Coaches Report - R8
A's B's & C's vs TTG; D's vs Port Districts; LOSA vs Adelaide Uni
A Grade Match Report: Round 8 v Tea Tree Gully
After a well-deserved break in the season we hit the road and headed out to take on Tea Tree Gully on their home deck. We have mentioned all year how important winning away is in the season and so our focus was for a fast start to the game. Conditions were again a challenge which is not uncommon in the month of June, but it is always the same for both sides. Being comfortable being uncomfortable is one of the trademarks of our side.
The opener marks an opportunity to set the tone of the game and build the scoreboard. Eventual best on ground Beau Baldwin started the game where he has all season generating ball from inside. Wakelin fresh from State duties looked ominous forward kicking the opening goal of the game from some strong work ahead of the ball. Defensively we closed down our opponents through Josh Shute and Damon Stepic both reading the play and intercepting their entries. We ended the quarter just 14 points which could have been greater had we been more efficient from our 7 shots on goal.
We knew in the conditions and our respect for our opponents on their home deck we were going to be challenged at some point in the game. Any brief lapse in focus or shape or intensity in this competition can prove to the spark any opponent can use to create some momentum. With the final review of the game highlighting 62% of the scoring to the Northern end of the ground it wasn’t a surprise our opponents gained some ascendency. The quarter was largely played in their front half however our pressure forced them wide and pressured shots on goal left the margin at the main break at just 3 points.
Some minor changes at the break and refocus on our shape around the contest we headed into the third confident to break the game open. Jett Boxer along with Tom McCormack provided us with the spark in the quarter both contributing two goals each , together with a pivotal major from long range Josh Shute we regained the scoreboard pressure we were searching. Defensively as a team we were Rock Solid holding our opponents to just three behinds for the quarter. Pressure at the contest from El Murada and in our front half from the likes of Josh Bradford and Jules Piro proved crucial in the context of the game. The margin back out to 33 points at the final break.
Our opponents were not to be denied, and they opened the final quarter full of run, clearly aware the Northern end of the ground was the scoring hub. Their momentum in quarter and the contest was eventually broken with a clutch snap goal from Beau Baldwin following an assist from debutant Lucas Rust to seal the game. Paddy Baldwin typified the effort in the final. Banged up after giving us first use all game , he remained on ground clearly under duress to ensure we challenged them aerially and at stoppage. His tireless performance for 4 quarters was in the end the barometer of the side, finally coming away with a strong 25 point win at the final siren.
A strong return after the bye, one we will look to review, learn from and head to next week.
Final Score : ROCFC 10.8.68 defeated TTG 5.13.43
Goal Kickers : T. McCormack 3, F. Wakelin 3, J. Boxer 2, B. Baldwin 1, J. Shute 1.
Best Players : B. Baldwin, P. Baldwin, E. Murada, F. Wakelin, J. Bradford
See you at the footy.
Damian Boots
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 8 v Tea Tree Gully
The group entered our Round 8 clash fully aware of the importance of not only this game, but the next four weeks as a whole. This block of matches presents a great opportunity to position ourselves strongly in the race for a top five spot. While we remain humble and focused on the task at hand, this young group should also be excited about what lies ahead and the possibilities they are creating through their hard work and commitment.
The opening quarter was played in relentless rain, creating extremely challenging conditions for both teams. I felt we adapted better, with our ruthless brand of football on full display. We continued to move the ball forward at every opportunity and embraced the contest, taking an eight-point lead into the first break.
The conditions remained difficult in the second quarter, and our bigger-bodied opponents began to work their way into the game. While we weren't at our absolute best during this period, our relentless attack on the football and willingness to compete kept us in front. At half-time, we held a narrow but deserved three-point lead.
During the break, we spoke about being a little smarter around contests and paying closer attention to our opponents' stoppage setups. We also challenged ourselves to create energy despite the difficult conditions. The response was outstanding. Once we began moving the ball on our terms, we were able to break the game open. Some of our ball movement in the wet was exceptional, and we took a 15-point advantage into the final change.
The last quarter presented another challenge. Our opponents threw everything they had at us and managed to close the gap to just three points with around eight minutes remaining. They had built some momentum and were applying significant pressure. What happened next was the most pleasing part of the day. Rather than becoming rattled or distracted, our players remained calm, trusted each other, and stayed committed to the way we wanted to play. The result was four unanswered goals in five minutes that put the game beyond doubt and secured another outstanding away victory.
The maturity shown by this young group was remarkable. Throughout the game they faced not only difficult weather conditions, but also situations designed to test their composure and discipline. Their ability to stay focused on the contest, respect the game, support their teammates, and refuse to be drawn away from their team-first approach was a credit to every player. The level of poise and self-control they displayed was well beyond their football years.
As coaches, that is what makes us most proud. This group continues to demonstrate outstanding character, resilience, and belief in one another. We now have three more opportunities ahead of us in this important block of games, and we must continue to push forward with the same hunger, humility, and determination that has driven our season so far.
