2008 Semi-Final: Easts Mens Team

East Celts disappointing season came to an abrupt end yesterday, with a semi final thrashing at the hands of Shamrocks. Playing for a spot in next weeks grand final qualifier, the severely depleted Celts side were never a danger to their less-fancied opposition. With many players injured, away with work commitments or simply "on the grog", Easts were unable to match the Shamrocks level of skill and will probably look back at the 2008 season as "the one that got away".

Despite numerous negatives, the fifteen players who did turn out for Easts played with grit and determination and couldn't be accused of not trying. With both midfielders unable to play, regular defenders Heath Nankivell and Richy Vaughan were thrown into the middle and both played well. Heath improves every time he plays and with another season under his belt will start to shine, whilst Richy finished the season having not had a single ordinary performance.

With "Mad Monday" arriving a fortnight earlier than planned, Easts now have the long off season to contemplate where things went wrong. How does a team with so much promise hit the wall so hard at the business end of the year? Alterations to recruitment policy, training & coaching methods, etc are a certainty for 2009, as will be the commitment level required of all players who pull on the blue and gold jersey.

Dov Hirst, Seniors Coach.

Easts Scorers: Dave McManus 0-3, Brian Harney 0-1

Easts Celts Seniors completed the League season in heart-breaking fashion yesterday at Willawong. Sitting in top position of the ladder and needing a win to secure the league title, the Celts started off strongly, bagging a goal and a point within minutes of the start of play. Whilst Harps did well to claw back into the game after conceding early points, Easts were once again forced to battle (not only) the opposition but unlucky injuries and incompetent refereeing.

Although holding a three-point lead when star mid-fielder Alan Reynolds was forced from the field with a hand injury, Easts were unable to keep getting enough possession from kick-outs to remain competitive. When Harps leveled the scores at 1-7(10) to 1-7(10) it was obvious they had the hunger, skill and determination to finish off the Celts prospects of winning. The two-point winning margin by Harps was probably a fitting result and strong reminder to the Easts playing squad and coaching staff that titles don't come easily.

Top performers for Easts were Declan Smith in the mid-field, defender Karl McEvoy and goal keeper Joel Houghton. Joel took a couple of point-blank saves and kept Easts in the contest much longer than Harps would've liked. Heath Nankivell, in his first season of Gaelic football was also superb, working tirelessly in defence for the entire game.

"Well done" to Rob Anderson, who despite playing limited game-time yesterday finished the regular season with more appearances in the blue and gold Celts colours than any other player in 2008. Rob has been ever-present throughout Easts Melbourne 7's, Summer comp, Brisbane Shield and League campaigns. Rob even made four voluntary appearances for Easts "seconds" during the season whilst battling poor form. Rob will certainly play more games for his beloved Celts during the finals and his conduct is an example for all up and coming players to follow.

Finals...with the finals series around the corner, Easts will be looking to make amends for their poor finish to the regular season. With many legitimately registered players being excluded by the QGFA from playing finals football, it will be a new look (and rather under-strength) Celts side that contest the semi finals, and although this is far from ideal, the men from Easts will be looking to make life very difficult for any side they come up against.

Dov Hirst (Seniors Coach)

Result: Harps 1-9 (12) defeated Easts Celts 1-7(10).

Easts Scorers: Declan Smith 1-1, Dave Donoghue 0-2, Bryan Dineen 0-1, Brian Harney, 0-1, Peter Robinson 0-1, Steven Ward 0-1.

Easts Celts Seniors put a huge dent in their league title aspirations yesterday with an undisciplined and lack-lustre performance against Shamrocks. With an injury list "as long as your arm", the under-strength Celts took the field with many key players missing and many more playing in positions they’re unaccustomed to. In a game where refereeing errors and rough play frayed tempers on both sides, Shamrocks were the much better prepared side and were able to lead from start to finish, winning the game by a margin of nine points.

As a club, Easts have faltered at the most crucial part of the season and the previous fortnights losses have highlighted a genuine lack of commitment from a key group of Celts players. It would appear the undefeated run during the season has left certain players with an extremely false sense of security. Easts are unsure where their next win will come from but one thing's for certain, it will need to be fought for.

