Coaches Report - R9
ROCS with convincing wins in all grades over PHOS
A Grade Coaches Report - R9
Round 9 vs Phos Camden at Campbelltown 16/6/2012
Another very successful round for the ROCS with convincing wins in all grades. It was great to see some of the determination and professionalism that Michael Murphy instilled in this club many years ago still shining strong. After a minutes silence before the game, the A grade continued the fast starts we’ve become accustomed to. We had the Phantoms on the back foot in the first ten minutes with hunger for the contest and clean movement going forward. Luke Manuel kicked a fantastic goal and Drew Litster was providing his usual strong target. Phos managed to squeeze through our tight defence a couple of times to goal but at quarter time we looked the stronger side albeit not finishing on the scoreboard like we should have.
Kicking to what was the scoring end across the day in the second quarter, we were off to another strong start and had the game well and truly in control. Paul Fantasia was giving us a strong target across half forward taking some strong marks and getting plenty of his own crumbs which he handed off to running support. We consistently put pressure on the opposition and caused Phos to turn the ball over on several occasions to provide easy scoring opportunities. Will O’Malley, Craig Holm and Chris Pahl were leading from the front and their strength around the stoppages and gave us the ascendency on ball.
Phos, like any proud club down at half time, were bound to come out fighting. The ROCS however had other ideas continuing where they left off. When Phos did get the football, our ability to close in on their space made them gradually more and more hesitant to take a risk which played into our hands. John Corbett after a quieter first half showed his value getting plenty of the ball. Sometimes under pressure he still managed to hit targets and others without pressure where he sets the standard with silky skills kicking forward. Damien Moyle on his 21st Birthday continued to win his battle on the other wing and Steve McKenna had a real purple patch.
At three quarter time the players were asked to maintain concentration above all else. Any drop off in concentration seemed the only way we wouldn’t string four quarters together. With the game out of Phos’ reach they became quite physical and defensive dropping one, sometimes two guys back in defence. It was pleasing to see everybody continue to hunt the ball and hurt them on the scoreboard. The half backline particularly stood up well to repel any attack and often counter attack with Drew Lister on the end of a couple of nice movements finishing with 5 goals.
The B grade had an inconsistent day but finished full of running. It was great to see some fringe players and those coming back from injury continue to press for selection and put pressure on the A grade players. This is critical to our success and should not be taken for granted. Well done to the C grade on another big win. From afar it looked like the guys are really enjoying their football success.
Best Players: John Corbett, Craig Holm, Paul Fantasia, Chris Pahl, Steve McKenna
Goal Kickers: Drew Litster 5, Luke Manuel 3, Chris Pahl 3, Paul Fantasia 2, Jack Nelligan 1, Steve McKenna 1, Craig Holm 1, Scott Gilbert 1, Damien Moyle 1, Tom Birch 1
B Grade Report - R9
The B-grade played its best team game in over a month and in the process cleaned up Phos Camden (who were sitting above us on the table) by 35 points. It was an important day for the club and I was proud of the lad’s efforts and that they took the responsibility on to play for the club, Michael Murphy and our team mate Patrick "Murph" Murphy.
It was a good game to watch with both teams controlling the ball well and running the ball from one end to the other with good skills and link play. The first 15 minutes of the first quarter was very close free flowing football. PHOS Camden had an advantage in ruck, but our onballers were tough and hard at it, including our ruckman Patrick Holland who's second efforts after the initial ruck contest were excellent. After the last 7 minutes saw our lads burrow in hard and we started getting on top around the contest and clearances. As a result we kicked the last 2 goals of the quarter to take a handy 11 point lead into the break.
The second quarter was tight and tough footy. We didn't relent and we slowly got on top kicking 2 goals in the second term. We had 8 scoring shots and probably could have been up by more than the 27 point lead we had at half time. Pleasingly the team restricted the opposition to just 2 behinds for the quarter and just one goal for the first half. Our back six were superb and lead brilliantly by Damian Polkinghorne. He played the sweeping role to perfection and had a field day taking relieving marks. Simon Fitzgerald held down centre half back well and Trent Versace and Andy O'Connor gave plenty of run and drive out of the back line. Young Sam Wilson played well in an unfamiliar position at full back and Chuck Norris was having his best game for the year using his strength and experience to dominate from his back pocket.
While we were out scored 4 goals to 2 in the third quarter, it was really pleasing to see the side shut the game down when PHOS Camden got on a run, scoring three unanswered goals. This was the first time we have successfully shut the game down when the opposition gained momentum. Dale Sheedy went loose in defence and helped wrestle back and shut the game down for a few minutes. Then we were able to score a goal against the tide, through Fitzy thrown up forward, to take a handy 14 point lead into the final term.
The final term saw the team run the ball and play on at every opportunity, resulting in a 5 goal last quarter to run out 35 point winners. It was a really pleasing result as there was some definate improvement in the team play and our confidence seemed to grow as the game went on. Also pleasing was how hard it was to pick best players.
Tom Taylor deserves a special mention for playing against his natural game, to be a defensive centreman and he played the role really well. It is good when players do what is asked of them for the benefit of the team. Simon Fitzgerald kicked 3 goals (2 in the last qtr) after doing a good job at centre half back. Sam Bowler was very good from his wing all day. He ran well and presented options all day. He carried the ball and kicked a good goal in the first term. Young Shannon Castellano also deserves a special mention for the role he played within the back six when he came on. He was very dependable and it was good to see him take the game on with confidence. Luke Sheridan has played some very good footy in the past couple of weeks and he was very good for us again at the stoppages and kicked a couple of handy goals.
Fifth best went to Jeremy O'Leary who had plenty of the ball at half forward and as a rover. He carries the ball well with pace and his disposal is getting better. Fourth best went to Trent Versace whose confidence sees him play well in whatever position we need him to be in. His running and attack at the ball in contests and in the air is great to watch at the moment. Third best for an amazing effort in ruck was Paddy Holland. Paddy is a skinny 19 year old who would be best suited in a pocket or half back. However he has a huge heart and will take any challenge head on. He battled single handedly in ruck for 3 and a bit quarters before having to bring himself off absolutely stuffed. Second best went to Chuck Norris out of the back pocket who played his best game for the year and got better as the game went on and backed himself with his confidence and attack at the ball. The stand out best on ground went to Damien Polkinghorne. He played 4 exceptional quarters and racked up something near world record marks for the game. His composure and good skills gave the team plenty of drive from the backline. He has certainly put his hand up to get back into the A-grade next week, which is great for the club.
Every player should be proud of their effort this week and sorry if I didn't mention you today. Sitting at 5 wins from 9 games at the half way point of the season is not too bad....so far.
Glen Malkin
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report - R9
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Steve Edwards
C Grade Coach
