Milestone Games – Saturday 24/Sunday 25 August 2024

Congratulations to all our milestone players this weekend! We have Jack Keenan (100 games), Christian Bucoy (50 games) and Michael Lane on the Saturday, as well as Olivia Frost, Olivia Zuccala, Olivia Dikranis and Olivia Getson all playing their 50th game on the Sunday!

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Jack Keenan

Wishing a huge congratulations from the Marcellin Old Collegians community to our man Jack Keenan as he raises the bat this week for his 100th game vs PEGS on Saturday. The college has been blessed with the great man’s presence since he joined from the Berg in 2018 following his year 12 studies, having come through the ranks of the U19s to be a mainstay in the 2s team over the last 4 years.

With his arrival, Jack brought over a cloud of confusion as to his identity at the club by running with 3 different nicknames during any given training session. Steven to few, Jack to some, Robbie to others, Pesto to all. It’s not often that Pesto can get through a whole training session without being asked “Why do they call you Robbie” or “Who is Jack” – a true test of initiation to any newcomers at the club is learning the true persona of Pesto.

Robbie has provided the backline with a strong leadership presence over the years through his ability to lead by example at the contest (he’ll let you know about the dawg in him). Robbie will selflessly play the role his coaches ask of him no matter how big the ask, even if it’s mean getting thrown on ball or down forward albeit for short spurts. The boys that have had the chance to play alongside Robbie would vouch that he makes the whole team stand taller, and having someone as reliable as him to crack in and clean up the mess only benefits the fellas he plays alongside.

Outside of his on-field abilities, Robbie is a great clubman who is ever-present and will always give up his time to help out around the club, and is one of the blokes you want to spin a yarn or have a joke with at club functions, especially when it comes to talking about the downfall of his beloved Carlton. Pesto’s time at the club has also seen him achieve many accolades including captaining the U19s and being apart of the Reserves leadership team. However, these are minor in stature compared to other club records which he holds, including the most insufficient intent free kicks given away in club history and a more recent record which has etched him into Marcellin folklore in 2024 (if you know, you know).

From all the boys, wishing you all the best for the game on Saturday and hoping the fellas can go one better than Carlton will Sunday arvo and pull through with a W. A celebration befitting of 100 jars of Pesto, perhaps..?

Luke Facci

First of all, it’s an absolute honour to be writing about one of my best mates, Jack “Robby” “Pesto” Keenan, on the eve of his 100 game milestone for the Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club.

Robby and I have been close mates for some time now, we’ve travelled overseas together, been on many nights out, and chatted our fair share of shit about the Saints and the Blues, but one my favourite things to do every week is to lace up the boots and play footy alongside Robby in the famous Maroon and Blue.

While I can’t talk of his early days in the 19s under Simon Abrahams, I can say ever since I joined the club in 2021, I’ve known Robby as a leader and a role model within the two’s group. He has been co-captain, and part of the leadership group on multiple occasions for the reserves, which is a great achievement in any team.

Robby has been a mainstay fullback under the tutelage of Thomas Black and now Joel Cunningham, often competing with opponents twice his size. While this season may have brought its own selection challenges, Robby will never give an inch to his opponent, always doing whatever is required to benefit the team.

Off-field, those who know Robby will know that he’s had his fair share of challenges in recent years, but his dedication and unwavering support to the football club has not changed a bit. He’s always there at the start of preseason, doing extras on Strava, and continuing that commitment to every Tuesday and Thursday training session during the year. As much as Robby loves the club and playing group, we all love him back the same way.

So mate, congratulations on your 100th game, I’m spewing I cannot be there to celebrate it with you, but I know the boys will be fired up to get you the win on the Bray, and then celebrate with a few beers after!

Sebastian Bartholomeusz

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Christian Bucoy

I first met Christian halfway through the 2022 season, when he came to play his first game in Reverses. Christian politely introduced himself to the rest of the playing group but that was about as much as we got out of him that day. Over the next few weeks Christian let his footy do the talking and began to impress a number of his team mates. Christian’s natural flare and ability had already caught the eye of some during his time playing Under 19s.

Christian continued to excite throughout the rest of the 2022 season and quickly became a favourite of coach Thomas Black. Blacky was particularly a fan of Christian bringing that Pinoy Pride passion to our team. We could all see that Christian had the talent and ability to develop into a special player. We also began to see Christian come out of his shell amongst the playing group and he quickly immerged himself into the culture of the club and it has been a joy getting to know him. The club is truly lucky to have a person of Christian’s calibre. I have never heard him complain he is always genuinely happy a brings a great positive energy to the group.

Christian has the ability to rip a game apart and with his athleticism for his size he can prove to be a tough matchup. Whether he’s taking a hanger or taking a goal on the run Christian is an exciting player to watch. This year he has also shown his versatility by swinging down back to become a key defender with a great ability to intercept. I am truly excited to see where you can take your football and the impact you can have on this football club. Congratulations on the 50 game and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Looking forward to running out with you this weekend, go well!

