Aisea Valentini – 100 Games
Round 10 of the VAFA Premier C Division season had Oakleigh Amateurs travel over the bridge to Fearon Reserve and their first meeting with Williamstown CYMS. With Aisea Valentini playing his 100th game, the day didn’t start well for Oakleigh when a late withdrawal due to illness caused some reshuffling of the team. Things got progressively worse from there as injuries took their toll and a fired up Williamstown jumped all over the situation. From the outset, CYMS were out to make a statement and had 2 goals on the board before the Oaks had blinked. The Krushers settled but not before Willy had taken a 16 point lead into the first change. Oakleigh fired back in the second but were having trouble keeping the hosts from scoring and as a result only managed to reduce the deficit to 12 points at the long break.
At this stage the Oakleigh bench had been reduced to 2 through injury and rotations were becoming a problem but the Oaks put in their best quarter and, if not for some inaccuracy, may well have gone to the final break in front instead of 8 points down. Williamstown took the initiative in the last and kicked away before the Krushers, now down to one on the bench and a couple hobbling, hit back but again couldn’t hit the target and opportunities went begging. Williamstown had their tails up by this stage and finished it off to win by 21 points in what was a fast, tough and entertaining game of football. Aaron Cloke was in fine touch up forward with 7 goals, Trevor Bromley added 3 and Liam Hard booted 2 for Oakleigh with Aisea Valentini, Shane Borland and Nick Seel among the best.
The Reserves struggled with a lack of numbers and the woes of the senior team didn’t help their cause any and neither did Williamstown who were simply too strong. Oakleigh battled gamely all match but the hosts had an answer to every attack and eventually cruised to a 56 point victory. Steve Buchanan booted 3 goals for Oakleigh with Jack Van Den Ven, Chris Grant and Jake Benoiton in the best players.
The U/19s simply didn’t have the firepower to match it with Mazenod at Central Reserve and, although they gave their best, were humbled by 84 points. Anmol Malhotra kicked 2 goals for the Oaks and Caleb Qumivutia, Luke Pappon and Scott Murray were some of Oakleighs best.
Final Scores:
Seniors: Oakleigh 17.15.117 lt Williamstown 21.12.138
Goals: Aaron Cloke 7, Trevor Bromley 3, Liam Hard 2, Gary Bennett, Pat Ioannidis, Josh Revere, Tim Scott, Aisea Valentini
Best: Aisea Valentini, Shane Borland, Nick Seel, Liam Hard, Aaron Cloke, Baden Wass
2nds: Oakleigh 7.5.47 lt Williamstown 15.13.103
Goals: Steve Buchanan 3, Jake Benoiton, Jake Pappon, Gonzo Valenzuela, Jack Van Der Ven
Best: Jack Van Der Ven, Chris Grant, Jake Benoiton, Steve Buchanan, Adam Mathiesson, Michael Klonaridis
U19s: Oakleigh 4.9.33 lt Mazenod 17.15.117
Goals: Anmol Malhotra 2, Zac Barrett, Lucas Cloke
Best: Caleb Qumivutia, Luke Pappon, Scott Murray, Corey Moore, Nathan Fredericks, Scott Johnstone