On a positive note, there were many Celts players yesterday who tried their hardest. Newly recruited Karl McEvoy played in the unfamiliar position of midfield and would certainly have been one of the best two or three players on-field. Veteran Celt Stu Rodriguez also played strongly at full forward, bagging a goal and a point in only his second game back from a five season rest!

Well done to the regular Celts second graders who stepped up to fill the positions left vacant by those injured or unavailable. Steve McLennan, Matt Huston, Greg Bryant, Brendon Riddell and Kyle Hirst all put in spirited performances.

Next Saturday evening sees the Celts play Harps in the last fixture game of the league season and the Celts will be looking for a much improved display leading into the semi finals.

Result: Lost 1/8(11) to 3/12(21)

Dov Hirst (Senior Mens coach)

Easts Scorers: Karl McEvoy 0-4, Stu Rodriguez 1-1, Steven Ward 0-2, Bryan Dineen 0-1

Yesterdays "top of the table" clash between Easts Celts and John Mitchels was an enthralling affair which saw Easts defeated for the first time during the league season and John Mitchels re-instated as outright Championship favourites. From the start of play, Mitchels looked the hungrier, more skillful side, pressuring the Celts goal keeper within one minute of kick-off. An early goal and several points saw Mitchels take a healthy lead early, whilst wide shots and indecisive play saw the Celts unable to keep up with their rivals on the scoreboard.

Despite a ten minute period of dominance in the second half, where Easts were able to claw back the deficit to as little as one-point, Mitchels were able to finish the much stronger side. A goal and two points in the dying minutes of the game saw Mitchels victorious, 2/8(14) to 0/8(8).

Although not an excuse, Easts were disrupted prior to the game with several key players unavailable through illness or injury and although this was not ideal, Easts concede they were beaten by a far more disciplined and skillful outfit on the day.

On the positive side Easts had several players who performed very well under pressure, namely rookie Celts Karl McEvoy and Peter Robinson. Peter stood in as goal keeper and saved several certain goals. If not for Peters terrific saves and huge kick-outs, Mitchells would almost certainly had the game "sewn-up" by half time. Defender Karl McEvoy, in his first game in the blue and gold showed enough skill, toughness and enthusiasm to earn himself "Man Of The Match" honours. Although Karl's late arrival at Easts sees him unable to qualify for semi finals, it's obvious Karl has the ability to leave his stamp on the competition. Midfielders Declan Smith and Alan Reynolds were their ever-reliable selves, though it must be said neither have come up against as "in-form" opposition as they did yesterday.

Everyone at Easts is wishing a speedy recovery to half forward Rory Bowe, who was involved in a massive collision in the first half. Rory was taken to hospital immediately, with concussion and head/mouth injuries. We all hope to see Rory back to his destructive best as soon as possible!!!!

This weekend sees the Easts Seniors play Shamrocks at 12.30pm, whilst the 2nds play Harps at 2pm.

Dov Hirst (Senior Mens coach)

Easts Scorers: Alan Reynolds 0-3, Declan Smith 0-2, Shane Donoher 0-1, Karl McEvoy 0-1, Steve Ward 0-1

Easts Celts run of luck continued yesterday with a hard-fought victory against a much improved Souths outfit. With regular captain and mid-fielder Chris Canavan back on board, the Magpies were always going to prove a handful for the high flying Celts. In a game where the Celts scored an extremely lucky three pointer via replacement half back Heath Nankivell, Souths were able to convert opportunities at a steady enough rate to be competitive for the entire game.

Although Easts led by as much as five points at various stages of the game, Souths were able do dominate a ten minute period in the second half and managed to get the deficit back to two points with only minutes left on the clock. A strong, disciplined finish saw the men in blue and gold run out winners 2/7(13) to 0/10 (10).

"Man of the match" honours went to Easts Celts captain and fullback Owen Stephens, who only just beat Heath Nankivell and Enda Brady as best performer for the day. Owens hard running and excellent positional play were crucial to the result of the game. Heath Nankivell was sent into the game earlier than expected due to an injury to regular halfback Peter Maguire, and played his best game to date. As someone playing his first season of Gaelic football, Heath is proving to be a versatile and skillful member of the Celts squad and is predicted to be hitting top form just in time for finals football.

