Saturday, January 8, 2011

South Hobart demolish Olympia in practice match prior to South Melbourne's visit











Photos (Top to Bottom): Di Falco gets a pass away ahead of Garth; Mizael (right) shadowed by Cannamela; Olympia's goalkeeper Robert Kay gets in a head of Mizael; Olympia's Alex Nandan in possession as South's Hugh Ludford and Kwong prepare to defend; Mizel tucks away the opening goal; South Hobart's newest Korean recruits watch the match from the sidelines; Mizael and Luke Cripps watch the ball passing by; South Hobart's Cameron Williams and Olympia's Brendan Garth battle for possession; Olympia's Youssef Mohamad (left) keeps possession despite the attentions of Andy Brennan; Mohamad is show a yellow card by referee Sean Collins [PlessPix]

South Hobart gave Olympia Warriors a 6-0 drubbing this afternoon at Olinda Grove.

The signs are ominous for an Olympia side that faces South Melbourne Hellas next week, and coach Chris Hey knows it.

To go into such a big match with just one practice game under the belt could be regarded as folly.

Olympia had several new faces on view - Brendan Garth (Glenorchy Knights), Luke Cripps (Clarence United), Sam Cannamela (Clarence United) and Rowan Heggie (formerly of Clarence United).

Missing from last season’s side were goalkeeper Dmitri Nester, Mark Wakefield, Adam Hedge, Hugh Richardson, Kosta Grillas, Fletcher Tracy, Rory McCallum and Chris Kumpulainen.

Even if all of these were to return, which is impossible, the task against one of Australia’s best teams outside the A-League will be difficult, especially given the limited preparation.

This is not meant as an attack on Olympia. It is fact.

Mizael Linhares Caires was in excellent form for South Hobart today. His first touch was excellent and he was fast off the mark and sharp in his thinking.

He opened the scoring, while Andy Brennan struck twice to make it 3-0 at the interval.

Shae Hickey scored a fine fourth just after the break, while goals by Jonathon Lo and Jim Pennicott completed the tally.

South also hit the woodwork on three occasions.

“It was a lovely work-out for us,” said South Hobart coach, Ken Morton. “A good work-out.

“We utilised 19 players today and it was a really good hit-out for the players, so that was one of the main criteria.

“I thought the football was of a good standard. We tried to pass it and move it forward well. We got good width and I think we limited them to very few chances so, obviously, we defended quite well.

“So, it was a very good work-out for us. Now we’ve got training on Monday and Tuesday just to fine-tune things and get us a little bit fitter, a little bit sharper so that we go out and compete against South Melbourne.”

South had a couple of injury scares, with Andy Brennan in agony after being winded in a challenge by Luke Cripps and Tom Roach possibly needing a couple of stitches after a head clash.

Their latest three Korean imports watched the game from the side-lines as they missed training on Thursday and Morton has a 'no train, no play' rule, regardless of who it affects. Incidentally, Olympia has the same rule and coach Chris Hey stuck to it rigidly last season.

Josh Fielding did well in midfield for South, while Kostas Kanakaris was mobile and elusive.

South fielded a stronger side for the second half and Shae Hickey and Jonathon Lo pulled the strings which enable them to add three more goals.

Olympia utilised muscle at times and Youssef Mohamad was booked for a tackle on Cameron Williams.

“I thought for the first 20 minutes we played reasonably well, but after that it was absolutely abysmal,” said Olympia coach, Chris Hey.

“South Hobart were superb. They knocked the ball about well. Their work-rate, movement off the ball, their willingness to work for one another, playing the simple ball, were superb.

“We took three or four touches, got shut down, and by the time you have that amount of time on the ball, your options are cut out and you end up playing long, hopeful balls.

“And, even when we had options to play to feet, we just didn’t do it. We didn’t get our heads up enough.

“I’m disappointed. I thought we had some opportunities, but they were few and far between.

“If that’s South Hobart’s squad, then they did extremely well in the game and they’re a strong unit.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

i believe its "Rowan Heggie" Walter, not Nick

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous performance by South Hobart. Let's get out and support them this week when South Melbourne come.

Thursday night at 6 at South and again on Sunday at 1pm and 4pm at South Hobart.

It's great to see visiting teams come to Tasmania. Well done Knights for getting their Melbourne namesakes down too.

Let's see how our state champions perform against one of the most prestigious football clubs in Australia.

Anonymous said...

Walter. You can help my son Mizael Linhares Caires doing a test on a professional team? Please. Hernane Caires - Brazil.

Anonymous said...

South was just lucky.

Walter said...

Anonymous 4.36am, thanks for clearing that up for me. My apologies, but I was going on information supplied by the club.

