Scores: Old Xaverians: 9 – 10 – 64 def. Prahran: 2 – 6 – 18

On what was a beautiful autumn day, the Crocodiles began their season of redemption in fine style against our Club XVIII arch-rival, Prahran. With many new faces in the line up and some returning ‘diles’ it was a most pleasing first up win to the tune of 46 points.

The game began with some outstanding lead-up work from our half forwards, with Matt O’Kane, Mark Davies and new recruit, William ‘Alby’ Martin presenting strongly and setting the tone for the afternoon. The on-ball brigade led ably be newly appointed skipper, Andrew Barrett, vice-captain Duncan Parry, Andy Jones and Tim Silk applied great pressure across the ground and forced many crucial errors from the opposition. Prahran got a few early shots on goal and from there it was largely one-way traffic with the Crocs backline holding the ascendency and repelling all attacks. Our back six were in complete control, with Nick Hulett all over his man like Oprah on a baked ham and second year Dile, Simon Montgomery playing the best game of his short career in the green hose. The team has been bolstered by the return of both Nick Silk and Nick ‘Roger’ Larkins, who will both continue to improve with more time on the park.

What was most pleasing about the performance was our ability to play to instruction and continue to maintain pressure on the opposition and execute our skills in what was only our second competitive hit-out for the season. The ability of our younger players, in particular Tom Byrne, Fergus Brown and Nick Perrone, who performed a great run-with role on Prahran’s best player, to have an strong influence on the contest around the packs and continue to create opportunities for teammates was very exciting. The debut of David Scalzo and Gabs Ireland brought cheers from the crowd and I am sure that the crowds will flock to see the skill of Tom Fitzgerald once he gets his kicking boots on!

Overall a very good first-up win and now we look towards Uni Blacks this week, in what will be a real test of where the Crocodiles will sit in the Club XVIII in 2010.