Camberwell Defeat MCC 4-1 to Secure 2022 Men's Premier League Title

2022 Men’s Premier League Premiers

📸 Match Photography by Andrew Wiseman for Hockey Victoria
Goals: Pat Coates (4)

The day we had been waiting for was upon us. Three long, hard years of Covid interrupted hard work had culminated in this. That finals feeling hung thick in the air, permeating the torrential rain that fell down on MSC Parkville all day. This day felt like there was more weight to it than usual, to me at least. It’s been a while since we, or anyone for that matter, had been in a grand final. It felt fresh, uncharted territory. It was for many of us - seven of our players had never competed in a Premier League grand final.

MCC have been a bit of a wildcard all season. Their list is relatively strong, and head coach Neil Hodgson has everything to prove in his first full season as head coach of MCC MPL. While they had a strong start to the season, a mid-year slump after their defeat by us saw them drop down the ladder a tad. Despite this, they found form at the right time, pipping Altona by two premiership points to finish inside the four and secure a double chance. Although they had a tough task on their hands in round one of finals, they ultimately came out on top, beating Waverley 3-2 booking a prelim spot and the week off in the process. Doncaster were another team who were finding a good run of form at the right time, but ultimately gave up a 2-0 lead in the Preliminary Final to then lose to MCC in a shootout. Two somewhat unexpected, come from behind finals wins meant that MCC were not a team we could discount. We would have to put our foot down and make sure we played a full 70 minute performance, not allowing MCC even a sniff.

Neil Hodgson’s men came out of the blocks hard and fast, and picked up a PCA just thirty seconds into the game after a clearance from Tom Dyall hit Josh’s foot. Not an ideal start, but it could have been worse, Tom managed to clear the ball and we remained at 0-0. MCC were still playing quite a high press and fighting hard for each ball. Our mids were doing well though, and we had plenty of the play. It was still early in the match but there were already signs things were a little frenetic - calls to settle were frequent - but this was made all the more easy by our first short corner goal about five minutes in, an absolute rocket from Pat Coates that sailed right past the keeper’s left leg. After the whistle in the first break we followed up with another short corner drag flick, again to Pat Coates, extending our lead to 2-0.

Two opening quarter drag flicks to Pat Coates sent a clear message that Camberwell’s PCA form was well and truly back when it mattered most

In quarter two, the fast paced hockey continued. As Kin Smith mentioned on the broadcast, we were really being treated to a match of high presses and man-to-man contests, something that has somewhat gone out of style over the past few years in which we’ve seen much more zonal play. Thankfully, this was no bother to us. Our fitness was up to the task, and although MCC were making some good attacking plays, we managed to control most of the play in this quarter and looked threatening on many occasions.

Quarter three began after the main break and we were now shooting at the Camberwell end. The crowds were starting to grow louder and the energy of the match was about to go up a notch. Frenetic is probably the best way to describe this quarter. A lot of end to end stuff was testing the fitness of both sides, and MCC were asking some serious questions of us harassing our defence and frustrating our ability to play the fast flowing, open game of hockey that we love. Game management has been a big theme for Camberwell’s MPL over the last few weeks, from controlling the game, it’s pace and scoreline, to controlling the emotion as well. As I have alluded to in previous match reports, on-field frustration has cost us points in previous games. But with this renewed focus on game management, we seem to be putting this behind us. Composure was kept across the park, and we did well surviving what seemed like the hardest pressure MCC were able to apply all match.

A physical contest: Camberwell’s Jac O’Shea battles MCC captain Jonathan Ames for the ball

At three quarter time, the message was clear. We’d need to do everything in our power to ice this match and not give MCC the slightest sniff lest they be able to claw their way back into the game. MCC began throwing the kitchen sink at us, now with nothing to lose and everything to gain. The clock was now becoming more and more of a factor and Camberwell were working hard to maintain possession and suffocate MCC’s press. Before long, MCC went to take their keeper off during a short corner. This wasn’t allowed (no subs during a short corner, thanks Jim for reminding the tech bench of this at the time) but they’d already stopped the clock. Now with eleven field players, MCC were working hard to finally get on the scoreboard. Camberwell were defending well though, and despite their efforts they were only able to add one goal to their tally, finally converting a short corner to bring the score to 3-1. A second short corner to us with a keeper-less MCC defence allowed us to seal the deal. Pat Coates fired home his fourth drag flick goal of the night extending our lead and ultimately putting the game out of reach for MCC.

After all the preseasons, interrupted years and hard work that has been poured into this victory, etching our names onto the Premier League cup is a very well deserved, crowning achievement. Congratulations to Pat Coates winning man of the match after an excellent performance with four drag flicks. Another special mention goes to Jimmy Webster for winning joint league best and fairest at the HV awards night, and to Nathan Copey, Max Hendry, Liam Henderson and James Webster for all making the 2022 PL All Star Team.

The list of those who must be thanked for their efforts this season is extensive. We would never be able to achieve what we have without the hard work of all of these people, who volunteer countless hours every week behind the scenes. Our direct support staff have been phenomenal throughout.

Nick Rees has come into the role of full time team physio in 2022, but the benefits he provides to this group extend beyond just physiotherapy. His contributions on the bench and behind the scenes have been extensive, from pumping up the boys during matches to providing additional coaching input. His experience and understanding of the game of hockey and the effect of it on our player’s bodies provides an X factor not available to many teams.

Having a team doctor is not something that many hockey teams have the luxury of, and Roy Carey has been providing this service to our team since before most of our players were even born. Thank you for your continued service to this group, and a big congratulations on your appointment as a life member of CHC this year. Very well deserved.

Alex Wong has been a welcome addition into our group in 2022, managing all things video. Match coding on the bench, wrangling volunteers to film games and cutting reciprocal video deals with other clubs. A huge help to the team, Alex has also been a great help to me personally, getting down to many of our training sessions and assisting in numerous areas that have helped make my job easier.

Camberwell are likely the fittest team in the comp, and this is not achieved without the support of people like James McGeoch putting in the work with the boys, most often in cold, rainy and dark conditions after trainings on Tuesday. Well done and thank you.

Head Coach Lachlan Anderson has come into our group only months before the start of what is undoubtedly the most turbulent period in the recent memory of Victorian hockey. We are lucky at Camberwell to have the calibre of coaching talent, leadership and professionalism that Ando brings. It’s been a pleasure working with you over these last few years and I am looking forward to seeing this all on display in the years to come.

Our group is also very lucky to be supported by a large cast of supporting characters, from parents helping out with the post match spread to those helping organise ball kids on home match days. These details are important and make our lives that much easier, thank you all very much.

Thank you to our club and men’s section who provide the foundation on which we’re able to build any of this. Support for ground bookings, anti-stacking assistance and player pathway development to name just a few items on this extensive list. The teams and club administration around us are really critical, and provide a huge amount of support on a weekly basis to help keep us running.

Finally, to our supporters - you’ve again set the bar in crowd numbers and enthusiasm, from trips to Shepparton and Geelong to massive games such as the Bert Batch Cup and our home qualifying final. It was brilliant to have you all there loud and pumping up the boys for our match on Saturday.

Enjoy the off-season everyone.
Hamish Prior