Anonymous said...

South are clearly well ahead of any other team in SPL in their preparation and they have a large talented squad.

Chris Hey must have only contemplated this game at this time because of the daunting task that lies ahead on Friday night.

A majority of SPL players do not have the commitment level of the South Hobart group - who trained through the Christmas break.

Olympia won 2 games in 2010 and those looking for top 4 finish in 2011 are not being realistic. With no noticeable newcomers and a few departures Olympia will do well to win 6 games this season and will likely finish 6th or 7th.

Anonymous said...

Nothing on Olympia website or anywhere? about their upcoming game vs Sth Melbourne at KGV on Friday night. Anyone know what time the KO is? If this were advertised we might see several hundred there like we did in August but there's nothing.

Anonymous said...

LOOONNNNGGG season ahead for C Hey and Olympia.They will struggle big time. New signings will not improve the side sigificantly, and will only plug holes left by those who have departed.Maybe 2 wins for the year , one against Zebras as Olympia always seem to find that little extra against Zebras , regardless of where they are on the ladder . The other against Beachside ( maybe )

Anonymous said...

Has Garth Signed with Olympia?

Anonymous said...

I am more than happy to bet a large sum of money with anyone who dares that the Warriors will have more than 12 points this year. Conditions for bet are simple. Olympia Warriors have to finish with at least 13 or more points in the premier league for season 2011. For bigger bets( more than 1k )the money will be put up front and perhaps Walter Pless would like to hold the entire stake and give to winner after it has been decided. A large part of my win will be donated back to the players of our club! Come on people try and stick it up me!

cheers

george mamacas

Anonymous said...

Ohhh and any bets less than 1k will posted on here by me stating the amount and who will owe me after the season. :)

gm

Anonymous said...

Why is Sean Collins reffing all these games?

Anonymous said...

On the strength of yesterday's line up Olympic will struggle this season. I don't think they will pick up Cripps from Clarence as I believe he has also been doing preseason at Zebras and merely took the opportunity of getting a little match fitness. Cannamela will not add too much to a backline that looks poor and leaks like a seive. Heads were down already after some comical displays.

Ordinarily I would suggest Olympic could be relegation bound but they may be saved simply because Beachside will not be able to maintain a competitive team on the park all season. Injuries will take their toll and Pullen has not been able to attract the players he had hoped.

I wonder why Minty (Eagles young keeper) is training with Zebras. Maybe he's not in George's plans. Pitchy is a demigod at Eagles apparently.

And then there is Browny who seems to have upset everyone at Clarence. Looks like he'll field an U16 squad in PL this season. Shame that he has built the club back up but lacks faith in handing it on so that others may continue to build the dream. The Phoenix will need to rise from the ashes from a fire of their own cause.

Anonymous said...

I wonder why the korean boys didn't show up for training .

Archie said...

Garthy hedging his bets I think but after yesterday he may well head back to Knights training - BTW he did ok for the warriors. Better than most.

Cripps at centre back was an interesting selection - clearly not his spot but probably made to minimise embarrasment although I'm not sure it did.

Anonymous said...

garth has signed for 3 souvlakis

Anonymous said...

brendan garth is very lazy should go to nelson

Anonymous said...

1st south by 20points
2nd zebras
3rd clarence
4th lions (big improvers)
5th eagles
6th knights
7th Beach (they have experience)
relegated OLYMPIA

I think Hellas training sessions would be harder than playing the mighty warriors!! Double figures this Friday night

Anonymous said...

What are Cripps and Cannamella doing playing for Olympia? Thought they had Clarence blood running through their veins and would end up playing in lower divisions for them once over the Premier League?

djalbacore said...

Seems the prophets of doom..are not prepared to put there money where there mouth is.

Anonymous said...

No doubt if Olympia had 10 pts at the end of season last game he would pay the other team to lose so he could win his bet and pride.

Anonymous said...

George I think you have made a mistake going public with the bet scenario.More than 13 points ?What 14 ? That is just over 4 wins. You are happy with that ? That may still be enough points to be relgated. With the number of teams that will struggle this year incl Olympia, Beachside,Kingborough Eagles and Clarence 13 points may very well result in relegation.

Anonymous said...

Somehow I think hellas will only field a strong team on sunday, friday will definatly be there ressies

Anonymous said...

anon 1.29 pm agreed browny has alienated a lot of players over the last two years ,just have to look at the players that have left and are training with others.does not show a club with much of a backbone that they are so blind to the fact that they have a coach in waiting that in my opinion would not only take the club forward in leaps and bounds but also draw players that have been lost to the club for reasons that we all know.as for olympic ,dont agree at all with some smart signings and possible 3 wins over beachside/1 over clarence /1 over eagles /1 over kingb/ 1 over knights rabble equals 21 points .go for it george.

