Reserves
FTG Eagles V s Canterbury (away)

Coach: Tim Beare

Ferntree Gully 16 17 113 defeated Canterbury 4 7 31. An 81 point win.
The game started well at a pretty quick pace, and the first 5 minutes was an even game. However after this the on ballers with Phil, Sharpy and Cox stated to get a lot of the ball continually driving the ball forward to give our forwards an opportunity. The team also displayed some great 1 %ers; with 4 effective smothers. The first quarter saw the team kick 5 goals playing some good, direct football.
However the second quarter saw Canterbury come out running and the Eagles stopped allowing Canterbury back in the game, with them kicking 3 goals to the Eagles 1 point, for the quarter. The Eagles wanted to play in direct football, particularly in our forward line. Therefore at half time the scores Eagles were 2 goals in front.
 The third quarters saw the Eagles come out a lot more intense and were full of run, running in waves, and working hard for each other, as well as delivering the ball correctly to the forwards, using the ball a lot smarter around the ground. The second half saw the Eagles kick 12 goals to the oppositions 1, to be well on top, and run out comfortable 78 point winners.
Overall a very good, even team performance, with the positive to come out of the game, was that 23 players had valuable game time, and no injuries. This week is a big game at home vs. South Belgrave and 4 quarters of football is needed to win, which could really set up the year with 2 wins from 2 games.
Best Players: Phil Lawson, Rick Aitkin, Chris Cox, Thompson, Rhodes, Tabone.
Goal Kickers: Aitkin 5, Thompson 3, Capper 2, Mick Russo 2 Lawson 1, Rhodes1, Blackmore 1, Ralph 1.

Colts
FTG Eagles V Glen Waverley Hawks. (away)

Coach: Bruce Brunton

We headed to Glen Waverley Hawks ground not really sure what to expect. We hadn’t had the opportunity to have a practice match and with a new bunch of players still getting to know each other there was a little uncertainty about how we would go. Glen Waverley didn’t have a side in U/18 last year so this only added to the situation.

Four boys played their first games for the club and we welcome them to our club – Blake, Arlie, Iain and Daniel and Jayden P was back after missing last season.

We were pretty rusty and played accordingly. In patches there were some excellent passages, interspersed with some poor turnovers and lack of application. We need to work defensively as well; at times we tended to go forward but not work back to help our defenders out. Kicking against the wind in the first term we led by a couple of goals. The second quarter we dominated play but didn’t make the most of our opportunities. This gave the opposition a sniff and kept them in the game. The third and fourth quarters were a struggle but we managed to do enough to get the four points and came away with a six goal win. The opposition were quite a good combination, so the end result was pleasing without being overly impressive. I am sure we will improve a lot with the game under our belt and look forward to the weeks ahead when the boys have had the opportunity to play together and get to understand their respective strengths and weaknesses.
A special mention and thank you to James and Mitch B who ran water for us, and Andrew Morgan who filled in as trainer to assist Frank.

Final Scores FTG 13.17 = 95, GWH 8.11=59

Goals -  Alec 4, Blake 2, Michael 2, Jayden P 1, Matt R 1, Jared 1, Ash 1, Mitch D 1.

Best - Nick J, Michael, Alec, Will, Josh, Matt J, Luke

Reserves

SOUTH BELGRAVE 10.14.74 DEF FERNTREEGULLY Eagles 8.16.64

Coach: Tim Beare

The first quarter saw Ferntree gully get off to a flying start kicking the first 3 goals of the game.
The reason for this was the mid fielders were getting first use of the footy and the forwards were converting well.  The backline were also playing good defensive football.  However, in the second quarter, South Belgrave applied a lot more pressure and got themselves back in the game with 3 goals, mainly due to the opposition on-ballers getting plenty of the football for their team.
The Ferntree gully team was unable to score a goal and the scores were pretty even at half time.  The third quarter was a fairly even affair, but the Ferntree gully team were able to kick 5 goals to the oppositions 3 goals.  This was due to good team football with the Ferntree gully team running in numbers.  With the last quarter, with Ferntree Gully being in front by 2 goals, the game was on the line.  South Belgrave got out of the box quickly with a couple of quick goals and probably with the last 10 minutes of the game South Belgrave were full of run, running in waves and Ferntree Gully not being able to score a goal, although with the last 5 minutes the game was in the balance. Overall a really close match but a disappointing result, considering the game being played in front of the home crowd and an opportunity to be 2 wins in 2 games was lost.
Next week we play Heathmont at home, and hopefully the team will learn from this and win their second game of the season.
Goal Kickers: Aitkin 2, Blakemore 1, Finnigan 1, Calligiuri 1, C.Cox 1, Nayna 1, M. Russo 1.

