Kelmscott Bulldogs Football Club kicked off the season with the club hosting three of their four teams at home ground.
The first round of football also rewarded supporters and members with the partial opening of the long-awaited newly refurbished clubrooms.
Colts
The new colts team started the day with an early morning game away at Collegians.
The game marked a massive milestone for the club as its first colts match since 2017, and cementing the team’s rebirth.
The Kelmscott colts faced a taller Coolbinia, but the Bulldogs bounded out of defence from the outset led by Dyllon Hansen.
The centremen won more than their share of clearances led by Jerome Little and Raymond Aston.
Whilst they looked undersized in the ruck, Riley Bond and co. still delivered – especially in speed; the Kelmscott teams’ running pace couldn’t be matched by the opposition.
Across the forward line, there were multiple shots on goals with many opportunities going the way of a point.
Fortunately, a few clean boots kicked through to finish with a convincing win over Coolbinia. Coaches Ryan Prosser and Kristian Egan said it heralded the start of a good season.
Kelmscott 11.13 (79) defeated Coolbinia 5.9 (39).
Womens
The first game at the Bulldogs’ home ground for 2024 kicked off with the 2023 Premiership-winning Kelmscott women’s team playing against old foes Cockburn Cobras.
Nine new girls stepped in to the Kelmscott line-up, welcomed by the returning players and coaches Bill Hansen and assistant Daniel Slob.
Despite the hot weather, Kelmscott flew out the gate bombing the ball into the forward line. Mahalia Rukuata dominated the ruck to centre Britlee Eades, while Samantha Shepherd cut off any opposition advances along the backline.
Captain Louise Knitter kicked and teammates Summer Yarran and Rachael Desira kicked two goals each.
The forwards shared the goal scoring as Richelle McKenzie, Cheyenne Hayden, Hayley McHenry and Michelle Watson kicked one each.
Unfortunately, the grounds maintenance sprinklers burst to life at the end of the third quarter, bringing the game to a halt, but it made a good opportunity for all the children to run through and cool down from the hot weather.
Coaches Bill and Dan credited each of the girls on their performance for round one. Kelmscott C2 Womens 9.5 (59) defeating a scoreless Cockburn.
Reserves
The reserves were a bit rusty at the start of their round 1 match, and SNESA got onto the scoreboard early, taking an unanswered five-goal lead.
At quarter time, the change-up gave the team added composure and the Bulldogs kept the opposition to just two goals in the second.
The last half saw the Dogs’ four goals match SNESA’s five, resulting in a great second half of football.
“It was a great team effort, everyone put in 110 percent effort and it looks to be a great year ahead,” Coach Travis Burgess said.
He gave notable mentions to Patrick Walley with his goal, Hiroshi Masatora, Billy Westcott and ‘Best On Ground’ Shaquille Ninyette with his goal.
The welcome return of the big Samuel Nathan resulted in two goals.
Kelmscott Reserves 4.3 (27) were outdone by SNESA 12.15 (87)
League
Kelmscott Bulldogs league team started the year off with a big statement win over SNESA. “Our new-look game plan had some exciting passages of play with some very quick rebound ball movement,” League Coach Shannon Collard said.
“The back six for the bulldogs were enormous, keeping SNESA goalless in the first half.” Coach Collard paid tribute to father-son pair Lawrence Hansen Junior and Senior who were stand outs for the bulldogs in their big win, while Brayden Thorne was great up forward with three goals in his 50th game for the club.
Two goals apiece went to Eric Alone, and Kyle Collard, three went to the big recruit Liam Hansen, and one each to Billy Westcott, Jesse, Shaquille Ninyette, Israel Bucktin and Corey Hansen.
“The game was played in great spirit and the bulldogs are set for a big 2024” Coach Collard said.
Kelmscott League 15.10 (100) defeated SNESA 5.5 (35).
The welcome return to the clubrooms was a relief to many members and supporters, who praised the City of Armadale for giving the historic building a vibrant and modern look.
The John Dunn pavilion was built in January 1978 by members of the Kelmscott Football Club, who also built additions through to the mid 2000s.
The club has waited since mid-2021 to return to its clubrooms after the builder left the complex unfinished and with considerable defects.
This Saturday, Kelmscott colts debut at John Dunn at 11:15am against Rossmoyne, while the women travel to Canning Vale to play at 9:45am. The men will battle Bayswater at 12:35pm and 2:30pm.
Photographs – Richard Polden
