Coaches Report - R9
A's; B's & C's vs Salisbury North; D's vs Uni; E's vs Walkerville & LOSA vs Gepps Cross
A Grade Match Report: Round 9 v Salisbury North
Saturday marked round 9 and the end of the first half of the season. A home game on offer against a side and club we have a rich history against. After the week of persistent rain the ground conditions were again heavy.
The opening quarter can at times give an insight into the contest, but this was far from the case Saturday as we battled hard to control the game. Brad Lymn taking on the number one ruck role jumped over their highly regarded ruck combination allowing our on ballers especially eventual best on ground Beau Baldwin to get to work. Kicking the opening goal from long Josh Shute gave us a spark of energy early. But two scores in red time gave our opponents the lead at the first break by 6 points.
Unfortunately our lead in the first quarter was the final time we headed our opponents. The second was where the game got away from us, despite numerous entries inside 50 were unable to generate any connection and the ball rebounded straight out . Our ball use fell in a hole and our opponents seized on these midfield turnovers to create repeat entries and scoring opportunities which they took. Our back 6 battled hard with the likes of Josh Shute and Hayden Swanbury to try and stem the flow but at the siren they had jumped out to a 22 point lead.
Into the third after some adjustments we showed glimpses of flow in our game and through the agency of Jett Boxer who kicked two in the quarter we looked more like us however turnovers by foot and our inability to pressure their transition and spread frustrating any push to generate scoreboard pressure. The siren left us 23 points behind.
A 23 point margin was not a big ask in the context and that was the message. Unfortunately we were unable to alter the pattern of the game. We had to work hard to create opportunities to score in spite of our poor decisions and ball use in the final quarter. This landscape handed our opponents clear unpressured air to finish the game and take the win by a game high 28 point margin.
A disappointing performance for sure, but at the halfway mark we remain positive as to where we stand and will remain Rock Solid as we look to learn from Saturday and work into the second half of the season.
Final Score : ROCFC 5.8.38 defeated by Salisbury North 8.18.66
Goal Scorers : J. Boxer 2, T. McCormack 1, J. Shute 1, X. Tranfa 1
Best Players: B. Baldwin, B. Lymn, H. Swanbury, J. Shute, F. Wakelin
See you at the footy.
Bootsy
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 9 v Salisbury North
As we reached the halfway point of the minor round, we set our sights on another important win against a side that had produced some mixed results leading into the clash. This game also marked week two of our four-week challenge, with the group determined to win all four matches and strengthen our position inside the top five.
The opening quarter was undoubtedly our best first quarter of the season. There was plenty to be excited about in the opening 22 minutes, with our ball movement and connection from defence through to attack at an exceptional level. The way we linked up across the ground created opportunities and allowed us to establish a deserved 19-point lead at the first break.
As the conditions began to deteriorate, the game became a scrappier contest and momentum started to shift. While both teams scored evenly during the second quarter, we maintained our 19-point advantage, it was clear our opponents were working their way back into the game and applying increasing pressure.
At half-time, we discussed the need to adjust to the conditions and regain the field position that had been such a strength in the opening term. We felt we had drifted away from some of the things that had served us so well early. Unfortunately, we missed a few opportunities going forward, and our opponents capitalised to set up an exciting finish.
The final quarter was a fiercely contested and physical battle. When the opposition kicked two goals, the game was well and truly on. While our second half wasn’t at the standard we expect of ourselves, the group showed tremendous resilience, composure and determination when it mattered most, holding on for a crucial five-point victory.
What stood out most was the character of this young group. Their fight, courage and willingness to compete for one another were on full display. While we know we didn’t produce our best football for long enough periods, we also recognise that this is a game we may not have won in previous years. The growth, maturity and belief within the group continue to develop each week.
This team is committed to improving and becoming the best version of itself. The players are eager to learn, embrace feedback and put in the hard work required on the training track. We will take valuable lessons from this performance, continue to build our game, and attack the second half of the season with confidence and determination as we look to keep our mid-season quaddie alive.
Final Scores: ROCFC 6.7.43 defeated Salisbury North 6.2.38
Goal Kickers: D. Carbone 1, B. Spehr 1, T. Bradford 1, T. Griffiths, S. Carey 1, J. Smith 1
Best Players: W. Fanning, A. Davis, D. Carbone, T. Bradford, H. Maxwell
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 9 v Salisbury North
Round 9 welcome’s Salisbury North to Campbelltown Memorial Oval but also rounds out the first half of the season. If you hadn’t looked at the ladder prior to this game. Salisbury North was sitting 9th on the ladder with one win and a percentage of 14%. Definitely not a game that was going to put bums on seats, but the Primetime Ballers were hoping to get the scoreboard ticking over at a consistent rate. It’s very easy in these types of games to go through the motions because it’s a dead rubber and a certain victory due to Salisbury North’s latest results and position on the ladder. One thing that I have learnt this year is that no game is a certain victory.
The game got off to a very average start. Captain Cook thought we’re kicking to the ‘Guy Sebastian’ end of the field, so we all lined up in our positions until we got told that we were in fact kicking in the other direction to start the game. We appreciated Salisbury North’s honesty, but Cooky gets to spin the wheel for his error. This also led to Salisbury North controlling play for the first 5mins of the game. Allowing them to score the first point of the game. To the team’s credit, after that we decided to pull our heads in and flex our muscles. Scoring the next 147points of the game.
Some really good positives to take away from the game. Our territory game has improved a lot. How we set up structurally starting from our back six locking it down allowing the midfielders and forwards to go to work in transition. Being able to keep the ball in our front half of the ground for long periods of the game has been impressive. Our pressure on the ball carrier and forcing turnovers have been outstanding. Although we felt like we were in cruise control the whole game, every player who represented the C grade played their role and contributed to the team’s success.
