Here are the round 8 match reports. Thanks go to Dusty plus 2 new contributors, Reyzl, and Benny!

Women’s Non-Contact Footy Match Report – Reyzl
On a sunny day with wet and slippery conditions, the Eastern Warriors demonstrated their growing prowess and excellent communication across the ground in their match against Port Melbourne. With just two Port Melbourne players, our Warriors evened up the teams and a spirited game went ahead. The conditions posed a challenge, but the Warriors’ skilful use of the ball and strategic teamwork ensured a commanding performance across the board that would have made coach Sue immensely proud.

The Warriors players started the match with impressive fight. Mich set the tone with an early goal, quickly establishing momentum. Susie responded to defensive pressure with a goal of her own, which was backed up by a later goal, scored with thanks to Sunny’s excellent delivery of the ball. Mich’s exceptional ground ball work throughout the game kept the ball moving forward, creating numerous opportunities. Ren’s goal, scored despite the slippery ball, highlighted the team’s ability to adapt to the challenging conditions. Her resilience up forward was undeterred by defensive pressure, and her teamwork with Mich proved damaging in front of goals.

Defensive plays were equally strong, with Cath executing an impressive smother and Helen spinning out of trouble in the backline to move the ball out of danger. Cath’s determined run, capped by a tap of the ball to the ground and a goal, was a standout moment. Abi’s stellar defensive play was crucial in maintaining momentum. Kirsty’s midfield pressure brought a sense of calm control, contributing to her team’s overall stability across the game. Helen was rewarded for her efforts with a straightforward shot on goal, thanks to Cath’s precise delivery. She later backed this up with a couple more thanks to keen movement of the ball to the forward line. Susie, acting as a defensive wall, took key marks and managed to get the ball back inside the forward third, resulting in a goal after the second intercept. Sandra’s first-class ball delivery, both in the ruck and around the ground, was instrumental throughout the game. Ren’s switch to defence showcased her versatility, becoming a formidable force down back. Jen’s impressive defensive body work in her first game back after her trip overseas helped bring additional defensive pressure.

The players continued their dominant performance into the final quarter. Jen marked her return with a well-deserved goal. Abi, recognised for her relentless effort, also added to the scoreboard. Sunny played a key role in the handball chain, helping to move the ball seamlessly through the midfield. The addition of newcomer Kate also brought fresh energy.

All in all, it was an impressive game, showcasing some wonderful continued development of skills across the team. A special mention goes to Bourkey for her outstanding and solid umpiring, to Flea for all her support, and to Sandra for all her work on setting up the ground.

Men’s Over 35s Match Report – Benny
It was one of the cold wet Sundays that are just made for football!! Walking in to the sheds before the game, seeing Louis studying the board rearranging the magnets because we a low on numbers. You know it’s going to be a long day at the office. Everyone was in good spirits and upbeat before the game. Honestly, I find it hard staying positive when we are playing a team you are going to struggle to score points against. After a quick pep talk from Jnr my attitude changed and I begin to focus more on little things I could do to help the team.

The game started and for the first few minutes it was a stale mate. Then Beaconsfield went inside 50 and the rest is history. The first quarter ended in a whitewash. I think we were down by 6 or 7 goals, and we had lost Andy to a shoulder injury. Our attitude was good and our positive was on point. The 2nd quarter saw our defence set up and our mids started to get their hands on the ball!! When the half time siren sounded. We had held the to 3 more goal and a handful of behinds.

The second half started like the first finish. With us getting our hands on and controlling the ball. With the mids starting to control the game, and with our backs standing tall was a big part as well. Early in the 3rd we lost Jules to injury and in came the super sub, Louis!! Trailing by 103 at 3 quarter time you would nearly except us to drop our heads and let our shoulder slump, but it was the total opposite. The positivity and the respect and pride for each other and in the jumper was there!!

Early in the 4th Louis kicked a handy point, after an awesome grab between 3 beacy players, the comeback was on!! When the final siren went it was 118-1 a hard day at the office but everyone put in and played hard and it shows how far we have come this year. It shows the future is looking bright for us!!

Warriors 0.1 – 1
Beacy 17.16 – 118

Men’s Over 50s Match Report – Dusty
Once again I was unable to take the field on Sunday. My troublesome Ischial Tuberosity left me standing on the sidelines, sinking slowly into the Lilydale mud. (A month ago I didn’t even know I had an Ischial Tuberosity, now it is all I can think about.) I found myself standing next to the coach’s box with Matt – whose injury sustained in battle (three broken ribs and a punctured lung) gave him heroic status, magnified by the fact that there was a whistling sound every time he breathed in or out. He seemed stoic, I just looked soft. But twenty-three fit and courageous Warriors ran out onto the muddy and lumpen field at Lilydale – with hope in their hearts and steel in their eyes.

The conditions favoured the Lilydale players, accustomed to playing on their own rainswept dungheap. Where the Warriors found the mud and rain troubling, the Lilydaleans, amphibian-like, seemed to revel in the wet and slippery conditions. They were ahead at the end of the first stanza. A patch of sunlight illuminated the field at the start of the second quarter and the Warriors stepped up. Rev was finding space and providing absolution while Nails put the hammer down and provided drive through the middle. Eddie and Bruisa, perhaps tapping into deeper, reptilian instincts, began to control the back half alongside Dave H who was back to his pointing and shouting best. The injection of CT (the heavily bandaged part man-part mummy) provided spark and the Warrior spirit began to shine. Still down at half time, but the game was there to be won.

Kenny threw the magnets around at half-time, looking for that elusive combination that would open the floodgates. Magoo went back, Phil went forward, Col went everywhere and Pawsey was dogged in his defensive midfield role. Big Al was huge, attacking the ball and getting clobbered. We won the third term, Clint linking Paz a few times and our game began to flow. Marko was dangerous despite still carrying a few kilos from his overseas trip and Julien provided spark through the middle. But a lack of composure at times cost us, and when Fitzy blew his calf the writing was on the wall. Lilydale got on top in the final term and as the mud crept up over my shoes it was almost a metaphor for the game slipping away from us.

But despite the loss, this was a game that was a celebration of life. The tragedy of Juzzy’s loss was keenly felt by both sides. He spoke before the game, in a candid and moving manner that reminded us all that life is a precious gift.