Final Scores: ROCFC 10.8.68 defeated TTG 7.3.45
Best Players: M. Daw, S. Hearn, A. Davis, T. Bradford, S. Carey
Goal Kickers: B. Spehr 3, M. Daw 2, S. Carey 2, S. Zealand 1, S. Hearn , A. Ismail 1
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 8 v Tea Tree Gully
Round 8 saw the ‘Primetime Ballers’ travel to Tea Tree Gully Football Club. Home of the Wolves. That’s what the logo shows but I have never actually heard anyone call them that. Figure that one out. Anyways, the BOM’s predictions of the weather is usually wrong however they got it right just for Saturday’s match. Rain and lots of it. The oval was damp and the middle was full of water puddles and sloppy mud. Oddly enough we tend to play our best football in the wet, so I know the players were super excited. The only thing more exciting than collecting the ‘W’ was hitting the showers after the game. Unfortunately that was a huge disappointment. Tea Tree Gully; fix your water system. It’s trash.
Speaking about the game on Thursday night we agreed that we can’t underestimate our opponents. Gullies play a very physical brand of football and are always strong on their home deck. To the team’s credit they couldn’t have played a more perfect game. A full 4qtr effort. The team’s two-way football was on show. Structurally set up behind the ball really well and limiting gullies to under 10 inside 50’s for the game. Our transition out of our back half to our forward half was clean and smart and our pressure rating would’ve been through the roof. The team were relentless all day and played a great brand of ROCKSOLID football. Regardless of what the opposition were like, it was the best game we have played all year.
All players on the day played a vital role in the team’s win and success against Tea Tree Gully. It was incredibly hard to pick 5 of the best players on the day because everyone deserves a big rap for their efforts.
Ash Wakelin: Played on the HBF and was superb all day. Was clean in the contest, strong on the ground and made smart decisions by foot.
Jordan Huppatz: a coaching masterstroke. Huppo’s attitude towards trying a new position and playing CHB was fantastic. And it showed on the weekend. His ability to win the contest and continue with 2nd and 3rd efforts was fantastic. He read the play really well and created a lot of drive and quickness in our D50.
Lewis Matsis: better known as ‘Horse’ worked like a horse all game. Effort after effort. Set the tone in the midfield with his clearance work and transition out of stoppage.
Sam Warren: Wazza played his 100th game against Gullies. A fantastic effort from a fantastic teammate and an even better person. Wazza was fantastic all day. Working tirelessly through the midfield and creating opportunities up forward.
Amer Elhosni: started the game really strong up forward and his pressure acts around the ground were elite. Finishing with 4.4 for the game. A real reward for effort.
A fantastic win by the team. We move on to another opponent who will be looking to get there season back on track with Salisbury North making their way down to Campbelltown Memorial Oval in watch should be a thrilling encounter.
Final Scores: ROCFC: 19.17.131 defeated Tea Tree Gully: 1.1.7
Goal Scorers: A. Elhosni – 4 D. Matthews, Coach – 3 T. Grant - 1, A. Greenwood - 1, W. Kuach - 1, L. Matsis - 1, T.Matsis - 1, J. McGuinness - 1, H. Twiggs - 1, L. Tripodi - 1, S. Warren - 1
Best Players: A. Wakelin, J.Huppatz, L. Matsis, S. Warren, A. Elhosni
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 8 v Port Districts
Rocs on the road taking on Pt. District in a Prime time 4:45pm Match up on a wet & wintery Saturday afternoon...
Trying conditions greeted the players to start a scrappy first stanza with both teams defensive unit under pressure. Rocs managed to produce some run and carry play with our forwards combining well to score accurately as the games momentum swung between the two sides.
1/4 time scores Rocs 3-1(19) vs Pt. District 2-3 (15)
The second quarter had Rocs holding the advantage early in the contest increasing scoreboard pressure. Both sides increased their attack on contested possession which sparked some overly aggressive action around the ground .
During a scuffle Rocs suffered a send-off rule, and the team started to unravel for the rest of the game, Pt. District could sense an unsettled opponent and took complete control of general play with Rocs lucky to be a few points behind at the long break.
1/2 time scores Rocs 5-3 (33) vs Pt. District 5-7 (37)
Pt. District were relentless with their teamwork and attack on contested possession despite Rocs trying their best to create some better teamwork Rocs were totally blown away during the second half . A disappointing result for the Red & Blacks who have plenty of hard work to do over the next few weeks.
Final score ROCFC 5.6.36 defeated by Pt. District 10.16.76
Goalkickers- S. Tagg, J. Scutella, C. Pietrafesa, C. Simile, L. Saccone all 1 goal.
Best players- M. Lombardi, J. Scutella, B. Warren, S. Tagg, H. Dawson, L. Nitschke.
Best Team men - A. Condo, J. Munchenberg, L. Saccone.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade - BYE
LOSA - Round 8
Loreto OS 02 02 (14) Defeated by Adelaide University 06 06 (42)
Goal Scorers: Annie Green 1, Sophie Haines 1
Best Players: Tayla Gordon, Abbie Deegan, Annie Green, Phoebe Smith, Scarlett Pearce
