May 2011
RIP - Bill Flynn
All at the club have been saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Flynn on Sunday, at the age of 69.
Bill Flynn played about 80 games with the Old Xavs, playing in the Reserves Premiership under Bill Carroll. He played about 12 senior games as a ruckman but had a problem with a knee that caused his early retirement. Bill was a very enthusiastic follower of the club and attended regularly.
He had many friends at the club and will be missed by all. Our thoughts are with his family.
2011 President's Dinner
One Friday night just gone Simon Hunt and Australian Club member Dom Doyle hosted the annual President's Dinner at the Australian Club.
Emcee and crowd favourite Dermot Dann welcomed the 95 guests and recounted a few stories from his playing days. Club President Simon Hunt gave those present a rundown on the off-field activities at the club before senior coach Andy Gowers updated everyone on the teams performance so far.
The highlight of the night was guest speaker Mike Sheehan being interviewed by Shane Healy.
The food was excellent, the drinks flowed freely, and once again the night was huge success enjoyed by all.
EJ Whitten Legends Game -
CALLING ALL LOCAL FOOTY LEGENDS! HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO PLAY IN THE RAY WHITE EJ WHITTEN LEGENDS GAME
For all those local footy legends lamenting the AFL career that could have been, here’s a chance to strap on the boots and play alongside AFL’s biggest names with The Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game undertaking a nation-wide search for local footy heroes to take part in the game at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday 5 July 2011.
Now in its 16th year and having raised over $1million dollars in support of prostate cancer research, the Ray White EJ Whitten Legends Game is steeped in history with many local footy legends having played on the big stage with past AFL champions. Who could forget Mornington Player, Simon Goosey when he kicked a swag of goals in 2005 or 74 year old footy veteran, Cobber Rogers when he lined up on Sam Newman last year?
Where Are They Now? - Denis Tucker
In his mid twenties he had all the flair and pizzazz of Dermot Brereton.
He was obsessed by Bombers full forward - John Coleman.
He was on the A list to be invited to balls, parties...even to the opening of a fridge door, however his biggest claim to fame is that he’s Jack Bowen's brother-in-law.
Denis Tucker played several seasons with Old Xav firsts and Reserves, under the eagle eye of Peter Rhoden in the mid sixties. Deadly in front of goals, DT played in a variety of positions and was a great kick and a very clean ball handler.
Prior to Old Xavs he played in the Sunraysia Football League and afterwards had a stint stripping for teams in the Tasmanian Football League. Denis settled in Launceston. His son Sam played with Old Xavs seniors in the late 90’s and early 2000's.
Showtime - Edition #4, by Jon Mercuri
As we launch in to another round of footy, I find myself in foreign territory. It will be seven weeks from Saturday that I haven’t had a kick or even being able to break out of a walk, and it doesn’t look like changing any time soon. I have a new found respect for our supporters, not to say I haven’t respected you previously, it’s that I haven’t realized how hard amateur footy is to watch, and being an Old Xavs player and now supporter, how mentally traumatized one can be watching a game of footy.RIP - John (Jack) Stutt
The OXFC is sad to report the passing of long time club supporter Jack Stutt.
John attended Burke Hall from 1925-32 and then Xavier College from 1933-35, and from there has had a long association with the club.
Life Member and former club coach Peter 'Porky' Rhoden said, "Jack loved to hear the results of the football club and would ring me on a Tuesday each week for the update. He had lost the gift of sight but would come to the odd lunch and stay to hear the crowd comments which he said was nearly as good as watching".
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and our players will wear black armbands this weekend in honour of Jack.
Seven Deadly Wins
History was made on Saturday. This season the club has 7 teams, and on Saturday they all won.
The Senior side fought out another close win, coming from behind to snatch a 4 point victory over De La Salle, with Matt Handley snapping a goal with only a few seconds left on the clock. In the best team performance for the year, the Reserves had a terrific win over quality opposition. The Crocs and Thirds (Black) also had wins over De La Salle, while the Thirds (Red) comfortably beat Uni Blacks. The Under 19 Premier side continued on their great form with a solid win against St Bedes/Mentone while the 2’s took the points from Beaumaris.
By the Numbers - Number 4
This week Peter 'Porky' Rhoden and his team look at jumper number 4!
Ben Plant - VAFA Cover Model
Some of you may have noticed the Amateur Record on the weekend, and recognised the Old Xavs jumper. Did you recognise the player?For those that didn't, the player in question is Ben Plant who is vice captain of the Under 19 Premier side. Ben is playing in his second year at the club and spends most of his time on the half backline. Ben is the son of Maurie Plant, one of the great OXFC supporters over the years, and nephew of Michael Plant who coached the Under 19's and Reserves for many years.
Close Win Against the Uni Boys
Round 3 delivered some very close results and a few big wins for the Old Xavs. The Seniors won a nail biter against Uni at Uni by just 1 point. That was only hours after the Reserves went down by only 3 points. The Thirds (Black) team had a big win while the Thirds (Red) team went down by 8 points. The Crocs also went down by 7 points to the OM’s Allstars, but it was better news for the Under 19’s who both had big wins.