Half forward Enda Brady also played his typical brand of hard, mistake free football. To date, Enda is yet to play an ordinary game for the Celts and is also proving to be a very important squad member. Other notable performers were Alan Reynolds and Declan Smith, who probably got the better of their opposition midfielders on the day, whilst the entire forward line proved difficult to handle for the opposition backs.

Over all, Easts are more than happy to "scrape home" against such good opposition in such a tough contest. All players are reminded training will be Monday (30th) instead of Wednesday due to the rugby league State Of Origin.

Dov Hirst ,Seniors Coach.

Easts Scorers: Rory Bowe 1-0, Heath Nankivell 1-0, Dave McManus 0-3, Declan Smith 0-2, Eddie Blake 0-1, Alan Reynolds 0-1

Easts Celts senior side was able to hold onto top spot on the ladder with a hard fought, see-sawing game against a vastly improved Harps side today. In a game where Harps were able to score first and hold a slim lead at half time, Easts were lucky to avoid their first defeat of the league season. Up against an obviously hungry opposition and an atrocious penalty count, the men in Blue and Gold were able to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal and managed a 2/10(16) to 3/6(15) victory.

Stand-out performers for the Celts included Fullback Owen Stephens who was hard at the ball all day, fellow defenders Dave Barry and Colin Walsh and Midfielders Alan Reynolds and Declan Smith. Easts also welcomed back Bryan "The D-train" Dineen from suspension. Bryan played as if he'd never missed a second of football. Corner back Gary Prunty also displayed terrific skill to carry the ball long range and kick the point that decided the game Easts way.

Despite the result, Easts are still showing dangerous glimpses of undisciplined play and this is an issue that will be addressed with the squad at training. All Celts players are also reminded of the importance of punctuality for training and games. Positions are still "up for grabs" and the players who are doing the right thing by the club throughout the season will be the ones thrown a jersey when the finals arrive.

Dov Hirst (Seniors Coach).

Easts Scorers: Rory Bowe 1-3, Conal Finn 1-0, Richy Vaughan 0-2, Bryan Dineen 0-1, Shane Donoher 0-1, David McManus 0-1, Gary Prunty 0-1, Declan Smith 0-1

Easts Celts Seniors and Shamrocks played what was an extremely close game at Willawong today. With overcast conditions and swirling wind, the two sides traded points and wide shots for the first fifteen minutes. An uncharacteristic defensive lapse saw Easts concede a goal midway through the first half but several quick scores saw the Celts take a one-point lead into half time.

The second half saw the Celts with much more possession, particularly close to the Shamrocks goals, though a super-human effort by the Shamrocks goal-keeper saw the Celts restricted to single point scores for the entire game. It's rare to see a goalie keep a "clean sheet" but the Shamrocks keeper was able to save as many as six point-blank shots to confirm his status as the competitions best in that position.

Weight of possession saw Easts victorious by four points (0/15-15 to 1/8-11) and although a win is always nice, the men in blue and gold know they have a lot of things to work on at training.

Top performers for Easts included both mid-fielders Declan Smith and Alan Reynolds, whilst half-back Colin Walsh continues to improve weekly. Colin is proving to be clever with the ball in hand and is tireless in defence. Centre half forward Dave McManus was the pick of the forwards, whilst Dave Barry and Owen Stephens played their usual tough, uncompromising games down in the backs. Overall, there wasn't a poor performer for Easts.

Competition is still strong for positions in the seniors squad and all players are again reminded of the importance of being punctual for training and games and to let the team manager or coach know when you’re unable to train or play, or are likely to be late.

Dov Hirst, Seniors coach.

