Coaches Report - R6
A's B's & C's vs SPOC; D's & E's vs Uni and LOSA vs Marion
A Grade Match Report: Round 6 v SPOC
There is a challenge every week in this competition and we know playing away always adds an extra layer, especially when you are aware our opponents were coming off a close loss on their home deck.
The post-match script confirmed we had produced one of our most complete performances of the season with a strong four-quarter effort against SPOC in Round 6. From the opening bounce, the side brought relentless ruthless pressure, strong contested work and disciplined team defence resulting in a final 30-point victory on the final siren.
As in most games there are moments or periods when momentum is against you, Saturday was no exception with our opponents controlling the ball and territory in the opening 15 minutes of the second term after a relatively even first quarter. It was during this period of the game that the complete performance began to materialise.
We stayed true to the process, with Josh Shute working hard to turn defence into offence we continue to hold our nerve and composure despite the deficit blowing out to a game high 22 points at one stage, from there through the inspiration of customary ruthless pressure from eventual best on ground Jett Boxer and a goal at the 16 minute mark we went on to kick the next 4 goals, 3 to key forward Tom McCormack, turning the momentum and the game leaving the margin as the first a 1 behind at the main break.
The third was again an opportunity to maintain the momentum, however our opponents were not going to be denied having the first three shots on goal in the quarter, grabbing the lead by 7 points. The next 25 minutes was all ROC’S starting at the source through the hard work inside from our relentless, midfield in Kemp, Tranfa and Murada we went on a burst of 6 unanswered scoring shots, which heralded some outstanding goals from Lanzoni, Wakelin, Boxer and Lymn to end the quarter up by just 11 points after a late flurry from our opponents.
The final was full of ROC SOLID character from every player, from the opening bounce you got the sense we were not going to be denied with acts of selflessness, incredible pressure in the contest and tackle pressure evident throughout the term. Wakelin kicked the first of the quarter to add to his 4 goal haul, then a team lifting running goal from second gamer Jules Piro, his first in the A Grade broke the game, leaving Jett Boxer to seal the game, albeit he potentially could have done this earlier from a freakish goal which was disallowed, but it was fitting he was the player to seal the eventual 30 point win.
A strong trademark win and yet another important step forward for the side, which allows us another opportunity to learn and look to next week.
Final Score: ROCFC 16.7.103 defeated SPOC 10.13.73
Goal Kickers: F. Wakelin 4, J. Boxer 3, T. McCormack 3, S. Lanzoni 2, J. Piro 1, B. Lymn 1, B. Baldwin 1, X. Tranfa 1
Best Players: J. Boxer, F. Wakelin, C. Kemp, X. Tranfa, E. Murada
See you at the footy.
Bootsy
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 6 v SPOC
Round 6 was all about continuing to strengthen the connections we’ve been building as a group. It started on Friday night with a pasta night and team get-together ahead of facing a side that had gotten the better of us recently. The bond within this young group continues to grow every week, and the progress we’re making is incredibly exciting to watch.
The first quarter saw our opponents dictate terms for the better part of the contest early, but credit to the lads — they worked their way back into the game through effort, trust, and working for each other. We finished the quarter four points up, and if we had capitalised a little more in front of goal, the margin could have been even greater.
The second quarter was a true arm wrestle. Neither side gave an inch, and the intensity and fight from both teams was outstanding. We managed to edge the quarter by a point and went into halftime with a five-point lead. I felt our effort and ability to stick to the task deserved even more reward on the scoreboard.
The third quarter was very similar to the first, with our opponents bursting out of the blocks and gaining valuable territory. While we were under pressure, the resilience from this group stood out again. The boys dug in, defended with courage, and refused to let the opposition score easily — something that may not have happened last season. We entered three-quarter time five points down, but there was still enormous belief within the group.
At the final break, we challenged the lads to produce 22 minutes of ruthless football and not let the opportunity slip. What followed was an incredible last quarter full of courage, determination, and selfless acts for one another. Not only did we win the game, but our opponents looked like they were never going to score. It was a statement finish from a group that is growing rapidly in confidence and belief.
What makes this even more exciting is just how young this team is. We had 14 players aged 19 and under, and the oldest player on the ground was only 23. That says so much about the future of our football club. This young group is learning how to win, learning how to handle pressure, and continuing to grow stronger together every single week.
The belief within this squad continues to build, and while we know there is still plenty of work ahead, the future is incredibly bright. We now turn our attention to an archrival who remains undefeated. The boys will embrace the challenge, knowing that when we play our brand of football at our best, we can match anyone on any given day.
Final Scores: ROCS 912 (66) defeated SPOC 8:6 (54)
Best Players: T. Griffiths, L. Rust, T. Bradford, H. Shute, D. Huppatz
Goal Kickers: T. Griffiths 3, A. Ismail 1, H. Maxwell 1 T. Bradford 1, S. Carey 1 Z. Searle 1, M. Aufderheide 1
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 6 v SPOC
Round 6 is brought to you by $40 beers at St Peter’s. That’s right. $40 beers. Well, that’s what it said on their Facebook page and that’s how we read it anyways. We took on St Peter’s at 12:15pm. Again, just to exaggerate. 12:15pm. Someone must have gotten the scheduling wrong over there. The price of beer and the change in time wouldn’t deter us from playing ROCS football. Probably a little bit of an unspoken rivalry between ROCS AND SPOC. You can definitely feel the tension between the two teams not just on the ground but within the fan bases to. Quite electric really.
The first half probably didn’t go our way. The scoreboard had us by 8 points at the half time break, but it felt like we weren’t getting a lot of things right. Losing sight of man coverage out of stoppage, being sucked into the contest around the ground and we felt like we were working way to hard with little reward for effort were a few of key factors that we needed to fix at the main break. However, a leader emerged from the group during the break in Noah Bischoff who got us to cool the jets, keep our heads up and keep moving forward.
