Veterans

The Eltham Vets recorded their second win of the season against 2016 grand finalists Scoresby by 30 points.

It was a great contest during the first half with both teams struggling to score as defences were on top. Eltham opened the scoring with a goal to Donato but this was answered almost immediately by Scoresby.

Whitcher then converted after the Panthers maintained consistent forward pressure but again Scoresby were able to even the scores up before the first break. Eltham had the advantage in the ruck and were able to win most of the stoppages but Scoresby never gave up the scrap and a precision snap from Grant was all the scoring in the second term.

After the long break Eltham were able to kick away with a few quick goals and Scoresby were asking questions about the number of loose players the Panthers had.

Before the next bounce it was obvious Eltham had an extra on the field so the scores were reverted back to what it was at half time and Scoresby given a free kick from the centre. Scoresby were first to settle and suddenly the scores were back to level.

The Panthers kicked two more goals, one perfectly weighted pass to the leading Kilby and a wonderful left foot snap from Smith to match the Magpies two for the quarter and it was all set up for a frenetic final term.

The ball winning ability of Eltham at the stoppages eventually took their toll as the Panthers were able to kick goals through Whitcher, Brown, Minney Donato and Kilby that could only be matched by 2 from the Magpies allowing Eltham to post the win in what was a very entertaining game of Vets football.

The Vets are again playing a home game at Central Park this Sunday May 8th when they host Scoresby

Game time 3pm. See you there !!

Eltham Vets played their first home game of the season in front of a healthy crowd at Panther Park.

Their opponents Kilsyth were only able to muster up limited numbers so it was agreed that we would play a 16 a side game.

The Panthers jumped out to a great start kicking 7 goals to nil in the first quarter. The boys spread of the ball to the open parts of the ground and their skill execution exposed Kilsyth’s defence. Coathy was on the end of numerous forward thrusts and kicked 3 of his 5 goals in the opening 20 minutes.

After quarter time Kilsyth were able to regroup and it was not until late in the quarter that Eltham added 3 goals in the last 2 minutes to overcome the Cougars 3 goals in the term.

In the second half the Panthers were able to get more game time into some of the lads who generally play bit parts and rest their valuable contributors from injuring themselves.

Kara dominated all day and swept up everything down back, and his disposal was 1st class. Whitch returned for his first game and picked up where he left off from last year and dominated the forward line. Our new player Brent McPherson (from this point on known as Jigga) was great first up after 6 years and his running ability and attack at the footy was sensational.

As noted, Coathy was surprisingly attracted to the goal square from half forward, slotting 5 in great performance, earning him BOG from the opposition. Mouse played his usual running game and had plenty of it, along with the show stopper Stricko. Lukey Mac’s ruck work was great, setting up some easy scoring opportunities, several going begging to wayward team mates.

Special mention to Sym Mountford for registering his first goal for the club and ended up with 2 snags playing as a true deep forward pocket. He also contributed with some great work on using the body, taking one out with a nice hip and shoulder… unfortunately it was Mouse on the end of it.

A few things to work on; Kara just slow those kicks down for Killa; and Skip for the deplorable effort of trying to take a hanger and not getting off the ground. No wonder Youngy got a bit nervy and made you sit out the last quarter – Shark would never forgive Youngy “again” if he allowed his Ace to recklessly injure himself on is watch.