Round 4 - St Pauls East Bentleigh

Seniors - Six changes were made to the side this week to negotiate a string of injuries, particularly in the tall man department, so the windy conditions suited the final line-up as well as any. We have had some great contests against St Pauls over the last couple of years and as expected, they put the pressure on from the start kicking with a 4-5 goal breeze. The two captains in Wineberg and Attard really led the way and put their stamp on the game early, making forward entries difficult for the Dogs, and a goal into the breeze kept the Heights in touch at the first break. The second quarter we used the ball well with the breeze and but for a couple of wayward shots at goal could have been further in front. Newcomers Rory O'Reilly, Rob Murphy and Adam Kerr were all having an influence, and John Bolding did a good job on an accomplished opponent. The backline led by Rhett Moor and Michael Roberts were very tight, while up forward the goals were being shared around unselfishly. A great win against an opponent who will be certain to feature at the business end of the year.

Reserves - Winning the toss and kicking with the breeze, the reserves were a little wasteful in the early part of the game, and after conceding a couple of goals against the breeze, made life difficult for themselves for the rest of the day. Our team game which had been very effective the week before broke down against a slicker opponent and although we managed to stay in touch until the last quarter, were eventually over-run by our grand final nemesis. Matt Flack played a solid game in the ruck and across half back, while Paul Norton applied himself well in defence, but it was hard to find many players who were anywhere near their best on the day. Another challenge looms against Cheltenham this week and a better effort will be required.

Thirds (Mt Waverley) - It was a couple of good opponents in as many weeks for the Thirds, who remained in touch for most of the day against Mount Waverley, who have been travelling very nicely. Santi Llinares was everywhere, and Colts captain Tony Martin showed he is well equipped to match it with the bigger bodies, as we took a 15 point lead into half time. It's fair to say that fitness may have been a query, as Mt Waverley then proceeded to pile on 5.10 to the Heights 0.3 in the second half and take the game away and emerge a 22 point victor. Some positive signs though with 8-9 players to come back into the senior and reserve squads, some more wins will be just around the corner.

Colts (BYE) .

Round 3 - Mordialloc

Seniors - With the first of a number of games against last years finalists lined up in the coming weeks, the clash against our nearest rival in Mordialloc was to be a challenge as the re-match of the 2009 first semi final. In something of a surprisingly accurate shoot-out in the blustery conditions, Mordialloc made their intentions clear in the first quarter putting on three quick goals and looking dangerous when moving forward. Working against what there was of a wind 'advantage' the Heights rallied to take a lead into quarter time, after which the foot went down and we started to dominate play. Mark Fitcher was everywhere in another BOG performance and finished with a goal and numerous score assists. Gilder and Smith were the most dangerous of the forwards with 4 goals apiece, and were on the end of some good work by Ogier and Winchester in the midfield. Down back Rhett Moor showed what a great asset he will be by dominating a well credentialled opponent, and finished with a goal of his own in a commanding display at full back. We have been lucky to date in that our opponents have all been suffering injuries, but this weeks game promises to be the best test yet against a St Pauls side who has recruited well, and will be hungry for revenge after last year's preliminary final.

Reserves - After a Round 2 effort that yielded a strong win, but probably not the reserves best football, they were keen to make aends and the brand of football played was much improved, particularly in the second quarter. With James Norton called on for senior duties, Matt Flack and Cody Anderson provided good targets up forward, while around the ground, Bolding, Grant and Neate were gaining plenty of midfield possession. Newcomer Dylan Jack looked very likely, and in a strong team performance the Heights ran away comfortable winners.

Thirds (Highett) - The Thirds took on an opponent who had made very light work of Clayton the week before and will be a strong contender come the end of season if Saturday was anything to go by. Paul Wilson in his first game for 2 years was clearly BOG, and we could only lament the act there wasn't another of him. Santi Llinares had it on a string and Sean Campbell featured wellin the ruck, but at every challenge, the Henrys found it tough to penetrate half forward. A good game that was probably closer than the scores suggest.

Colts (Hampton) - A poor start for the Colts boys saw them have to play catch-up footy all day, but they took that task on with great determination and are showing enormous character in their early performances. Josh Bennett up forward and Charles Ryan-Orchard showed maturity beyond their years to feature in the goals and the best players, while Monty Morgan was a stand-out and Tony Martin gave his typically influential performance. A bit more improvement at this rate and we can really challenge Hampton next time around.

