|
In Season 2010, experienced senior players Ben Warren and Michael Handby will be entering regular PLAYER BLOGS to keep you PANTHERS FANS up to date with the actions and thoughts from the locker room.
Crabby's 50th
Wednesday 14th July 2010 - Player Blog
Another disappointing loss has the players, coaches and no doubt the supporters frustrated at another missed opportunity. The last 2 weeks we have matched and been able to control the game for periods of time but we are not able to sustain it long enough which would in turn give us a better chance of a win. There is no doubt as a group we are travelling better than last year but we still have only 2 wins. We won’t leave any stone unturned to ensure a win or two before the year is out.
This week is Crabby’s 50th game for the club. He has been fantastic the last 2 weeks against the Glenelg and West Adelaide. As you are probably aware Crabby is from the local zone, Kangaroo Island. He has worked very hard to get to where he is and continues to be dedicated to making sure he gets the best out of himself. He is also a great character around the club and likes to think he’s a pretty humorous sort of bloke! Well done Crabby.
We have the Eagles this week, a bye and then 5 games to go. As I mentioned before we will be doing all we can to get some wins on the board before the season is out. I hope you can get a long and support us!
‘Til next time…
Dug
Past Players
Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Player Blog
Saturday night after presentations at the Tonsley hotel, Andrew Horne and Xavier Gotch were enquiring about my time at the club and in particular who had been the best player I had played with at South Adelaide. I hadn’t really thought about it too much but it did get me thinking about some of the better players that had come and gone during the past 10 years. Their have been some fantastic individual performances but only once have we played finals as you are aware in my time at the club.
In my early years Dean Talbot, Jon Hassall, Simon Crawshay Phil Murton and David Morgan were all interstaters who were good contributors in one way or another. Dean was a great character and club favourite. Trent Mills, Ashley Manuel, Mark Demasi, Mark Bradley, Chris Hall, Clay Sampson, and Michael Davis were all very different players but all good players in their own rights. 3 of the 7 mentioned won a Knuckey cup at some stage during their career and all had very slick skills, especially “Dimma”, who didn’t mind telling you about it either!
2005 we had an influx of Victorians come across the border under Robert Pyman, in former Carlton and Richmond tough man, Tim Fleming, Brent Tuckey, whose stint ended controversially, but was a fine player, Scott Mcglone, Ben Neagle and Stevie Kenna also came across in what was a year that started well and ended dreadfully.
The year we made the finals in 2006, David Clarke joined us from Carlton with Damian Cupido and Dale Ellis from SANFL rival Woodville/West Torrens. Rhys Archard made the transition from Echuca quite easily, winning the Knuckey Cup in his first year. Ian Prendergast and Cory Mcgrath continued their careers in blue and white in 2007 and Josh “sniggy” Maddox couldn’t resist teaming up with his old mate Archard as well.
In 2008 we were lucky to have Jason Torney come and give something back to his club that many former AFL players don’t. He played very rarely with us during his time at the crows but when he did he was brilliant.
As you can see we have had a lot of talented players but unfortunately that alone doesn’t win games of football. Best of all though I believe has been Stevie Kenna. “Pace” was absolutely quick as lightning, loved a goal and was a beautiful left foot kick. I spoke to “Pace” last week and he still reckons he was robbed in 06’ of a Knuckey cup when he finished 2nd in the Magarey. We could do with him now.
‘Til next time…
Dug
Handles talking with Campbell Rawson
Thursday 13th May 2010 - Player Blog
Firstly Campbell welcome to the club. Where have you come from?
Born and bred in Auckland, New Zealand. It’s a beautiful place lived there all my life. The reason my parents settled there is that Auckland has fewer syllables then Wellington so it’s easier to spell.
What made you decide to give Aussie Rules footy ago?
My father played a little bit of footy and I decided to give it a go.
Did you play any other sports before taking up AFL?
I played a lot of basketball and soccer and thought with the skills I have in those games would help me transfer to AFL
How long have u been playing for?
Have been playing for about 18 months
What has been your pathway to get to South Adelaide?
My coach in NZ was a man by the name of Corey Williams who played his footy in South Australia. He had some connections here and I’m grateful the Panthers are willing to give me a trial.
