Since the AFL began in 1897, teams have played through the ‘home and away’ season in order to finish high enough up the ladder to make the finals. A finals series is then played to determine the two combatants of the grand final, the winner of which will be crowned premier for that year and receive the prized premiership cup. Victorian clubs Essendon and Carlton have won the most ever premierships with 16 apiece, closely followed by Collingwood (15) and Hawthorn (13).

AFL footballers are modern day gladiators, playing in coliseums in front of up to 100,000 people; these men run up to 20km per game whilst taking massive hits throughout four approx. 30-minute quarters. Life on and off the field is tough for an AFL footballer, only exacerbated when footballers have names like Dick, Cox, Johncock, Goldsack, Roughead and Sidebottom. Regardless, it is all worth it in the end to reach the ultimate prize: to hold the AFL premiership cup aloft.

This year in the 2015 season, 18 teams slogged it out over 23 rounds to earn a spot in the top 8, and subsequently the finals. They needn’t’ve bothered though, as it was inevitable that Hawthorn were going to win right from the start*.

In this year’s chapter of history, the might of the back-to-back defending champions the Hawthorn Hawks came up against the surprise packet of 2015, the West Coast Eagles in front of 98,633 people on a glorious October day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It was tipped to be an evenly matched contest with West Coast sporting the likes of the Coleman Medallist Josh Kennedy and last year’s Brownlow Medallist Matt Priddis, matched up against a Hawks squad littered with stars across the board, led by their courageous leader and two-time Norm Smith Medallist Luke ‘The General’ Hodge and along with All Australians Jarryd Roughead and Luke Breust. In the first round of finals, the Eagles had beaten the Hawks convincingly by 32 points in the second qualifying final in Perth. However things are different at the MCG, and that’s the way it turned out.

The Eagles kicked the first goal of the match thanks to a rubbish free kick to Luke Shuey, which he converted. However, the Hawks hit back with authority, kicking the next 9 goals thanks to some brilliance from Hodge, kicking the goal of the game (pictured above), a huge team-lifting check-side kick from the boundary line that set the tone for the rest of the match. The Eagles had some catching up to do in the second half after the margin ballooned out to 44 points. It was then when the game had a change of pace, with West Coast eventually finding their feet and beginning to build momentum – cutting the lead back to 24 points. However, missed opportunities cost the Eagles, and the Hawks punished them on the counterattack, kicking 7 of the next 9 goals – expanding the lead back out to 50 points – with superstar Sam ‘Should-Have-Won-A-Brownlow’ Mitchell racking up the disposals and carving West Coast up in the middle with his exquisite ball use on both sides of his body. The Hawthorn defence also stood up when called upon. New recruit, ex-Melbourne Demon James Frawley kept Josh Kennedy goalless for the first time since 2013, whilst taking 11 marks and gathering 22 disposals himself. 2015 Peter Crimmons Medalist Josh ‘Golden Fist’ Gibson had another day out, gathering 29 disposals, duking 9 marks and not giving the West Coast forwards a sniff. And late in the last quarter, when the game was already won, 2013 Norm Smith Medallist Brian Lake put in the greatest goal line effort ever seen in world sports*. With his ex-bulldogs teammate Josh Hill running into a seemingly open goal, Lake peeled off his man, closed down the angles and, diving full stretch, got a fingertip on the ball, preventing the goal. It was hard to find fault with the Hawks all day. Even Jack ‘I-Dislocated-My-Finger,-Better-Wear-A-Glove-For-The-Rest-Of-My-Career’ Gunston, who was returning from a knee injury sustained in the qualifying final, was the pick of the forwards kicking a game-high 4 goals. Previously much-maligned Ryan Shoenmaker (below, left) also played a blinder, clutching 9 marks, gathering 21 disposals and kicking a pivotal goal – validating why Bowie is trying to get the same haircut as him. In the end Hawthorn ended up running out 46 point winners, 16.11 (107) d. 8.13 (61).

