This week, the Hakoah Feds family pay tribute to Jon Pillemer, whilst the Youth battled out a double-header against Schofields Scorpions and Mt. Druitt Rangers. We also get the next teammates edition from First Grade Scout Dino.

Jon Pillemer Farewelled in Fitting Style

Not many, if any, have given more to the Hakoah football club than Jon Pillemer. Over his 25-year career, he devoted a decade to the Hakoah cause, and was an inspiration both on and off the pitch. Sadly, Pillemer was forced to call time on his illustrious career through a hip injury suffered at the beginning of this season. Prior to that, he had still been training pre-season with the Hakoah Feds First Grade, a side that is yet to drop a point in the league. So on Sunday at the Hensley fortress, where Pillemer helped Hakoah win their first Grand Final in six years last season, hundreds flocked to farewell Pillemer in his testimonial match. The game was held between the teammates and legends of Maccabi-Hakoah, up against a host of former Socceroos and National League players that had played with Pillemer over the years. The team sheets looked as follows:

Maccabi Hakoah All-Stars 1 Andrew Prentice 1 Jose Bello Amigo 2 Russel Pillemer 2 Alex Tobin (c) 3 Hayden Foxe 3 Craig Sharpley 4 Gareth Martin 4 Eric Hristodoulou 5 Joe Vrkic 5 Craig Foster

6 Marc Robertson 6 Steve Karavatakis 7 Jonny Pillemer (c) 7 Jon Bonovoglia 8 Brad Maloney 8 David Zdrilic 9 Michael Pillemer 9 Jon Kosmina 10 Kimon Taliadoros 10 Peter Katholos 11 Richard Johnson 11 Francis Awaritefe 12 Hadley Missell 12 Bob Catlin

13 Jon Foxman 13 Jason Van Blerk 14 Jimmy Ashner 14 Zlatko Arambasic

15 Alex Robertson 15 Jason Taliadoros 16 Ricki Neumann 16 Tom Pontidis 17 Ryan Bloch 17 Vince Savoca 18 Daniel Joseph 18 Lawrie McKinna 19 Phil Wolanski 19 Con Paradiso 20 Mick Swibel

21 Eli Rimmer

22 Ron Malek

23 Barry Walker

24 Phil Filler

With SBS filming the game, and an array of reporters within the 600 strong crowd, Pillemer lead his Maccabi-Hakoah side out with distinction, showing the trademark ball control and tight skills that led him over to England in the late 80’s to trial with Tottenham Hotspurs youth team. Pillemer hit the upright twice during the match, but was unable to find the back of the net. The match ended 2-2, with Pillemer carried off to a standing ovation. Congratulations to Jon Pillemer for an unbelievable career that has ensured he will always be seen as a legend of the Hakoah Feds Club.

Clockwise from top left: Jon Pillemer at the full time whistle; All-Stars Captain Alex Tobin (left) talks tactics with Lawrie McKinna and David Zdrillic; Pillemer on the ball; Maccabi-Hakoah goalkeeper Andy Prentice dives to stop a shot; First Grade Coach Mark Robertson in action. Photos courtesy of Rob Rosen.

Firsts gets Washed Out, Reserves Leave it Late Report submitted by Hakoah Feds Committee. After the showcase of the testimonial match, the First Grade were rearing to go to get another three points and cement their favouritism for the title against Western Condors. However, the torrential rain made the Hensley pitch unplayable, causing the game to be abandoned after just five minutes. In the earlier game, the Reserves took home a 2-1 victory to secure gain ground on first placed Hawkesbury. Hakoah went 1-0 ahead in the 15th minute after Daniel Rabinowitz’ shot was put in by a Condor’s defender. However the boys lost focus, and allowed Condor’s to grab an equaliser in the 35th minute. Substitute Daniel Toblib was on hand to ensure three points went home with Hakoah, scoring in the 88th minute.

The Youths Battle a Double Header Weekend This week the Feds Youths were up against Schofields Scorpions on Sunday, as the prelude to the Jon Pillemer testimonial. The boys were then required to back up against Mt. Druitt Rangers the next day, in what would be a huge test to each side’s depth. Under 13s Report submitted by Ilan Zimmerman. The Under 13s opened the weekend with a strong 2-0 victory over the Scorpions. Goals fell to Saul Oberstein and Travis Druce. It was another sign of the quality that this side had. Sadly, the boys were unable to complete a six-point weekend, going down 0-3 the following day to top of the table Mt. Druitt. The boys fought hard, but in the end they were beaten by the better team. The Under 13s are now sitting in 6th place on the ladder. Under 14s Report submitted by Mark Riesel.

