Gaelic Football in South Australia

[O'Neills Only]

Picked 'em both. And Wristy gave 'em the kiss of death - almost - WI women got the chocolates after a dubious technical decsion - otherwise they would've lost

Fantastic effort from St Brendans to get their act together in the second half and come from a long way behind against the wind and win by a point in a nailbiter.

After going 6 points up 10 minutes into the second half, Western Ireland looked to settle down and some might have thought they had it in the bag. At exactly the same moment, it looked as though St Brendans thought they'd better keep possession, drive as deep as possible, force the Goats to give away frees and let Jordan kick 'em over the bar in true Gaelic style. Saints also jagged another goal along the way.

The extra five minutes each way in the GF is always a telling factor and another two minutes of over time as well. Saints were up at full time and Western Ireland nearly forced a draw to take the game into two 5 minute halves of extra time. If they had, I think they would've overcome. Not to be. Brilliant defence by the Taints.

Magnificent game had by Heubs, Zeuss, Jordan Peg, Johnny Peg in goals, and the waterboy Ginpeg who forgot his water bottles on occasion. Everybody else played well too - just don't know their names. Well done lads.

Great game by both teams - Betty would be proud. Well ref'd Anto.

As for the highly controversial Womens Final which will be remebered for generations, I will comment on that later.

[Major Gun]

Picked 'em both. And Wristy gave 'em the kiss of death - almost - WI women got the chocolates after a dubious technical decsion - otherwise they would've lost

Fantastic effort from St Brendans to get their act together in the second half and come from a long way behind against the wind and win by a point in a nailbiter.

After going 6 points up 10 minutes into the second half, Western Ireland looked to settle down and some might have thought they had it in the bag. At exactly the same moment, it looked as though St Brendans thought they'd better keep possession, drive as deep as possible, force the Goats to give away frees and let Jordan kick 'em over the bar in true Gaelic style. Saints also jagged another goal along the way.

The extra five minutes each way in the GF is always a telling factor and another two minutes of over time as well. Saints were up at full time and Western Ireland nearly forced a draw to take the game into two 5 minute halves of extra time. If they had, I think they would've overcome. Not to be. Brilliant defence by the Taints.

Magnificent game had by Heubs, Zeuss, Jordan Peg, Johnny Peg in goals, and the waterboy Ginpeg who forgot his water bottles on occasion. Everybody else played well too - just don't know their names. Well done lads.

Great game by both teams - Betty would be proud. Well ref'd Anto.

As for the highly controversial Womens Final which will be remebered for generations, I will comment on that later.

Yes, definitely the strangest day of Gaelic I have ever been involved with and I have been involved with some weird crap. Not sure you can say Crusaders would have lost anyway. There was only one point in it when the spit hit the can. After that the whole psychology of the game changed. W.I gave up attacking to hold on. Only three points were scored after that. A crazy, crazy day on so many levels.

[Swooper16]

Didnt see much of the womens game or the incident take place so cant really comment. Altho alot of the Onkas squad came out for a drink with us Sunday night and they were pretty disappointed.

As for the mens game well that will go down an as an absolute classic. With about 15 mins to go i thought it could be all over and those numerous misses in the first half would come back to haunt the taints. Fortunately a great solo run from Jordan Pegoraro finsihed with his shot going in off the post and it was game on again. Somewhat surprisingly it was the Taints who had all the run in the legs in the final 10 mins - not sure if that was Fitness or just momentum.

Best players for me:

For West Ireland i thought klunny in the midfield was very solid, Mitch Portlock took another big step forward in his gaelic game and Gags up forward was all class against a very good defender.

For the Taints you couldn't go past the big Zeus who was everywhere. The steal off Dave flo in the middle of the park was a huge point in the game and gave the taints a massive lift. Jordan Pegoraro missed all 8 shots in the first half and was struggling big time. Once he got that under tho you could see his confidence lilft and i think was responsible for 10 points in the second half. I believe he was put under a fair bit of pressure verbally from W.I (as you would expect in a final) so for a 17yo to respond like that was fantastic. Also Heubs across half forward was great as you would expect. Not sure there is a player in the game that is harder to get the ball off...until he handballs straight to the opposition that is..!!

[wristwatcher]

Well done Taints. Back to Back. Thats Awesome

[O'Neills Only]

Yes, definitely the strangest day of Gaelic I have ever been involved with and I have been involved with some weird crap. Not sure you can say Crusaders would have lost anyway. There was only one point in it when the spit hit the can. After that the whole psychology of the game changed. W.I gave up attacking to hold on. Only three points were scored after that. A crazy, crazy day on so many levels.

