Here we are again.
The Big Bash League finals have descended after a spellbinding few weeks. Rivalries are made in these times.
Notice one common thing: the Melbourne Stars are yet again travelling to Perth for a semi-final. Continue reading Off to Perth we go again
Division Four of the Eastern Football League was well and truly alive at Donvale Reserve on Saturday. Brendan Fevola was the star attraction, pulling on a Magpies jumper, but the Glen Waverley Hawks spoiled the party by winning their sixth game in a row.
The former Carlton and Brisbane full-forward kicked six goals of Donvale’s total of 12.3.75, not enough to overcome the Hawks five goal last quarter, their 14.16.100 final scoreline giving the visitors a lot to cheer about.
Tim Pape opened the scoring, and the flurry of early Hawks chances inside 50 meant opportunities came but weren’t converted. Captain Jesse Dunn missed to put the Hawks further up, and Donvale capitalised by sending it to Fevola in the square, who duly converted.
Akin to a seesaw, the game was never blown open by either side. Jeremy Grocott was superb crumbing the ball, while Matt Leardi worked diligently to create space for Donvale.
Critically, Donvale’s strength at the contests allowed them to win the contested ball more often than not; however, turnovers gifted chances to the Hawks, who took a 19 point lead into the quarter time break.
That margin threatened to break out beyond 30 points and stay there for the remainder of the game, but missed opportunities in front of goal meant Donvale went into the main break just 15 points behind. Jack Dunn, Ryan Goold and Adam Amin all kicked their games up a gear. The Hawks better ball control didn’t go unnoticed, but the Magpies continually pestered. Strong lead-ups from Leardi, Adam Woods and Fevola ensured Donvale stayed competitive on the scoreboard.
As far as the weather was concerned, a dry football meant fast paced movement through the middle, which Glen Waverley executed far better after half time. The Hawks 4-2 lead on inside 50’s early in the third term was continually marred by missed chances, and the Donvale defence hard on the aggressive spoils.
Donvale’s third-term goals all came from the boot of Fevola, who earlier in the day snapped an around-the-body kick that snuck home, much to the delight of the strong crowd.
On-field decisions made by the umpires gave whoever was the benefactor yet another chance to go further in front. However, a Donvale turnover lead to a goal for Luke Broad, and the Hawks began to expose the heavy targeting of Fevola deep in the Magpies attacking 50.
Hawks coach Ryan Flack emphasised at three-quarter time to his players to not get caught up by the hype of the crowd and the support for Fevola; that teammates helping teammates and the knowledge the players could run out the four quarters and finish on top would be enough of a driver for Glen Waverley to get up.
The flurry from Donvale came in a hurry, with Fevola, Grocott and Adam Woods all attacking the scoreboard. Glen Waverley rallied as a team in the second half of the last quarter, quelling delivery into Donvale’s forward 50 and sending it quicksmart up the wing or through the centre corridor.
Amin, Goold, Josh McInerney and Gavin Cruse were instrumental ball winners, as a five goal salvo was enough to seal the deal and give the Hawks a win and a percentage boost to above 100 after nine rounds.
Competitiveness has been one of Donvale’s key victories after re-entering the Eastern Football League this season. Despite a loss at home, the three-quarter effort in which they kept pace with Glen Waverley is along the lines of the five year plan hinted at by Coach Angelo Lamana, who wants to be out of Division Four by that time.
While Fevola may not have snaffled the four points for Donvale, he was well admired by the crowd, and appreciated by all of those affiliated with the club, as they re-stock and work towards a new era.
Now at the halfway point of the season, Glen Waverley is well poised to attack the top three of Warrandyte, Coldstream and Forest Hill, but will need to rapidly improve their percentage. Donvale travel to Nunawading next week, who fell to the Eastern Lions. The Hawks travel to Warrandyte to meet the wall of the Bloods, who sit well clear on the top of the ladder.
At the end of August, Beyond Realisation hits its second birthday.
It does not feel like two years since I began writing on this blog, focusing on issues and discussions beyond the general reviews and previews. On top of that, 20,500 views might not seem like a lot either, but it’s the culmination of hard work and passion. Continue reading Beyond Realisation is turning two, and still going
After just one day of competition, and the Opening Ceremony, social media has already thrown the spear at Channel 10’s Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games coverage.
With two channels that can be used for games coverage, and a plethora of events running until August 4, fans are asking; why is there a) not more sport and b) so many ads? Continue reading Channel Ten Missing the mark on Glasgow 2014
To represent your country at the highest level of competition is an absolute honour – to share a part of the spoils even more so.
Overnight, Australian time, snowboarder Torah Bright secured her second career Winter Olympics medal, claiming silver in the women’s half-pipe, with American Kaitlyn Farrington taking the gold. Continue reading Sochi 2014: Torah shines Bright in the half-pipe
(opinion rant)
The gap between perception of men’s and women’s sport is becoming both alarming and appalling. In addition, the coverage of women’s games and events, while better, continues to languish behind the men. This must change.
I’ll start with the Women’s Cricket. Two one day internationals for the Women’s Ashes series were recently held at the MCG, and patrons were admitted for free. Continue reading Women’s Sport: The inequality just won’t stop
Every year, sport evolves, and so does the coverage.
Athletes are subjected even more to the tiniest little misdoings or events they attend – there is no hiding from the media. In turn, the intrusion can sometimes be too much. Continue reading Beyond Realisation in 2014: What you will see
Across all my experiences in the sporting industry – including game day reporting and article writing – there is one aspect that is consistent across each thing that I do; photography. Continue reading From the eyes of an amateur photographer: the sport
(This is a chronicle of my journalism adventure, and where the passion started)
In August of 2012 I had a bright idea. After hearing about some friends in my university course wanting to start up a sport blog/website, I wanted in on the fun; but instead I took it down my own path. I am very glad I did.
My love of sport has no end; since a very young age I have rarely been seen without some sort of sporting gear in hand, or eyes glued to the TV on the next blockbuster game. Continue reading Why Beyond Realisation? In fact, why sport?
Being part of something in the local community can be a fulfilling experience. Have a look at how people are involved, and sporting clubs appear with a large number of participants.
Playing sport with a team, and not just watching it, is great fun. You participate with like-minded people, and play well enough and there could be rewards if you put in the hard work.
I currently play for the Blackburn Cricket Club, as well as the Ultimate Frisbee team for La Trobe University. Playing with a sporting club is a massive thrill, and it keeps me fit, healthy and at the same time, happy. Continue reading The highs and lows of being part of a sports club
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