16/06/2026
This post is brought to you by our proud corporate partner.
Savers thrift superstore
Greensborough: 108-114 Main Street
A community-focused thrift retailer offering affordable pre-loved clothing, accessories, and household goods while promoting sustainability through reuse and recycling.
Hi Bullants
Chivsy here
A huge shout-out to all our amazing volunteers. Home games take a mountain of work, and it’s great to see so many parents pitching in, players taking more initiative, and our committee continuing to lead from the front.
A big Bullant welcome to Sam Kemp, who has joined us on sports industry placement as part of his university studies.
And Volunteer of the Week goes to our VP, Chris Anderson. Chris attacked the game-day set-up on Saturday morning with such enthusiasm and vigour it inspired all around him.
Thanks to everyone who helps make this club tick.
REUNION
The vibe of the Under 19s’ 20-Year Premiership Reunion was simply cosy.
There was a warmth and comfort about the gathering, filled with blissful Bullant banter and memories that made that special day two decades ago feel more like yesterday.
As the stories flowed, one recollection sparked another, and then another. Every memory seemed to unlock a dozen more, transporting the group back to a time that clearly holds a special place in their hearts.
What became abundantly clear was just how much that era meant to the players, and how much their coach, their hero Harry Harisiou, still means to them today.
Under 19s
I only saw snippets of this one,
Puls showed some serious forward craft — a chip off the old block.
Ritchings also finished with seven goals.
Gee, fast bowlers make good goal kicking footballers.
And John Karadimas continues to impress with his first-class application. He’s definitely one to watch.
Reserves
I only saw snippets of this one,
but all of the return from injury players showcased their strengths
Henrikson - grunt and game nous
Ellery - aerial prowess
Howard - line breaking
Sassano - pin point delivery
while debutant Sterling Oakleigh-Smith showed plenty as a strong-marking athlete.
It was also fantastic to welcome last season's captain, James Bruce, back into the fold full-time.
A huge thank you to Kilsyth's medical team for their assistance with Keelan Hildebrand after a heavy whiplash knock in a contest. Thankfully, it is nothing more serious.
Seniors
Literally the first thing I saw a few minutes into the game was pure football.
A Bullant (Watts) and a Cougar (Lamb) launched at the ball from opposite directions and collided heavily, both with their eyes fixed solely on the footy.
It was a crunching contest, but it was pure ball. Two courageous players attacking the contest.
Lamb had already been identified by our coaches as a tough, quality player, and the same can be said for Watts. Unfortunately, Lamb didn’t return to the field, but thankfully he has pulled up okay.
Although the margin may not suggest it, this was another nerve-racking contest.
The Cougars repeatedly threatened to pounce and get on a roll.
But I did relax.
With that
There was always going to be a moment.
A moment when our talented Under 19 captain and senior debutant, Tom Squarci, would show his class. Breaking through a tackle, he looked certain to be thrown off balance, but through grit and grunt he somehow quickly steadied himself and snapped truly to seal the game.
I relaxed.
Zac Richardson produced a standout performance. A 4WD Rolls-Royce — glides smoothly with rolled up sleeves.
D. Moore flexed and impressed.
Sheils turned it on in the third quarter, and the Hill absolutely loved it.
The Sticca Effect
No Sticca in the best this week — probably the first time in a long time. And all played well.
A healthy sign.
Both Jake and Josh have elevated the players around them. And that to me is one of the truest markers of a great footballer. Which both are.
A RETURN TO THE NEST
There was Shane Farley, having just cracked open his first can and settling into the day when, lo and behold, his old 1979 Under 19 teammate Bill Weatherald came strolling in with his Bullant bride Sharon, of the famous Dozzi clan.
Flaps bellowed out a warm welcome “Billy boy!”
Bill and Sharon were there to watch their son Jacko play for Kilysth in the main game.
This was a full circle special occasion with old friends back where it all started for them.
They too settled in.
A bit on Bill.
Picked up by Fitzroy straight out of the Bullants in 1979, Billy was a full forward that marked everything that came his way. A beautiful kick for goal, and he made the seniors.
His time at Coburg was particularly memorable, including a season where he topped the competition goal-kicking.
Post-playing, he built an equally impressive reputation as a coach, earning the respect of all who crossed his path at clubs such as Eltham and Templestowe.
Chatting with Bill, he oozed footy presence with the game clearly woven into his DNA.
A bit on Sharon
Sharon recollected her last time at the TAJ was for her friend Wendy’s 21st in the community hall.
At that time the Dozzi family where a huge and instrumental part of the club.
Her brothers played, her Mum Pat ran the social gigs that included the legendary talent nights, and her Dad Del was on the committee.
As a newly formed club and suburb for that matter I can only imagine it was a very special time.
How good is footy and all the connections and memories within it!
Go Bullants!!