Quite right - wrong choice of words. Definitely changed the way the game was played. And all games over Semis and Finals showed most teams doing better into the St Marys Doctor. No telling who would've won under normal circumstances.

[O'Neills Only]

Regarding the absolute debacle that occurred during the Women's Final, I know most guys that read these pages might not be concerned, however, the same rules apply in the Men's code and could easily have happened in the Men's Final too.

History lesson: SA was first -
- Australian Gaelic Footy state to switch exclusively to summer
- place in the world to conduct regular night Gaelic football comp (and scheduled night games at National Ch'ships - 2000)
- Australian Gaelic Footy state to have a Strategic Plan
- Australian Gaelic Footy state to have a Website
- Australian Gaelic Footy state to have a paid Development Officer (10 years)
- Australian Gaelic Footy state to have INTERCHANGE (the Murphy Method)
- At its peak we had over 700 participants in 40 teams in comps played 5 nights a week across 2 locations
My point is, we were pretty progressive and run by young people with innovative ideas.

Our Interchange system was developed twelve years ago and retained a couple of elements of true Gaelic Football, ie:
- changes only happened during a break in play (in our case when ball went over either endline for a score or wide)
- changes were made with the Referee acknowledging the changes and restarting play when HE/SHE was satisfied
- neither team was disadvantaged as players had time to leave pitch and players coming on had time to take up their position

Our system was easy to understand and easy to administer and left all the responsibility with the Ref. Seems the only downside was it could be used tactically to slow down play. No-one ever had their score wiped and lost a game over it.

Other States have gradually introduced the new style interchange "without any problems" so we're told. SA's new committee has been coerced into rushing in the new system mid season, but prior to the post Christmas comp. Technically allowable but mid-season comp rule changes have been avoided in the past.

When it was introduced, teams and Referees were not aware of it. It was discussed at previous committee meetings but some confusion exists as to the decision making processes. Concerns raised included the appointment of an interchange steward, how and what penalties to apply, and how it was to be administered. Over the ensuing weeks it was tightened up a little and was generally well received. It was tightened up even further on GF day to a level that had not been applied during the comp.

In the Women's Final though, my understanding is that two Onkas players were changing through the gate and were both on the field at the same time about two metres onto the pitch for about 2 seconds. Linesperson stopped play, which was on the opposite side of the ground, brought it to the attention of the Ref and Onkas were stripped of their score, after leading by one point and were to play with the wind in the second half.

Technically the match officials didn't do anything wrong according to the rules. Therein lies the problem. The new system is poorly written, and takes the control away from the Referee and hands it to a Linesperson/Interchange Steward - unheard of in all but the most elite level of the game. The penalty seems too harsh and doesn't quite fall into the category of playing with an extra player.

To be continued. But I'd like a few views first - and maybe a name for the new system.

[wristwatcher]

New name for the system ; Steve ("its a nice name")

[Major Gun]

The system currently in place (Steve) is the best system...if it is run properly.

It was interesting that both teams in the women's game were warned about this rule before the game. Why focus on that rule when speaking to the captains before the game? In the men's game I am told the ref spoke about backchat.

[Neville Bartoss]

The system currently in place (Steve) is the best system...if it is run properly.

It was interesting that both teams in the women's game were warned about this rule before the game. Why focus on that rule when speaking to the captains before the game? In the men's game I am told the ref spoke about backchat.

I've found the new interchange system great. The old system slowed down the play too much, especially with defensive kick outs. Gave the forwards and midfield time to set up and stopped the flow of play. It definitely needs to stay!

In our last game of the season Na Fianna had an extra player on the ground for about 30 seconds and he actually got involved sequence of play. When I requested a count the player who had been "replaced" was already off the park and the ref looked at me with a bemused look on his face, in other word he had no idea what to do. I guess training really needs to be implemented with referees in this situation, but that is only able to be done by the all mighty gerry so we will be waiting until he is ready!!! Probably would have been best implemented at the beginning of this season or the beginning of the next. At least the intention to improve the game was there and I fully support the new system.

In regards to the womens situation I think it is utterly stupid that something as petty as two players being two metres inside the pitch at the same time had their points stripped (especially considering our situation). Surely common sense could have prevailed escpecially since it was evident that they were not intending to gain an advantage by having more players on the field.

