North Ballarat news

AFL/VFL: Hawthorn looks at Roosters' Big O

From the Ballarat Courier
Reported by David Brehaut
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HAWTHORN is considering pouncing on North Ballarat ruckman Orren Stephenson in the AFL rookie draft on Tuesday, December 15.

The Hawks will put Stephenson under the microscope over three days next week and decide whether to recruit him as a mature-age rookie.

Hawthorn put the dual North Ballarat premiership player through a series of tests yesterday, including a 2.2-kilometre time trial, vertical jump, sprint and general skills.

He will train with a special squad of rookie draft prospects put together by the Hawks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Stephenson said it was exciting to be attracting some interest from AFL clubs again.

He had a similar try-out with Carlton three years ago.

The 27-year-old had talks with St Kilda in the lead-up to this year's national draft.

Roosters lose Searl for 2010

From the Ballarat Courier
Reported by David Brehaut
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ON HOLD: Michael Searl is having a break from the Roosters next year. Picture: Andrew KellyVFL premier North Ballarat will be without two-time premiership defender Michael Searl next season.

Searl will spend next year working and travelling overseas.

This means the Selkirk Roosters will pursue a third consecutive flag with a new-look defence, with North Melbourne's Shannon Watt having retired.

North Ballarat head coach Gerard FitzGerald said Searl would be a massive loss, having been an intregal part of the team and leadership group.

Although just 24 years of age, Searl is one of the Roosters' most experienced players with 99 VFL senior appearances.

Sewell looks to follow in brother's footsteps

From the Sunday Age
Reported by  Brent Diamond
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LATE bloomer Myles Sewell looks destined to write the next tale of persistence and determination, just like his brother, Hawthorn's Brad Sewell.

According to the hierarchy at North Ballarat, where Sewell last night claimed the best-and-fairest award to go with his J. J. Liston Trophy, at least four AFL clubs - including Hawthorn - have made contact with the youngster in the past month.

  Liston Trophy winner Myles Sewell: a tale of persistence.

Liston Trophy winner Myles Sewell: a tale of persistence.
Photo: Getty Images

Sewell, a tenacious midfielder for the back-to-back premiership-winning Roosters in the VFL, has been a late developer and is seen in a similar vein to his brother, who was selected by the Hawks in the 2003 rookie draft then went on to win the 2007 best-and-fairest award and a premiership medal.

Draft expert Kevin Sheehan told The Sunday Age: ''[Myles'] story is a fair bit like Brad's or it could be a bit like Sam Mitchell's. He is a boy who played a bit of country footy and some rep footy. He has shown promise, but has matured at a different rate to others. That's a common story … in recent years.

Roosters ready to make it two in row

From Ballarat Courier
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NORTH Ballarat can become the undisputed king of the Victorian Football League by completing back-to-back premierships on Friday night.

Having waited 13 years to capture their first VFL flag, the Selkirk Roosters can make it two in a row against the Carlton-aligned Northern Bullants at Etihad Stadium.

North Ballarat stormed into the grand final with a crushing 61-point victory over Collingwood at Port Melbourne on Saturday, 22.14 (146) to 12.13 (85).

The Roosters took the match away from Collingwood with a scintillating nine-goal third quarter.

The Magpies hit the lead with a goal just 30 seconds into the term after a sea-sawing first half.
Daniel Feery is brought to the ground in the thrid quarter, but it was all to no avail for Collingwood. Daniel Feery is brought to the ground in the thrid quarter, but it was all to no avail for Collingwood.

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