Hawthorn mega-star Cyril ‘Delicious’ Rioli (below) took home the Norm Smith medal for 2015 for his 18 disposal, 12 mark, 2 goal and 4 goal assist game – highlighted by a gallant run down tackle mid-way through the 2nd quarter which ultimately lead to a Hawthorn goal building on their already daunting momentum. And thus, the Hawthorn Hawks team of 2013-2015 became only the 4th AFL/VFL team to win 3 consecutive premierships – the first to do so in the 18-team competition era – cementing them as probably the greatest team of all time*.

*subject to writer’s opinion (Bowie)

Written by Liam Bowman and Josh Kaine (18 and 14 year members of Hawthorn Football Club, respectively)

For Reference:

• Coleman Medal
  • Awarded to the player who kicks the most goals in the AFL home and away season

• Brownlow Medal
  • The highest individual honour, given to the best and fairest player in the league, as deemed by the umpires

• All Australian
  • Similar to an ‘All-star’ team, a panel of judges select a team of players based on their position they play and how well they’ve performed. Another highly prestigious award

• Check-side
  • An unconventional kick where a player kicks the ball on an angle causing it to bend laterally through the air (opposed to the standard ‘drop punt’ which will go in a straight line)

• Norm Smith Medal
  • Awarded to the best player on the ground at the end of the Grand Final

• Peter Crimmins Medal
  • Hawthorn FC’s best and fairest award

• ‘Golden Fist’
  • A nickname justified by Gibson’s exceptional ability to perform a spoil

• A spoil
  • When a player prevents another player from marking the ball by punching the ball away

• Duking (pronounced ‘duke-king’)
  • Synonym of marking

• A Blinder
  • When a player has a very good game

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Cricket: QF IH’s 2015 cricket campaign was a bitterly disappointing one as, despite going in with high hopes of making it three Premierships in a row, we fell short at the Quarterfinal stage, failing to take our chances in the field against St. Mary’s. As they say, catches win matches. 


Star Player: Kaveesh Jayasuriya. What can’t this man do? He can smash down Vodka like it’s tap water and he can seriously play the game of cricket with some fine bowling displays over the 2 games. 


Best performances: Sam Clements’ 50 vs. Ormond, Sam Briggs’ dynamic display of power hitting against Mary’s and James Ramsden’s graceful walking of his two golden retrievers from the sidelines.

Men’s Athletics: 6th Place The blokes really stood up and were counted for on the track this year with some exhilarating performances and pleasantly surprising results despite weather being nothing short of dismal. At the end of the day it was a sixth-placed finish for the boys as we took down the likes of Whitley, UC and Mary’s. 


Star Athlete: Jack Plunkett. First and foremost a Pole Vaulter, this Steven Hooker wannabe showed his all-round ability on the track, competing in a number of events with some great results. 


Best Race: It had to be the last race of the day, which saw the boys (Jorge, Taichi, Jack and Nishq) compete in the 4x100m A Final. Coming fourth into the home straight we looked destined to finish just outside the podium. Enter Hilda’s final runner though, who stopped dead in his tracks as he tore his hamstring – allowing Jorge Nicholas to come through and snatch the Bronze Medal.

Men’s Rowing: We Competed It wasn’t a great day for the men’s rowing down on the Yarra, as the boys were unable to match the girls’ fine display, unfortunately finishing last in their heat and failing to advance to the next round.

The Crew: James Ramsden, Frazer Stewart, Lachie Palmer-Hill, Magnus Barker, Connor Forsyth, William Taggart, Jack Plunkett, Josh Wright, Tai Mourie.

Hockey: Group Stage With minimal hockey experience amongst the IH ranks it was always going to be a struggle out on the hockey field and while we did suffer two fairly hefty defeats, there were definite signs of improvement in the latter stages of the second game.

Star Player: Magnus Baker. Not only did he captain the side but he was also a class above the rest of the team, doing his utmost to get the boys fired up with his technical ability with stick in hand and no-nonsense defending.

Best performances: Michael Kerrison’s performances in goal – nothing short of heroic; Liam Bowman’s impact also showed he can perform on the field as well as off it.