Matt Kenna

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Michael Lane

Congratulations to Michael ‘Micka’ Lane on playing his 50th game this weekend for MOCFC.
What makes this milestone more special than your average one is that Michael is the first player of Sri Lankan heritage to play 50 games at MOCFC. I look forward to when Sebastian Bartholomeusz joins Michael, to become the second player to have achieved this at our great club.

Michael’s journey at the club started back in 2019, when he returned to playing football after a couple of years off, playing his first handful of games in the reserves under the guidance and tutelage of Coach Daniel Redmond. Michael slotted seamlessly into centre half back and immediately became an integral part of the team, which resulted in him earning senior selection. Unfortunately, on debut Michael suffered a season ending injury.

Many feared Micka may not return to the club due to this injury. Rumours and whispers shrouded the club and 20/21 preseason. Some had heard Michael in small circles say… ‘Look to my coming on the first light of the first game day, at dawn look to the east.” And, just as Gandalf the White did not disappoint bringing with him the once-exiled Riders of Rohan to tip the scales and end the siege at the Battle of Helms Deep, Michael arrived at round one raring to go for another year at the club. Unfortunately, the 2021 season was cut short due to another lockdown. Michael decided it was best he took another year off in 2022 to refresh.

Returning back to the club in 2023, Michael moved positions on field, going from centre half back to ruck person. This move led by Chairperson, Joel Cunningham, proved to be a masterstroke, which led to Micka having one of most dominant individual seasons in reserves history at MOCFC. Michael’s dominance was beyond impressive, leading from the front with a desire that you rarely see out on the football field. Michael won the BnF by a landslide, a proud day for Sri Lanka, the Lane Family, and the club.

As mentioned, Michael has also had to work through adversity during his time at club. From playing with and returning from injury and regularly carrying the team on his shoulders, but what many of you may not know is Michael has also had to deal with adversity off-field. Unfortunately, Michael had to deal with a stalker throughout the majority of 2023 H&A season. Andrew Menegas, please leave Michael alone, this is your last warning, we know you’ve haven’t stopped lurking outside his gym.

Having had the pleasure of both playing with and coaching Michael, he’s someone you can always rely on to give unwavering effort, lifting all those who are privileged to grace the field with him. Michael is a fantastic club person, and I hope he stays at the club for many years to come.
All the best weekend for the brother!

සුභ පැතුම් මයිකල්!

Subha Pætum Mayikal!

Congratulations Michael!

Thomas Black

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Olivia Frost

Only a few weeks ago, Liv crafted a heartfelt speech for my milestone game, “laying out all the because’s of why [I am] so special”, through a series of dot points. Here is my response letter for her milestone, delivered in a similar format. I apologise, no scrapbooks – let’s circle back to that after another 50 games.
Here are all the because’s of why Olivia Jane “Flash” Frosty is so special:

• Because she ensures a light session at the gym on a Tuesday, saving herself for a Saturday game.
• Because she is first to jump in and organize something fun for the players, whether it be pre-drinks, a Shark cake, or the entire Silly Saturday schedule.
• Because she pretends to tire of football, but her dedication is on par with the people she teases about it (aka. me).
• Because she cares for both the success of our team, and the wellbeing of her teammates. Her commitment to the group is unmatched.
• Because when I asked her how she would describe herself as a player, she confidently replied “a coach’s delight”.
• Because when I asked Harv how he would describe OJ, he confidently replied “a tough one to crack”.
• Because whenever she wins a free kick, she always head-swivels to check if I’m around to take the handball.
• Because despite this, often enough, she burns me anyway.
• Because she holds a grudge like no other; four years could pass and she’s gearing up to seek revenge against a specific opponent in a practice match.
• Because she gives away plenty of 25m penalties per season.
• Because she has been sent off the ground at least once per season.
• Because she fights my battles for me, and everyone’s for that matter – resulting in above-mentioned penalties.
• Because she often triggers opponents to the point of starting a “biffo”, which results in Flash giggling… which results in Flash being dragged onto the bench… which results in Flash crying.
• Because she spends copious amounts of money getting massages…. Oh, I suppose she’s only a few months off 30, I should cut her some slack.
• Because she has about seven good fingers left.
• Because she sends me voice memos dissecting games that are long enough, I press play on the Nepean Highway, and it ends by the time I exit the freeway to Bulleen.
• Because she won’t even know where the Nepean Highway is.
• Because she justifies self-tanning for games, noting her signature line “look good, feel good, play good” and inspiring many Sheagles to follow suit.
• Because she’s first with a sharp, witty comment that sometimes even leaves the coaches speechless.
• Because our ruck – rover relationship is strengthened by our ability to simply give each other a look, and decide on our next move.
• Because she presents with a tough exterior, but ultimately, she is just a girl who loves to indulge in a block of chocolate and prepare thoughtful gifts for her friends (i.e. said scrapbook).
• Because she was our starting ruck in our 2023 flag, and a wonderful captain of the Reserves team in 2022.
• Because if I ever need anything, no matter the day or time, she’s first to the scene.
• Because she puts her body on the line each week for her teammates; always first to pull us up off the ground and state “you’re fine”, encouraging us to keep going.
• Because she cares for both the success of our team, and the wellbeing of her teammates. Her commitment to the group is unmatched.