Round 2 - Tooronga Malvern

Seniors - With some well-credentialled recruits being spruiked, the Combine were something of an unknown quantity as they came down to Beazley for the Round 2 clash. After a solid start last week against Heatherton, it was important to back it up and to the boys credit we came out blazing. A 16 goal first half was just result for some excellent passages of team football, and set the tone for the rest of the day. Big Smithy was a great target up forward with 7, Fitcher BOG with 5 goals, while Walsh kicked 4 from the wing and was very damaging with precise kicks to the forwards. First challenge against a 2009 finallist next week will be all important to keep the momentum going.

Reserves - The reserves had a comfortable win against Tooronga Malvern, who although competitive early, did not have the run that our boys demonstrated and we gradually took the game away. Not a game for the ages, but a strong win nonetheless. Adam Nilsen was everywhere, and along with Ryan Miller, Heath Bennett and Luke Williams pumped the ball continually forward where James Norton continued his excellent form with 5 goals, supported by Andrew Ritchie with 3. Accurate kicking was a eature with 18.8 a good return.

Thirds (Cerberus forfeit) - .

Colts (Mordialloc) - In a great start to the day for the club, the Colts notched up their first win for the year over late entrants Mordialloc. Josh Bennett was a focal point up forward with 5 goals, while Matt Butterworth and Callum Hall were both impressive in the win. Now we are away, and Hampton beckons next week in an early start to the quadruple header at Beazley.

Round 1 - Heatherton

Seniors - With five new faces named in the senior line-up, the Heighters ventured out to Ross St looking to open the account against last years Division 2 Premiers, who unfurled their flag before the bounce. With over 60 on the track on Thursday night, the preparation was good and after an arm wrestle for the first 10 minutes of the game, the Heighters took control. Mark Fitcher was very busy around the half forward line, and with Owen Uaongo taking some strong marks across half back, we began to make numerous forward thrusts. To Heatherton's credit, they kept the pressure up and created some uncharacteristic skill errors at times, but never seriously threatened to claw their way back into the game. The forward line looked dangerous with Smith, Walsh (6), Gilder, Beasy and Fitcher (3) all kicking multiples, while Ash Roberts had it on a string for 36 touches in the midfield. A strong start, and another challenge next week against Tooronga Malvern in our first home game.

Reserves - Against a Heatherton team who did as they pleased in 2009, and performed solidly in their last start at Div 1 level, it was always going to be interesting to see how our new-look reserves side would venture. Phil Matheson set the tone early with the first 3 goals, and with Adam Nilsen, John Bolding, and Luke Newton winning plenty of ball, the forwards had many opportunities as the day wore on. James Norton capitlised on this and got better and better helping himself to 8 majors by the final siren. Credit to our guys who conducted themselves professionally in the face of some undisciplined acts by the opposition.

Thirds (Clayton) - On a somewhat historic occasion for the club, the inaugral Thirds team ran out at Clayton to kick the dew off the park at 9.30am. In a game of many firsts, it was great to see some of our most committed club people get the playing opportunities they have deserved over a good period, and they did not let the faithful down. Karl Southgate was everywhere, Murray Ferguson working the taps to the crumbers, and up forward Stephen 'Buddy' Bound was running amok, albeit with some mixed results. In a dominant return to footy, Sean Ezard booted 7 goals and spearheaded a sizeable win for the 'Henrys'. Congratulations to Jeff Almond on pulling the team together for an outstanding first up performance.

Colts (Skye) - Unfortunately for the Colts, they were not able to get their hands on the points in their first outing for the season. Having showed solid numbers on the track, it was always going to be interesting how the young charges would air against a Skye outfit that has been developing over the last couple of seasons into a well drilled unit. With a good smattering of 15-16 year olds, the Colts will be undermanned at times, but they are already showing a fighting sprit that will help to mould a good unit as the season wears on. Tony Martin led from the front with his strength and run, while up forward Callum Dodson showed he has all the tools to become a star of the future. Next week against Mordialloc will be a chance to get that elusive first win.