The best venue in the VAFA Directory was as full as it has been in 2005 to witness a terrific four quarter performance against ladder leaders Old Xavier. Starting with the aid of the breeze the boys started the quarter strongly, with James “G Train” Gerstman kicking two in a minute. 2 late goals to Xavs saw the quarter finish pretty even and much work was needed to be done to protect the lead at the half. Xavs started strongly and got to within a goal but some terrific work saw the Cardinals lead by 11 points at the main break. An inaccurate third quarter meant it was game on in the last and the boys responded in the best way possible, slamming on 7 goals to 4 to win by 37 points. Our opponents will again argue that we have won when the game didn’t mean anything. Let’s hope we get the chance to play them again when it does.

An important away clash this weekend against the much improved Collegians awaits the boys and all supporters are encouraged to get down to the Harry Trott oval (directly behind the Junction Oval and beware of the grey ghost parking inspectors!).

The twos put up a good battle against the Old Xavier twos but were outrun and outclassed in the end. They must bounce back and avenge the early season loss to Collegians at Elsternwick Park this weekend to ensure a September double chance. At the same time Simon Illingworth (’85) was delivering a powerful address to the packed house at the pre match luncheon. Illo discussed his experiences combating corruption in the police force and he is a great club member and an inspiration to everyone.

The threes locked up a Club XVIII Section 1 finals birth with a 90 point drubbing of Mt Lilydale, who kindly relocated the game to Hawthorn! The boys will play Prahran on Sunday in the 1st Semi Final at Gillon Oval, Brunswick, commencing at 2.15pm.

The Cardinals will commence their finals campaign against Fitzroy Reds at the same venue on the same date (Sunday 7 August) but the boys will have to get up a bit earlier to accommodate the 9.20am match start time! Good luck to both teams on Sunday and make sure you get down to support the teams this Sunday.

The Under 19s had a difficult day at the Harry Trott oval and lost by 7 goals. The boys need to work hard this weekend against St Kevins to ensure we stay up in section 1 in 2006. Leithy’s boys went down to Rupertswood by 7 goals, but were (again) pretty competitive across the day.

All players are reminded to bring their jumpers, white shorts and sox to training on Thursday night for the annual team photographs.