Easts Scorers: David McManus 0-4, Rory Bowe 0-3, Shane Donoher 0-2, Oisin Greenan 0-2, Alan Reynolds 0-2, Richy Vaughan 0-2

Easts Celts Senior men yesterday confirmed their status as the most improved team in the competition with a hard fought draw against last season's Champions, John Mitchels. In a see-sawing affair, the Celts found themselves under pressure from the onset and despite playing with a make-shift defensive line were able to stunt an early flow of scoring by the slick Mitchel's forwards. In stark contrast to the last time they played (when Mitchel's dominated the first fifteen minutes of play), Easts were able to be competitive with their more fancied opposition and actually controlled play for periods in the first half.

With only a point in it at half time, the Celts were well aware of the need to "up the tempo" in the second half if they were to get the competition points on offer. Unfortunately, John Mitchel's had similar ideas and the second half was to start in exactly the same fashion as the first. With both sets of midfielders battling it out for possession for the entire second half, and both teams trading scores, Willawong saw one of the most enthralling clashes in a long time. It was with two minutes left on the clock and Mitchel's appearing to have done enough to get a one point win that Easts half forward Enda Brady carried the ball twenty metres and shot from a wide angle, getting the leveler. After a frantic last minute or so, Easts pushed what could have been the match winning score wide of the posts to force a draw. It would be hard for anyone from either club to argue the end result wasn't a fair one. With possession going 50/50 and good refereeing it's safe to say both sides would be relieved with avoiding a loss.

Noteworthy performers for the Celts included Shane Donoher, who despite being injured volunteered to fill in at late notice for injured goal keeper Kieran Canning. Shane's kick-outs proved to be crucial to the result. Colin Finnerty was another stand-out player. Colin filled in at fullback for the injured Owen Stephens and performed faultlessly. Big Colin is proving to be an extremely valuable player to the Celts, in that he has the ability to fill in at any position at short notice and play well. The "other Colin", Colin Walsh also showed great form in such a tough game. Having already played almost a full game for the Easts Seconds and sitting on the bench, Colin was called onto the field much earlier than expected and despite being exhausted, played a major role in the Celts defensive line.

As usual, midfielders Declan Smith and Alan Reynolds played superbly. It was refreshing to see both these players perform so well against such strong opposition. In the forwards, Oisin Grennan proved a handful for the opposition fullback, taking many marks in the air and scoring a terrific goal.

This Sunday sees the Seniors clash with the much-improved Shamrocks side (at 2pm), whilst the Celts Seconds play Harps at 12.30pm. Squads will be named at training and anyone unavailable is urged to notify either the coach or manager as early in the week as possible.

Dov Hirst, Seniors Coach.

Easts "1" Scorers: Rory Bowe 1-0, Oisin Grennan 1-0, Richy Vaughan 0-2, Enda Brady 0-1, Alan Reynolds 0-1, Declan Smith 0-1

For the second time in three weeks, Easts men lined up against each other at Willawong today. Although last time the clash was an intra-club trail, todays match was a full scale fixture match for competition points. With Easts Senior team up against the newly formed "Easts 2", it was always going to be difficult for the "Seconds" to get the points in their debut match.

In a game played in severe winds, the Celts seniors took a game-plan into the clash that would see them carry the ball further than normal and try for the net more often. This tactic paid dividends almost immediately, with Colin Finnerty putting the ball into the net within minutes of the game starting. Big “Finno” made the most of his first starting appearance for the club and was dominant from the half forward line. Corner forward Bryan Harney also had a great day, bagging three goals and one point before being given a well earned rest on the sideline. In a dominant display where all starting forwards managed to get on the scoreboard, the Celts were able to put pressure on their opposition backs from start to finish. Special mention to Dave McManus, whose personal haul for the match was three goals and two points.

Midfielders Declan Smith and Alan Reynolds were tradesman-like in their performance and laid the foundations for their forwards. Down back, all defenders were solid without being spectacular, and were able to contain their opposition to six single points for the match. Easts success of recent weeks is built on a group of players who are able to defend tightly with a minimum of fuss. Players like Dave Barry, Owen Stephens, Peter Maguire and Tom Devers are improving weekly and it's no coincidence that when they've performed, the club has managed to get the result.

