Doutta Stars

[julianlarkins]

Having seen nearly every A-grade team play this year, it is fair to say that Douttas have got one of the best styles of play going around. I watched their games against Oakers, a game they could have easily won with a little bit more experience, and against Abers and in both they were impressive. The talent they have in midfield and the determination they have across the board are really encouraging. Marcus has got them running hard all day and if you add a few more players to their spine next year they should be pushing for finals.

I didn't see the game against Marby but looking at the scoreboard it's another game EDS should have won. Regardless, the signs are very good.

[bricksta]

I went down to Keilor on the weekend to watch a pretty good contest.
The experienced and bigger bodies in the end probably won them the game in the end, Joyce came back to haunt his old club as well, along with Garth, who was just about unbeatable on the lead.

The only disappointing thing about the game is when the Umpires decided to impose themselves on the game, with some very soft free kicks going both ways. I was at a loss to say the least. First half they were hardly sighted and the game was great to watch, but for some reason they decided to get involved as they do so often, and ruined a pretty good game.

Now this isnt an excuse as to who won or lost, just an Observation from a bloke who like to watch local footy..!

[bricksta]

Disappointing result for the stars on the weekend, can anyone give us a run down on the game?
Apparently Nolan kicked 7?

[spiderpig]

PascoeVale just better suited to the conditions ,in first for the ball on nearly every occasion and just too hard at it for Doutas. Subsequently D.S continually gave away free kicks and on top of the frees gave away more 50mtr penalties than I have ever seen before in a senior game of football.
In Doutas defense they appeared to have a very young team and I believe they had 3 x u/18s in the team. Wasn't a day for light bodies and inexperience so may want to look at who they select for wet days.

[julianlarkins]

ROUND 11, EDS v. ABERFELDIE

This fixture never fails to throw up surprises and yesterday did not disappoint. The Stars ran their hearts out, working harder than their opponents to grind out a much deserved third victory of the season. The impressiveness of the young Douttas team was matched by the poorness of the Aberfeldie display. Looking underdone and down on confidence the Gorillas were lucky to get as close as they did.

The first quarter had the bounce of the ball going Abers way, the three goal lead flattering the visitors who had punished their inexperienced opponents on the rebound. The signs were there though, Douttas were clearly up for a contest as they have been all year. Like in so many games this year the young Stars had much of the play and continually created scoring opportunities only to be thwarted by their lack of composure in their forward fifty. Douttas coach Marcus Barham, hoarse on the boundary line from screaming instructions and questioning umpiring decisions, had an urgency that suggested he saw a huge opportunity for an upset. A match ending injury in the early stages of the quarter to the Star’s best player, Mark Lynch, could have easily taken the wind out of their belief, instead it seemed to strengthen their resolve.

An insipid display in the second quarter by Aberfeldie let Douttas back in the contest. Numerous skill errors, terrible decision making and indiscipline gave the Stars the chance to fight their way into the game and hold a three point lead at the main break.
The third quarter saw Abers lift and start winning the ball out of the middle, Nick Cattapan providing plenty of drive. Several near misses meant the Two Blues were only out by 17 points when it could have been much more. A dreadful switch resulted in a goal on the siren to the Stars and with it all the momentum going into the last quarter.

Almost inevitably Douttas over ran their opponents and kicked away to a deserved victory. The Stars have been very impressive all year. They play with belief and know that they can only win through working harder than their more experienced opponents. Even without key players yesterday, they still play with clear direction and discipline by spreading to chip the ball around and running in numbers through the midfield. The lack of a genuine gun forward target every week has been a major problem all year, but yesterday their persistence got just reward.

For Abers, their season is showing signs of collapsing like last year. Major injuries are clearly a factor but it was the way their opposition worked harder that was most d**ning. This should be the line in the sand for their season. This should be the loss that gets them up and going and back on course for finals. This loss could be the start of their demise or it could just be the opportunity for them to show they are a much better team than last year. How they respond to this terrible loss will define how far they can go.

FINAL SCORE:
Essendon Doutta Stars – 13.18.96
Aberfeldie – 11.17.83

BEST PLAYERS:
EDS – J. Kahlefeldt, J.Morris, T.Brown, J.Brown, L.Svarc, T.Lucin, etc etc etc
Aberfeldie – Keford, S.Cattapan, N.Cattapan, Young, Castellano

[Brad T]

As a West Coburg supporter I grew up with the rule that you either love or hate Doutta and I was the latter.

I must give them their credit this season with the way Barham and co have got them playing their footy. They have been super competitive and if the can continue to build then the future is very promising.

[westerly9]

Got to take your hat off to EDS this season. I thought they might be in a relegation battle, but they have done very well to win 7 games so far. Should have been more!! The Marby game was a loss out of nowhere with the position they were in at half time. They have done a great job blooding kids & I think they will have a few $$ to throw around next year. Great coaching job from Barham, Sam & Ben Tankard.

[julianlarkins]

Spot on Westerly, EDS were tipped by many to go down at the start of the year and could end up in finals if a few results go there way. The losses earlier in the year to Pacco, Oak Park and Marby could all have resulted in wins. But given the avergae age of their players and the number of new players coming into their club 7 or 8 wins is a super effort. Full credit to Marcus Barham and his team for devising such an appropriate game plan for the cattle they had on the park. They are by far the smallest and least experienced team in the league and have relied on out working and out running opponents in all the games I've seen. A lot to look forward to with suggestions of a very early recruiting drive occurring already.

[Freak]

Congratulations to Mark Lynch for taking out the thingy Reynolds Medal, as the best player in the Premier Division for the 2012 season.

[bricksta]

Awesome result for Mark Lynch, great person and a very good player who works hard for his team.

[dashingwingman]

Heard the stars have recruited a few quality Coburg or ex Coburg players.

is Hicks going back to VFL?

[julianlarkins]

Yeah have heard the Stars are already going well securing some talent for next season which should ensure they push for finals and improve on their 8 wins this year.

Apologies if this is wrong, but I heard that Hicks maybe going to Port Magpies in SANFL? Either way, could be another good season for the stars next year with a great platform to work from.

[julianlarkins]

Just saw the final scores, can anyone provide some comments on the win? What an unbelievable effort for Douttas to come back and best last year's grand finalists. Once again Barham and co. just getting great results with such a young list.

[bricksta]

Any word on what happened on the weekend?
Very surprised the Stars couldnt get over Pascoe Vale??