SA stands up to rivals in police football carnival

The Victoria Police football team has won the 15th national police football carnival in Perth. Played on the Dockers’ South Fremantle Oval in October, it was the most closely contested carnival since 1992, when SA and Victoria drew in the week’s final match.

In the opening round of games (Oct 20), Western Australia (22.22) defeated Tasmania (2.1), as SA took on Victoria in a high-standard match with many lead changes.

Misfortune befell SA in the second quarter, when Sam Bailetti and Doc Bray’s heads clashed in a fearless attack the ball. With the two players laid out – and Bailetti later carried off – the Victorians scored an easy goal. SA had to make changes.

This gave confidence to the Victorian team, which scored two quick goals that were vital in the final wash-up. Minutes before the final siren, only a point separated the two sides, but Victoria scrambled a goal and eventually won by eight points.

Matt Bryant was brilliant all day at half back, while Loren Franz was constantly dangerous up forward. Matt Kluzek showed the skills that enabled him to play both SANFL and AFL football.

SA’s best player trophy went to Matt Bryant. Victoria gave its best SA player to Loren Franz. The best team man award went to Rusty Stanborough.

On day two (Oct 22), SA played Tasmania in an early game. SA’s performance was disappointing in the first half, particularly the second quarter. This might have counted against SA at the end of the week, when percentage decided the result.

But, in the second half, SA showed its talents and ran away with a 143-point victory. With five goals each, Franz and Kluzek starred again, while newcomer Greg Lambert was dazzling on a wing.

New club president Les Buckley, 40, kicked three goals from a pocket and assisted in two others when he pulled on the boots to give a couple of players a rest. The SA trophy went to Loren Franz, while the Tasmanians gave theirs to Matt Kluzek. Greg Lambert won the best team man award.

In a tough, bruising encounter, WA (8.5) was able to shut down Victoria (6.5) in the last quarter of a match under lights, and win by 12 points.

On the final day, Victoria thrashed Tasmania by 188 points (28.20 to no score). This essentially put SA out of the contest, as the team would have to win by up to 50 points to score enough percentage. Sadly, Tasmania probably had its weakest team for the game against Victoria, which got an easier run. But, at that stage, SA was not particularly confident about getting over WA, with plenty of small, quick players, in contrast to SA’s big men.

As well, SA had two players unavailable for the whole match, and another three who had to leave at half time to return to Adelaide. This dilemma brought Buckley back onto the field and, after Loren Franz went down with a hamstring strain in the second quarter, SA contested the second half with only 18 players.

WA was the hot favourite, and no one could have predicted how this game would unfold. With only 11 goals scored throughout the match, it turned out to be a battle of defences.

WA seemed always in control, with leads of up to 15 points through the first three quarters. Both defences were on top – Matt Bryant starred again, but had great support from Doc Bray, Damien Kschammer, Phil Neagle and Sam Bailetti.

Martin Short rucked outstandingly all day, and often gave SA’s on-ballers first use of the ball. Kluzek was constantly dangerous up forward, Paul Schwartz put in a great first half (but had to leave at half time), and winger Greg “Slick” Lambert gave consistent drive.

SA managed to hang in and be only nine points down at the last change. Those on the sidelines kept waiting for WA to explode with a few quick goals to close off the game. But, somehow, the SA players, completely exhausted and running on courage and determination, kept the pressure on.

Five minutes into the final term, coach Chris “Banger” Baldwin remarked that, win or lose, the team had done a marvellous job. Then, suddenly, Croweater forward James Bentley took a mark and, for the first time that entire week, kicked accurately – from 50-plus metres out – to put SA within a few points.

But WA responded with a goal, and the slog continued. With about six minutes to go, Will Cornish had his head near torn off and earned a free kick, with which he put SA back within a goal.

Big Lucas Herbert just missed and it was now five points. Then, with fewer than two minutes to go, the most unlikely of heroes, Adam “Doc” Bray, drifted up from the back pocket, accepted a Lambert pass, and casually slotted it through from about 45 metres.

In the frantic final 90 seconds, SA rushed a point and ended up stealing the game by two points to retain the Bowen Trophy. The players received a standing ovation from many of the spectators (particularly the Victorians).

The SA trophy for best player went to Martin Short, while Matt Bryant received the WA trophy. Doc Bray was awarded the best team man trophy.

Victoria ended up ahead of WA by about 0.12 of a per cent, with SA a further 3.7 per cent behind.

Six South Australians were named in the All-Australian team. They were: SA best-player-of-the-carnival winner, Matt Bryant, Matt Kluzek, Loren Franz, Greg Lambert, Martin Short and Adam Bray.

Chris Baldwin excelled in his coaching role, with great support from team manager, Colin Miller, and trainer, Darryl Crossman.

Queensland will host next year’s October football carnival. To be part of the team, call Les Buckley, Paul Schwartz or Rob Gregory for further information.

Match results

Vic	1.2	7.4	7.4	11.7	73
SA	3.3	5.4	9.5	10.5	65

Goals: Franz 4, Kluzek 2, Short, Schwartz, Quinn, Herbert.
Best players: Bryant, Kluzek, Franz, Short, Lambert, Rayner, Stanborough, Quinn.

SA	4.5	7.11	14.15	21.23	149
Tas	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	6

Goals: Franz 5, Kluzek 5, Buckley 3, Kschammer 2, Stanborough, Neagle, Bailetti, Schwartz, McGuiness.
Best players: Franz, Kluzek, Lambert, Gregory, Bailetti, Wray, Buckley, Neagle, and rest played well.

The SA team of 2003

Jarrod Ayers, Sam Bailetti, James Bentley, Adam Bray, Matt Bryant, Chris Baldwin (coach), Les Buckley, Will Cornish, Darryl Crossman, John Dicker, Loren Franz, Peter Goodfellow, Rob Gregory, Lucas Herbert, Dean Handke, Tim Kerber, Matt Kluzek (vice-captain), Damien Kschammer, Greg Lambert, Colin Miller, Damien McCarthy, Mick McGuiness, Phil Neagle, Scott Pannunzio, Simon Quinn (captain), Darren Rayner, Martin Short, Paul Schwartz, Russell Stanborough, Daniel Wray and Phillip Butchard.