working on skills and fitness and towards a victory. As Coach Bateman says "be there for each other".

See you Monday and Wednesday to work on the skills. The tide will turn if you really want that win. As coach Bateman said "losing is hard" but when
the team's back is against the wall every little bit helps. It was great to see so many parents in Red supporting at the ground, the more the merrier.

Go Newtown!

12/4/08 Five Dock Oval

A Tale of Two Halves

An unrelenting second half by Drummoyne saw them post a three point win
over the Swans in a thrilling encounter which could have gone Newtown’s
way with “one little bit of extra effort or luck … like a point being a
goal or a free going our way” said stand in coach Simon Lonnergan. It was
that close – a 1.5 percenter.

It really was a tale of two halves with Newtown on song in the first and
posting a three or four goal lead at half time. Newtown were ably led by
Sam who won clever use of the ball and often pumped it off the boot long
into a forward line which hassled and harried and scored. Harry Murphy
kicked a couple, just as a full forward should. Tom was everywhere,
working the ruck and winning the ball off the ground to thump it long. He
also kicked a couple . Jacob was his ferocious best, tackling and
harrying.

Chester worked really hard and did a great job as full-back,
right through the whole game. In the second quarter he and his
co-defenders Mack and Asher were too often left under the pump by careless
defense or easy turnovers in the Newtown centre and forward lines.
Cheers,
Rod Monk

5th April, Picken Oval.
U13- 5th April Match report
Wests 10.15.75
Newtown 0.3.3 - Some good football played despite the loss.

Reigning Premier’s West’s Show Their Skill but Newtown Battle Hard All Game.

There were many pleasing aspects to the way Newtown played. Coach Bateman
had asked every player to have a really good time on the footy field and
be out there for each other. The Young Bloods clearly took that
philosophy to heart and played to their utmost – showing each other the
loyalty that makes a great team. The scoreboard may not have reflected
Newtown’s commitment, they were after all playing the reigning premier,
but their presence at the ball and for each other was wonderful to behold.
Courage in the face of defeat is a quality to which many aspire and few
grasp. Today Newtown played the game out to the finish and along the way
earning the respect of their opponents, the crowd on the boundary, the
umpires and most importantly themselves.

Sam was a standout – his silky skills often bringing the ball to a leading
forward and on a couple of occasions getting himself within range for a
shot. Tom played with never-ending energy running fearlessly into contests
and tackling hard. Asher showed what a great improvement he has made and
in his second season of Aussie Rules can hold his head high and look for
greater heights to climb. Jacob again chased and harried, getting plenty
of ball through frees and tackling, he even made one great kick! When Hugo
joined Milan and Chester in the backline the easy kicks on goal for Wests
dried up. The winning of ball in defense gave our centres and half
forwards some ball and Finnean and Sam were able to feed it into the
Forward line. Newtown kicked three points – a great achievement against a
talented opposition, and there could have been a goal if Tom’s kick hadn’t
wandered into the post. Max ran as hard as he could, Mack showed his
courage and commitment to winning the ball, Keiran rucked really well,
Louis roved excellently. “Don’t look at the score board” said Coach
Bateman, “it doesn’t reflect the game and your wonderful effort. Just go
out there, enjoy yourselves and keep running! If you get tired tell me –
I’ll give you a rest.” Thanks to Daniel, Jacob, Oscar, Bruno and Vivek,
playing up from the twelves who contributed strongly and with that ongoing
commitment and support from the whole club our 13’s will have plenty of
success.

Keep on sleeping with that Sherrin, practice your skills whenever you can
and go out there to enjoy working and playing for each other! Well done
Newtown.

Cheers,
Rod Monk

29th March, Heffron Park, Matraville

Maroubra Saints came away winners from an entertaining match in which both sides played well. Newtown never recovered from a sluggish start which saw them trail the Sainters, who had the wind at their back, by 20 points at quarter time. To their credit the boys in red and white bounced back through courageous effort which saw them applying constant pressure to an athletic and tall Maroubra outfit. As coach Bateman observed every one of his players put in a tremendous effort today and with a continuation of that spirited determination great things will come this season. Today was only the first game.

Tom was particularly effective, he contested and ran tirelessly all game. The second quarter saw Sam get some good ball and intelligently thump it long into attack, one particularly lovely pass picked out Hugo in the pack and gave him a chance of a goal. Unfortunately Newtown weren’t able to “bottle up the pill” and share it amongst themselves exclusively. Some poor kicking and decisions often saw a pass to a team-mate under pressure instead of thumping it goal-ward as windy weather play should demand, especially when the wind is at your back. Too much finessing or getting
caught with it saw the ball slip into the hands of Maroubra who were keen to control the play and thumped it long into space. All Newtown boys must improve their fitness and skill, especially stab kicking and handballing under pressure. They have to talk to each other.

It was great to see that the team didn’t ever give up and fought the game right out – the final quarter being Newtown’s best. Mat played with courage often putting himself between the ball and the man to foil a Maroubra attack. Jacob was more courageous than ever and coach Bateman singled him out for his efforts. Asher has improved wonderfully and Milan had a great day taking more than a few marks and providing a contest whenever it was called for. It was great to see Remy and Finnean back and
there presence will be felt more strongly as the “rust” falls of their summer legs and they get into their footy stride and again make their strong breaks from defense into attack.

A wonderful “welcome back” to the Swans to Mark Bateman, who returns to coaching at the club again. His enthusiasm, understanding and ideas will see a season of great enjoyment and success for the team. It is now up to the boys to prepare themselves effectively through improving fitness and skill. They definitely have the coach and managers to do well.

I hope every player “sleeps and walks constantly with his Sherrin in hand” and takes the time to improve his agility, strength and running ability whenever possible. In the final quarter Newtown came within a couple of straight kicks of stealing this game. Newtown finally down by only eleven points. Saints 51 d. Newtown 40.

by Rodney Monk