Aaaaand the season mows on. Catch us take on our Inner-North rivals the Ainslie Tricolours in a hot and heavy contest at Allen Ray Oval!

Following what was, to say the very least, a tough few weeks for the club, the footy gods were out in full force for the Griffo's round 3 clash against ADFA. Sun out, twenty degrees, not a knot of wind, and how about that deck? A Manuka surface described aptly by Briant 'BT' Taylor during Friday nights coverage, "like your mum's bed spread, absolutely perfect - you just want to play on it'. A day that warranted the many ''dave ferret' calls amongst the group. We were on. 

Proceedings began with an ANZAC presentation beautifully provided by some of our venerable service men and women. Goosebumps were rife as the iconic Last Post consecrated Manuka oval, creating a special sense of occasion. And then it was time for footy. 

Some nerves started seeping into the senior group's psyche as our ressie brethren battled against a fit, fast, and fearless ADFA unit. An unnerving number of "kill" calls from the military crowd provided extra cause for concern. But fear not, said vice captain and spiritual leader Clinton Beale, leading a barefoot 'earthing' ceremony which successfully grounded us in the moment. 

To the soundtrack of the recently constructed genre-blending Griff's spotify playlist, pregame passed by in a flash. 

It was a hot footy early, but the far superior Griffo skill and footy smarts held true, fostering a healthy lead into quarter time. A hard ADFA fight back in the second quarter was well weathered by a back six that was stoic in defence all game. Nonetheless, by halftime the margin had shrunk to two goals. 

Enter Benny 'Wilko' Wilkinson, two second half goals, half a dozen tackles, and a two-deep hanger in front of the packed Bradman stand. Utterly mesmerising and a worthy recipient of the coveted 'big mug'. Similarly impactful and instantly iconic was Kieran 'Kizza' Murray's 60m bomb followed by a celebration that would make even Brett Lee shudder. 

A late Jack 'Hads' Hadley point gave an important  seven point buffer but with ten minutes to spare, it was still anyone's game. Chaos ensued for the remainder, with all Griffs bar none cramping in painful unison. Desperate attempts to stretch, self-massage, and even drink expired pickle juice (see James Mount) were inevitably futile. But with some brave, one legged defensive efforts, the Griff's held on. A win that won't be leaving the memories of those involved anytime soon and a song sung loud and proud in all its beautiful two verse entirety. 

Sore legs did nothing to hinder energy levels and in classic Griff fashion, the shenanigans continued into the night. Despite a number of noteworthy exclusions (mainly Wello) due to fourth grade captain/coach Angus McKelvie Hill's 21st, Hellenic was lively as ever, highlighted by a Rich Davis masterclass in raspberry cruiser consumption and unsolicited relationship advice.

Here's hoping 2022 marks the birth of an ANZAC weekend tradition between the mighty Griffs and the less-mighty but nonetheless formidable ADFA Rams

This game was one like no other. Not only because this exact game had not happened before, but because it took place at what can only be described as the Football Mecca of Canberra. There was an unspoken holiness in its atmosphere, sanctified and immortal. Saints had once been present here, reflected both in the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Fixture and all the leftover hair in the empty ice baths. We’d seen footy gods play on this oval and now it was our turn.

To fully immerse ourselves in our new home ground, Grace led us onto the oval for an exercise in mindfulness. “Close your eyes for a second ... take a deep breath in.” The last time I was given those instructions was at a gyno appointment - luckily the only cold hard thing inside me this time was my primal urge to win.
Guided meditation was backed up with the equally spiritual practice of blasting Wagon Wheel on full volume in the change rooms (rock me mama). We discussed our personal goals and Adela discussed leaving her number on the wall for when Saints players were next in.

Suited and booted, we piled into the “Strategy Room”. Leon Cameron had left GWS’ game plan on the whiteboard from the night before. This would’ve been handy but Gez hasn’t coached a losing game since 2020 and he wasn’t starting now xx
After a quick Uni-On-3 the game was afoot and Abbey was dominating in the ruck, serving up the kind of tap quality to put Bunnings out of business. Lizzie and Greta wasted none of these opportunities, delivering innumerable inside 50s to the shock of absolutely everyone because they’re usually pretty average.

ADFA lived up to their name in the first quarter displaying good Defence Force, keeping cool under an onslaught of forward pressure. On one occasion they Defenced Forced so well that a fast break out of their defensive 50 quickly became a goal. Our backs swiftly changed gear and lifted their accountability, keeping ADFA to a single goal for the rest of the game. A special mention to Kate Dean who proved herself as the alpha among all Kates on the team with a goal-saving dive in her first ever game.

By the second half it was torrentially raining goals (check the BOM) and the ball was firmly locked in our forward 50. ADFA were beginning to tire and we continued to cement our win. Greta kicked a whopping 3 goals with Lizzie, Iman, Kylie, Grace, and Roy each kicking two. Their individual scores single-handedly beat ADFA’s total of 8, which makes me think our country would be extremely safe with them in our barracks and they should be deployed immediately. Kylie in particular would look banging in camo and I know for a fact she used to be a cage fighter in Oberon.

Overall, a fantastic day was had and wasn’t one we’ll soon forget. Please direct all further inquiries to a certain online internet page or if you’re reading this and are also dual All-Australian midfielder Jack Steele, please contact Adela Michelson at 0433423352.
 

Since 2006, MO’R Mortgage Options (MMO) has proudly sponsored the ANUAFC and supported its members through the services they provide.  Over this time, MMO are proud to have assisted more than 55 members and their families with their home loans.

They’ve helped members with many different aspects of property finance from purchasing their first home (or investment property) to saving them interest with a refinance.

MMO look forward to continuing their strong affiliation with the ANUAFC players, members and supporters through 2019 and beyond.

For help with your residential finance needs please contact Daniel ‘Rosco’ O’Reilly on Daniel@mmo.com.au or ‘Schitty’ Greg Oberscheidt on Greg@mmo.com.au, or 6286 6501.

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