Anonymous said...

The only way Olympic will beat Beachside 3 times will be if George buys the sth Melb Hellas squad.. The bottom 4 will be tight this year and with Kingbourghs new signings I dont recon they will be in it.. Time will tell lets see who signs and plays where? as for Friday an under 19 team from hellas would beat olympic at the moment.. Good luck to sth clearly the best side at the mo lets also see how many of there squad are about come the season.. my pic is many have other places to go.. as for contenders zebras, they are already showing that they have no faith in their reserves in there attempts to bring in new players like scott etc again we will see Hall x2 , Engles(luke) Young, Toby, Fish and others in the reserves again!!! great to have depth but when you are good enough to play seniors how long do you wait?? Great to see Maniella back !! again no faith with the young keepers!!
Clarence.. Is the coach in waiting mentioned in earlier comment Prevadi(Franco) Gee I hope so!! not a great track record at senior level ask anybody who played under him at Zebras.. Nice bloke but needs an interpretor and is definately with kids.. Sorry Brownie but may be looking you have been there too long!!! hope you don't have to leave a club you have helped build not under your terms..
Interesting that knights have not taken the park against anybody yet?? Will be interested with there squad, lots of young kids but if fish doesn't return does Harrison believe that Corey will show leadership on and off the park?? Olympic had great young players last year and see what happened? Eagles showed they will be competitive but depth will also be an issue.. Beach well everybody had already relegated them but I recon they may pull off a few surprises at the end of the day still a while to go.. Good luck to all in 2011....

Anonymous said...

To anonymous Jan 9th 6:27pm:

First of all a look at the final 2010 league table shows that 13 points is indeed low enough to be relegated. I offer bets where I believe I have an edge. The 13 points stated for the bet represents what I consider value for me. It is by no means a gauge on my feelings or expectation for our clubs total points in 2011. This number is in my head and will remain there.

Cheers

Gm

Anonymous said...

To the Anonymous below:

I win and lose bets everyday of the year ! LOL

SO Yeah you know me really really well! NOT!

gm

Anonymous said...
No doubt if Olympia had 10 pts at the end of season last game he would pay the other team to lose so he could win his bet and pride.

January 9, 2011 6:12 PM

Anonymous said...

If Olympia can secure a couple of players of the ilk of Sam Cannamella or Callan Paske (who have both trained) to replace Tracy and Richardson they will maintain similar form to that presented in last seven games in 2010 when they gained 9 points.

This opinion is not affected by big losses to Sth Hobart and (likely) Sth Melbounre in January, which mean nothing.

Picking up more youngsters (eg Brendan Garth) will mean that the club will have one of the most promising and technically talented squads in the league.

Anyone who takes George up on his miserly offer would be a fool or money to burn but hey - do it because the lads could do with a bit of cash!

Anonymous said...

anon 9.09pm Pullen again trying hard... dont comment on what you have no idea about!

Anonymous said...

Archie

I hear Nick may be heading to olympia to help shore up the defence.

Anonymous said...

No surprise players are leaving Clarence in numbers .The same person who rebuilt the club will also be the one who brings about it's demise .

Anonymous said...

George 9.26 pm. What are you trying to do? You make it sound like the whole Olympia thing is a money making excerise. Regardless of what you do for a living or how much money you have ,to publicise the fact that you are prepared to take bets on the performance of the club , of which you are the president , is in my opinion a disgrace.You as the leader should not be on a public blog , promoting betting involving your club. I think you really need to take at look at what you are doing. It may be tongue in cheek , but it still should not reflect the behaviour of a club president. You are a much smarter man that that I thought.

Anonymous said...

Interesting that many players seem to be doing pre-season with one club and then turning up to play for another ? How the f..... do clubs allow that to happen ?
Cripps was/is a Clarence player ,is training with Zebras and plays for Olympia in a practice match.Has he also been training with Olympia ? What a disgrace to all concerned including the players themselves, clubs and the club officials that allow this behaviour to continue. I suppose clubs that will struggle this year will welcome any player to training.However ,if it is true that Cripps has been doing pre-season with Zebras ,if I were coach , he would not be welcomed back.That may appear silly but clubs need some stability at this stage of the season without players flitting backwards and forwards from club to club.
Crosswell did it last year and I believe the previous year .Coaches/committees need to make tough decisions about signing players who are fair dinkum about playing with the club they are training with. If not they should be advised that if they are not prepared to sign then , off they go.No wonder the senior competition in this state is at the standard that it is , A JOKE!