Next week sees the Celts put to the test against reigning Champions John Mitchel's, who have been the yard-stick of the competition for several seasons, whilst the Seconds are up against strong opposition in Souths Magpies. Easts senior side will be named at training (which is on Monday this week due to State of Origin on Wednesday) and all players not named will need to make themselves available to play in the seconds. Game times are as follows: Easts2 vs Souths at 12.30pm, Easts vs John Mitchell’s at 3.30pm.

Congratulations to the Seconds on a tough debut performance today. The Dessie McKenna-coached side will improve weekly and it must be stressed that performing well in the Seconds will put players into calculations for a run in the Firsts. UP THE MIGHTY CELTS!!!!!

Dov Hirst, Seniors Coach.

Easts "1" Scorers: Dave McManus 3-2, Bryan Harney 3-1, Rory Bowe 1-4, Oisin Grennan 1-2, Colin Finnerty 1-0, Declan Smith 0-4, Alan Reynolds 0-4, Terry Lee 0-2
Easts "2" Scorers: Dave Keenan 0-2, Steve McLennan 0-2, Enda Brady 0-1, Graham Schofield 0-1

Easts Celts Senior men enjoyed playing their first fixture match for the season in the unusual timeslot of Saturday evening. Up against traditional rivals Souths Magpies, the Celts played what was probably their best match for the year so far. In a clash where both teams have miserly defensive structures, points were always going to be at a premium and Easts early couple of points, followed by a goal meant it was always going to be a difficult game for the Chris Canavan-less Magpies to claw back.

With the luxury of a strong bench stacked with defensive players, the Celts were able to keep relatively fresh men in the backs and were therefore able to restrict Souths to four points for the match. Easts forwards made the most of their scoring opportunities, with an absolute minimum of wide kicks. This is an area Easts have aimed to improve after poor attacking options in previous games probably cost the club an appearance in the Brisbane Shield final.

Brilliant performances from many Celts players was an indication of how competitive the situation is for spots in the Senior team. With Easts "B" side now playing in the senior competition, many players are too scared to have an "off-day" in case someone grabs their jersey for next week! This can only be good for the Club.

For the second week in a row, midfielders Declan Smith and Alan Reynolds were Easts stand-out players. Both players get way more than their fair share of possession and whilst Declan carries the ball like an expert and kicks for free men with deadly accuracy, Alan takes possessions from seemingly impossible positions and is second to none in the area of charging-down kicks whilst opposition players are trying dispose of the ball. The Celts are hoping this lethal combination of midfielders are able to keep performing at this level for the entire season.

Other noteworthy performers were David Barry and Gary Prunty who were tireless and often spectacular in the backs. Stand-in captain and fullback Owen Stephens continues to terrorize opposition forwards, whilst centre half back John Mulvey played his best game in the Celts colours.

In the forwards, Dave McManus was in fine form, with four scores for the day. Rory Bowe, Shane Donoher and Richy Vaugan were also faultless performers in a solid win. The final score of Easts 1/10(13) to Souths 0/4(4) was a fair indication of the game, though it must be noted that the game was never really "in the bag" until a bruised and exhausted Rory Bowe was replaced (with three minutes remaining) by his ever-green and fresh-legged coach!!!!!!

Dov Hirst. Seniors Coach.

Easts Scorers: Oisin Grennan 1-2, Dave McManus 0-4, Peter Maguire 0-1, Heath Mankivell 0-1, Declan Smith 0-1, Richy Vaughan 0-1

It was "Mate vs Mate" at Willawong yesterday as the Easts Celts made use of the weekend off by staging an intra-club game between two sides made up of the mens squad. In a hard-fought contest the "Tipperary" Celts defeated the "Clare" Celts 3-11 (20) to 1-6 (9).

In hot conditions, the two Celts sides gained much needed match practice and experimented by using numerous positional combinations. A huge positive for the day was the number of players who rolled up to the ground for what was essentially a training match. Competition for positions is heating up and the level of commitment being shown is an indication the Celts have stepped up a gear or two in comparison to the last couple of seasons. There were several examples of ill-disciplined play during the match and the entire squad has been urged to rectify this part of their game. Easts Celts intend being the most disciplined club in the competition and with the league fixtures upon us, now is the time to "button the lip" and play some good, hard footy.

