Supers won by 12 goals undermanned but still won well.

By The Wharfie

Supers continued their winning form with a win over Footscray Districts. Game was fairly even until the last 5 minutes in 2nd quarter when Knox kicked 3 quick goals.  Footscray fought out the third quarter but Knox went on to record a win at home - 14g 8p to  7g 8p.
No ex afl stars turned up as was rumoured !!

Masters first game of the year was at home to the Western Devils. Winning the toss Knox decided to use the stiff 3 goal breeze heading to the southern end. The boys were confident with a few new faces in the side with Jamie in the forward pocket, Bill in the middle and Eddie finally back from his chronic hamstring strains. The first quarter opened well with Lee, Wayne, Ed and Bill providing plenty of drive out of the middle. The boys were running hard and kicking to position. A goal on the siren saw a 16 point lead open up.

The second quarter was a challenge as the backline held tight against the Devils. Pierre, Mick and Ray repelled attacks as the Devils crept closer. Knox were still running hard and a goal to Locky in the goalsquare kept us 4 points ahead. The momentum was changing but we had the breeze in the 3rd quarter.

Third quarter saw a marked shift as the Devils on-ballers were providing a lot of run. Most contested possessions seemed to have more Devils than Lions and we paid the price as the Devils outscored us 2.4 to 1.0.  Marcus and Billy showed great courage as they collided attempting to mark but our general ball handling and kicking was lacking. Lee managed to get a fingertip to a Devils shot after the siren, keeping us within reach.

The last quarter was a do-or-die contest. Neither side could break away as lack of fitness slowed the game down. Ball-ups were the order of the day.  The Lions were 5 points down and deep in attack when the siren sounded.
Congrats to all on an enjoyable game played in good spirits.

Lions were ready for a big game after a close defeat in Round 3. Overcast skies but a perfect ground for football with plenty of wide open spaces. Signs were bad though when we couldnt find our FB, CHF and FF by 1pm ! Thanks to Frankston for lending us two pretty handy players (Brett & David)

We had a strong breeze but Frankston hit the ground running. A pass to big Rusty at FF and Frankston had the first goal. But Knox stepped up a gear and our backline started to take control. The boys pumped the ball into the forward 50 but scoring options were limited with our lack of hieght and Anton on one leg.

Second quarter had the potential to be ugly against a decent breeze but the backline lead by Pants were killing them. Mick, Pierre, Travis and Pants repelled every attack while Eddie was at the bottom of every pack. No goals into the wind but the 2.2 to 0.3 scoreline was a good effort for an undermanned team.

We needed goals in the third but Frankston made it hard by applying pressure and running hard on the massive oval. The quarter started badly with Frankston attacking into the wind. That Rusty bloke took another grab and goaled but full credit to Travis and Ray who did well on a quality opponent. The siren blew just as Locky was about to take a big grab and shoot for goal.

Five goals down going into the last quater against the wind. The game slowed but Frankston kept running by rotating their 4 spare players onto the ground. The Lions battled on against the odds and held up well given the onslaught. There may not be many real footballers in our team but Pants showed glimpses of his heyday with a best on ground performance. And he enjoyed it as he dished out some light-hearted verbal abuse.

Note : The Frankston player, Greg Sykes,  who came off with heart problems was under observation last night. More reports as they come to hand. Knox extend our best wishes and hope all is well.

Medical Emergency
Knox extends our best wishes to Frankston Masters player, Greg Sykes, who came off the ground after a heart attack. Greg is still under observation and a pacemaker is being fitted. The Superules website has a few health tips for us old blokes - have a read here.

The game opened solidly it was clear both sides were not going to give ground , the centre became a no go zone with both teams under heaps of pressure and wearing out the grass around the ground outside the fifty. Our on ballers, particularly Lee in the ruck, battled hard and took advantage of some run on play to set up early goals.

By quarter time we were in it and the look in the teams eyes was we were not going to roll over.  The second quarter was more of the same from both sides with hard tackling , contested plays, and we went into half time level pegging.

The third quarter saw more of the same from both sides before a final quarter slogfest. Both sides tiring and making mistakes and as always the umpy came under pressure.  Pants went into attack half way through the quarter to weave his magic. The ball drifted to both ends of the ground throughout the quarter until Knox made a final attack in the dying minutes. Eddie managed to get hold of the ball almost within the goal square but his snap hit the post just before the siren sounded. Darebin hled on by a single point. What a game !

Knox made the journey out to the far reaches of the northern suburbs Craigieburn with a full team took and several emergencies on the bench. As usual the Craigieburn crowd was vocal in its support for the home side. The game got underway with Craigieburn supplying 2 club members for umpires.

First quarter was a fairly even affair, the Knox chip and run game versus Craigieburn long kick and mark game. We went into quarter time virtually level and could have been in front except for a few misses. Wayne was marking everything coming his way and the Knox defence repelling everything coming their way.

Second quarter was one way traffic as Craigieburn got their long kicking marking game going. Their forwards feasting on the delivery from up the ground.

Third quarter , Knox was more competitive and slowed the onslaught.  Deano marked anything came near him and controlled the half back line. Eddie was dominating in the middle as usual.