Are you enjoying Adelaide?
I love Adelaide the weather is so much better over here. Not as cold
What about South Adelaide?
The club has been fantastic. The players are a great bunch of blokes. I am also learning a lot from the coaches. Reserves Coach Tony Burgess is like a father figure to me and senior coach Ron Fuller reminds me of my Grandfather
What are your ambitions?
I am really working and trying to improve my game and would love to play a league game this year .Hopefully I can get to the highest level possible
What are your interests outside of football?
I enjoy playing golf, horse racing and love all sports.
I recently purchased a racehorse from New Zealand why do u think they run so fast?
Because the horses have seen what we do to sheep
Do you have a girlfriend?
No I don’t, I recently broke up with her because I couldn’t take her to the footy anymore
Why’s that mate?
Because she eats the grass!
Alright now the tough questions about your teammates
Who is your teammate with the nickname “creep”?
Tom Butler (Incorrect) Answer- Curtis Perrey
Which 2 of your teammates are constantly questioned over there “close” friendship?
Bowd & Crabb (Incorrect) Answer- Reeve & Redigolo
Who is the best looking bloke at the club?
Josh Thewlis (Incorrect) Answer-Michael Handby
Who is the ugliest?
Josh Thewlis (personality) Correct
Ten Panther Facts
Nickname: BRO
SAFC Guernsey number: 66
Playing Position: Wing/Half Forward
Recruited from: Auckland
Age: 21
Occupation: Student/Shearer
Kicking leg: Right
Favourite Meal: Fish & Chips/Lamb
Worst Fashion mistake: Wool jumper
AFL Club Supported: Greater Western Sydney
Team Effort
Thursday 29th April 2010 - Player Blog
I don’t reckon anyone, not even our most loyal supporters, would have thought we could have beaten the Eagles on Monday. They had just smashed Sturt by 9 goals and were looking dangerous as ever and we had put in an absolute shocker against North Adelaide the week before. The players and coaches on the other hand thought we might be able to throw a spanner in the works if we played to how Ronny wanted us to play. It was very encouraging and certainly another step in the right direction.
We looked a little sluggish early and albeit kicking into a 3-4 goal breeze we were able to peg them back and trail by 2 points at quarter time. Ron urged us to continue getting in first and when they had the football apply as much pressure as possible.
As most of you probably know it was an arm wrestle until about the 25 minute mark of the last quarter and then we were able to kick 4-5 goals at the end to finish them off.
Ron didn’t mention a thing in the lead up to game about his previous involvement as player or coach for Woodville/West Torrens during the week, but I had a brief chat to the players about how Ron is a proud man and how he would get some real self satisfaction about not just being competitive against his old side but having a real dip at winning the game. It was such a great team effort.
There were some fantastic individual performances along the way but I thought everyone contributed along the way in some fashion. Shaun Mckernan was great up forward and in the ruck, Andrew Horne continued his good form, Josh Thewlis added some grunt and Lids and Ocka keep on living up to expectations. Jacob Crate hasn’t played a bad game since his promotion mid way through last year. He’s such a great competitor and often up against bigger bodies each week. He’s also a very good looking young lad and his dad Paul is adamant that’s it comes from his side of the family.
This week we meet Port Adelaide and no doubt the challenge will be to back up our performance on Saturday at Alberton. It’s always a tough slog at Alberton. Not sure why we go up against the Power and Crows on a Saturday but that’s out of our control.
It would be rude of me not to mention how the boys were very happy (in particular the recruits from Melbourne who play in front of 35 people and a couple of dogs in the VFL) with the support of all the people during and after the game. It was great to see and we’d love to see you this week at Alberton!
‘Til next time…
Dug
Boys keen to make amends
Tuesday 20th April 2010 - Player Blog
They say 1 week is a long time in football, 17 days in our case, and we were given a football lesson by North Adelaide on Sunday. I could sit here and roll out all the cliché’s but at the end of the day we went away from what is going to work well for us and we paid the price. When you let any team get in first to the footy as much as we did and allow them to run and carry the footy like North did, they will cut you up all over the ground. It was a very disappointing day and our defensive pressure was awful in patches and I know we had a lot higher expectations than to get beaten so convincingly all over the ground.