Star performers for the day included Alan Reynolds, Gary Prunty and Declan Smith. Midfielder Alan is in superb form and this is a bloke the Celts are looking forward to unleashing in the upcoming league games. Gary's tough, uncompromising style of play makes him one of Easts most consistent players, whilst Declan's high work rate and clever ball distribution highlights his importance to the club.

Fullback Owen Stephens continues to improve his fitness weekly and will be hitting great form in the next few weeks. Although troubled with injury, fellow defender John Mulvey had a solid game and even had a run in the unfamiliar territory of the forward line!

Thanks to Seamus Sullivan for organizing the sausage sizzle for the boys. All men's players are reminded to bring a pair of running shoes to training on Wednesday as well as footy boots.

Dov Hirst, Seniors Coach.

A much improved Easts Celts outfit outplayed their more-fancied opposition yesterday at Willawong. In their final Brisbane Shield fixture, Easts defeated Harps in a free-flowing affair. In contrast to previous weeks, the Celts forwards scored almost at will and converted 90% of scoring chances into points. Training drills aimed at more decisive forward play are starting to show in the way the Celts forwards are playing. As usual, both Bryan's (Dineen and Harney) proved a handful for the opposition defenders, whilst Rory Bowe, Oisin Grennan and Shane Donoher all played faultlessly and kept the scoreboard attendant run off his feet.

Midfielder Declan Smith had an outstanding game, whilst debutant Celt and midfielder Allan Reynolds was "best on field". Allans ability to take possession of the ball from kick-outs at both ends of the pitch resulted in the men in Blue and Gold having enough ball to control the game from start to finish, whilst half-forwards Dave McManus, Richy Vaughn and Terry Lee were all alert enough to distribute the ball to their forward line for the entire game.

With their regular backline returning to action, Easts were sound in defence, with fearless fullback Owen Stephens playing his best game to date for Easts. Goal-keeper Dave O'Leary saved several point blank shots on goal and showed everyone the blue No.1 jersey is one he intends keeping.

Despite Easts dominant display, Harps were able to take several scores late in the game to make the score-line look more respectable. This was due to Easts lack of match fitness, which is something the club is progressively addressing through various training techniques. With such intense competition for squad positions and the team starting to play more as a unit, Easts are expected to keep improving and aim to be competitive with every team in the competition during the league fixtures.

Dov Hirst, Seniors Coach.

Easts Scorers: Rory Bowe 2-3, Shane Donoher 1-3, Bryan Dineen 0-5, Oisin Grennan 1-0, Bryan Harney 0-2, Declan Smith 0-2, Allan Reynolds 0-2, Terry Lee 0-1, Colin Walsh 0-1, Garry Prunty 0-1, Dave McManus 0-1

Easts Celts were left ruing "the one that got away" yesterday, after a hard fought, one-point loss to a strong Shamrocks side. Despite getting on the scoreboard first and dominating the first twenty minutes, Easts lack of match fitness was exposed by the much improved Shamrocks. Easts forwards were, at times a little indecisive in front of the posts and missed ten or twelve scoring opportunities through wide kicks or lost possession at critical times.

In a match where the lead changed several times, the Shamrocks were able to take a one-point lead into half time and eventually won the game by the same margin.

Although having a strong squad for the day Easts were forced to play several men out of their regular position due to the absence (through injury and illness) of regular backline players Owen Stephens, Rob Anderson and Tom Devers. Although this had a disruptive effect on the Celts defensive structure, it was by no means the reason for the result and it must be noted that stand-in backline players Boe Halter, David Barry and Kieran Canning all played tirelessly. Man of the match honours were shared by the "two Davids", Dave Barry and Dave McManus. Both were spectacular in their given roles and it's safe to presume that without either player, Shamrocks would've won by a much bigger margin.

Other notable performers for the Celts were John McNeil and Cameron Walsh, who were both rewarded for strong games in reserve grade with debut appearances off the seniors bench. With terrific numbers at Easts, competition for places in the senior squad is fierce and there's no better way for players to earn or hold down a spot than to train hard and play hard.

