The President's Report - Finals

President's Report

No. 20, C Grade - Elimination Final — Written by Lawrie Colliver

C GRADE BEATEN IN TIGHT ELIMINATION FINAL

The Pembroke OSFC season has come to an end in 2026, with the C grade beaten in the Elimination Final.

This week

C GRADE ELIMINATION FINAL

Pembroke 7.5 (47) lost to PHOS Camden 8.7 (55) at Camden Oval

In perfect conditions, both sides threw themselves into the contest, but it was PHOS who was first to goal after five minutes. The Kings defence was being well led by Patrick Brooks, but when we went forward of centre didn’t quite kick well enough into the forward 50 and only manage a couple of behinds. Midway through the term, Josh Clohessy then goaled to put us in front for the first time of the day. PHOS added a couple of behinds and then just before quarter time, the Kings won a free downfield, Harvey Wood kicking the goal to put us six points clear at the first change.
The second quarter saw PHOS play well in the early stages, and they goaled at the six-minute mark. The Kings defence were holding firm under pressure and at the 12-minute mark we managed to get the ball forward to Wood who kicked his second and 50th for the season. During this term Stewie Watts came off injured which didn’t help matters for the Kings.

The game then opened up as PHOS started to win the ball out of the centre and they quickly replied to Wood’s goal to narrow the margin to just a point. They goaled again to take the lead and could have been ahead by more, Zac Teo taking a goal saving mark just before half time. At the long break it was PHOS Camden ahead 4.2 to 3.3.

By the start of the third term a big contingent of current players were there to offer their support to the lads, as the Phantoms continue to get the ball out the middle, our backline holding fast under a fair bit of pressure. PHOS goaled to go out to a two-goal lead and there were a few danger signs. But the lads rallied as Wood and Cook booted goals to get the margin back to all square at 5.5 each. PHOS kicked a behind late in the term to hold the narrowest of margins going into the last term.

PHOS started the term well and with a lucky bounce down forward were able to take advantage and kick the first goal. They managed another not long after to edge the lead out to 13 points. The Kings were done yet as Paul Tsouvallas kicked a great goal on the run, but that goal was nullified by PHOS who kicked one soon after. The Kings fought on, Harvey Wood took a good contest mark and goaled, which left us seven points down with 4:30 left on the clock.

The last few minutes were hard fought but PHOS held onto to win narrowly and progress to the first semi, the Kings done and dusted for 2026. Thanks to coach James Brennan and all the lads for their efforts throughout the season, it was disappointing to lose but we showed plenty of character to come home with a wet sail to make the finals, which was a very good effort.

Best players - Zac Teo, Patrick Brooks, Josh Clohesy, Harrison Prosser, Max Nicholls

Thanks also to club photographer Peter McRostie who was there on Saturday taking all the important snaps as he has done all season. The Kings really appreciate your support mate.

Final ladder positions

A grade 7th (8 wins, 10 losses),
B grade 6th (9/9),
Queens finished 5th (5/8/1 draw),
C grade 5th (10/8),
D grade 8th (3/13)

Leading goalkickers to date:
A grade – Henry Read 53, Armando Iannunzio 24, Will Kennett 15.
B grade – Lucas Saunders 32.
Queens – Amber Hopkins 19, Chloe Tucker 8, Ailis Nolan 7, Indira Panelli 7.
C grade – Harvey Wood 52, Eddie Cook 18, Riley Wake 15.
D grade – Peter Jones 21, Mitch George 12.

LOOKING AHEAD to 2027

We are already on the job in regards the 2027 season, targeting a few players at other clubs and hopefully some announcements will be made in the not-too-distant future.

The last three weeks saw the club score some tough wins in A grade to ensure we retained our spot in Division three for next year. I am sure you’ll all agree it was a relief to stay up and not slide back to Div four. There were a few clubs around town thinking/hoping we might slide down with three weeks to go, I know it was a great spur in the match at Edwardstown and was great motivation for the lads to come from behind at three quarter time to record the win that we needed.

Full marks to the A grade playing group, coach Chuck Canny and the whole club for sticking at it right to the end.

As President I said after the great win at Plympton we had to fight every inch of the way and even after we ensured we stayed up, we recorded a victory in the last round over top-three side Walkerville.

With more luck on the injury front next year, and a boosting of the squad, I am sure we can push for finals next season.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, END OF SEASON DINNER

At the ARKABA HOTEL starting at 6.30 - 11pm

$130 A HEAD, includes entrée and main meal, plus drinks package (excluding spirits which are available for purchase) until 10pm.

Post 10pm cash bar and also Andy Lee’s band will be playing.

If you want to book pay into the club account - Direct Credit: BSB 085005, A/c no 319421632. Ref – EOS “your name”

RED WINE AVAILABLE FOR SALE - $15 a bottle.

We have some stock left, including Wirra Wirra Church block, Bremer River Vineyards Shiraz from Langhorne Creek. Email me at Lawrie.Colliver@gmail.com if you like to buy some.

That’s all for now, thanks for reading in 2026 and seeya at the End of Season Dinner on October 9.

It’s good to be green.
Lawrie Colliver
President POSFC
0449 800855

Season 2026