Final quarter was all Knox lions but again unable to finish off and score. The match was a lot more even than the 126-point margin indicated ! Thanks to everyone who made the journey, the commitment to get there and be competitive was great. Well done to Les who took the coach's 6-pack award.

Glen Orden arrived with a full side to take on Knox at home. After playing away last year at Glen Orden's ground we were always keen to reverse the results.

Both teams hit the ground early for warmups keen to play with a strong breeze blowing to the Fairpark chippery.

Glen Orden won the toss and kicked with the breeze. Game started strongly with both sides winning the ball equally out of the centre and around the ground.  Knox kicking against the breeze linked up well and had many forays into the forward line. Glen Orden defence was strong repelling many Knox attacks but it was clear this was a different Knox side that visited Glen Orden last year.

Second quarter Knox took the breeze with them and attacked the goals. Lee grappled a marking contest and palmed a magnificent tap for a goal as both sides threw themselves into the game with tackling and some goal saving spoils . The Knox on-ballers were winning the ball and our half back line (Deano) was stopping most Glen Orden attacks and repelling with some huge kicks. Both sides went into the sheds with scores and effort from both sides fairly even.

Third quarter, Glen Orden mounted a kick it long to the square which resulted in 5 goals,(yep the author was sent to pay full back !) Bill took a goal saving mark plus a 30 metre penalty to reverse the momentum.

The Knox huddle took a fair spray from an irate Lockie (semi-coach) and then came out firing , kicking 5 goals in last quarter to 3 from Glen Orden. Lions missed out by 12 points. A great game. We lost but everyone had a kick and we were competitive.

A beautiful sunny day at Fair Park reserve with superb ground conditions awaited South Yarra and Knox Lions. Both sides arrived early and it was clear both sides would field good strength sides with interchanges

First quarter started at frenetic pace, both sides attacking, Knox Lions early into the wind and South Yarra with the wind. A battle of the centre entailed with South Yarra rucks winning the tap outs, Lee was up against it all day and battled a slightly taller opponent. Both sides were linking up well and at the quarter time break Knox were behind 1.1.7 to 4.2.26.  Knox had plenty of the ball but Yarra's defence and centre line players repelled many knox move forwards.

During the quarter huddle the Knox boys were fired up and keen to come out with the breeze, but as per last game at home the breeze dropped away. Take nothing away from South Yarra who continued their positive attack on the ball. Knox continued to link up but were unable to put it on the scoreboard. For the first time this year we saw a player red-carded - fortunately it wasnt one of our boys. Knox 1.4.10 South Yarra 5.4.34 with both sides retiring to the sheds knowing the game was far from over.

Half time coach Ed expounded some home truths and asked the Knox boys for something extra. Out we came from the sheds and although competing strongly couldnt put it on the scoreboard. Knox 2.6.12 South Yarra 7.9.51

Last quarter specialists Knox bombarded the goals to kick 4.4 to South Yarra's 0.2. A fast and furious quarter with many positional changes to make the breakthrough. Special mention for the effort by the goal umpires whom made some tough fair decisions in the last quarter.

Knox Lions made the journey to the seaside resort of Mornington. Coach Ed was pleased we had 16 players (just) , and the opposition graciously loaned us two players. Game started at a frenetic pace , Knox Lions as always hard at the ball. Good endeavour but Peninsula Raiders too big, and rotated their bench maximizing their running power. All Knox battled hard all day but as the score shows not enough to match it with Peninsula. Special mention to Fitzy for his acting prowess. Not our best result but lets stay focussed and enjoy the next game !!!

Knox Lions made the journey to the Albert Park ground with the formula 1 track and majestic Albert Park lake in the background. The Lions arrived with a full side including 6 on the bench plus 2 in civies. Wayno managing the bench. (under pressure to rotate 6 bench-warmers !!!)

The game started at a frenetic pace , both sides winning out of the centre and driving forward. The "Unconscious King " Fitzy displayed his fitness kicking 2 goals -  a big improvement from his 5 metre point in our last game.  Tim blasted out of the centre to kick a goal on the run with everyone looking up to the club rooms for a video replay of such an explosive breakout.

Melbourne remained competitive and at half time there was little in the game.  Coach Ed implored the team to lift their game ( dejavu ??) and the third quarter was an even tussle with Mick Morse's heavy tackles wearing the opposition down.  Knox's new recruits by this time had smoothed into the game and were proving dangerous. Our jetsetters started to swing into the game and the third quarter was a point shout-out between both sides.

Last quarter saw Knox move away with some smooth work through the centre to PJ at full forward. PJ  kicked 3 goals for the day in his masters comeback for Knox to win by 4 goals and sing the song for the first time this year. Melbourne boys never gave up and thanks for the after match presentation.

Great to see so many turn up and even better to see the two teams enjoy the day. Many thanks to Melbourne.

No game as Northern Districts didnt have the numbers.

However special mention goes to Pieman, Dean, Micky K, Pierre, Lee, Bellie and a few others for an impromptu exhibition of field kicking and goal kicking. Unfortunately on the goalkicking side there was an 11 year old there who kicked 8 from 8 bananas and has volunteered to attend training to show the Masters the way home to the sticks.

This is the first time we have seen Pieman come off the ground willingly and all looked like they needed the run to finish there season off. Pieman has already started discussions about preseason training (good luck to him).