Dov Hirst. Seniors Coach.

Easts Scorers: David McManus 1-1, Rory Bowe 1-0, Bryan Dineen 0-3, Richy Vaughn 0-2, Shane Donoher 0-2, Gary Prunty 0-1

Easts Celts seniors were defeated by reigning QGFA champions John Mitchels in their Brisbane Shield fixture at Willawong yesterday. Despite training strongly throughout the week and having the luxury of a strong run-on side and bench, Easts were unable to stunt the scoring of the John Mitchels forwards, conceding a goal and a point in the first three minutes of play. Although taking the majority of their scoring opportunities and playing a tough, uncompromising brand of football the Celts were exposed in several areas by their experienced and enthusiastic opponents and will be a much better side for the experience.

Injury-forced positional changes and lack of a dedicated goal-keeper put a huge dent in the Celts chances of staging an upset, as did poor punctuality in turning up at the ground on time by the majority of the squad. Without the advantage of an adequate warm up, the men in blue and gold made life hard for themselves before the game had even started. Mitchels ability to score points before the Celts had "found their feet" ended up being a major factor in the result and this is something that will be addressed with the squad this week.

On a positive note, Easts Celts on-field performances this season are still way ahead of last season and the club is obviously on the improve. David McManus and midfielder Declan Smith were superb against strong opposition and were easily Easts best two players, getting plenty of possessions and taking the right options more often than not. David's carrying of the ball upfield was faultless, as were his disposals to a free man. Veteran defender Tom Devers had a very strong first half and proved to be an absolute pest to the Mitchels forward line on several occasions. In the forwards, Bryan Dineen and Rory Bowe were the stand-out performers, looking dangerous with every carry and converting the majority of chances into points.

A reminder to all Celts players that the QGFA is doing it's level best to get the reserve grade competition up and running and Easts have a fixture match in this grade next Sunday. All players not named in seniors at training on Wednesday night will have the opportunity to play in this reserve grade match. This Sundays matches are (Reserve Grade) Celts vs Mitchels at 11am and (Seniors) Celts vs Shamrocks at 12.30pm.

Dov Hirst. Seniors Coach.

Easts Scorers: Declan Smith 2-1, Bryan Dineen 0-3, Shane Donoher 0-1, Oisin Grennan 0-1, David McManus 0-1, Heath Mankivell 0-1

Easts Celts started their Brisbane Shield campaign with a strong performance against Summer comp' champions, Souths. With a new-look team, the Easts Celts dominated their more-fancied rivals for the first thirty minutes of play. Superb performances from newly recruited midfielders Declan Smith and Oisin Grennan provided the platform for "The two Bryan's" (Harney and Dineen) to keep the scoreboard attendant busy for the majority of the day.

Despite a second half comeback from the black and whites, Easts defenders were able to hang on for a memorable one point victory. Notable performers in the backline were Owen Stephens, John Mulvey and Tom Devers, whilst experienced Celt David Barry saved the day on several occasions with brave play.

Although the Celts performed well in every position special mention must also go to debutant half forward Richard Vaughn and Shane O'Donoher, who came off the bench to relieve the exhausted midfielders and played extremely well. Easts are looking to build on this great performance through hard training and a high level of commitment from all players and officials.

This weekend sees the re-introduction of Reserve Grade mens competition after a three year absence. Easts Celts kick off this competition with a clash against John Mitchels and will be endeavoring to use these games to blood new players and give some of the older Celts a run. Easts are eager to see the Reserve Grade up and running again and would encourage all rival clubs to make the effort to field a team. The benefits are great for recruitment and retention of players and for the health of the QGFA in general. As reigning Reserves Champions (Celts won the last contested Reserves comp in 2004) we offer all QGFA clubs the opportunity to "Come and try to take the trophy off us".

Dov Hirst. Senior Mens Coach.

Easts Scorers: Bryan Dineen 1-2, Oisin Grennan 1-1, Bryan Harney 0-2, Declan Smith 0-2, Shane Donoher 0-1, Gary Prunty 0-1