PFC Newsletter 19, August 9, 2024

TWO BLUES BACK AT HOME V PENINSULA

WITH the double chance safely locked away, Prahran returns to its Lucas Reserve home on Saturday to fine-tune its finals preparation against Old Peninsula.

A one-point loss to West Brunswick last week all but ended Old Peninsula’s late charge for a finals berth. With three home-and-away games remaining, Old Peninsula is two games and more than 20 per cent behind equal third Parkside and UHS-VU.

However, they are an improved outfit compared to the team the Two Blues trounced by 68 points in round eight, with the Pirates winning four of their past seven games.

Prahran now has the luxury of managing its playing roster while maintaining the form that has seen them log nine wins on the trot. Not to mention, his teammates will be eager to crown Luke Kerr's 100-game milestone with a victory.

CONGRATULATIONS LUKE KERR ON 100 SENIOR GAMES

IT has taken 11 seasons, but Luke Kerr finally reaches the milestone of 100 senior games for Prahran on Saturday.

Injuries and some stints in the Reserves (32 games) have halted his progress, but Kerr achieves this thoroughly deserved milestone at home this week against Old Peninsula.

A 2017 Premiership player, twice Reserves Best and Fairest, and selected in the back pocket in the 2010-19 Prahran Assumption Team of the Decade, Kerr is renowned for his intercept marking.

After a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Kerr, 34, has played the past two senior games as he prepares for another finals series.

Kerr, who joined Prahran in 2014, hails from Mildura Imperials Football Club, where his father Bob was president.

As fate would have it, the Kerr family had a fruit block next door to the Simonetta family, so with Jon playing for the Two Blues, Kerr followed suit.

Kerr’s contribution to the Prahran Football Club is considerable.

Not only has he been a terrific contributor as a player, but his off-the-field efforts as a 'recruiter' have been invaluable.

It's estimated that more than 40 Mildura-based players have been introduced to the Two Blues over the past decade thanks to Kerr.

Professionally, Kerr is a partner in Burlin Electrical with former Prahran teammates Daniel Anglin and Adam Hall.

SENIORS

OSBORNE ROOFTOP AND BAR: Joey Bell
GRILL’D WINDSOR: Pat Ribbands
STATE/SOUTHBANK BANK PAST PLAYERS:  Ethan Plaza

RESERVES  

GRILL’D WINDSOR: Hayden Taylor
TOSCANOS: Michael Woods

MICHAEL PISKER UPDATE

FORMER Prahran and St Kevin’s footballer Michael Pisker is making steady progress following severe career-ending injuries in a football match last month.

A GoFundMe page has received more than $297,000 in donations as of Thursday, August 8. Prahran's senior and junior clubs will make a substantial donation.

Michael’s mother, Alexandra, released the following statement this week:

“It has been almost three weeks since Michael was rushed to the Alfred Hospital. Thank you, everyone, for your positive wishes and prayers. Michael has heard them, and on Saturday he opened his eye.

On Sunday, the medical team removed the breathing tube and reduced his sedation, and he woke up and was able to recognise his loved ones. Michael has been able to speak to us but in a limited capacity. We are ecstatic.

He has remained in the ICU until this morning when he was transferred to the neurology ward at the Alfred Hospital. His fighting spirit and courage are strong. We are waiting for further updates and assessment from the neurology team.

We would like to again acknowledge the incredible work of the medical team at the Alfred Hospital and thank all those who have generously contributed to the GoFundMe campaign.”

GOOD FOR FOOTY RAFFLE



THANK you to those who have bought tickets for the Toyota Good For Footy raffle.
 
Our tally has now topped $1,600. Tickets are $5 each and prizes total more than $280,000.
Every dollar of the $5 ticket stays with your Club.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

HAVE a passion for community participation? Then we need you!

The Mighty Two Blues – your Club – is looking for match day and general club volunteers.

We are particularly seeking people to assist us on match day in a variety of roles. We understand that not everyone can commit on a weekly basis, but if you can assist from time to time, we would love to hear from you. Having a bank of reliable volunteers goes a long way in strengthening and assisting your club.

The Prahran Football Club welcomes people of all abilities.

If you want to get involved and help the Two Blues thrive, please contact Squiz on 0438 314 329 or Trev on 0409 794 420.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK - MODE LOGISTICS

MODE Logistics has been one of Prahran Football Club’s most loyal and valued sponsors in recent years.

We send belated condolences to the work colleagues and family of General Manager and co-owner Richard Passeri, who passed away suddenly late last year. Richard’s friendship with Prahran player and life member Jonny Simonetta led to the sponsorship.

Mode’s co-owner, Jason Farrugia, has kindly indicated he is keen to continue the partnership.