Best: M Hayen, D Pennington, C Nayna, C Cox, J Lovat.

Colts

Coach: Bruce Brunton

Scores:  FTG Eagles 29.23 = 197 def Sth Belgrave 4.2 = 26

Another week where we didn’t know much about our opposition. In fact, we were even uncertain whether they had won or lost their first game! (They apparently won by a point). The game started fairly evenly after Captain Paul again lost the toss. Four goals to one in the first quarter was a good start. The second quarter was a little better and we went in at half time with a handy lead. After half time we ran away with the game. I was really pleased with the contribution from all players on the day. We worked on centre clearances during the week and it was very pleasing to see the boys get rewarded for their hard work with an excellent clearance rate in the second half.  The defence was terrific all day, assisted by Scott McGowan back from Eastern Ranges for his first game with us.Toppy enjoyed his birthday and capitalized on the good work in the midfield. Thanks to Jeremy and Toby who ran water for the team.

Goals : Michael 12, Blake 5, Luke 4, Ash 2, Jake 1, Jacob 1, Matt 1, Alec 1, John 1, Will 1. Best: Excellent team effort.

Reserves

FTG Eagles 11.9-75 def Heathmont 9.6-60

Coach: Tim Beare

The game started at a pretty quick pace, but the first 5 minutes saw Heathmont come out of the blocks early. Their mid fielders were well on top, and all over the ground the Eagles were under the pump. Heathmont kicked the first 5 goals of the game, and things didn’t seem good at ¼ time.
The second quarter saw an entirely different Eagles team came out, and when the team was first for the ball the Eagles slowly got themselves back in the game. The forwards were working a lot harder and Tabone started to get the footy at ground level. Therefore at half time the Eagles were only 3 goals down, but they had started to win the contested footy, and with all areas of the ground getting on top it appeared to be anyone’s game.
The third quarter the Eagles came out running and with Whitelegg giving his team first use of the ball in the ruck, he had turned the game, using the footy really well.
This therefore allowed Elliott to dominate in the forward line, and at 3 quarter time it was anyone’s game.
The last quarter saw the Eagles work really hard for each other, and winning the centre clearances as well running the game out, in particular the backline was well on top of their opponents
Overall a very good, even team performance against a quality opponent with the positive to come out of the game, was that 24 players had valuable game time, and no injuries. Next game is a big game at away vs. Glen Waverley Hawks,(away) who are currently on top of the ladder and 4 quarters of football is needed to win, which could really set up the year with  wins from 2 games.

Best Players: Sean Moran (Anzac medalist), John Elliott, Steve Whitelegg, Ralph, Pennington.
Goal Kickers: Ralph 4, Pennington 2, Tabone1, Beare 1, Elliott 1, Moran 1, Russo 1.

Colts

FTG Eagles 22.14-146 def Heathmont 6.5-41

Coach: Bruce Brunton

We all stood through the Last Post in pouring rain, Paul lost his third toss in a row and we took on a team that we again didn’t know much about. A good consistent performance with all players again contributing. Heathmont, to their credit didn’t give in at any stage and fought the game out to the end. The boys continue to improve and are starting to play more like a team each week. The defence stood firm again, Jooky and Paul led the way with some excellent assistance around them. Midfield worked well and the forwards capitalized with accurate kicking and a high work rate. Well played boys.
Blake was on fire but only managed one quarter before having to go off with injury. Michael again finished off the good work by those further up the field. Thanks to Jeremy and Jake who ran water for the day. Jack B was a deserving winner of the Anzac Medal.

