Seniors
Coaches report
This week we took on Noble Park at home.
We had Lachie Christie and Flynn Cocking making their senior debuts and also had Tom Highmore return from VFL duties.
We started well and our pressure on the ball carrier was good. Our ball use of half back was also at it highest level so far- the addition of Highmore’s elite ball use helped this. Josh Tovey started well- winning clearances and also kicked out first 2 goals both from long range.
It was good to take a lead into quarter time for the first time this year.
We maintained the effort in the second quarter with 30 tackles for the quarter but perhaps did not take full advantage of the momentum but held a 3 goal lead at half time. We did lose Bryce Milford to a shoulder injury just before half time. Jimmy Menzies had a good first half working high up the ground and taking several marks.
This year we’ve played with great intensity for patches on games against high quality opposition but struggled to maintain it for long enough. This is the test we would face again.
Early in the third Noble got control of the clearances and contested ball with Kyle Martin, returning from long term injury for Noble, starting to having an influence. We did steady in second half of the quarter with Joe Fisscher having an outstanding 10-15 minutes which swung the game back our way just before 3/4 time.
The last quarter was an arm wrestle with Noble continuing to come at us of the back of Bailey Lambert, who kicked 8 of their 10 goals, they hit the lead with 2 minutes to go.
The next centre clearance was crucial and Tovey won it with strength and power and kicked the ball long forward and 18 year old Menzies came from 4-5 deep and took a strong mark. He then went back and with great composure under pressure to put us back in front and soon after the siren went to signal a great win for our footy club.
Menzies and Fisscher with 3 goals each were great. Tovey and Smith were both excellent around the ball and Landy did another great job on a league medal winner in Sketcher. Tom Highmore’s addition to the team added excellent leadership and ball use and decision making above our level so he was treat to have as coach and I’m sure his teammates enjoyed him playing also.
It was terrific for the players to get reward for effort Saturday and was a very memorable home and away win. We had 11 teenagers as part of the 22 and 2 others that have just turned 20 and to have them enjoy a win against one of the traditional league powerhouses was great for their development. Hopefully, this provides belief that we are on the right track.
-Brett Moyle
Reserves
Under 19s
