Ringing the Dairy Bell with Pride at De La Salle

Josh Heriot

As the footy returned from the King’s Birthday Bye, there were questions that needed answering. 

Could Fitzroy bounce back quickly after losing to St Bernard’s? Can Old Geelong steady the ship? Will Williamstown CYMS continue on their strong patch of form?

How will De La Salle go, travelling out to Banskia Reserve?

The latter question is the one we’ll endeavour to answer first. The boys of the Dairybell opened round nine in style, holding off a fast-finishing Beaumaris. 

De La Salle set up the victory in the opening term kicking three goals, keeping the Sharks to just three behinds. 

When the finns of the Sharks are up and about, they’ve been prolific scorers, kicking 100+ points in Rounds 2, 4, 6, and 8. De La was able to keep the power forwards of Beauy quiet with the home side managing just three majors in the first three quarters. 

An 18-point buffer at the final change was closed to nine points when the final siren sounded. De La made it three wins in a row to keep themselves fourth on the table.

Will McKinnon was named the best player on the ground, supported by Will Mackie and Nathan Scollo (2 goals). 

Beaumaris’ big man Callum Heath hit the scoreboard and was amongst the best, two goals from Joel Cusack and Sam Roberts were positives from the day. The Sharks have now gone win, loss, win, loss from their past four matches and third spot on the ladder is looking vulnerable.

Williamstown CYMS awaits in Round 10, a side they got hold of earlier in the year. De La Salle welcomes the ladder leaders St Bernard’s to Waverley Oval, the last time they had success over the Snowdogs was in 2019. 

The CY’s are to be commended for the way they’ve turned this season around. After being 0-4 and sitting second last on the table with 49% to their name. 

They’ve now won three of their past five matches. The two losses by five points to Old Geelong, and 11 points to De La Salle. 

On Saturday, against Ajax the two sides fought out a tough encounter. The Jackers holding a six point lead at the main change saw them fall behind in the third term as Williamstown kicked four goals to open up a 15 point lead, which remained intact during the final term. 

Oskar Manton, a handy inclusion for Williamstown. Down from the VFL due to Port Melbourne having the bye, Calvin Vicino, William Smyth and Harrison Miller kicked six goals between them whilst Jack Noonan continued his run of strong form.

In his first senior game for the year, Daniel Cohen kicked three goals for Ajax and was named amongst the best. Just the one win for the Jackers so far in 2023, they’ll be aiming to make it two this weekend when they tackle the T’s at the Daley Oval. 

Williamstown CY’s will continue the battle of the blue and gold when they face Beaumaris at Fearon Reserve in Round 10. 

Fitzroy were stung against St Bernard’s in Round 8. A fortnight to think about it. Returning home to Brunswick St Oval they blitzed St Bede’s Mentone/Tigers in the opening term with 10 scoring shots to one. 

It was a tighter affair on the scoreboard after the opening term with nine goals to eight, but the damage had already been done. 

Had it not been for inaccuracy in front of goal, the margin could’ve been greater than 50 points. Donovan Toohey, buoyed by his Big V squad selection kicked four goals for the Roys as did Charlie Faubel who moved up to equal second on the sharpshooters table. 

Both players were named the best in Luke Mahoney’s team. Five of the nine games in 2023 have seen the Roys kick over 100 points, it’s been a feature of this side throughout the first half of the year. 

SBMT again had Caleb Lewis kick three goals, he’s kicked three in back to back weeks. Brayden O’Toole added another two to his season tally. Zac Calvez continued his strong individual season for the Tigers. 

They’re on the road again in Round 10, heading to Como Park to tackle Old Geelong. They must win to stay in touch with the top five sides. Fitzroy are off to Monash to take on the two-blues, with heavy scoring no doubt going to be the order of the day. 

Old Geelong were potentially up against it during the first half against Old Trinity. However, inaccuracy from the T’s left the door well and truly open for the OG’s. 

After kicking four goals with the wind to open up a 25 point lead. The T’s kicked 1.8.14 with the breeze in the second term, and couldn’t capitalise on multiple opportunities in front of goal.

The 12 point half time margin extended to 28 at three quarter time. A bridge too far for the green and gold to climb. 

Harry Thompson, as he does every week, fought on valiantly – Kicked a goal, and named in the best. Continuing his strong form, he was awarded with Big V squad selection last week by Greg Hutchison. 

Mickey Nicholl’s kept his season average of two goals a game going for Old Geelong, while Harrison Kol was named Nathan Brown’s best player. 

St Bernard’s are dancing to their own beat in 2023. After a lean 2022 season, scoring is back to its all time high, the winning culture is back at the Snakepit. 

Monash were the latest team to feel the wrath of the ladder leaders. 

Nick Di Lizio, made his senior debut. He kicked a goal early on in the piece, but would be the sideshow to his older brother Luke who kicked five goals in a best on ground display. 

Matt Sauro is currently rivalring Harry Thompson as the best ruckman in Premier B with his dominance and presence around the ground. 

Daniel Easson is having a stellar season for Monash, he has been a silver-lining for the club throughout 2023. James Flett kicked a goal and would be high up in the clubs best and fairest counting halfway through the year. 

The 2022 Premier C premiers have had significant changes to the line-up, as well as a coaching change over summer. St Bernard’s, coming down from William Buck Premier after 2022 have a point to prove to the competition. 

The two-blues next challenge is the second placed Fitzroy at Monash University. 

If ever there was a ding-dong battle it comes in the form of De La Salle v St Bernard’s this weekend. The only side in the first nine rounds to keep St Bernard’s under 90 points in a contest. 

The age-old argument between Joey Pignataro and Brian Waldron is renewed. Waverley Oval at 2:00 PM is where you want to be.