There are definitely some positives to come away from the game and the continued good form of Horne, Cockshell and McKenna is one of them. We also had a lot of the footy in the 2nd quarter and out scored them in the last, albeit when the game was gone, but it was good to kick on until the final siren.
As disappointing as Sunday was, we have to turn our focus to this weekend to the Eagles at home, on a Monday of all days! The Boys will be eager not only to atone for last week but help Ron get a win (not that he would mention it) against his old side this week.
With all the hype surrounding Craig Parry’s departure from the club in the off season, the boys were looking forward to coming up against him this week. If rumours are true, Craig will miss this week, due to being stuck at Heathrow Airport on his way back from his big trip to Las Vegas.
It is Michael Handby’s birthday next Tuesday so don’t forget to bring along a card or a present for Mick for his 29th birthday on Monday. He loves all the attention and he’ll definitely appreciate it.
‘Til next time…
Dug
Who is Kenny Campbell?
Tuesday 6th April 2010 - Player Blog
A lot of you people wouldn’t know a lot about Kenny Campbell. You might even ask who that is? If you were at the game on Thursday night you would know and would have seen young Kenny make his debut for the Panthers against Norwood at Coopers stadium. I would like to congratulate Kenny on his first game and was even more thrilled we could get over the line for a win in his debut game.
Kenny resides in Goolwa and only played a handful of games last year for the Mighty Goolwa/Pt Elliot Magpies. Kenny mentioned the magpies have been on the end of some beltings the last few years but under the guidance of Simon Dennis they look to be on the improve. The Magpies have had their fair share of house hold names over the years too, Keith Allan, Neil Haren, Mark “spud” Symonds, Jamie Warren and one of the clubs self confessed greatest players Darren Curyer, just to name a few.
Kenny has shown that with his fierce tackling, speed, intensity and endurance that he will be a real asset to the club for a long period of time. I’m really pleased Kenny has given it a shot at playing league football. It certainly wouldn’t be easy being a young father, working full time as a carpenter, living down at Goolwa and finding the time to play SANFL football, so to Kenny I hope you enjoyed your first game. It would certainly be easier to take the easy route and suit up in the GSFL, but we all know what is a lot more rewarding.
It was great to get our first win for 2010, especially for Ron and all of our new recruits. It was definitely a hard fought slog and it showed in the first half that we just didn’t have the same intensity we played with last week. Ron reminded us at half time, that concentration and intensity is required for every minute of every game if you want to match it with everyone in our competition. To come back from 33 points down in the third quarter showed great fight and character.
We have the bye this week, so we will have a couple of hard sessions on the track over the next week, in preparation for the “Rhys Archard” Cup next week against North Adelaide next Sunday.
‘Til next time…
Dug
Why couldn't I just kick the Goal?
Monday 29th March 2010 - Player Blog
Why couldn’t I just kick the goal? That’s all that was needed. In the end we start with a draw and get 1 point for our troubles. It is disappointing especially when we had control of the game for most of the day. I guess it is as simple as me kicking that goal. I’ve had a look at the DVD of the game and it was a lot easier shot for goal than I thought. It plays over and over in your mind but there isn’t anything I can do about it now!
Ron went into bat for me and said there are lots of little things during the game that you could go through that could make that difference, but in the end it’s what I am paid to do, kick goals. I can’t waste too much time worrying about it because I have only got 5 days to recover until our game on Thursday night at Norwood. At least Lethal Leigh Whicker was kind enough to give us all of Easter off.
On the weekend we had 7 players who played their first game for the club in the league side, so to Taylor Whitford, Xavier Gotch, Daniel Talia, Nick Liddle, Sam Livingston, Andrew Horne and Guy O’Keefe, great stuff. It was great to see some of their families venture over the border from the dark side, Victoria. I can also now see where Xavier Gotch gets his cheeky good looks from.
