That's right, the Oak Park Under 12s produced a stunning 63 to 15 defeat of Strathmore FC.
From the moment I arrived at Keilor Park Reserve, I was immediately as excited as I was before the first bounce at a Pies game. I made my way over to Mum, who was anxiously sitting on the sidelines. Hoardes of families, kids, parents and some extremely pushy parents, surrounded us. A little beanie-clad girl no older than two sat to our left, and her enthusiasm for the game made me wonder if I had been the same at her age. Then she booed the umpire for making a bad call. Definitely.
The Oakers started strong. Big Will down in the goal square absolutely dominated.
Mark and goal. Mark and goal. Mark and goal. Mark and goal. For an 11-year-old, I couldn't believe his strength and ability to gain control of the ball, not to mention his "straight through the sticks" kicking style. We needed him at the Pies!
The ambush continued well into the second quarter, with Strathmore giving it their best crack but sadly couldn't stop the Oak Park juggernaut. As I sat there watching mothers cheer, fathers give coaching orders and kids throw tantrums because they weren't allowed to have a hot dog, I couldn't help but imagine what kind of "Footy Mum" I would make.
Would I be pushy? Would I be too shy to say anything? Or would I be one of those mums who picks the lamest possible nickname for my kid and yell it across the field at my little fuzzy wuzzy baby bear? It made me think deeper into just how important this magical game of Aussie Rules can be to a family and the effects playing the game can have on kids of such a young age.
So you're probably wondering why I drove all the way to Keilor to be a part of this epic win?
And no, it wasn't because I spent the previous night sitting alone in the freezing cold at the MCG, watching my beloved Magpies being ripped apart by the Lions. I was sporting the blue & white because my baby brother plays for the mighty Oakers. "Spaz" as he is lovingly nicknamed by his team (due to the fact our surname is Santuccione, not because he is actually a spaz) is famous for his goal kicking abilities, and had begged me to come along and see his team play. So, not wanting to win the award for the world's worst sister, and having missed the entire season due to the fact we simply live far apart, I couldn't let the little man down.
And no, it wasn't because I spent the previous night sitting alone in the freezing cold at the MCG, watching my beloved Magpies being ripped apart by the Lions. I was sporting the blue & white because my baby brother plays for the mighty Oakers. "Spaz" as he is lovingly nicknamed by his team (due to the fact our surname is Santuccione, not because he is actually a spaz) is famous for his goal kicking abilities, and had begged me to come along and see his team play. So, not wanting to win the award for the world's worst sister, and having missed the entire season due to the fact we simply live far apart, I couldn't let the little man down.
 |
| Spazzaccione & I - Pre-game |
From the moment I arrived at Keilor Park Reserve, I was immediately as excited as I was before the first bounce at a Pies game. I made my way over to Mum, who was anxiously sitting on the sidelines. Hoardes of families, kids, parents and some extremely pushy parents, surrounded us. A little beanie-clad girl no older than two sat to our left, and her enthusiasm for the game made me wonder if I had been the same at her age. Then she booed the umpire for making a bad call. Definitely.
The Oakers started strong. Big Will down in the goal square absolutely dominated.
Mark and goal. Mark and goal. Mark and goal. Mark and goal. For an 11-year-old, I couldn't believe his strength and ability to gain control of the ball, not to mention his "straight through the sticks" kicking style. We needed him at the Pies!
The ambush continued well into the second quarter, with Strathmore giving it their best crack but sadly couldn't stop the Oak Park juggernaut. As I sat there watching mothers cheer, fathers give coaching orders and kids throw tantrums because they weren't allowed to have a hot dog, I couldn't help but imagine what kind of "Footy Mum" I would make.
Would I be pushy? Would I be too shy to say anything? Or would I be one of those mums who picks the lamest possible nickname for my kid and yell it across the field at my little fuzzy wuzzy baby bear? It made me think deeper into just how important this magical game of Aussie Rules can be to a family and the effects playing the game can have on kids of such a young age.
I joined in on the 3/4 time huddle, and listened intently as the Coach encouraged the boys and commended their individual efforts. Spaz got orders to get out there and boot some goals, with which he promised his team mates he would deliver.
By the time the fourth quarter had started, it was apparent that Oak Park had the game all stitched up. Spaz had delivered on his promise and booted two goals, and the boys didn't even look tired. What shocked me the most however, was the fact that as a young Strathmorian slotted a much needed goal, several of the Oakers applauded the boy's efforts. There was no booing. No nasty exchanges. No nudges or shoves. It was a civil, respectful game. The players of opposition teams were encouraging each other, despite the fact this was the game that needed to be won. It was adorable and admirable all in one.
The final siren rang out and the field erupted. We all ran onto the ground to celebrate.
The Oakers jumped and ran and hugged and screamed. Immediately, the winning Captain shouted "three cheers for Strathmore!" and I think my heart melted in an instant. The boys lined up to shake the hands and congratulate their gutted opponents, and again I was drawn back to the thoughts of how noble and respectful these two teams had been of each other. It was as if it didn't matter that one team had dominated and the other had lucked out, they were all comrades and they had just survived a war together. If only all of our modern day AFL players had the same stance when it came to playing the game. When did it stop being fun and start being war?
Back at the Club rooms, the party continued well into the afternoon. The Oakers were hyped up on Pizza, Fish n Chips, Fizzy drinks and winning. It was the most fun I could have had with a bunch of 11 and 12 year olds, not to mention the fact they weren't shy in inducting me into their boys club! I believe one of the boys was hoping I would be attending the same High School as he would next year. He looked a little deflated when I mentioned I'd finished High School ten years ago! The camaraderie of these boys and the acceptance of each other no matter what size, shape or ability they had was simply beautiful, and completely uncommon in today's age. It really demonstrates how a Club and serious sporting types can be embraced, nurtured and shaped into respectful characters both on and off the field. It made me so proud to know my own brother was a part of this.
The Oakers jumped and ran and hugged and screamed. Immediately, the winning Captain shouted "three cheers for Strathmore!" and I think my heart melted in an instant. The boys lined up to shake the hands and congratulate their gutted opponents, and again I was drawn back to the thoughts of how noble and respectful these two teams had been of each other. It was as if it didn't matter that one team had dominated and the other had lucked out, they were all comrades and they had just survived a war together. If only all of our modern day AFL players had the same stance when it came to playing the game. When did it stop being fun and start being war?
 |
| Oak Park Under 12s PREMIERS 2014 - Congratulations kids!!! |
 |
| Chris & Aidan - "brothers" / winners |
To catch up, my pick for Flog Of The Week for the previous week is Carlton's Mitch (Floginson) Robinson, for lying to his own club about being involved in a brawl outside a bar and persisting with his lie until he had been caught out. When will players learn that everything they do is in the spotlight?!? You're never alone! I also induct him as Flog Of The Week due to the fact this isn't the first time he has told a story that wasn't true... is it Mitch???? This was enough of a Flog act to translate into this week, and therefore I will be back with the F.O.T.W. next week.
 |
| A very deserving Flog Of The Week(s) - Carlton's Mitch Robinson |
Until next time,
-Lady K-
x0x
Awesome blog lady k.. ;)
ReplyDelete