Tommy Matsis has a standout game. We talk about flexing our muscles. He was the definition of that during the game. So much so that he chose not to wear a long sleeve guernsey just to flex his muscles. Expect the long sleeve to return next week but he had a great game in the midfield and kicking 4 goals, 6 behinds, and 2 out on the full. Well done!
Riordan McNamara was great of half back. When the ball did go in our back half was the ‘man’ that took charge and controlled a lot of the play. Providing a lot of run off the lines and even getting amongst the goal kickers.
Lewis Matsis continues on his merry way with another great outing. Did a lot of the dirty work in and out of stoppage. Was clean with ball in hand and provided a lot of run through the midfield.
Cole Thomas was a welcome addition back into the lineup after dislocating his thumb whilst taking his anger out on a stamp. Just kidding, Cole provided a lot of options around the half forward line and did some good things through the midfield.
Dylan Matthews made the most of his opportunities kicking 4 goals. Dylan has been a consistent contributor to the scoresheet all year, so it was good to see him have a standout game.
Final Scores: ROCFC 20.27.147 defeated Salisbury North 0.1.1
Goal Kickers: T. Matsis 4, D. Matthews 4, M. Aufderheide, L. Tripodi, C. Thomas 2 each, R. McNamara, J. McGuinness, T. Grant, D. Cook, A. Elhosni, N. Karagich 1 each.
Best Players: Tom Matsis, Riordan McNamara, Lewis Matsis, Cole Thomas, Dylan Matthews
That’s a wrap for the first half of the season. The C grade sit 3rd on the ladder with 7 Wins and 2 losses. Last year the C grade was 5 wins and 4 losses at the halfway mark. A great start to the 2026 season.
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 9 v Adelaide Uni
Rocs on the road taking on Adelaide Uni-E in very trying conditions after a week of solid winter weather. Rocs Academy feeling the pressure of 'silly season ' with injuries and long term unavailability effecting all grades throughout the club.
From the first bounce Rocs were under severe pressure all over the ground as Adel Uni handled the slippery conditions much better and were far more efficient with their forward entries, keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Rocs were chasing jumpers as costly turnovers across the ground stymied any promising play towards goal. A tired Rocs side finally kicked a point in the dying minutes to avoid being scoreless at the first break.
1/4:time scores Rocs 0-1(1) vs Adel Uni 4-3(27)
The second stanza produced a far better effort from the Red & Blacks as both teams exchanged control of general play but were unable to create scoring opportunities with both teams defensive structures holding up strongly. By the long break Rocs had plenty to look forward to as we at least kept Uni's big lead under control and could refocus on our strengths during the second half.
1/2 time scores Rocs 1-2(8) vs Adel Uni-E 5-7(37)
Disappointingly the Rocs were again chasing jumpers as Uni dominated the second half with ruthless efficiency, dominating possession and continuing to create forward opportunities as they pleased. Rocs continued to work together but could not find any clean teamwork to challenge the in complete control Uni team eventually succumbing to our biggest loss in the 2026 campaign.
Final Score: ROCFC 2-4 (16) defeated by Adelaide Uni 13-14 (92)
Goal Kickers: J. Scutella 1, C. Simile 1.
Best Players: J. Munchenburg, J. Scutella, M. Bowman, F. Shanahan, C. Simile, A. Condo.
Best Team Man: B. Warren, D. Campagnale, S. Emanuele.
Special mention to a great return to the game by Freshman Tom Fotheringham .
Fothers copped a devastating injury in his debut game and has recovered after some excellent work behind the scenes.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade Match Report: Round 9 v Walkerville
The blockbuster game was upon us. 1 vs 2 in the clash of what I think will be the grand final sides. The normal 10 in 10 out happened at selection and we lost a few of our senior players, but we went in excited and confident.
Our first ever 4.45pm game and the lads were pumped. I emphasised how important it was to back yourselves as a player and a Roccer, no one disappointed the club. In a magnificent performance the boys played good tough football.
Our stand in captain Lachie Spehr lead from the first bounce, he celebrated his 50th game in style. In a late call up Mitch Warren and Jack Draper answered the call and didn’t disappoint. As I’ve always said, our backline is why we win matches, they all were sensational with James Nyvit having a great night out, and Alex Pietrobon contributing significantly, but the best of them was Peter (pistol) Sianis. His first half was as good as I’ve seen by a player this season and I would say his best for the club.
The team as a whole stuck to the plan but in the end you must win the middle and kick goals. Mathew Mezzini, J-Mac and our midfield took control, Josh Massie our best mid reveled in the conditions, but in the end you must kick goals.
Young Charlie Brasher held down CHF and chipped in with 3, but at full forward was our best player in Dutch Holland he had a night out. 5 goals grabbed everything that came his way and was a significant reason for our winning. It is important to understand it was a magnificent team effort ALL PLAYED WELL.
To all the true believers we sit top, undefeated at the ½ way mark of the season. With a squad of 52 I’m sure the second half of the season will be as exciting as the first.
A lot more to come, watch this space as we prepare for our finals campaign.
Final Scores: ROCFC 12-9-81 defeated Walkerville 3-10-28
Goal Kickers: Kieren Holland 5,Charlie Brasher 3, Michaeal Boffa, Blake Walker-Roberts, Anthony Cream 1 each.
Best Players: Kieren Holland, Peter Sianis, Charlie Brasher, Josh Massie, Alex Pietrobon
Tony Franzon
E Grade Coach
LOSA - Round 9
Loreto OS 0 3 (3) Defeated by Gepps Cross 6 05 (41)
Best Players: Abbie Deegan, Astrid-Marie Powell, Scarlett Pearce, Tayla Gordon, Savannah Scaife
