ZORZI THE GREAT

In their 101 year history the Bullants have produced some of the VFA/VFL's greatest names. Among their captains has been 1969 premiership captain coach Alan Joyce, the one and only Harold Martin and Magpie legends Laurie Hill, who took over from Joyce, and Ray Shaw who coached the Bullants to their last flag in 1984. Brett Zorzi hasn't carved out a piece of history like these luminaries of the old game, but he is one of the best the club has produced. On Saturday the captain again showed the skill and desperation that has made him an inspiring leader. Despite giving away inches to James Podsiadly he found space and was the spark that kept the Bullants alive when the Tigers appeared to have more poise and certainly had more of the football. Two goals were invaluable, but it was the smother in the dying moments of a tense final quarter that stood out. It was so typical of the bloke whose desperation has earned him so many admirers in the VFA/VFL. Unassuming, Zorzi lets his football do the talking. It's so important that the VFL continues to produce 100 game players such as Zorzi, who many wouldn't know, is the son of Bruno Zorzi who played 18 games with Fitzroy between 1957 and '60. Going on 25-years-of-age Zorzi might struggle to reach Sid Hall's 200 game club record, but he's the sort of bloke who should play at least 150 games with the Bullants and add to the club's rich tradition.

MAJOR MITCHELL

It's no secret that the Bullant-Carlton relationship was rocky last year. Had the VFL presidents not moved a motion advising Carlton they had no automatic place in the VFL, the Blues might have gone their own way. So it's great to hear coach Barry Mitchell, saying both parties have made concessions and the relationship is good. These same sentiments were expressed by Bullants president, Jill Macek - the VFL's solitary female president - before the match. Although Mitchell can appear a little crusty, his coaching was flawless in windy conditions at Chirnside Park, where victories are never easy.

And one of the 9 VFL players in the side, 202 centimetre full forward Damon Clarke, quickly learnt how demanding his coach could be. After being outclassed by Podsiadly, Clarke was relegated to the bench at quarter time, where he stayed for the whole game. Mitchell's decision to switch the tough and mobile Brett Zorzi to full forward was a match winning move. Of course, one might ask whether Clarke would have suffered the same fate had he been a Carlton, not a Bullant listed a player. Whatever the answer; Mitchell's flooding of the back half against the breeze and opening up of the forward line with it was the reason the Bullants won. I'm looking forward to when he comes head to head with David Flood in the round 18 tribal battle against Coburg on Saturday 7 August. With a bit of luck it'll draw a big crowd and rekindle some memories!

ZEBRAS ABUSE

As the Zebras prepare for another tilt at the flag I can't avoid a comment about the refusal of Williamstown to join them in the after match function in round 13 due to the abuse dished out to Rhys Shaw. I never held Barry Round or Terry Wheeler responsible for the abuse I received at Williamstown. Naturally it didn't stop me sharing a drink with 'Roundie' and the boys or with Barry Nolan after he sent me to the turf in the late 70s at Brunswick. The mob in the open section of the grandstand at Sandy can be gross and obnoxious. However their antics shouldn't interfere with the camaraderie that football produces. These mugs aside, the Zebras, who've been brilliant in grand finals over the past twenty years, are looking good. With five premierships - 1985/92/94/97/2000 - and only one grand final loss - 1995 - history might be on the side of those who shout the loudest.

ABUSE, OR JUST A BIT OF FUN

If loud mouths at the VFL can bring the blood to a boil, what do we make of Sam Newman's constant asides about women? I didn't see his 'women are liars (and) schemers' jibe on the Footy Show, but at Werribee last Saturday the general consensus in the pre match luncheon was that Newman has an odd view of women. Maybe one of the boys on the panel will stick up for their mum, sister and daughter and explain the facts of life to old fashioned Sammy. We can only hope.

SELECTIONS

SATURDAY

SANDRINGHAM v Box Hill Hawks ABC TV 1 PM
TASMANIA v Geelong

SUNDAY

NORTH BALLARAT v Frankston
Springvale Scorpions v COBURG
NORTHERN BULLANTS v Williamstown
PORT MELBOURNE v Bendigo Bombers