It was good to see the continual improvement of our younger, former GSFL players on the weekend in Jacob Crate, a Willunga product, who stitched up last years leading mark taker in Herring, Curtis Perrey, another fine Langhorne Creek Hawk, who kicked a couple of classy goals and “Eddie” Murphy, from the Hawks arch rival Strathalbyn, who’s transformed from a reserves back pocket player to our starting centre man in a matter of games. These lads are continually working hard on the track each night at training and it’s great to see their confidence grow from week to week. I’d also like to make a special mention to Bradley Crabb who kept Sturts number 1 goal kicker, Brant Chambers, to 2 goals. Crabby has been terrorised by Chambo over the last 3 years and it was good to Crabby with a smile on his face after a Sturt game.
Now I know Ruckman aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed and Adam Cockshell claims that he’s a forward that has been thrown into the ruck, but its left me in doubt now which side of the fence he sits on, after his expletive on the ABC with Rhys Archards’ good mate “Soders” after the game. Adam gets a bit nervous around the first match of the year after also having a run in with a light bulb this time last year, so to Mr Maurice Newman, I apologise on behalf of Adam Cockshell.
It might only be round 2 but it is a huge game for the club this weekend, so I urge you all to get down on Thursday night to the Parade and support the boys. Go and sit with Dave Flanagan on the boundary, he will enjoy your company.
‘Til next time…
Dug
Good to be back
Monday 22nd March 2010 - Player Blog
Having trained on Wednesday and selection not until after training, Ron informed us that he would call the players on Thursday that would be playing in the main game on Friday night. I’m glad I got that call. After a couple of very rusty performances in the reserves I wasn’t too sure if I would get that call!
It was good to be back anyway and it was a good finish to the pre-season by the boys. We played with a lot more confidence and intensity and no doubt Ron will be looking for us to back it up this weekend in our first game this week against Sturt at Hickinbotham oval.
We were very lucky to have Nathan “Thumpa” Van Berlo, grace us with his presence on Friday night and he showed why the club loves having him back on the very rare occasion that we do. Nathan played very well and also helped crows team mate Daniel Talia settle in a little easier, with Daniel playing very well at CHF in a position that has been difficult to play in at the Parade. Ed Crispe has also offered to get the checkered grass pattern across Hickinbotham oval if that helps Daniel and the AFL players feel more at home.
Two of our own recruits, Xavier Gotch and Sam Livingstone were given their first taste of SANFL action on Friday night and both did well in their first game. Xavier Gotch is the son of former VFL player Brad Gotch, who played for Fitzroy and St.Kilda between 1982 and 1990 and coached Williamstown in the VFL last year, where Xavier played. One of snow whites’ merry men, Dylan Joyce, is still adamant that Xavier only got a game because Brad was the coach. Xavier will be looking to dismiss that theory this year with the Panthers.
It was good to see our own Cocky or “Conan the Barbarian” as he likes to be called, in the local paper for the launch of the SANFL’s theme “Your Tribe is calling”. Cocky has his own interesting art work and between him and “Stickers” Reeves their whole bodies would be fully covered. I’m not sure if these two blokes have realised tattoos don’t come off. At least there not matching star tattoos.
I’d also like to make mention of a very good friend of mine and former player Thomas Hateley who got engaged to partner Alice on Friday night. Thomas finally worked up enough courage to ask her old man! Congratulations to you both.
‘Til next time…
Dug
Handles talking to Bradley Crabb
Tuesday 9th March 2010 - Player Blog
Crabby how has the pre season been?
It’s been very challenging and enjoyable. We started early November and I’m glad that the season is only around the corner. We have spent many hours working on our new game plan and ball movement patterns. While also working hard on fitness and weights. In comparison to previous years we have done much shorter intense type conditioning and a more individualised gym program. We have trained as athletes.
Has any players impressed you over the summer?
Jake Veide has put on 10kg of muscle over summer and is an elite runner. Guy O’Keefe skill level is exceptional. I have also been impressed with Neil Reeves haircuts over the summer it takes a man of great courage to go out in public looking like he does!
What areas personally have you been working on at training and/or what areas of your game would you like to improve?
I have been concentrating on my speed work and training hard to improve my one on one contest as it is very important in the position I play. I also want to improve in giving a bit more drive from defence by running off my man and creating play.
