01/06/2026
Match day review
Round 5 - Happy Valley AFL Masters vs Blackwood AFL Masters
The Vikings travelled from the valley up the hill to the skinny ground that is Hewett Sports ground to take on Blackwood.
We had the honour of participating in the Blackwood annual Mark Bassett Memorial Game, reminding us why itβs important to regularly get together with our mates and check in on each other.
Mental Health is so important, if anyone is struggling please reach out, we are all here for each other.
So with more outs than ins, the Valleyβs total of 25 players had the unusual luxury of all getting a seat in the change rooms which was a great feeling.
These feelings were soon spoilt by the toxic aroma creeping in from a supposed nearby toilet. After no one owned up to it, and further investigation determined via the Blackwood game report, it was confirmed to be tactical handiwork from one opposition player next door. Reports confirm the toxicity levels were enough to pe*****te the concrete walls into the visitors change rooms. The battle had started before the first bounce.
Thanks to Elizabeth our long suffering trainer for getting us strapped and ready to go, the lads got themselves onto the soggy ground and prepared for a great contest.
First ball up saw one of our big guys Tate come out firing in the ruck, who was so excited to be north of the defensive 50, he certainly made the most of it asserting his powerful frame on the opposition, delicately tapping to advantage and also giving away a free or two for bending his knee.
With Tate rucking we had a fish out of water in the backline, big guy Backo, who fresh from a Maroons loss was trying to work out how to defend his opponent without burying him in the ground.
The two big guys rotated throughout the day and led the team in solid fashion.
We had 4 debutants come out to play, and spread across the ground fitted in seamlessly and showed theyβve played footy before.
In the first half a few of the Nicks provided us with a tonne of intercept marks and possessions that denied Blackwood multiple opportunities at scoring, instead turning it into scoring opportunities for our guys.
New guy Josh had a cracker in the backline earning himself the defender award.
Looks like the Fullback position is becoming well covered and 2027 JB might get a gig a little further up the field.
Linc got crunched in a tackle so hard he hobbled off to play out the quarter then came to the bench asking to be put on the ball, proceeding to dive headfirst into the next clearance thinking he was 19 again.
Marty did magic Marty things once again executing speed and agility across the midfield/back lines earning himself an award.
Boots proved his consistency again with a super solid game everywhere on the ground.
οΏ½Dyson clearly lost all flexibility in his hips forgetting to bend over, instead choosing to attempt a soccer at the ball, resulting in a fresh airy resulting in spud of the week and the new nickname Lionel Missi.
The swagger of JC was on full display all day clunking a tonne of marks all around the ground, but he also spent just as much time on the ground thinking he could just army crawl his way to next contest, before coming off for a few bench rests for the quarter, then ignoring calls from the bench when called for a rest. To much energy.
A few passages of play saw Milko give away a free, and then after being held, do his best Bruce Banner impression, resulting the umpire intervening with a yellow card, which saw colours of green emerging as the big man made his way to the bench for a 20min cool down. Nevertheless Milks played out the last quarter before joining the Kookas in the following game as a fill-in ( )
Jonas snapped a pearler on his left foot, and then almost got another on the right from the same spot. Managed to not get sent off, so a good day out then.
Jase mustβve been practicing with his elastic string ball, as he took a few chest marks and laced out the forwards.
He also avoided umpire confrontation. I do think he has a new drink bottle too.
Sam was all class, booting 3 goals and displaying moves some of us young punks can only dream of. This earned him the BOG wine from the team.
The sniper got Jed in the second half, who was having a great game, hope the hammy recovers okay mate.
Birthday boy Haysey was doing great kicking a few snags until he forgot what sport he was playing and took up WWE. The old body doesnβt bounce like it used to and 3 broken ribs later was on the bench sipping a Jim Beam reconsidering his life choices. We wish you the best recovery Matty, donβt laugh too much mate. At least tax payers save on a hospital bed with you sleeping standing up. Went to massive lengths to get the Hub Tavern award from the forwards.
Halftime saw a latecomer in our resident Keyser Soze (film βThe Usual Suspects) Gummy who canβt walk in real life, but somehow gets in the midfield and moves so effectively the ball just falls in his lap. Another half a game effort which scored the Blackwood BOG wine together with Dyso who coached our team with authority.
Thanks to Blackwood for a great game, congrats to Archie, BOG from us, who was everywhere all day and played hard, fair Masters footy.
Such a great effort from all the lads, a lot of heart shown to get us over the line with a smaller side than usual and many heavy hitters missing.
Blackwood AFL Masters
Happy Valley Football Club
Happy Valley AFL Masters
AFL Masters SA
Goals scorers were:
Sam with 3, Linc and Haysey with 2, and singles going to Hosie, Jonas, Boots and JC.
Thanks to our sponsors for keep the Viking Masters spirit going strong:
East Side Quality Meats
Physio Extra Hallet Cove
Skyworld Blinds
All Spas and Pools
The 4x4 Store
Mick Constructs It
Seafaring Fools
Shifty Lizard
The Hub Tavern
The Flagstaff Hotel
Loveday 4x4 Adventure Park
