Round 1 of the 2019 season began at the picturesque Stan Thompson Oval at Brunswick Heads. It was safe to say that the anticipation of the season opener was felt, from the kids, parents, carers, umpires, officials, volunteers, and a few pooches that were there!
No sooner had our 8's and 10's teams gathered, got their guernseys and hit the field for some pre-game warmups, than the sounds of "Who let the dogs out!" echoed from the speakers, followed by the Bulldogs bounding onto the ground amid high fives and cheers!
Footy was back!
Swans Under 8's vs Brunswick Bulldogs U8's
The siren heralded the beginning of season 2019 as the 8's, with smiles and chatter aplenty, started a fabulous day of fun and participation in this great game of ours. Both teams had clearly been listening to their respective coaches, (or watched a lot of games on the tv!) as they came out showing incredible kicking, handball, and teamwork skills that older more seasoned players would be proud of!
Our new coach Peter Harden has got a brilliant team of girls and boys jumping out of their skins wanting to get in and have some fun! At the end of the game, everybody could tell how much these kids enjoyed their day, with their new teammates, their new friends!
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Voucher Winners
   Djidji Bertram
   Michael Hammond
Swans Under 10's vs Brunswick Bulldogs U10's
The 10's began at the same time as the 8's on the other side of the ground, and with both sides fielding full numbers, a highly entertaining game took place. A lot of these kids have played more than 1 year of footy, some even 4 or 5!
But even our first timers out there were making an impact and contributing to their team. With the skills that some of our more experienced kids have shown, and the eagerness and quick learning of our newbies this early in the season, bodes pretty well for the rest of the year.
Rumour has it that one S-J Baker, had he not had thumbs, might have run out of fingers counting the goals he kicked! A brilliant team effort!
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Voucher Winners
    Davis May
    Harvey Power
 Swans Under 12's vs Brunswick Bulldogs U12's
The final game of the day saw our Under 12 side take on the Bulldogs in what was the first official game for points. It was also the first time a lot of these players had played with each other, including a couple of debutants to the game! This included Kathryn Viavattene, who incidentally took a mark in the forward pocket, and calmly kicked the first goal of the game!
From there, the inspired team seemed to gel as if they had been together for years, making brilliant strong plays, with dash and run through the centre giving the forwards plenty of opportunities.
The display from our usual suspects, and the addition of so many new players on all levels, shows a great and necessary balance of skill, heart, and desire and it also shows great potential for this team. A ten goal win makes these guys one to watch!
   Voucher Winners
    Malachi Canning
    Django Hudson Sheaffe
We'd like to thank the committee, players, coaches, members, volunteers and officials of the Brunswick Valley Bulldogs Junior AFC for hosting the day with outstanding hospitality.
We look forward to playing you guys again!
To the umpires we all appreciate your tireless efforts in educating not just our kids, but us also. To our players, parents, carers, coaches, supporters etc... welcome to the season!