Oneils only, sounds like a lot of trumpet blowing on your behalf, in my opinion the current committee is doing a much better job than many of those in the past. Seems to me that it is their intention to improve the game and I think this new interchange system has done that

[the milky bar kid]

It does seem a very harsh penalty, even tho to the letter of the law the right thing to do. Possibly a similar rule to the AFL interchange rule could be introduced to "lessen" the penalty for a team who makes such a mistake. Ie. A penalty kick?
To the Liam Hennessy saga that Nev is refering too with an "extra" player on the field. The president/referee/grand final specialist was well on top of his game at this point. No extra player was on the field for Na Fianna as the GK had decided to come off & gave his shirt to a player already on the ground. The GK was then walking off shirtless (MBK style) when play came toward him & he made a tackle. He gave away a free & walked off the ground, at which point his replacement came on. Hence saving yourself a time wasting penalty (possible suspension?) as a captain requesting an incorrect count.

Did Nev just thank the committee???????????

Finally congratulations to all the winners on sunday. St Brendans were amazing in their comeback, a truely special effort. The key players stood up for the Taints. I thought Zues' first 45 minutes were good, but the big Polish bear was amazing in the last 15 repealling pretty much every WI attack. Huebs was very good & Jordans last 15 was also amazing. Not to mention that amazing under from a significant distance under pressure.

[O'Neills Only]

Trumpet blowing - yes. With regard to the new system, I'm all for introducing changes, improvements and new rules and SA's always had a good record for that (not just in my time). I think the new system will work well - when the detail has been attended to. I can fix that too. Be good to have input from as many as possible and then tie up the loose ends between the rule book, comp rules and Ref training. I'm sure the new committee will sort it out and changes will be implemented nationally.

[Neville Bartoss]

It does seem a very harsh penalty, even tho to the letter of the law the right thing to do. Possibly a similar rule to the AFL interchange rule could be introduced to "lessen" the penalty for a team who makes such a mistake. Ie. A penalty kick?
To the Liam Hennessy saga that Nev is refering too with an "extra" player on the field. The president/referee/grand final specialist was well on top of his game at this point. No extra player was on the field for Na Fianna as the GK had decided to come off & gave his shirt to a player already on the ground. The GK was then walking off shirtless (MBK style) when play came toward him & he made a tackle. He gave away a free & walked off the ground, at which point his replacement came on. Hence saving yourself a time wasting penalty (possible suspension?) as a captain requesting an incorrect count.

Did Nev just thank the committee???????????

Finally congratulations to all the winners on sunday. St Brendans were amazing in their comeback, a truely special effort. The key players stood up for the Taints. I thought Zues' first 45 minutes were good, but the big Polish bear was amazing in the last 15 repealling pretty much every WI attack. Huebs was very good & Jordans last 15 was also amazing. Not to mention that amazing under from a significant distance under pressure.

All I said is that the interchange system is a good idea and I think will work well, good idea from the present committee being bagged by dinosaurs from the past.

Well if that is the case with the GK (I still have my doubts!) Im sure play should have been stopped to complete this change, surely you can just change goalkeepers whenever you want, and would he not have had a playing shirt from the player who replaced him. I would imagine the interchange system would work differently with goalkeepers?

In relation to possible suspension for requesting a count, wouldn't be the first time i've been suspended for something trivial!

[the milky bar kid]

I wouldn't lie to you Nev, Major Gun yes, you no. If you looked very closely Matty Hill had 2 shirts on (GK jumper over the top of his playing jumper) due to a turnover & the ball heading towards the goal.
As for the rules regarding GK changes, i may just ask a member of the old committee, i'm sure they'll know the answer!

[O'Neills Only]

Nifty, you can be so contrary. And it sounds like we actually agree on a couple of points.

In regards to the womens situation I think it is utterly stupid that something as petty as two players being two metres inside the pitch at the same time had their points stripped (especially considering our situation). Surely common sense could have prevailed escpecially since it was evident that they were not intending to gain an advantage by having more players on the field.

All I said is that the interchange system is a good idea and I think will work well, good idea from the present committee being bagged by dinosaurs from the past.

I don't think the current committee, or match officials, are ultimately responsible for this. Read the detail; read the Rulebooks; read between the lines. I'll draw you a picture - this came from the top - beyond the State committee. There is a huge amount of irony in all of this, if you think about it.

I've already mentioned that things were done according to the rules in place. This was foisted upon the new committee with a complete lack of integrated rules. I wouldn't expect too many people to be able to write new rules up quickly. It takes time, you need to think of all contingencies, talk to players, coaches and ref's, toss the ideas around, look at other sports, draft it up, get feedback, modify, and so on.

