Coaches Report - R17
A's B's & C's vs Golden Grove and D's vs Uni Grey
A Grade Match Report: Round 17 2025 v Golden Grove
The enormity of the challenge heading into this weekends game was not lost on the players. The form side in the competition on their home deck which has been a fortress for them over the entirety of the season presented a challenge which we had been building for during the back half of this season.
Conditions were favourable for a fast game with only a swirling breeze expected to present some execution challenges in front of goal.
The first quarter definitely set the tone for the game, it was going to be a battle for territory with defence playing a huge part in the final outcome. We adjusted early to the conditions and the ground which we had discussed during the review. Darci Best found his feat against the competitions leading goal kicker early and James Warton continued on as one of the games best clearance midfielders. An 11 point deficit at the qtr time break.
The second provide us and our supporters the promise of what was to come with our ability to defend and use the ball through the corridor challenging our opponents defence. James Butterworth back from a break began to control stoppage and Damon Stepic was a standout in defence. The main break we had cut the deficit to just 4 points.
A reset at the break and some belief in what we had shown in the second was the message at the break. The third was arguably our best quarter of the season , we simply dominated all facets of the game, centre bounce with Warton racking more and more of his 13 clearances for the game, Stefan Lanzoni struck a purple patch kicking two, one a contender for goal of the year and two further assists , along the way a team lifting smother. At the siren we had kicked 6 goals and held a 15 point lead.
Our opponents the form team in the competition and desperate to maintain their winning record on their home deck were not going to be denied in the last. They managed to kick the first of the quarter and cut the lead to just 9 points. For the balance of the quarter team defence and contest after contest was played in a finals setting. The quarter had it all along with significant involvement of the large crowd in attendance. With just 3 min to go we had maintained our lead by 9 points.
What was to follow we will learn from as a team in managing moments and minutes under the pressure. With 30 seconds to go our opponents had kicked two goals and held a slender lead of just 3 points. A final centre bounce and free kick had us with one final opportunity with a kick to the top of the square. On the siren it was not to be, a tough lesson for us but one we will learn from.
We now know. We look to our next challenge.
Final Score : ROCFC 10.13.73 defeated by Golden Grove 11.10.76
Goal kickers : S. Lanzoni 3, T. Bradford 2, T. McCormack 2, F. Wakelin 1, J. Boxer 1, X. Tranfa 1.
Best Players : J. Warton, D. Stepic, P. Dawson, D. Best, J. Butterworth
See you at the footy.
Damian Boots
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 17 2025 v Golden Grove
As we entered Round 17, our focus was firmly set on "Vision"—not just in terms of the game itself, but in looking ahead to where we want to take this group. It was about recognizing the journey we’re on and the growth we continue to show, no matter the challenges we face.
The first quarter saw us battling hard against a seasoned opponent. Despite some early setbacks and easy goals from them, we stayed competitive and fought with resilience. While we were down by three goals at quarter time, our intent and pressure were evident.
In the second quarter, our commitment to the contest never wavered. We worked tirelessly, and though we didn’t get the rewards for some of our efforts, the energy and effort were there. We were up against a strong side, and while the scoreboard showed us trailing by 6 at halftime, we knew that if we could sharpen up, the game was still within reach.
The third quarter was a tough one, with some unforced turnovers that allowed our opponents to capitalise. Even then, there were moments where we showed glimpses of the fight that has defined us this year. Though we were not at our best, we were still in the game, and that’s a reflection of the group’s heart and commitment.
Heading into the final quarter, we challenged the lads to dig deep and reclaim some pride. And to their credit, they responded in a big way. The intensity and desire to finish strong was evident, and we almost turned the tide with a much-improved quarter.
While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, it’s important to acknowledge the determination and resilience that this group continues to show, even when faced with adversity. We’ve had a dip in form against the quality sides, but there’s no doubt that the lads will regroup and finish the season with the same passion and drive they’ve shown for most of the year.
Let’s keep the focus, keep building, and finish strong—together.
Final Scores: ROCS 4.6.30 defeated by Golden Grove 17.13.115
Best Players: H. Shute, H. Twiggs, J. Thomas, J. Massie, S. Hearn
Goal Kickers: H. Twiggs 3, M. Daw 1
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 17 2025 v Golden Grove
Golden Grove is a strong club with depth in numbers and centred in a growth area are formidable opposition across all grades and at home they are even more so.
The game on the weekend was a dress rehearsal for the elimination final in 2 weeks’ time and it was certainly worthy of a final as a contest.
Pleasingly, with a number of key personnel missing and also some guys carrying niggles into the game, as a group despite being challenged consistently across the day we were able to remain composed and play 4 quarters to secure a confidence building win.
From a development viewpoint Harvey Wilson and Hamish Scheid led the way with their energy, attack on the ball, body, and creativity. Furthermore, Dion Bria stood up in the last term to take contested marks and kick 2 important goals.
Our M1 midfielders led their groups professionally and Adam Greenwoods work rate epitomised the mindset of the group, importantly a mid from each group hit the scoreboard when rotating forward.
This is an exciting time of the year and with 4-5 players to return competition for spots will see the demand for consistent performance and contribution on the track and game day escalate.
We look forward to finishing the minor round this week with a home game against Port District.
Final Scores: ROCS 11.08.74 defeated Golden Grove OC 06.15.51
Goal Scorers: Dion Bria 2, Paul Fantasia 2, Samuel Warren 2, Max Aufderheide 1, Adam Greenwood 1, James McGuinness 1, Matthew Mezzini 1, Hamish Scheid 1
Best Players: Harvey Wilson, Hamish Scheid, Adam Greenwood, Tom Grant, James McGuinness
Peter Pedersen
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 17 2025 v University Grey
Rocs Academy were fired up & ready to take on Adelaide Uni-Gray in our last home game for season 2025, looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss last outing.
Rocs worked hard to create fluent forward opportunities and with some brilliant quick ball movement had the scoreboard ticking over repeatedly. Despite some wayward shots on goal Rocs held a clear advantage around the ground, Rocs dominant & reliable defence combined with each other to hold the Uni-Gray forwards at bay & transitioned the football superbly into the forward 50 zone to help set up a great lead at the first break.
1/4 time score Rocs 5-4 vs Uni-Gray 0-1.
The second & third stanzas played out with a dominant Rocs taking complete control of general play, creating many forward opportunities and with some great run & carry teamwork used the footy effectively to create a fantastic & unassailable lead by 3/4 time.
3/4 time score Rocs 14-11 vs Uni-Gray 1-3.
The final qtr had both teams running out the game with some dominance & momentum of control in general play. But the Rocs had worked hard enough to set up a great 95pt win & lock in a top 5 position for the upcoming final series.
Final score Rocs 17.14.116 defeated Uni-Gray 3.3.21
Goalkickers- J. McInerney -5, L. Tripodi -3, S. Tagg -3, S. Marotti -2, A Condo -1, J. Thoday -1, P. Norris -1, M. Palmer -1.
Best players- D. Nitschke, M. Lombardi, L. Tripodi, M. Bowman, S. Tagg, J. McInerney.
Best team men- T. Barnes, D. Leggett, A.Condo. G. Psaradellis, P. Norris.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
