April 2011
By the Numbers - Number 3
This week Peter 'Porky' Rhoden moves up to jumper number 3.
Interestingly, there is not a current wearer of the number 3 jumper at Old Xavs. The last player to wear the number, JOHN PASCERI did so with distinction until his retirement at the end of the 2010 season. Short in stature, John was a long kicking left footer, and made an immediate impact in the Seniors, after rising from the Unders where he was a state representative, and won the league best and fairest. The most notable aspect of his accurate kicking for goal was his long run up when kicking from a fixed mark. It is the longest I think I have ever seen, but rarely did he miss. In his last few years he played in the reserves as his pace dropped off, and showed real strength of character after missing Senior selection in finals games.
Under 19's vs The School Boys
The annual Old Xavs Under 19's versus the Xavier College 1st XVIII game took place yesterday on the Roche Oval at Xavier College. A large crowd was present to watch the future of the OXFC showcase their skills.The conditions were a little slippery, but the standard of the game was excellent. In the end the Under 19's game out on top 12-4-76 to 8-4-52, which is the first time in 3-4 years that the school boys haven't finished on top.
The game is becoming an important part of the 1st XVIII's preparation for the APS season and coach Anthony McDonald said, "Our boys have a had a long, and very positive preparation, and we are all excited about the season ahead. This game is a great opportunity for the Old Xav boys to come back and play at the school again, and for me it was great to see the boys we coached last year continuing on and developing their games".
Showtime - Edition #3, by Jon Mercuri
Footy boots are an absolute essential to all footballers at any level and long gone are the days of buying any old boots to get you through the year. You now have the job of sorting through colour, weight, material and ground surfaces to pick the perfect fit for you.Its very easy to stereotype blokes by the look of their boots. Although I don’t whole heartedly subscribe to this, there is no doubt that it happens. They have become a form of self-expression and generally coincide with the way you play. Unfortunately for some it’s what’s inside the boot that truly does the talking.
Old Xavs By The Numbers - No.2
You may have seen the first edition on the website last week, and you will be seeing one every week throughout the season. We are working our way through the jumper numbers and reminiscing about some of the great players to have worn each of the numbers for the Old Xavs.
Last week we looked at number 1, and the likes of Michael Blood, Mick Rush, and Cas Keogh.
This week Porky Rhoden and his team have compiled their recollections about the greats wearing number 2.
I guess the best way to handle this group is to consider the players in the years they played.
Big First Day for Season 2011
It was a huge day for the Old Xaverians Football Club on the first Saturday of the season.
The unfurling of the 2010 Premiership flag, a tribute lunch for Simon Lethlean, and the first time that 7 Old Xav sides have played on the same day. To top it all off, it was a successful day too, with 6 of our 7 sides winning!The honour of unfurling the Premiership flag was given to former senior coach, and Life Member Peter Rhoden. In front of a large crowd, Porky raised the flag on a conveniently breezy day at Toorak Park.
Earlier at the lunch, tribute was paid to 2 time Premiership coach, and 5 time Premiership player Simon Lethlean. The biggest crowd ever assembled for a lunch at Toorak Park were entertained by Tim Clarke as he asked Simon some light-hearted, and hard-hitting questions.
Old Xavs By The Numbers - No.1
Compiled by Porky Rhoden
Often when you go to a game of football you are not quite sure who executes a passage of play but the number on the players back solves the problem.
I love the tradition of who wears a particular number, hence the famous No 12 the property of the Bowen family (kindly being minded by Marcus Allan while Andy is overseas).
I recall in 1962 liking the look of a young recruit so I decided to allocate my No 8 which he wore until he departed for a distinguished career with the Hawks.
So we are off and working through the Xav numbers from No1 to No 76 and if you have been omitted then lets us know so we can build a register of who played under what number.
We are going in order so you will know what number is going up next, so email us and tell your favourite story about the player who wore that number – admin@oldxavs.com.au
No 1.
Mr Chips Returns, Clearly in Decline
Tempus fugit, especially at my age and it’s time to saddle up for another season. I hope to see plenty of football this winter, but at my advanced age, it can be a bit of a strain to get to all the games. Once there, it is not always easy to see all of the action, though I usually catch the gist of things.
For we fans of the Red ‘n’ Black, it’s a special time indeed, because it means the club’s latest premiership flag will be unfurled on Saturday. And I see from my season schedule that it will be against the Ho Hums. I can’t quite remember when the Dark Blues returned to the top section, though Gavan Woodruff assures me we played them twice last year. These days I seem only to recall the clubs that give our boys trouble, so I can only assume they didn’t.RIP Tony Sheehan
.jpg)
The Old Xavs community was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of one of its loyal supporters, Tony Sheehan (aka Grubby).Tony recently entered hospital for a planned procedure, was discharged late last week and was recovering at home. He passed away suddenly around midnight on Saturday.
Tony was a regular on ‘Knowledge Hill’ at Toorak Park on Saturday afternoons, but what will always last in our memories is Tony propping up the bar on Thursday nights, where he would share a few beers and a laugh, hear the teams read out and would always be the last to leave.