Credit to Noah’s half time pick me up, our second half was a lot better. Backing our running capabilities, we know the no team can go with us. In saying that, our spread across the ground allowed us cleaner entries going forward and our run, carry and link up game out of contest looked really good as well. Ultimately allowing us to get reward for effort and put it all on the scoreboard. Them Dawgs of the C grade dug deep in the second half and came away for a gutsy team win away from home. In the words of Max Verstappen, “Simply Lovely”.
Riordan McNamara had his best game for the year. Been really consistent over the first six rounds but his rebounding off half back and his run to create was quite the highlight reel.
Adam Greenwood was an absolute ‘unit’ all day. His tackle and pressure acts around the ground and at stoppage has been great.
Harrison Twiggs keeps on providing the goods on a weekly basis. For a big man his tackling was “ROCK SOLID” and his willingness to get back and help our defence to take some important intercepts during the game was fantastic.
Thomas Matsis just does Thomas Matsis things. Such a powerful specimen in amongst traffic but also his confidence to run and carry is such a weapon for us.
Noah Bischoff had a really solid outing, got the team going when we needed that extra 10%. Played a really good in and under game, was clean by hand and foot and his applied some good pressure all day.
Final Scores: ROCS 11.8 (74) defeated SPOC 9.6 (60)
Goal Kickers: A. Elhonsi 3, D. Matthews 2, Tom Matsis 2, J. McGuinness, N. Karagich, J. Platten & M. Nitschke 1 each.
Best Players: Riordan McNamara, Adam Greenwood, Harry Twiggs, Tom Matsis & Noah Bischoff
We look forward to next week. Intercol week. A rivalry set forth since the Stone Age. 2 v 3 on the ladder. A match I know the team will want to get up for.
Choo Choo!!
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 6 v Adelaide Uni
Rocs Academy hosting Adelaide Uni-D in a midday clash, looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat last round.
A fired up Red & Blacks started well & were soon in control around contested possession, using teamwork to create forward entries and despite missing some easier shots on goal held Uni at bay with our backline working hard together to stop any scoreboard pressure.
1/4-time score Rocs 3-4 (22) vs Uni-D 0-2 (2)
A blistering start to the second stanza had Uni-D running everywhere over the ground to kick truly & kept their intensity around the ground controlling general play and were soon only a few points behind on the scoreboard. Gradually Rocs increased our pressure & started to create turnovers and with run & carry combined together well using quick ball movement to create some better forward opportunities to hold a handy lead by the long break.
1/2-time scores Rocs 5-7 (37) vs Uni-D 3-3 (21)
The second half was a much better effort from Rocs, taking the initiative to create some excellent team play, holding Uni-D to minimum impact, and powering away to storm to a commanding 51pt win despite having several players succumbing to injuries throughout the top of the table clash.
Final Score: Rocs 13-14 (91) defeated Uni-D 6-5 (41)
Goal Kickers: S. Marotti-3, C. Simile-2, P. Norris-2, J. Scutella-1, T. Grant -1, J. Avlonitis-1, A. Condo-1, M. Bowman -1, F. Shanahan -1.
Best Players: L. Nitschke, L. Tripodi, M. Lombardi, S. Marotti, J. Scutella, M. Dzido.
Best team men: C. Simile, M. Bowman, Wieu Kuach, T. Grant.
Congratulations to our Gun fullback Mark (the Duck) Dzido on playing his 100th game for the Rocs . The Duck has been a shining light for our team over many seasons, always doing his job on the competitions best forwards and setting a fantastic example for his team teammates.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade Match Report: Round 6 v Adelaide Uni
Facing Uni’s weaker side at home will always pose different challenges for the mighty “Ejects”.
Being at home always helps and we debut with Darren Leggett who played in the ’23 premiership win with me and he didn’t disappoint. Cheese Arnfield blew a hamstring in the first 3 minutes, so we were down to 2 on the bench as a player didn’t turn up as well.
It all started in the middle and again they didn’t let us down .
J-Mac along with Spehr and Lewis dominated. Litts rotated through the middle along with Mezzini and they both had excellent matches.
Bridge and Dutchy dominated up forward and young Walker-Roberts having his best game thus far for the team.
Brasher kicked 3 best of the forwards and should only get better from here.
Our backline was strong as ever led by The Bon, but we let them kick 3 in the last probably due to lack of fitness and rotations.
A solid performance by all but it would be nice to play our best team.
Big week in footy ahead as we play Uni(G) who are third on the ladder. I’ve rattled the tin and hopefully the entertainment will be out in full force.
We sit on the top of the tree now, but the next two matches will see what we are made of.
Get on board with us, hopefully I will see many of you this Sat at past players day or even better supporting us at Fred Block oval from 10.15am.
Final Scores: Rostrevor 12-12-84 defeated Adel Uni (F) 5-8-38
Best Players: Justin McInerny, Brendan Littler, Lachie Spehr, Tim Lewis, Dutchy Holland, Matt Mezzini, Alex Pietrobon.
Goal Kickers: Charlie Brasher 3, Darren Leggett 2, Lachie Spehr 2, Walker-Roberts, Bridge, J-Mac, Dutchy Holland & Matt Mezzini 1 each.
Keep it going boys, a lot more to come.
Tony Franzon
E Grade Coach
LOSA Round 6
Loreto OS 09 03 (57) defeated Marion 0 3 (3)
Goal Scorers: Annie Green 3, Tayla Gordon 2, Abbie Deegan 1, Maisie Honner 1, Megan Kate 1, Olivia Law 1
Best Players: Annie Green, Abbie Deegan, Olivia Law, Charlene Lee, Tayla Gordon