The Under 14s shared the spoils with Schofields in the weekend’s first match. Harry Buch found the net, but the boys were unable to find a winner, ending the match 1-1. The side struggled in the second game in two days, going down 0-4 to Mt. Druitt. The Under 14s are now 10th. Under 15s Report submitted by Lauren Machet. Photo collage by Kevin Berkowitz. The Under 15s were up against the 2nd placed Scorpions in what would be a massive test to the finals capabilities of the Hakoah side. Eager to set the tone from the off, Hakoah were creating the opportunities, causing havoc for the Scorpions defence. Jonathan Solomon had a goal disallowed early, but this just urged to boys on. Unable to find a breakthrough in the first period, the deadlock was finally broken early in the second period, with Solomon finishing from a pristine Simon Rouse through ball. Pushing for a second, Hakoah had numerous chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. Finally, with just minutes remaining, Jason Cohen made it 2-0, after a long clearance from keeper David Booth. The boys went down 1-2 to Mt. Druitt the following day in a tough outing against one of the top sides in the competition. Cohen again found the net, but the boys were unable to grab a late equaliser, which leaves them just outside the top 5. The Under 15s now sit in 6th on the ladder.

The Under 15s in action. Courtesy Kevin Berkowitz. Under 16s Report and photos submitted by Suzy Gaal. Up against the Scorpions, the Under 16s fell to a surprise 1-2 loss on home turf. Falling 0-2 down, Gilad Hersch clawed one back for the boys in the second half. Hakoah continued to pile on the pressure, and were the better team, howeber could not find an equaliser. Up against the ladder leaders, the boys rose to the challenge out in Mt. Druitt. In a tough, physical contest, Mt. Druitt found the net midway through the first period, before doubling their advantage after the break. Hersch was again a menace, but was not able to find the net this time around to kick-start a potential comeback. The Under 16s are now in 4th place.

Under 16 Gilad Hersch attacks the Mt. Druitt goal. Under 18s Photos submitted by Rob Rosen. The Under 18s sent the home crowd into raptures against Schofields, coming from 1-2 down to win 5-3. Josh Shubitz grabbed a hat-trick, whilst Sam Wrublewski and Harry Mahoney put away the others. Shubitz was again on hand to find the back of the net against Mt. Druitt, however the boys went down 1-2 in the end against the Rangers. The Under 18s now sit in 10th place on the ladder.

Under 18 Sam Wrublewski fires home against Schofields.

Some More Photos from the Testimonial Photos courtesy of Rob Rosen.

Youth Coaching Director Barry Walker.

R:L Hayden Foxe, Kimon Taliodoros, Alex Tobin.

L:R Under 18s Coach Richard Johnson, First Grade Coaches Hayden Foxe and Mark Robertson.

Reserve Grade Coach Alex Robertson.

Under 15 Coach Brad Maloney.

Feds Committee Member Ron Malek.

Race to the Golden Boot and Golden Glove As we pushed past the half way point of the season, the Golden Boot is Josh Shubitz’s to lose, as he put away four goals this weekend to cement his spot at the top of the standings. The Golden Glove is still in Dal Broi’s hands, as the First Grade game was washed out over the weekend. Here are the rules for both awards:

The player who scores the most goals across ALL seven Hakoah Feds teams is the winner.

The goalkeeper who concedes the least amount of goals in the season, across ALL seven Hakoah Feds teams, based on the number of games played, is the winner.

The Feds Committee reserves the right to adjust the criteria once they receive all the feedback from the coaches.

The winners will receive $500 worth of sports equipment thanks to Victor Sports.

If there is a tie, the award will be split. This includes if there are two goalkeepers in one team, who will then share the prize.

Here are the current tables for both awards.