Mode Logistics is a global logistics network, part of Seafrigo Group, which was established in 1976 with over 26 offices and 1200 employees worldwide.

Their team specialises in perishable cargo, from manufactured goods, agricultural produce, dairy products, meat, and seafood, along with all general cargo.

Their local experience in the Australian market enables them to provide comprehensive services using a wide network of carrier options to best suit customer requirements.

PRAHRAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB - UNDER 18 BOYS

ANOTHER week, another numbers game for the Prahran U18s boys. Twenty-two players were reduced to 18, then to 16, in the 48 hours prior to game time. An injury and a yellow card in the third quarter meant the Two Blues were battling 14 v 17.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers came to play with a top-four spot on the line, and an undermanned Prahran outfit appeared to be easy pickings for the Tigers.

The pregame message was as simple as it could get: let’s bring the pressure and be as physical as we can be. Prahran’s pressure rating in the first quarter was through the roof, as yet again the boys brought the fight. But the class of the Tigers put on four goals in the opening term to hold a 27-point lead at the break.

Harry Williams booted Prahran’s first goal in the second quarter to spark some joy, but St Bedes’ bigger bodies controlled possession and, with their laser-like ball movement, were able to extend the margin to 40 points at half-time.

If three goals to the Tigers in the third quarter with Prahran unable to register a score didn’t confirm the result, an injury to defender Connor Meares and a yellow card to Roman Nuttall (for sticking up for his teammates) certainly put the nail in the coffin. The Tigers were unable to miss in the final term, kicking eight goals straight, as the 14 sets of legs Prahran had on the park were unable to keep up and the lead ballooned past 100 points.

Alfie Kidman, Sam Seccull, and captain Otto Langtry-Kierce led the way, never giving in and fighting with everything they had. Prahran didn’t deserve the final margin of 107 points, and the effort these boys put in every week despite being undermanned is something to be extremely proud of.

Prahran: 0.1 (1), 1.3 (9), 1.3 (9), 1.4 (10)
SBMT: 4.4 (28), 7.7 (49), 10.9 (69), 18.9 (117)

PRAHRAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB - UNDER 18 GIRLS

OUR Round 13 game was played under sunny conditions at Toorak Park on a pleasant Sunday afternoon against St Kilda City. The girls had a fast start with pressure and some very clean ball movement across the ground to establish a 22-0 lead going into the first break.

In the second quarter, I told the girls to keep taking the game on, use the middle of the ground, and set up quicker on turnovers. They responded well, despite some erratic goal kicking, with 2 goals and 6 behinds for the quarter, giving us a 40-6 lead at the half-time break.

At half-time, I asked the forwards and mids to put pressure on the opposition, lock the ball into our forward 50, and kick straight at goal. We had a really strong third quarter, kicking 5 goals and 2 behinds, while keeping St Kilda City scoreless.

I moved a few things around in the last quarter, giving some of our backs time in the forward line and a few players some midfield time. St Kilda responded with a few goals, reducing the margin to 67 points.

It was another extremely strong performance from our girls, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way they played. We have a big challenge next week against Fitzroy, who are currently second on the ladder.

Next Week – Fitzroy @ Essex Reserve, 1:30pm.

PRAHRAN: 3.4, 5.10, 10.12, 13.13 (91)
ST KILDA CITY: 0.0, 1.0, 1.0, 4.0 (24)

Goals: Ignjic 3, Dowling 2, Williams 2, Hoban 2, Coventry 1, Hudson 1, Mildenhall 1, McLachlan 1

Best: Kogler, Williams, Mildenhall, Hoban, Dowling, Wallace

LADIES DAY SATURDAY

WE have received an outstanding response to our Ladies Day Luncheon this Saturday, with more than 50 acceptances so far. Entertainment and Zoe’s catering will be enjoyed, and there are prizes to be won.

Coach Craige Milward will address the gathering, highlighting the important role that players' partners play in the overall welfare of a football club.

Post-match, the ladies will head to our major sponsor, Osborne Rooftop and Bar.

JACK MORGANS LUNCHEON NOW NOVEMBER 28

NEW date for the annual Jack Morgans Luncheon is Thursday November 28, Midday to 4pm at the Osborne Rooftop And Bar.

Sam Kekovich MC as usual, more details to come

SOCIAL CALENDAR

RENEW/BECOME A VALUED MEMBER OR SPONSOR

Our Club relies heavily on our Memberships and Sponsorships - we will greatly appreciate whatever support you can provide - simply click on the following link & select how you wish to support:

• Club Member - $70.00
• Jack Morgans/Prahrantonians Member - $200.00
• Player Sponsor - $425.00
• Sponsors - Bronze, Silver and Gold are all available