You are part of the leadership group this year how’s it all going?
It is an honour to be part of the leadership group at my club. We only have a small group (Warren, Handby, and Crabb) but it has been advantageous as it’s very easy to communicate with each other.
Having Jason Torney as captain for the previous 2 years, what have you learnt from him?
Jason taught me how to get the respect of your teammates by setting the example at training, games and in the community. He backed up his words with actions and was one of the toughest blokes I have played with.
Tell me about where you grew up?
I grew up on a Farm about 1 hr from the main town in Kangaroo Island. Lived there for 12 years and played all my football at Western Districts Football Club
What do you do for a job?
Qualified Plumber
Favourite AFL player and why?
Mark Ricciuto - hard at it, and lead from the front
Is it true you are a twin?
That’s correct Handles. We are quite the opposite actually. My brother struggles to find a girlfriend where I have no problems in that area. I guess he got Dads genes
What do you get up to in your spare time?
Working on my house and all my teammate’s houses as well! Last week I went to Jak Kennedy- Hunts house to unclog his toilet. I don’t mind helping the boys out but it was the third time I’d been there within a month. I ended up telling Jak to stop talking into the toilet and it should fix the problem! I also enjoy heading back to Kangaroo Island for some fishing when I get the chance
What are your ambitions for season 2010 and beyond at the Panthers?
To play finals on a consistent basis and ultimately get the chance to win a premiership .I am very confident with lots of hard work and some patience we will get there.
Thanks Crabby best of luck for the season
Ten Panther Facts
Nickname - Crabby
SAFC Guernsey Number - 6
Who is a past player to have worn your number - Cory McGrath
Age - 23
Games - 36
Playing position - Full Back
Most annoying teammate and why – Josh Thewlis he always leaves stuff around my locker and is always touching me. Curtis Perrey is also annoying, he is always complaining about his women problems. I have my own Curtis!
AFL club supported - Adelaide Crows
Blonde or brunette - Brunette
Who is your celebrity look alike? – Andrew McDonald (Australian and Victorian Cricketer)
Trial Matches Begin
Monday 1st March 2010 - Player Blog
With the rehab group almost empty, training going up a notch and Peter Rolfe spotted walking into St Peter’s Cathedral, it was evident that everyone was hoping to be included in Ron’s squad for the first hit out against opposition in 2010.
A windy start greeted us at Hickinbotham Oval for the 1st trial and both grades eager to clean out the cobwebs from a tough pre-season. With new game styles being implemented and 5 months since our last game, it was always going to be a little ugly at times.
The two’s were first up and Tony Burgess handed Dylan Williams the captaincy for the day but he was concerned he wouldn’t be able to make a decision without Ed Crispe’s wind sock, so I got the gig in the end, lost the toss anyway and kicked into a South Easterly.
We started slowly and found ourselves 6 scoring shots to nil inside 8 minutes and we just weren’t getting our hands on the footy. We eventually worked our way into the game and Tony briefly mentioned at half time that he thought our lack of endeavour and work rate were holding us back and the scoreboard was irrelevant.
Lee Schmidt, “Herb” Elliott, Dylan Joyce and Michael Leonard all played well in the second half to get us home by 2 points with Tony clearly a lot happier with our 2nd half.
The League side, led by Brad Crabb and swine flu victim Michael Handby, didn’t take full advantage of their opportunities in the first half and eventually went down by 52 points. Nick Liddle and Guy O’keefe showed they will be handy additions and Nick Murphy and Jacob Crate both continued their good form from last year. With an internal this week we will be better for the run and front up against Port Adelaide in 2 weeks time. Hopefully we get to see the likes of Josh Taylor, Andrew Horne and Josh Thewlis grace the turf in the next couple of weeks as well.
Also congratulations to Neil Sharpe and his Partner on the birth of their first child!
Til next time….
Dug
Handles talking to new recruit Andrew Horne
Monday 15th February 2010 - Players Blog
Andrew you’ve now been in Adelaide for a few months, what are your thoughts about the move interstate and life as a Panther?