The Victor Sports Golden Boot Award:

Rank Team Name Goals

1 U18 Josh Shubitz 16

2 Firsts Neil Jablonski 11

3 Firsts Justin Kosmina 11

4 U16 Leonard van

Santen 7

5 U15 Jonathan Solomon 7

6 U14 Jason Oh 6

7 U14 Harry Buch 6

8 U13 Asha Phillips 6

9 Reserves Nathan Schwartz 6

10 Firsts Jamie Watt 6

The Victor Sports Golden Boot Award:

Rank Team Name Goals

Conceded Games Played

1 Firsts Terry DalBroi 5 11

2 U16 Max Nightingale 16 13

3 U15 David Booth 17 13

4 Reserves Gil Pollak & David

Helfenbaum 16 12

5 U14 Brad Sarif 23 13

6 U13 Adin Ephraim 23 13

7 U18 Harry Rosen 33 13

Teammates … With Dino

First Grader Dino D’Agrosa is back this season with another segment to give you all an insight into the minds of the First Grade squad. Dino has gone round the squad, getting everyone to fill out a questionnaire on their opinions on their teammates. This week we feature First Grade’s departed Leadership Group member, Greg Moss. Name: Sir Gregory Simon Moss of New York Age: 28 Star Sign: Leo Nickname: Mossy Occupation: Lawyer and part time author (famous for the 'Hakoah Code of Conduct' otherwise known as 'The Fine Book') Playing Position: Any part of the bar Favourite Team: Hakoah/Central Park Rangers/Manchester United All Time Favourite Player: Roy Keane, closely followed by Jonny Pillemer Most memorable moment in football: 2011 Grand Final (although I wish I could remember who scored? Own goal maybe?) Toughest Opponent: My own two left feet. Hakoah Team Mates Best Trainer: Adam Joseph (only time he plays) Worst Trainer: Rani Rimmer ("can't coach what he's got") Most Skilful: Big Dave the GK. Fastest: Randall on sand. The Katman in bed in Gippsland.

The Joker: Jabba and the Katman. Sit down comedic duo! Most Intelligent: Deklan or Randall...for sure. Least Intelligent: Weissy Worst Dress Sense: Stevie Filler! Best Dress Sense: Big Daan...trendy f*cker. And….Who’s the longest in the shower: Even though Rani is black, he has never taken a shower so he is disqualified. Has to be the Dutchman... And finally…..If you were an alien, with your very own spaceship and you could abduct anyone on earth. Who would you abduct and why? Phil Wolanski...he would pick up the bar tab on Planet Panthers!

Editor’s note: Big Dave = David Helfenbaum

Randall = Michael Randall Katman = Mike Katz Jabba = Neil Jablonski Deklan = Deklan Gilmartin Weissy = Simon Weiss Daan = Daan Ranshuijsen

Awards of the Week Player of the Week: Leading out the Maccabi-Hakoah legends side, Jon Pillemer donned the Hakoah blues for one last foray on the Hensley fortress. In front of a massive crowd, Pillemer did not disappoint, showing his class numerous times against the All-Stars side that featured many former Socceroos. For a blistering career, as well as making a massive contribution to the Hakoah Feds over the period of a decade, Jon Pillemer is this week’s ‘Player of the Week’.

Jon Pillemer is this week’s ‘Player of the Week’. Photo courtesy of Rob Rosen.

Blunder of the Week:Up against the All-Stars side, Maccabi-Hakoah goalkeeper Phil Filler managed to embarrass himself for all to see.

Coming off his line to collect a through ball, Filler managed to bundle over All-Stars and former Socceroo striker Francis Awaritefe. In a scene that many thought was a staged attempt at physical comedy, Filler looked out of sorts as he tried to help up the shocked Awaritefe. The photo below captures the surprise for all to see. Take from it what you will!! For delivering such a moment in front of SBS cameras, as well as a full stadium, Phil Filler is this week’s winner of the ‘Blunder of the Week’.

Phil Filler (right) is this week’s ‘Blunder’ winner after his comedic collision with Francis Awaritefe (left).

The Upcoming Week The Feds Opens are up against Luddenham United this week on Sunday 17th June 2012 at Luddenham Oval, 229 Luddenham Rd, St. Marys. First Grade kick off at 3 pm. Reserves at 1 pm.

The Feds Youths are up against Stanmore Hawks on Saturday 16th June 2012 at Arlington Oval, Constitution Rd, Dulwich Hill. Game details are: Under 13: 8.30 am Under 14: 9.45 am Under 15: 11.10 am Under 16: 12.45 pm Under 18: 2.30 pm That’s all for this week. For any comments, Blunder nominees, questions or to unsubscribe, please email Sarah at hakoah.feds@gmail.com