Anonymous said...

why is everyone having a go at olympia for? most goals south got were mistakes but some pure class. i dont see why people get on here and talk rubbish about what teams will finish where. why dont you let the players and teams do the talking when the season actually hits ay. i mean newtown lost a few weeks back to south hobart, but i dont see criticism, south hobart are just so far from everyone else.everyone seems to forget there the best team in the league. they will probably do this to most teams all year. b.garth

Anonymous said...

I can assure you it is not tongue in cheek. More than happy to take a bet.

cheers

gm

Mr. Anonymous January 9, 201111:28 PM Says "It may be tongue in cheek , but it still should not reflect the behaviour of a club president."

Anonymous said...

B. Garth people getting on here as you put it is called, freedom of speech.If you dont like it , dont read it.

Anonymous said...

While we are all making comment on the strangeness of a club president taking wages on his team’s future performance the most bizarre act of the game was in fact from the same one and only during the game.

George thought it appropriate (or was it an act of desperation) to seek out two of South's players mid game and see if they would be interested in joining Olympia. One request was from the South box and the other was to Mike McKenna while he was actually playing the game! Or perhaps it was a tactic of Olympic so the opposition coach Morton had to be watching the sidelines instead of the game at hand.

Walter I presume we continue to watch this space to see if any new signings result from the mid game requests…

Anonymous said...

B Garth 12.18 am .Most goals scored by any side anywhere in the world ,are as a result of a mistake by the other side. The odd goal may be freakish and not resulting from a mistake.On the other hand every other goal is due to someone not marking tightly ,not going with a runner,not attempting to block a shot,keeper leaving the ball believing it is going wide,ball through keepers legs,not challenging for a header in the box etc etc etc.These are all mistakes.

Anonymous said...

Yes that is true I did go to the South bench as the player in question had a big gash in his leg and I went over to offer him the assistance of our trainer as was attending to the wound by himself. The player in question is also married to my cousin. Family is family regardless of what colours they wear.

gm

djalbacore said...

From what i understand all club officials,players,supporters, make contact with players who played for other clubs the previous season, wether its a phone call or in social situations after all Hobart is a small town, historically a small percentage of players for various reasons train with more than one club for a period of time during pre-season, this is an amateur league and this practice will continue into the future, we are all grown ups here and all clubs are trying to make their clubs stronger in all areas, playing lists, coaching staff, development areas, ....In regards to players at the end of the day they sign on the dotted line for the club that offers an environment that they feel comfortable in and also offers challenges...Of course there are those players who go from club to club almost on a season to season basis...( not a good reflection on their character)

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to boot some balls onto the highway at the new Olympia Ground.

martyn wells said...

Hi Walter,
Like many people at this time of year I've just returned from holidays, consequently not fully up to date with the games coming up between Tassie teams and Melbourne teams. Could you please post details of these games, thanks.
Martyn Wells
(not anonymous!)

Anonymous said...

Have the Clarence committee lost the plot??? How many more players can they bare to lose.

Also as a senoir Zebras player i can tell you that Luke Cripps has not attented a single Zebras training this year or ever.

Gotta loves these dirty rumours

Archie said...

Anon 9.55 9 Jan

;)

Anonymous said...

yeah good on ya you fool!


Anonymous said...
I can't wait to boot some balls onto the highway at the new Olympia Ground.
January 10, 2011 11:23 AM

Anonymous said...

I'm going to clear a big volley into a car and Olympia Park will get shut down.

Anonymous said...

Cripps played in a Zebra's intra club match on Sunday. He looked average at best and would struggle in Reserves

Anonymous said...

Olympia will really miss Richardson and Hedge in defence in the up coming game against the Hellas....or the Hell Yeahs as they're known in Victoria.

Anonymous said...

anon 11.25 am or anon 6.27 pm ,one of you is lying about Cripps.

Anonymous said...

George, I feel your bet is a bit short. 13 points is only 4 wins and a draw, 3 wins 4 draws. This is your aim with a newly promoted Div 1 club and some average clubs like NTE and Clarence having not looked like they have improved? You could easily jag points from these teams, yet you think 13 points is going to attract punters? Give me 20 points and Ill have a think about investing.

Anonymous said...

Clarence will improve. Just because the lost some players doesn't mean they wont be able to fill the gaps . Might even get some better players in .

Anonymous said...

hamlett, barron, mcintyre, cripps, cannamella, sweeney, mcmahon, huigsloot ...

Anonymous said...

McMahon was at training. A few new faces there.

Anonymous said...

garth, huigsloot j, phillips, barbarara, knapek, heggie ummm hardwick, hoppitt