Goals: Michael 10, Blake 3, Jack 2, Luke 2, Nick J 2, Ash 1, Matt R 1, Jayden P 1.
Better Players: Luke, Michael, Nick J, Jack, Nick C, John, Matt, Ash

Reserves

FTG Eagles 4 8 32 lost to Glen Waverley 14 13 97

Coach: Tim Beare

The first quarter started well, with the Eagles getting alot of the ball, but was unable to score a goal, whereas the hawks were able to score some goals playing direct football.
The second quarter both teams were able to nullify each other so therefore the team wasn’t able to edge closer. However the third quarter saw the Eagles play their best footy,gettng in first for the ball, placing alot of pressure on the opposition, and using the ball correctly in our forward line, with Blakemore kicking 2 quick goals in the quarter.
The mid fielders were giving the team first use of the ball, and the team was playing with alot of confidence.
The difference at 3 quarter time was 3 goals, with the Eagles playing inspired football. However the last quarter the hawks kicked the first goal of the quarter, and they then ran away with the game kicking 7 goals to zero. It appeared that the eagles ran out of legs, but their were alot of positives to come out of the game, and with a few key players coming back this week we need to get back to a win this week against eastern lions
Best Players:P Lawson Hayen Stewart Pennington Blakemore, C Cox.
Goal Kickers:Blakemore 2,T Jones 1,Aitken 1.

Colts

FTG Eagles 19.14-128 def GWH 9.12-66

Coach: Bruce Brunton

“Back to Glen Waverley for the second time this year. Perfect conditions with a bit of dew on the ground. Paul lost the toss again (1-4) – I don’t think I would play two up with him! The boys played three terrific quarters of football.
They all followed instructions very well, adhered to our team plan and everyone contributed. Some players were tried in different spots and all exceeded my expectations.
Particular mention to Jake C, Jared B, John C and Josh O’B (all Under 16’s from last year) who were fantastic. A few of the older heads were also very good, Jake S, Michael, and Nick etc. etc.
We did have one quarter where we didn’t reach great heights and this leaves us room for improvement and something to work on. We did have 7 players out injured so this was a good test of our depth and it was pleasing to see the young boys stand up and continue their development. The less said about one aspect of the game (umpiring) the better. “Thanks to Jack B and Andrew Cavarra for running water and Ben Cavarra for stats”

Goals:Michael T 8, Blake G 4, Daniel M 2, Jayden P 1, Matt R 1, Jake S 1, Will P 1, Mitch D 1.
Better Players:John C, Jake S, Josh O’B, Michael T, Nick J, Jared B, Will P, Mitch D.

Reserves

FTG Eagles 12.9-81 drew with Eastern Lions 12.9-81

Coach: Tim Beare

The game started slowly for the team with Eastern getting on the scoreboard early, moving the ball and being able to use the ball to their players who were behind the footy. The second quarter saw an entirely different Eagles team came out, and when the team started to use the footy a lot better the forwards were working a lot harder and Tabone started to get the footy at ground level, and kicked a few goals getting the Eagles back in the game. Therefore at half time the Eagles were only 2 goals down, but they had started to win the contested footy, and with all areas of the ground getting on top it appeared to be anyone’s game.
The third quarter the Eagles came out running and with the game being balanced throughout its entirety it was goal for goal. The backline was working well, the mid field was supporting the back men and the forwards presenting but with all forward entries, we weren’t able to score many goals, with a lack of cumbers, particularly at Elliott’s feet being nonexistent.
The last quarter saw the Eagles work really hard for each other, and winning the centre clearances as well running the game out, in particular the backline was well on top of their opponents, but didn’t have much luck hitting the post twice, and then having 2 players red carded didn’t help the cause, as well as a few decisions not going our way. However the team showed a lot of character kicking the last goal of the game to level the scores.
Overall an ok, team performance against an equal team, and although we didn’t win the game we didn’t lose the game either. The season is still up for grabs, and with home game vs. Nunawading we need to have a win to keep things on track. We just need to play 4 consistent quarters, and if we do this we will be hard to beat.
Best Players:Trent Harrop, Matthew Hayen, Matthew Pennington, Michael Calligiuri.
Goal Kickers:M Russo 4.Blakemore 2, Tabone 2, Rhodes 1, Elliott 1, Pennington 1, A Cox 1.

Colts

FTG Eagles 23.19-157 def Eastern Lions 6.1-37

Coach: Bruce Brunton

"A perfect morning for footy at Eastern Lions ground which is not in the best condition but still ok. Paul lost the toss (1-5). The game was played in very good spirit which was pleasing given our issues with Eastern Lions last season. Eastern kept going all game and were a credit to their club - regardless of the scores.

I was pleased with the contribution from all players again. We continue to build and improve our team work. Some of the younger boys continue to develop and even though in differing roles they continue to shine. We still have a few injuries but other players are making the most of their opportunity.

