Welcome back folks and what a way to return from the mid season break. We were seven and two going into the Queen's birthday break, and have picked up where we left off with a resounding victory at home against then-fellow ladder leader, Old Trinity. A bumper crowd was in attendance at club headquarters, which included over 120 guests in for the luncheon, and it delivered in spades - our very own live Open Mike show was up and running as footy media doyen Mike Sheahan interviewed All-Australian superstar and much loved Bulldogs captain, Bob Murphy.
 

On the field it's been an outstanding first half the year. A number of grinding wins, requiring supreme effort right through to the final siren, has brought to life for our members the level of intensity, focus and never-say-die attitude that lies within the playing group. We remain well aware of how quickly fortunes can change within this competition, so a week-by-week, consistent application has clearly been an underlying focus of the group.

A two point win over rival Uni Blues prior to the break (see match report HERE), followed by Saturday's convincing victory over second placed Old Trinity (see match report HERE), shows just how unpredictable the competition can be.....especially given teams such as St Kevin's accounted for Uni Blacks on the weekend, who themselves had our measure by a point in Round 5 - it's a tight competition. This week's Round 11 clash with Collegians at Harry Trott is no exception, who were no pushover for Uni Blues on the weekend.
 

Dino's keep on keeping on

Congrats to our own 'experienced campaigners' the De La Dinosaurs (Over 35s), who on Sunday accounted for Craigieburn by 26 points - after a big last quarter from Ben Corin in the ruck triggered a five goal-to-one run to seal victory.  

With two weeks between games their bodies should be back to normal the day before the next hit out. The boys keep ploughing on and despite using all available Deep Heat within the state, still sit third on the ladder currently (see match report HERE).

Congratulations to Jake Williams, Jack Vickers and Sam Williams (left to right above) on their Victorian representative call-ups over the break. Whilst the Big V fell short to South Australia on the day at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, we commend the boys on the selection after a huge first half of the year in the Blue & Gold.
 

The club joined forces with Old Trinity in the week leading up to Saturday's game to jointly raise funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease. In an unprecedented effort, both clubs embraced the cause within their camps. Players and supporters purchased plenty of cornflower blue MND beanies at the clash, raising $5000 in a huge show of support to those affected by the 'Beast' that is MND.

The clubs have laid a fantastic foundation to build a traditional MND-themed clash, leading the way in amateur circles in conjunction with the Cure for MND Foundation and their Big Freeze at the G campaign, spearheaded by Neale Daniher.

The club was extremely proud to support the cause, in particular for two local families linked to the club, the Cunninghams and the Bakers. Ange Cunningham and close friend Catherine Baker, who are both battling the disease, joined Neale Daniher as faces of the recent Freeze MND campaign.

Ange's husband Pat, co-founder of the Cure For MND Foundation, was incredibly appreciative of the efforts of both clubs.

"For two top of the table teams in Premier Grade to unite off the field for a cause like MND ahead of their big clash, has meant so much to the Foundation. Footy has been such a huge vehicle for awareness and fundraising for us, and for De La and Trinity to take a leadership position from an amateur perspective is a huge reflection of the character of both clubs. We look forward to working with both clubs and the VAFA in the future, to build on what we hope will become a fantastic tradition, and we thank both clubs and their supporters wholeheartedly for their efforts."

The club would like to formally thank Old Trinity and the players and supporters of both sides for their contributions to the cause. For more information or to donate to MND, head to www.curemnd.org.au.
 

Luncheon Calendar

Round 13  July 16th DLSOCAFC vs Old Xavs
Round 15  July 30th DLSOCAFC vs St Bernards
Round 16  August 13th DLSOCAFC vs St Kevins
Round 18  August 27th DLSOCAFC vs Old Carey

 

Are your finances in the best possible shape they could be?

De La's long-time Platinum Partner, Bendigo Bank East Malvern Community Bank Branch, offer highly competitive solutions for both personal and business banking, with an unprecedented level of efficiency and personal service.

George Prodromidis leads the team at the branch, which is located on Waverley Road in East Malvern just five minutes from the club. George and the team can provide you with an appraisal on your finances in a quick turnaround time, offering you highly competitive alternatives to your current banking institution where suitable. From personal needs such as home loans, to business banking and lending, the East Malvern Community Bank Branch are able to support our club even further with every De La person they assist.

For a no obligation chat to ensure your finances are performing at their best, give George a call on 9563 6044 or email him here and mention your De La Salle association.

 

THE HARVEY NORMAN CHADSTONE MEMBERS RAFFLE
All members automatically eligible!

CLICK HERE for the flyer, and CLICK HERE for the order form.