Soccer: QF Similarly to the Cricket season, it was a disappointing end as we went down 1-0 to eventual champions Queen’s at the Quarterfinal stage. While our attack never really flourished in the three games, our defence was sensational throughout the tournament, with only two goals conceded in the three games, one apiece against powerhouses Queen’s and Ormond.

Star Player: Jonathan Beech. It was a majestic 3 games from Beech who showed his array of skills, tactical nous and ability to ‘get stuck in’ as he commanded the Centre Back position.

Best performances: Taichi Watanabe’s delightful header against Kendall, Jorge Nicholas’ pace on the right wing and Sameer Jalees’ midfield display vs. Ormond.

FEMALE SPORTS REPORT

Dear fellow IHers,

With semester one ending, it’s time to reflect back on girl’s sport: it is safe to say that we have had some fun this semester. With a few minor injuries on the way, especially due to hockey, everyone will be going back home in one piece these coming holidays which is a big success. Making it to Quarter finals in soccer and to the B finals in rowing, the girls did great and we should all be proud of them!

Now it is time to get excited about semester two and the fun sports awaiting for us: netball, basketball, tennis and more are just around the corner to awaken the sportswomen in all of us! If you haven’t signed up yet, sign ups are on Nexus or come and speak to one of your sports reps (Jack or Alice) and we will be happy to help you.

You may think you already have a very busy schedule, but physical activity will actually help you be more productive (it is a proven fact!). If you don’t care about being productive, think about the gorgeous lean figure you could earn by taking part in one of these sports…

On that note, good luck to everyone for the exams and don’t forget to go out and exercise during SWOTVAC, even just a twenty minute walk around princess park will help you clear your head and be more focused in your study!

See you all next semester.

PS: Even if you don’t feel like signing up for any of the coming sports, you can show your support by showing up at the games and cheering on fellow IHers. There’s also the support committee led by our very cool fresher rep Connor Forsyth that you should check out as it seems an awesome team to be a part of.

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Girl’s Soccer:

The soccer season was rather successful for the girls – even with a bad hangover for most of the players from scholars diner for their second games – they managed to get into the quarter-finals! Although they lost, the game will be remembered with an impressive mid-field goal by the team captain #GOELENA, and an injured wing on Queen’s side – don’t try and tackle an IHer.

Guy’s Hockey:

The guy’s battled it out for hockey and had a lot of fun, unfortunately it seems they weren’t as prepared as other colleges – let’s blame it on the location: other colleges are closer to the Hockey pitch for training! Up next is rowing followed by Girl’s Hockey and Guy’s soccer – much fun is to be had so don’t hesitate to contact Alice or Jack if you wish to join the teams!

About rowing:

The rowing regatta is happening this Saturday (3rd of May) and is one of the biggest sporting events of the semester! It will be followed by a delicious Barbecue and socializing – so come on down to support your fellow Ihers and have a sausage or two. (It’s way more fun than studying – trust me! )

#getyourprioritiesright

#rowrowrowyourboat

#IHishottogo! 

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Once again captain Sam Briggs won the toss and just like last week sent the opposition in. This time however the result was a completely different one as the St. Mary’s openers took charge early in the piece, with our cause not helped by some erratic bowling. Despite the shaky start our bowling improved thanks to some good areas from Kaveesh Jayasurya and Tom Wilson, the later making up for a dismal display last weekend; it wasn’t enough though to find a breakthrough though. We had our chances though but poor fielding cost us big time, with dropped catches and misfields costing us plenty of runs as they ended on a mammoth total of 208.

It was going to be tough but it wasn’t out of the question that we would make the runs; we just needed a decent start. Unfortunately, the loss of Harry Graham and Sam Clements made it hard from the get go and despite a steady partnership in the middle overs from Jack Curnow and Tom Wilson the wickets continued to tumble and the run rate continued to rise. We needed some big hitting late on and that came in the form of Sam Briggs- who showed his brute strength, smacking 4 sixes in quick succession. It wasn’t enough though as we fell 40 runs short of the required total.