Goals:Michael, John C, Jared B, Ash W, Toby M, Jeremy S Jake S
Better Players:Michael 11, Jeremy 3, Jayden P 2, Will 1, Matt R 1, Jake S 1, Blake 1, Jared B 1, John C 1, Nick J 1.

Reserves

FTG Eagles 21 21 147 def Nunawading 7 3 45

Coach: Tim Beare

The game started really well for the team with the Eagles getting on the scoreboard early, moving the ball and being able to use the ball to our players who were behind the footy. Therefore the team were able to follow instructions and the game plan, correctly. The second quarter again saw the Eagles team came out, and play good, direct football using the ball well and applying appropriate pressure on the opposition and when the team started to use the footy a lot better the forwards were working a lot harder and we had crumbers at ground level, in particular Tabone.
Who kicked a few goals getting the Eagles back in the game. Therefore at half time the Eagles were well on top in general play and on the scoreboard, playing a good brand of team football, starting in the backline. The third quarter the Eagles came out running and continued their smart use of the ball. Aitkin up forward was looking dangerous as well as the on ballers in particular Calligiuri and Whitelegg getting a lot of the footy.The backline was well on top in particular Hayen who was getting a lot of the footy as well as repelling every attack. The last quarter saw the Eagles work really hard for each other and winning all around the ground.
The team had a great 4 quarter performance with every player contributing to the result, and playing their role. Overall a great win at home, but we still have areas of improvement, and we need to continue this on this week versus Surrey Park at home, and we haven’t had 2 wins in a row and hopefully this week we can do this.
Best Players:Michael Calligiuri, Matthew Hayen, Trent Harrop, Luke Stewart, Tyson Jones
Goal Kickers:Aitkin 4, Blakemore 4,Tabone 2,Rhodes 2,Beare 2 Russo 3,Finnegan 1,Capper 1,Whitelegg 1,A Cox 1.

Colts - Bye

Reserves

FTG Eagles 36 21 237 defeated Surrey Park 3 4 22

Coach: Tim Beare

The game started very well for the team getting out of the blocks early kicking some goals through some direct football. With our tails up the eagles kicked 9 goals for the first term, with winners all across the field. The team were really working hard when we had the ball, and most importantly working hard when Surrey Park had the ball, not allowing Surrey an opportunity to kick a goal until the last quarter.
The backline was working well, with Jake Kennedy, and Chris Cox working well in the last line of defence. The mid fielders were well on top with Harrop, Luke Stewart, and Calligiuri and Whitelegg, and the forwards were putting the score on the board, with M Russo, Beare and Diesel kicking some good goals. Overall a very good, team effort, with each player who represented the club, played their role. Again the team won 4 quarters, and most importantly the team had their first 2 wins in a row for the season. In the next couple of weeks the team plays teams in the four and the Eagles are hopefully prepared to take on all teams and take some big scalps.
Our form at present suggests this as long as each player plays their role and continues to play to the game plan, which focuses on applying pressure on the opposition over 4 quarters.
Best Players:Michael Russo, Calligiuri, Beare, Luke Stewart, T. Harrop, J Kennedy.
Goal Kickers:M Russo 10, Beare 10, Blakemore 3,Tabone 2, Rhodes 2, Capper 2, Whitelegg 1, Calligiuri 1, Harrop 1, Butson 1, J Lovat 1, Ralph 1, Creighton 1.

Colts

FTG Eagles 11.3. 69 def by The Basin 14.8 .92

Coach: Bruce Brunton

A fairly wet and soggy ground - first wet day for a while. The Basin came to play and their intensity at the ball was far better than ours. We gave them a six goal head start and really struggled all day. Their ball use, willingness to protect and conversion was far better than ours. Well done to The Basin - we do get another crack at them in two rounds - hopefully we come much better prepared next time.

We did (to our boys credit) kick 8 goals in the last quarter but were coming from far too far behind. Lots to work on at training and in our preparation. Forest Hill (who are undefeated) next week will be a huge challenge. Hopefully we respond in the appropriate manner.

Goals:Blake 4, Luke 3, Ash 1, Jeremy 1, Mitch B 1, Josh O'B 1
Better Players:John C, Matt J, Scott McG, Matt R, Josh O'B, Paul C, Blake G