Well I was nervous and excited when I committed to moving over to SA. Now that I have been training and settled into a routine everything is going well. The club has been fantastic in helping me find work and my new teammates are a great bunch of blokes which has made it easier.
What do you do for work Horney?
I am currently in my second year as an apprentice carpenter with Schiavello, where we mainly do big fit outs in the city.
You previously played at Coburg in the VFL have you noticed much difference between both clubs?
Not a great amount in terms of our training. Pre seasons are hard and they seem to go forever but there seems to be alot of excitement around the place
What are your current living arrangements at the moment?
Well I am sharing a house with 4 other recruits to the club. (Liddle,Gotch,Joyce,Okeefe)We all are great mates and all Victorian so it has made the move easier and enjoyable.
Who does the cooking and cleaning?
None of us really know how to cook that well so if there is anyone out there who is interested in cooking for 5 boys we would really love it! The clubs dietitician is going to give us some tips and help on simple meals and what to buy when we go grocery shopping which will benefit us greatly.
As for cleaning we have to pay a cleaner to come around weekly and go over the place. We usually give her a big tip because the place can get very messy, especially Joyceys room as he is a pig!
Nick Liddle was a teammate of yours at Coburg and you have both come across together, what is your relationship like?
Lids is my best mate and we do have alot in common. We recently purchased 2 puppies which are actually sisters. Neither of us have ever had a girlfriend hang around too long because they all seem to get jealous of our close bond.
Is there any truth in the rumour that you have matching tattoos?
That’s correct Handles; we have star tattoos on our left feet. We got them done on a footy trip couple of years ago
What do you get up to in your spare time?
I enjoy getting down to the beach as much as possible. Guy Okeefe and I collect bottles and cans on the weekends and we make a bit of cash. It gets us out of the house
Who is your favourite AFL player and/or is there someone you model your game on?
My favourite AFL player is Daniel Kerr (West Coast) his attack on the footy is unbelievable. I would have to say I model my Game on Nathan Foley (Richmond) as he works really hard to contests and wins his own ball.
Last question Horney, what are your goals and ambitions for season 2010 and beyond?
I want to play finals footy and bring some success back to the South.
TEN PANTHER FACTS
Nickname: Horney
SAFC Guernsey number: 13
Playing position: Midfield
Recruited from: Coburg
Age: 21
AFL club supported: Richmond
Occupation: Carpenter
Kicking leg: Right
White or black boots: White
Have a crack at spelling Tom Casearowicz - Ceizurewitch
Pre-Season Thus Far
Tuesday 9th February 2010 - Player Blog
You would have thought after 9 pre-seasons they get a little easier, but I can categorically tell you that they don’t! I’m glad to say though that the majority of the pre-season is over and to say we are looking forward to the first trial against Ron’s old mob on the 27th of February at Hickinbotham Oval is an understatement!
Despite the difficulty of another pre-season, it has actually been quite enjoyable. The introduction of footballs by Ron early on and specified programs for each individual makes the pre-season that little bit more pleasant. The arrival of new coaches and players also keeps everyone excited about the prospect of playing under and with new staff. In particular I’m looking forward to hearing more from Mark “Joffa” Jeffries, who was a colourful character to say the least, during his playing days at North Adelaide and Woodville/West Torrens.
Every pre-season we have some stand outs among the group and this year is no exception. Tom Butler eats up any of the running that Ron puts to him, Jacob Crate continues to come on leaps and bounds and Curtis Perrey has impressed with his dedication and hard work over the period. But the best of all has been Jake Veide, better known as “Greg” around the club, this summer. The Port Noarlunga product has returned from the off season with 10kg of muscle and still able to move around like a Gazelle. No doubt the club will be expecting bigger things from “Greg” in 2010.
All the new recruits have settled in beautifully and will be looking to cement a spot for Round 1 in the trial games in the coming weeks. Guy O’Keefe and Kade Klemke haven’t missed a beat so far and their exquisite skills will have the forwards queuing up!
Last, but not least, a big thankyou to the volunteers and staff who have done an excellent job over the pre-season getting the jumpers, drinks, ice baths etc organised for the players. We certainly appreciate the generosity of your time and love having you involved around the club.
‘Til next time…
Dugga
|