All in all a sobering result which could have easily been avoided with a stronger performance in the field, as the wait for 3 sporting Premierships in a row is put on hold until August when Australian football rolls around. Next up though is a chance to go back-to-back in table tennis this weekend. 

The post Sports Report appeared first on IH Globe.

The sporting day began in the inner-north western Melbourne suburb of Ascot Vale and it was fitting that the ground was in the vicinity of Moonee Valley Racecourse because the IH boys cantered to victory. Captain Sam Briggs won the toss and decided to send Ormond in and it seemed a risky move early on. That all changed though when Kaveesh Jayasuriya, channeling his inner Sanath, came into the attack; he took the first wicket and from then on we dominated.

Despite a few minor hiccups Ormond were all out for 96 as they failed to bat out their allotted overs. The 96 was made with consummate ease as Sam Clements and Harry Graham set the foundation that allowed IH to reach the total within 10 overs.

Simultaneously, the softball was getting underway at Flemington Road Oval, with a strong IH contingent present. Despite the defeat to a powerful St. Hilda’s line-up there were positive signs to take into the game on Sunday against Newman. Notably, Elena Reid’s home run, Sarah Horsburgh’s pitching display and Jess Sleigh’s majestic catch in the third innings. With the second game happening on Sunday (after this goes to print) hopefully those positive performances can lead to an improved result, with the knockout rounds still in reach.

SCORECARD:

Softball: ST. HILDA’S 19 d. IH 5

Cricket: IH 2/99 (9.3 Overs)- Clements 46 (25), Graham 31* (40) ORMOND 96 (18.2 Overs)- Hodge 2-12, Jayasuriya 2-17 IH won by 8 wickets 

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Whether your views on sport are positive or negative it’s something that you would have been involved in at some point in your life in one way or another. Unfortunately for those of the pessimistic persuasion then you will have a lot to go used to – as there is going to be plenty of sport going on throughout the year.

Sport, either played at the professional or amateur level, binds groups of individuals together, creating bonds and ties that often last a lifetime. While I’m not saying, for instance, that a couple of weeks playing Table Tennis together at IH is going to give you a friend for life but it will allow you to create a special connection with your teammates; as you aim to firstly, have a good time and secondly, strive for some resemblance of success.

One of International House’s core values is promoting multiculturalism and sport is something that reflects our society of diversity that is prevalent in 2015. Take sporting leagues like the English Premier League and the National Basketball Association, there are players in these leagues from Kenya to Korea and Belgium to Brazil. It’s not just the players who highlight the importance of cross-cultural interaction – with fans of these leagues, especially the English Premier League, demonstrating the globalisation of the world today. Last year at IH I watched numerous Premier League games in the JCR and often there would be at least 4 or 5 different cultures in the one room, with attention fixed on a single sporting event. Similarly, playing in the IH Football (soccer) team last year was incredible, as it didn’t matter where we were from. Sport allowed us to create a connection that would otherwise have not been forthcoming. This year once again I hope that sport at IH can be tool that helps drive further cross-cultural connections at the College whilst also being something that people will remember.

Even if your not the biggest sports nut, the experience of playing or even just supporting our teams will give you memorable moments- for better or for worse. If you are even in the slightest contemplating signing up for a sport when the time comes just bite the bullet, commit and put International House’s name up in lights on the college sporting stage. 

For your information:

Uniforms: IH gear is supplied for all sports, with most sporting attire the IH shirts and shorts. Some sports the gear is more specific but that will be catered for.

Signups: Whenever we are about to start training for event signups will put on Nexus and there will be notifications on Facebook plus at Dinner.

Female sports rep: I will also be working with a female sports rep to organise sport at IH this year, the one elected at the end of 2014 is unable to return so a new one will be elected next Sunday at the AGM.

Futsal: Futsal at IH is huge and most nights there will be boys and girls playing out on the Court under lights. Just come out at around 7:45-8 to see what’s going on. 

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