You can't even compare it to your team's situation as you guys had plenty of notice. This happened mid way through a GF. I feel for Karen and Dave having to deal with the fallout; I feel for the Ref and the Linesperson who carried out their duties according to the rules of the day; and I really feel for all the players and coaches of both sides involved.

As for your other comment:

current committee doing a much better job than many of those in the past

it's pretty offensive to some great committees and many great individuals that have made an extraordinary contribution, to imply that they did a lousy job. You wouldn't even know.

[Cheese Twisties]

I see that the Gaelic website has some photos up of the HISTORIC DAY on Sunday! My word what a day it was, too bad the photographer didnt follow the Taints around on the 48 hour bender that kicked off after the final whistle on Sunday! Would have made one hell of a doco...

[Zelezny Chucks]

I see that the Gaelic website has some photos up of the HISTORIC DAY on Sunday! My word what a day it was, too bad the photographer didnt follow the Taints around on the 48 hour bender that kicked off after the final whistle on Sunday! Would have made one hell of a doco...

Might also help me remember some of it... although I do remember reports of the Big Polish Bear having a technicolour yawn at some point during the celebrations!!

[the milky bar kid]

I see that the Gaelic website has some photos up of the HISTORIC DAY on Sunday! My word what a day it was, too bad the photographer didnt follow the Taints around on the 48 hour bender that kicked off after the final whistle on Sunday! Would have made one hell of a doco...

Might also help me remember some of it... although I do remember reports of the Big Polish Bear having a technicolour yawn at some point during the celebrations!!

Did all the boys survive the night? I've had slight fears for your safety purely based on the performance of the little Polish Bear & Sticks' at the GFHASA presentation night.

[Froddo]

I see that the Gaelic website has some photos up of the HISTORIC DAY on Sunday! My word what a day it was, too bad the photographer didnt follow the Taints around on the 48 hour bender that kicked off after the final whistle on Sunday! Would have made one hell of a doco...

Might also help me remember some of it... although I do remember reports of the Big Polish Bear having a technicolour yawn at some point during the celebrations!!

Did all the boys survive the night? I've had slight fears for your safety purely based on the performance of the little Polish Bear & Sticks' at the GFHASA presentation night.

Zelezny I don't think the big polish bear was the only one. I can admit i also fell victim too the technicolour yawn as early as the Warradale (night 1 of the bender) .
I do beleive all St Brendans players have been accounted for. From what i remember (which isn't much) i don't think any injuries occured. However i do recall Zelezny walking to the Watermark (night 2 of thre bender) in a pair of chicks high heals 5 sizes too small for him. I don't know how that didn't end in injury.

[Neville Bartoss]

Nifty, you can be so contrary. And it sounds like we actually agree on a couple of points.

In regards to the womens situation I think it is utterly stupid that something as petty as two players being two metres inside the pitch at the same time had their points stripped (especially considering our situation). Surely common sense could have prevailed escpecially since it was evident that they were not intending to gain an advantage by having more players on the field.

All I said is that the interchange system is a good idea and I think will work well, good idea from the present committee being bagged by dinosaurs from the past.

I don't think the current committee, or match officials, are ultimately responsible for this. Read the detail; read the Rulebooks; read between the lines. I'll draw you a picture - this came from the top - beyond the State committee. There is a huge amount of irony in all of this, if you think about it.

I've already mentioned that things were done according to the rules in place. This was foisted upon the new committee with a complete lack of integrated rules. I wouldn't expect too many people to be able to write new rules up quickly. It takes time, you need to think of all contingencies, talk to players, coaches and ref's, toss the ideas around, look at other sports, draft it up, get feedback, modify, and so on.

You can't even compare it to your team's situation as you guys had plenty of notice. This happened mid way through a GF. I feel for Karen and Dave having to deal with the fallout; I feel for the Ref and the Linesperson who carried out their duties according to the rules of the day; and I really feel for all the players and coaches of both sides involved.

As for your other comment:

current committee doing a much better job than many of those in the past

it's pretty offensive to some great committees and many great individuals that have made an extraordinary contribution, to imply that they did a lousy job. You wouldn't even know.

MANY in the past....NOT ALL

[the milky bar kid]

That's good too hear that the St Brendan's boys managed to escape with little damage from the bender.
Welcome to the forum Froddo, always good to have a fresh face around here.
However i must ask the question that Matty Hill asked me (albeit about another Froddo)....
Is he called Froddo cause he looks like him or because his ring has been destroyed?????

Some comedy gold from Matt Hill, who said ranga's aren't funny?