Don’t be fooled by the way she plays it cool, Liv loves it here. Funnily enough, I brought Liv down to a training session in 2018 and she decided against playing… luckily she changed her mind. Some of my best memories at this club have been with Liv by my side, and I look forward to celebrating her milestone this weekend. I could go on all night, but I won’t. One of the best friends I’ve ever had, and that’s special enough. Do your best work on Sunday. Go get ‘em, sportsfan!

Lani Pane

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Olivia Zuccala

Zuccala, congratulations on 50 games for MOCFC

What a career it’s been. I thankfully got you to transfer from old Ivanhoe in 2019 after a few bevs meeting the heart & soul of the club, Wizzy Wakefield. This saw you win the reserves B&F in your first year which was no shock to anyone. Your speed and barrel of kicks has made you the consistent performer you are.

With your sneaky goals and ferocious tackles, I know we all value you on our team. You are also a player I know the coaches love to have, as you have so much footy knowledge that they can put you anywhere on the ground and you’ll know how to play that role and take it on head first. Zucc’s did have a year off playing for the sheags when she moved to the GC, however you slotted straight back into the team like you’d never left. I feel this shows your connection and commitment to our team first approach.

I think it’s fair to say you are the queen of the finger injury club, lucky you’re engaged before any more jarred fingers occur. Whether it’s dressing up in prison gear for silly Saturday or dancing the night away at a nest ball, we can count on you to bring good vibes on and off the field. I hope your finals campaign is better than Carlton’s was last year.

Congratulations again, I’m sorry I’m not there to run out next to you but I’m so proud to see you achieve 50 games!

Maddy Rush

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Olivia Dikranis

Dikka’s 50th game, what an amazing achievement for the superstar herself. Coming to the club as a young gun in 2018 Dikka has always been an asset to the sheagles in more ways than one.Whether it’s drilling her oppo into the ground or joining the live band on stage during her first nest ball with red wine in hand, Dikka has always been an icon. We’re lucky to have someone with so much determination and skill on our team, those who have seen her on game day (or remember the tackle at this year’s preseason training camp), feel relieved to know she’s on our side.

Throughout her junior years playing footy with the boys and dealing with the ups and downs of rep footy, Dikka has always shown true class and grit. From nailing kicks off the half back to snapping goals in the forward line, she plays her role for the team and wears the marcellin jumper with Pride.

We will never forget the vision of Dikka selling candy on Bulleen park to not one but two Fitzroy players before kicking an absolutely stellar snap city with the celebration to match. There’s footage out there for those who haven’t seen it, but to those who have I’ m sure I can speak for us all when i say that it will be ingrained in our brains forever. The pure skill and poise is always a marvel to watch but beyond her talent she is also a supportive and encouraging teammate who always has your back whenever you need her.

Coming to the club at just 17, we often look at how far Dikka has come both on and off the field since becoming a Sheag. Lasting through the podcasts, late nights which led to a certain hot chicken wing video sent into the sheags chat and countless film reviews, we are so proud of you Dikka and feel so special to be apart of your life and footy journey.

There’s a lot of legends that have walked through the sheagles doors but I have to say Dikka is one of greatest! We’re so grateful to the club for introducing us to our best friend,

We hope we can emulate a bit of Dikka’s intensity to get the W this Sunday.

So congrats on 50 games Dikka, lots of love to you, and #YTS.

Laura Robertson and T Zagontinos

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Olivia Getson

Liv Getson! She’s finally made it, It’s taken her 7 seasons to get to 50 games, a true testament to how injury prone she is as well proving how strong she and her body is after coming back from a pregnancy. We’re all so proud of you for finally reaching this milestone!

Liv is an inaugural 2017 premiership player and proudly wears the number 34, the same number our dad wore through his time as an Old Collegian and a Baldie. She surely cemented herself as an elite ruckman with a leap that was unmatched, doubling as a fabulous CHF or CHB or even on the wing where her U18 400m National title comes in handy.

I haven’t played a full season with Liv, but I have spent a lot of time over the last 7 seasons watching her play and let me tell you I would absolutely HATE to play against her. She plays fearlessly, forever putting her body on the line. She smashes through packs and through players and she’s often left many a player drop to the ground after she’s kneed them straight in the ribs in the ruck contest.

She truly embodies team first footy, always ensuring teammates efforts don’t go unnoticed, seeking you out and cheering you on.

Liv is a highly valued, loved and respected member of the Sheages and deserves nothing less than a huge congratulations for achieving this milestone goal. I in particular am super proud of you and all the work you’ve put in to this team. I’m in awe of how you continue to show up despite your setbacks with injury and still be a super mum. I can’t wait to run out with you on Sunday, you deserve it – go well and kill it.

Jasmine Getson