Wandin Football Netball Club

Senior Football

Wandin were a strong side for the most part, finishing third after winning 12 games and losing just 4.

They were a high scoring team, averaging a tick under 100 points per game, whilst conceding 80 points per game.

Wandin’s main downside is that they were unable to beat the top two teams during the H&A season; Narre Warren and Woori Yallock. They went down to Woori Yallock by 16 in Round 2 but unfortunately lost by 50 the next time they played each other. They were destroyed by Narre Warren twice which shows some room for improvement.

However, they should be pleased with their season overall as they did overcome Woori in the first round of finals, before losing the Semi and Preliminary Finals. A Preliminary Final finish is not something to be scoffed at.

Another major positive is that Wandin didn’t lose to anyone who finished outside the top two, showing that third position on the ladder was a very good indicator of their season.

Clinton Johnson amassed a huge 75 goals, first for the league (inc finals), whilst Patrick Hodgett was lively with 31 goals.

Harrison Byrne and Tom Merlino were also busy, operating at a goal a game.

As well as these four players, there were a few more standouts.

Patty Bruzzese was phenomenal all year and was amongst the best 15 times. Chayce Black also had a stellar season and Joel Garner stood out when he was available from VFL duties. Some other solid contributors were Todd Garner and Brodie Atkins.

Patty Bruzzese and Clinton Johnson were both acknowledged in Team of the Year.

The reserves finished 5^th on the ladder but lost in the Elimination Final.

 

Netball

Wandin had a solid H&A season finishing fifth, winning 11 games (inc a forfeit) and losing 7 games.

Although they finished fifth, they knew they had the capabilities to rattle the cage of a few teams in finals, as they beat Olinda Ferny Creek (eventual Premiers) by 11 in Round 9.

They proceeded to smash Monbulk and ROC in the first two weeks of finals respectively, setting themselves up for a clash against Olinda Ferny Creek in the Preliminary Final.

They went down by the smallest of margins (34-35) in a thrilling contest, where by the most Olinda Ferny Creek led by at any change was just three.

Losing to the eventual Premiers by just one point, is a fantastic effort and result for Wandin, especially seeing they finished in fifth position at the end of the H&A season.

Abby Gedge had a fantastic season as GS shooting 466 goals from 14 games. Lauren Spinks contributed 112 from 10 games and Emmalia Blake 123 from five.

Wandin had plenty of depth this season and a handful of consistent contributors.

A few of the standouts were Kali Dolphin (C), who was named amongst the best almost every game, Maddy George, who was brilliant in Goal Defence, Ruby Tidd as Goalkeeper and Abby Gedge (GS). Brittany Tait and Lauren Spinks also enjoyed solid form.

Kali Dolphin’s outstanding season had her acknowledged as Wing Defence in Team of the Year.

The C and D Grade teams enjoyed strong seasons, finishing third and fifth respectively and making the Preliminary Final.

 

Written by Jordan Peeler