For the fourth consecutive year the WC Saints and ES Bulldogs went head to head in the WAFL Grand Final. The typical Northerly was holwing out at Hutt Park, but the sun was out, and the two teams were ready to clash. After a moment of silence for those affected by the Whakaari/White Island eruption, the umpires sent the ball up to start the last game of 2019.
A moment of silence for those affected by the Whakaari/White Island eruption. Photo credit: Jun Tanlayco Sports Images
Playing into the wind to start, the Bulldogs were able to hold off an early Saints goal, only allowing two behinds for the rest of the quarter while slotting a goal themselves. The Saints fared well against the Doggies onslaught in the second, allowing only a couple of goals and behinds, while picking up a behind themselves. At the half the Bulldogs led 3.4.22 to 1.3.9
The premiership quarter was a tough-fought affair, with both teams grabbing two goals, two behinds each. The Bulldogs were able to carry that momentum through to the final siren, holding the Saints scoreless in the last term while putting on another 2 goals, 5 behinds. After a break in their 5-year premiership streak, the Bulldogs raised the cup once again.
The Bulldogs raise the cup once again after a break in their 5-year premiership streak. Photo credit: Jun Tanlayco Sports Images
Grand Final score: ES Bulldogs: 7.11.53 WC Saints: 3.5.23
It’s been a funny start to the season, with not one but two rounds being rained out back-to-back. No one in Wellington can remember the last time a season was disrupted to this extent, but as they say: the show must go on!
Fortunately for the newly created Women’s league, the field size required this season can fit on a rugby field, so the Women have completed 5 games of AFL with a quick relocating of the grounds for the cancelled open games. There have been some great individual and team performances throughout the rounds, and it is great to see all of the Women’s skills with the Sherrin improving every week! Come on out on Sundays to watch them play from 11-Noon!
Wellington Women’s Giants & Bulldogs showing off their skills during Round 3 Credit: Jun Tanlayco Sports Images
As for the WAFL Open games, relocating a 165m oval at the last minute is not an easy feat, so all missed games have been recoreded as ‘draws’ with each team receiving 2 points for each missed game. This has left the season well and truly open, with every team a chance at making the finals.
The N.C. Demons have a few key players return to Wellington, led by superstar Josh Morgan-Ranui making his return from playing in Australia. The Demons’ spirits are high, with hope for a momentum swing for the back half of the season!
The H.V. Eagles have started strong, with key wins over the Demons and Saints. They are fare-welling Peter Van Kampen on his return to Wellington, who was instrumnetal in getting the Eagles back in to winning form – narrowly missing out on a Grand Final Spot in the fianl round last season. They welcom Andrew Symmans into the nest as team manager. Currently behind the Saints only on percentage, they are looking to right the wrongs from last season and book a slot in this year’s WAFL Grand Final!
The E.S. Bulldogs have started off with 3 wins from 3 games, but the two draws mean that they have yet to face their arch-rivals – the Saints. Still stinging from a narrow loss to them in the Grand Final in 2018, the Bulldogs are determined to put their stamp on the league and regain the cup.
The W.C. Saints must still have had a hangover from last season’s Granf Final, with a loss to the Eagles first up, but have bounced back with two strong wins against the Demons. As always, Gregor Kempt’s team is posing a formidible force, but has yet to be tested by fellow 2018 finalists, the Bulldogs. Regardless, the Saints are keen to keep their hands on the cup and look to erase any doubt caused by their round one stumble.
Here is the table after the first three games played:
Ever wanted to see what Women’s AFL is all about? Come on over for an information evening, where the Wellington Women’s AFL Coaches will discuss the plan to establish a Women’s team in Wellington, how you can take part, what training and player development will look like and when the competition will kick off. Bring any questions, and we’ll bring the information and snacks!
We would like to invite people to apply for any of these positions or to share them into your social media network or directly to people you feel may be interested.
If you are already a member of a club within the Wellington AFL, I would challenge you to consider whether the time is right for you to align with a club looking for support and put yourself forward.
NOTE: ANY WAFL MEMBER MAY NOMINATE OTHER WAFL MEMBERS UP TO 5pm ON THE FIFTH DAY BEFORE THE AGM. EMAIL WELLINGTONAFL@OUTLOOK.COM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR ANY OF THESE POSITIONS.
President
Byron Roff
Played over 100 games for Eastern Suburbs bulldogs, 7 seasons for Wellington Tigers and was in the NZAFL international cup squads in both 2002 and the tournament winning side in 2005. Byron has previous sports administration experience having been at WAFL committee member (2002-2008), NZAFL board member (2006-2008) and surf lifesaving committee member(2013-2017). Byron is currently a board member for two companies and is an owner of a project management consultancy. Byron offers strong governance and leadership skills, coupled with a good understanding of our game. Current standing WAFL President
Secretary
Matt Lewis
ES Bulldogs Secretary 2016-present. Current standing WAFL Secretary
Treasurer
Andrew Gavaghan
Supervisor – Assurance and Advisory at Deloitte New Zealand
AFLNZ Representative
TBC
To Be Filled By AFLNZ
Umpire Representative
Hugh Wilson
Qualified level 2 AFL umpire & Wellington Tigers rep for last 3 years. Current standing WAFL Umpire Representative
The 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Wellington AFL will be held on Tuesday the 14th of May at 19-23 Taranaki St commencing at 6:00pm*.
This meeting is the single most important meeting of the year for the League, and your attendance is requested. At the meeting the President will present the Annual Report, and the the Secretary will deliver the presentation of the financial statement. Additionally, we will conduct the election for office bearers, and cover several points of business. The Secretary will distribute documents relevant to any voting points no later than 7 days before the meeting.
Agenda Items
President’s annual report
Financial report and presentation of financial statement
Election of office bearers
Nominations are now open for elected Committee positions
General business
*Note: the doors will be locked, so please be there by 5:50 to be let in. Call Matt at 021922201 if you get stuck, but the meeting will start promptly at 6pm.
