Tocumwal’s new-look senior side kicked off their 2025 campaign with a tough assignment under the blazing sun at Katamatite.
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The Bloods played with plenty of heart and promise, but were no match for the early premiership favourites in a hard-fought contest at the Tigers’ home ground.
Toc were missing a couple of key players and took the opportunity to showcase their next generation of talent, highlighted by the debut of Jake Hicks in his first senior appearance.
The young Bloods showed composure and effort beyond their years, giving supporters plenty to look forward to, and the club also acknowledged new player Blake Aglinskas in his first senior game.
It was a tough initiation for Tocumwal, with the Tigers flexing their muscle early. But the Bloods didn’t back down, responding with pressure around the ball and bursts of attacking flair.
Goals from Flynn Tonks (3), Raymond Sutton and Xavier Walker added scoreboard pressure, but inaccuracy in front of goal hampered the chance to stay within striking distance.
Coach Daniel Kirchen praised his team’s four-quarter effort, noting the improvement in structure, resilience and intensity compared to previous seasons.
“Against such high-quality opposition, I was proud of the way our boys stuck at it all day,” Kirchen said.
“We’ve got a lot of upside, and it was great to see some of our younger guys step up and make an impact.”
Among the best for Tocumwal were Walker, who worked tirelessly across half-back and through the middle, Brayden Hall’s drive and ball-winning ability, and the athleticism and presence of Achoung Agog.
Adam Kent and Sam Hatty played crucial roles, while Harvey White continued to deliver with his composed performance.
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect their effort, Tocumwal’s energy and commitment have laid a solid platform for the season ahead.
The signs are positive—and the team’s determination is evident.
All eyes now turn to the traditional Good Friday clash against Berrigan, always one of the biggest and most supported games on Tocumwal’s calendar. With growing belief and a few key players set to return, the Bloods are shaping up for an exciting season ahead.
Final score: Tocumwal 5.10 (40) def by Katamatite 17.14 (116).
Best: X Walker, B Hall, A Agog, A Kent, S Hatty, H White.
Goals: F Tonks 3, R Sutton, X Walker.
Reserves
The Reserves faced a challenging start to the 2025 season, going down to a strong Katamatite outfit in hot and demanding conditions.
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the effort, the boys dug deep all day despite being light on numbers and without the luxury of a 15-man bench like Katamatite had at their disposal.
Kaiden Meda, Glyn Matters, Drew Eddy, and Will O’Connell were among the standouts, putting in solid performances and showing plenty of heart under pressure.
A big thanks to the four blokes who pulled on a Bloods shirt to help get a side on the park.
Plenty of positives to take away, and the group will no doubt bounce back stronger next week!
Final score: Tocumwal 0.2 (2) def by Katamatite 17.18 (120).
Best: K Meda, G Matters, D Eddy, Will O’Connell.
Awards: Kaiden Meda, Drew Eddy, Glyn Matters.
Thirds
The thirds kicked off their 2025 season in style with a solid win over Katamatite, coming away with an impressive victory in hot and testing conditions.
After a tight first half, the boys found their rhythm and worked hard across the ground to pull away in the second half.
The scoreboard was shared around with Logan White leading the way with three majors, while Chace Brunskill, Chase Dickins, and Liam Sutton each chipped in with two apiece.
Harrison Wilson and Declan Cameron also added singles to round out the day’s scoring.
A strong team performance was highlighted by standout efforts from Sutton, Jake Hicks, White, Cody Palmer, and Archie Chellew, who all played key roles in securing the win.
Like many clubs this season, numbers are tight for the thirds, with injuries adding to the challenge.
A huge thanks goes out to the seven fourths players who doubled up to help us out — their commitment and effort were much appreciated and played a big part in getting the side over the line.
It was a great way to start the season.
Final score: Tocumwal 11.16 (82) def Katamatite 6.3 (39).
Goals: L White 3, C Brunskill 2, C Dickins 2, L Sutton 2, H Wilson, D Cameron.
Bests: L Sutton, J Hicks, L White, C Palmer, A Chellew.
Awards: Harrison Wilson, Jack Watson, Declan Palmer, Charlie Wilson.
Fourths
The fourths couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2025 season, delivering a dominant performance against Katamatite with a convincing win.
It was a great team effort across the board, with 10 different players hitting the scoreboard.
Harrison Wilson and Archie Matters led the way up forward, both kicking a bag!
A special mention to the six debutants who pulled on the Bloods’ jumper for their first game — a fantastic start to their football journey with the club.
Final score: Tocumwal 23.14 (152) def Katamatite 0.2 (2)
Goals: H Wilson 6, A Matters 6, J Harrison 2, S Borg 2, O East 2, L Grieves, J Petersen, B Koopman, A Chellew, C Wilson.
Best: H Wilson, A Chellew, O East , A Matters, L Grieves, C Wilson.
Awards: Ollie East, Harrison Wilson, Archer Chellew, Archie Matters.
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