Season 2007 was one of wild swings and roundabouts for the OMFC. The first two games were won by 72 points (over finalists St. Kevin’s) and 68 points over Melbourne High. Long term injuries to key players then occurred before we faced the other three finalists. A run of 7 losses followed. Although some important players returned from injury during this time, some lacked form, and the long period of losses demoralised the team, which appeared to have forgotten how to win. The low point came with a 52 point loss in freezing conditions to Caulfield, which won its first game for the year.

The turn around came with a 42 point victory over Caulfield three weeks later, in an odd fixture necessitated by the drought and the consequential condition of the grounds. This was the first of four sequential games the OMs set out to win. Next up was St. Kevin’s, and with a 28 point lead at half time, the game seemed to be in the bag. However, the team inexplicably went to sleep, allowing the Skevs to do as they pleased in the third quarter, and go on to win by 14 points. The plan was put back on track with a classic one point win against Marcellin at Marcellin – an accomplishment believed achieved by the OMs for the first time in over 20 years. Melbourne High then felt the brunt of Dark Blue fury to the tune of 96 points.

The OMs went to Essendon to take on then-ladder leaders Old Essendon. But for inaccurate kicking, the OMs would have led throughout the game, rather than merely holding Old Essendon. The intense pressure exerted by the OMs to hold Old Essendon could not be maintained, and the deficit blew out in the final quarter. However, it proved the OMs were capable of taking it up to the best. By this stage players who were in form in 2006 but not 2007, such as “Funky” Farquharson and Mark “The Berrigan Basher” Hawkins had returned to form. They played a critical role in the next game, a classic 11 point victory over Beaumaris at Beaumaris. It was a game in which the OMs’ ability to play as a team was displayed at its best. There followed a 67 point loss to St. Bedes, the likely B Grade premiers, which was significantly better than the 137 point loss in Round 5, but the loss the following week to Uni Blacks was frustrating, as the team showed no signs of its recent form and its ability to play very well as a team. It was a game that should have been won, and which would have secured the OMs’ place in B Grade. However, perhaps preferring heart-stopping contests, the OMs’ loss meant a final round showdown with Ajax, with the loser falling to C Grade.

It was a frustrating season. At full strength at the outset, the OMs showed they were a force to be reckoned with, and were capable of contesting the finals. Wins against the OMs by Old Essendon and Uni Blacks occurred in an unconvincing fashion, and suggested the OMs at full strength would be successful against them. St. Bedes was perhaps the only team the OMs might struggle to match, but if this suggested a full strength OMs would make the B Grade grand final, it equally suggests a full strength OMs in form could return to A Grade. Many blows were suffered at the end of the 2006 season due to retirements, players going overseas, others seeking new challenges in other leagues, and some simply refused to stay and fight for the Dark Blue in its time of need.

The season showed that despite the players lost after last year, we have players in our ranks who can do the job. Existing players such as Andrew Prowse took a huge step up in their ability to play the game. Rod Matthews made a permanent move to the Seniors and his ability to get the ball in front of goal was hugely important. Moose was perhaps the fittest he has been, and Hamish Turner’s games before he was concussed were notable for his fierce attack and natural leadership. The return to the OMs of captain Barclay Dixon was timely, and his playing despite long term injury was inspirational. Shep continued to fight hard for his beloved Dark Blues, and Russo’s skills and determination proved the difference in several games. Nick Russell became more of a permanent fixture in the Seniors, and his mobility and passionate attack made him a useful utility player.

The Seniors were also the beneficiaries of many former under-19 players who were very successful in 2006. Tough and very capable competitors such as Tom Bennison and Will Kiel became regular players, along with Ned Morrison, with his excellent footwork, and Ben McKie, who was baptised in the fires of hell in defence during the long losing streak. Chris Righetti worked very hard and enthusiastically to often feature amongst our best players, and Charlie Wilmoth battled strongly, and kicked the most famous point of the year. Sam Playfair made attack off the halfback line an art form, and was critical to the success of the OMs. Nick Lawler played some handy games, but his best is yet to come.

To quote Fly, “Take care of yourselves”, and we look forward to the return of all Dark Blues and Coach Russell "Fly" Morris in 2008 to step up the campaign for a return to A Grade in 2009.