The Junction Oval was in its usual perfect condition, with weather to match for the first game of the 2009 season. A new-look OMFC side took the field, with hopes of continuing the winning form exhibited at the end of 2008 and in the two pre-season games against Old Scotch and Lilydale.

 

The Wellers’ supporters had cause to be optimistic as the Wellers scored the first goal of the game. That concession having been granted, the OMs then proceeded to put on a clinical display of football. The quarter was a blur, with seven goals thumped through by Harvey, Wilson, Seccull, and Wilmoth. With a first quarter margin of 41 points it appeared the OMs’ potential was being realised.

 

The second quarter started as the first had ended, with Steve Greene goaling, followed shortly afterwards by Willo running in for his second. Although the play remained free-flowing and exciting to watch, scoring dried up for a while as the ball went backwards and forwards between the opposing 50m arcs. The drought was broken with a Weller marking on the goal line and scoring truly. Michael Davis then ran into score what would be the first of his four goals for the day. Seccull took yet another great mark and kicked long to Gardiner, who goaled. A kick into the forward line missed the pack’s fingertips, but Michael Davis, at the back of the pack, pounced on the loose ball and goaled. Seccull was again involved in a good patch of play, copping a blow to the head in the process, but, as he recovered his composure, the ball continued going forward, and Michael Davis finished the process by toe-poking it through. McKie also goaled, but Camberwell scored its third goal of the game just before half time.

 

The OMs returned from the break refreshed and keen to continue their good work. Lapin, playing his first official game for the OMs, celebrated with his first goal, having been set up by Michael Davis, who had taken on his opponent and won in style. Further evidence of Davis’ style was his 50m goal from a set-shot on the boundary past the scoreboard. A period of scoreless play followed before the Wellers were given a free kick and a goal. Will “Shep” Panton got angry and burst through the middle, finding Gardiner on his own, resulting in another goal for the OMs. Shep’s partner in anger, Harvey, also went through the middle and found Michael Davis, who scored nicely from a long set-shot. Tom Paule then set out to redefine style with a 60m goal on the run which cleared the goal line on the full. Within 90 seconds Harvey goaled from a set shot on the boundary. Advantage was then paid after Tim Davis was clobbered, and Gardiner put through the last goal of the quarter. It was free-flowing high-scoring footy at its best and resulted in a 105 point lead at the last change.

 

In the final quarter the Wellers did what the OMs have had to do too often in the past – play for pride and outscore the opposition in a losing game. The Wellers played their best footy of the game, showcasing their skills as they scored the first two goals of the quarter. A long scoreless battle followed before Greene kicked to James Beaumont, who scored stylishly on the run. Camberwell responded with another two goals before Captain Turner ran out of defence, through the centre, and dobbed a long running goal. The Wellers finished with no bench, and the OMs played 17 men for most of the quarter as some of the best players were rested. The margin dwindled to 80 points by the final siren in what was an uninspiring quarter, but the job had been well and truly done.

 

Although the OMs dominated the game, there were some lengthy periods during which the ball was in dispute between the opposing 50m arcs. This put pressure on the OMs’ defence, but it is a defence which has been very well-tested in recent years, and James Mitchell and Prowsey stood up well to the challenge. It was in the middle of the ground the game was won, and Bachet yet again took his accustomed place amongst the OMs’ best.

 

The new-look OMs comprise a number of new recruits and the welcoming back of several “old faces”. Tom Paule (OM 2005) played in the MGS 1^st XVIII (2003-05), for Sandringham, and more recently for Port Melbourne. He managed the occasional game for the OMs, but the OMs are now delighted to have Tom and his silky skills at the club on a permanent basis. Josh Freezer (OM 2007) was vice-captain of the MGS 2^nd XVIII and comes to the OMs after a GAP year in 2008. Charlie Gardiner (OM 2000) attended Wadhurst but finished his schooling at Geelong Grammar. He played 51 games for Geelong (2002-07) and 9 games for St. Kilda (2008). It’s good to have him back in Dark Blue. Steve Greene (OM 1999) played for the MGS 1^st XVIII (1997-99) as captain in 1999. He played 42 games for Hawthorn (2001-05) and then Williamstown. His return to the Dark Blues has been long-awaited.

 

James Beaumont (OM 2001) played for the MGS 1^st XVIII (1999-2001) as Captain in 2001. Best-and-fairest for the OMs in 2006, he went to Williamstown with the promise he would return to the OMs. He has made good his promise and his return is timely. His brother Jeremy (OM 2003) played for the MGS 1^st XVIII (2002-03) as Captain in 2003, and for East Ringwood. He is also a useful addition to the OMs. Will Panton (OM 2003) returns after a year overseas, as does Marty Kennon (OM 1999), while Will Harvey returns to the OMs from the Northern Bullants, having last played for the Dark Blues in 2006. Harvey immediately displayed the form for which we remembered him when the OMs last played in A Grade. Angus Lapin (OM 2008) played for the MGS 1^st XVIII (2006-08) as vice captain in the 2008 MGS premiership side, and made his mark in his first game as a hard-running, tough, long-kicking player. Michael Davis is the older brother of “Turbo” Timmy Davis, and played for South Adelaide in the SANFL, in which he was a runner-up for the Magarey Medal. Michael was best-on-ground in his first official game for the OMs, displaying a top ability to read the ball, a good pair of hands, and very accurate kicking. He covered a lot of ground and was in the thick of the action. He should prove to be a very handy player for the OMs.

 

While the margin against Old Camberwell was surprising, there is little doubt the return bout will be much tougher. This weekend the OMs play away against Old Trinity in what should be a challenging game after Old Trinity’s win against the fancied Old Haileybury last weekend. It will be a good test of the OMs which will help determine the OMs’ place in the B Grade field for 2009.