A product of the South Gawler Lions, with four medallions from the last four Bulldogs’ league titles – 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007, Sibenaler has been one of the unsung heroes of the Bulldog defence.

A junior with the Lions, Sibenaler had to do the hard yards playing under 19s and reserves football before breaking into senior ranks.

“Yves is a terrific clubman, and while he hasn’t got great skills he has reached the 100-game milestone on pure hard work,” coach Roy Laird said.

“He is one of the unheralded players but is highly valued by his teammates and the coaching staff.

“While he doesn’t collect huge stats, Yves always has good opponents, and is strong at the one-on-one contests.

“From a team sense, he does all the one per centers.”

Sibenaler made his league debut in 2001.

He suggested when he retires and reflects on his career, he would be satisfied he got the most out of his body and ability.

“I just do my job, week in, week out and have a drive to continue to improve all aspects of my game,” Sibenaler said.

His football hero as a lad was his father Xavier, “Zac” as he is known around the traps, and the Lions’ faithful will be pleased to hear that he is keen to have at least one more season in the South Gawler jumper, playing alongside his brother, Andrew.

Obst returns

Another former South junior Alan Obst in his second crack at AFL football this season was marginally more successful than his first attempt.

In the Kangaroos’ impressive victory over Hawthorn on Saturday, Obst played just over half the contest and more importantly didn’t have any major injury concerns.

Norsworthy cleared

South Gawler’s hard working president Jim Callander confirmed the South Gawler Football Club had last week cleared football journeyman Chad Norsworthy.

In the BL&G, Chad started at Kapunda then went to Willaston before heading to South.

After playing only half an A grade game and two under 17s matches in the Lions’ colours, he went to Central District, then South Adelaide before again returning to Willaston.

A son of Willaston premiership coach and former Central District league footballer Mark, Chad had played league football while at both Central District and South Adelaide. He was also third in the reserves Magarey Medal count in 2004.

All in the genes

When Freeling senior colts beat South Gawler (SGFC) in round eight it may have been through a Lions connection.

In the Freeling team were twins Angas and Jake Martin.

Their dad Clyde is past Hamley Bridge president and 1979 South Gawler premiership player. Clyde is Yves Sibenaler’s uncle.

Their grandfather, the late Maurie, was a prominent South A grade premiership player in the 1960s. Maurie was Yves’ grandfather.

Freeling’s Corrie Eichner should be commended for his performance coaching this talented group of teenagers.

Freeling has never won a premiership in its 100-year history in any of the minor grades – 2008 could be a first.

CEO reported

Frustrated Central District CEO Kris Grant has been reported for abusing the umpires.

The alleged incident took place as the umpires were in the player’s race at Hamra Homes oval during the half-time break of the match against Glenelg last Saturday.

The statistics suggest there was a disparity of 21 free kicks with the count being 43 to the Bays as opposed to 22 for Central District.

At half time, the count was 25 free kicks to Glenelg and only nine to the Bulldogs.

The field umpires in charge of the contest were Tony Dey, Chris Carey and Colin Rowston.

“Officially he has been reported and the SANFL will deal with it through their processes, however on a scale of one to 10 this is at the lowest end,” said Central District president and former player, Tom Zorich.

“Kris is highly respected and the longest serving administrator in the SANFL competition, with over 30 years of committed service to our club.

“There is no disrespect to Glenelg in this issue, as they were the better team on the day.”

Spicer’s support

They are a close group at Barossa District.

When Aaron Spicer was fined by the association for his non-attendance at representative training and unavailability on June 7 for the match against the Hills Football League, each of his team mates and the members of the coaching staff dived into their respective wallets and each gave $10 towards the fine of $250.

“From a football and club perspective we all should be extremely disappointed with this short-sighted decision,” said Bulldog coach Rian Nelson.

“As a coach, and as I consider all coaches in this association do, we encourage our players to display sound character and principles.

“The decision by Aaron to give something back to his employer who has been very supportive of Aaron’s football and family, to me shows that Aaron Spicer is of good character.

“I am confident in saying that in each year of a football season players do miss the occasional game with work or study commitments and just this year the date of one of the association trainings was changed to accommodate another member of the team’s work commitments, which I believe was in the best interests of the team.

“I am not in any way discouraging the concept of association football and having been involved with the association team for the past two years have personally enjoyed the experience, however to run it as a dictatorship and expect players to put this ahead of employment, to me, is wrong.

“After attending the tribunal on Wednesday night and then explaining the outcome to my players on Thursday night, the injustice I felt was served had a positive impact on the group and as a whole, the team decided to each put in $10 to pay the fine.

Apology

Last week, I mentioned that Scott Rohlach played his 200th game for Tanunda in the match against Barossa District.

That was incorrect, it was actually Shaun Rohlach who notched that outstanding milestone.

I apologise to Shaun, his family and the Tanunda Football Club.