Coaches Report - R10
A's B's & C's vs Athelstone; D's vs TTG & E's vs Pembroke
A Grade Match Report: Round 10 v Athelstone
After the disappointment of last week it was important to respond.
On the road it’s critical to start fast and build the scoreboard. To our opponents credit they controlled centre bounce and field position for the early stages of the quarter getting out to 20 point lead before we were able to register our first goal from ever reliable Tom McCormack. Our opponents made it a front half game placing pressure on our back 6 to intercept and run the ball from D50. This was the story of the pattern of play in the first. Another late goal in the quarter to McCormack had the deficit at the break at 6 points.
Having loosened the shackles of the slow start we addressed our run and emphasised stoppage and clearance advantage to regain territory and play some front half footy of our own in the second. The quarter was hard and contested with both sides evenly matched on the scoreboard at 1.5 each for the quarter. Hayden Swanbury and Josh Shute both proved telling in moments in the quarter with the deficit remaining at 6 points.
The main break an opportunity to reset, while we were making it hard at times and our game not flowing the way we would like, defensively we were holding it together and staying in touch. We were confident in our game that it would come if we maintained our composure. The opening goal went to our opponents, but we held our composure and continued to work hard both offensively and defensively. The pressure lifted across the ground forcing errors and turnovers for both sides. Then in the final 4 minutes of the quarter a team lifting snap for a goal from our skipper in Stef Lanzoni and a desperate lunging tackle from Josh Shute resulting in a goal from strong transition to Tom McCormack saw us gain the scoreboard ascendency we had searched for all game. The margin 2 points at the siren.
The scene was set for a huge final quarter. It didn’t disappoint. We have spoken all year about the importance of winning on the road and while our performance for the first three had room for improvement we had worked our way with conviction and ROCK SOLID belief we could get it done. Step in Jett Boxer. Jett who is having an outstanding season went on a burst in the final kicking 3.0 to push the margin out to a game high 10 points with 5 min remaining on the clock. Our opponents responded immediately with a goal to cut the margin back to 4 points. Enter Jett Boxer again…following a slick handball from Beau Baldwin , Jett had a flying shot to seal the game which went the other side of the stick. The margin 5 points. The game on the line and our opponents with ball in hand . The clock under 2 min. Coast to Coast would be required and from a hack kick from contest the ball landed in the hands of their captain 45m from goal. His shot went the other side of the stick. 4 points the margin , 20 seconds on the clock. Enter Josh Shute. His final kick in for the day, went to ground with our opponents again gaining possession and kicking inside 50. Again enter Josh Shute , one v two he killed the contest which saw Xavier Tranfa clear the ball as the siren sounded. Final margin 4 points.
A game of inches and a clear indication of the resilience of the side to withstand the pressure both on field and on the scoreboard to work our way into the game and come away with yet another win on the road.
A game we will review and look to learn from as we head into our next contest.
Final Score : ROCFC 9.10.64 defeated Athelstone 7.18.60
Goal Kickers : T. McCormack 4, J. Boxer 3, S. Lanzoni 1, X. Tranfa 1
Best Players : H. Swanbury, T. McCormack, W. Mead, X. Tranfa, J. Boxer, J. Shute
See you at the footy.
Bootsy
A Grace & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 10 v Athelstone
After seeing every team once, we entered the second half of the minor round with an important away game against an opponent that had struggled on the scoreboard in recent weeks. Despite that, our message to the group was clear—we couldn't afford to simply turn up and go through the motions, with every game crucial to our position on the ladder.
The opening quarter set the tone for what would become our most complete performance of the season. Our ball movement from defence to attack was outstanding, with the group transitioning the ball with confidence and purpose to establish a 34-point lead at quarter time.
At the first break, we spoke about maintaining our intensity and momentum. In previous games we had allowed sides back into the contest after strong starts, so the challenge was to continue applying pressure and playing our brand of football. Although our opponents kicked the opening goal of the second quarter, our response was excellent as we kicked the next four goals to head into half-time with a commanding 57-point lead.
After producing our best half of football for the year, we challenged the players to continue attacking the game, keep taking it on and maintain the same level of effort. Once again, the group responded brilliantly, winning the third quarter five goals to one and extending the margin to 87 points.
Our final focus was to complete a genuine four-quarter performance. Even after being reduced to no interchange bench in the final term, the players refused to take a backward step. Their work rate, resilience and willingness to keep playing attacking football never wavered as they finished with an outstanding 122-point victory.
This was without doubt the group's best four-quarter performance of the season and another terrific example of the continued development of this young side. Week after week they are growing in confidence, understanding and belief in the way we want to play. Their willingness to learn, embrace challenges and play for one another continues to drive their improvement.
While we quickly turn our attention to next week's match against an opponent capable of testing us in different ways, this performance provides another benchmark for the group. If we can continue to bring the same effort, discipline and commitment across all four quarters, this young team will continue to grow and put itself in a strong position for the remainder of the season.
Final Scores: ROCFC 20.20 (140) defeated Athelstone 3:0 (18)
Best Players: S. Hearn, W. Fanning, S. Zealand, T. Bradford, P. Vorrasi
Goal Kickers: S. Zealand 6, M. Daw, 2 A. Ismail 2, T. Bradford 2, L. Rust 2, S. Carey 2, H. Wilson 1 , D.Huppatz 1, W. Fanning 1, T. Griffiths 1.
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 10 v Athelstone
Round 10 took us up the road to Athelstone Football Club. Thankfully the footy god’s gave us a game that had no rain. Sun was shining and the ground was in pretty good condition. As a team, the Primetime Ballers looked to turn over a new leaf. First nine game had finished, now onto the last nine. We view every team equally regardless of their position on the ladder and we looked to put our best foot forward by playing a great brand of football with a bit of flair.
On to the game itself. Well there really isn’t much to say. The game from start to finish was a complete and utter domination. A full four quarter effort from the team. It wasn’t the scoreboard that was the most impressive aspect of the game, it was how we played. The team played with such maturity and poise; our ball movement was precise and productive. We looked dangerous all over the ground and by the end of the first quarter we had mentally broken Athelstone down. Actually we had broken them before the game even started. They didn’t want any of the smoke after losing to us by 161 points in our first encounter in round 1. Rumour has it, there players didn’t even know their own teammates’ names. Athelstone had no answers and could only watch as we kept driving the ball down the field for a score over and over and over again. A whopping 215 to 0 win.
Again like last week, it was hard to find best players when everyone played their role exceptionally well in the team successful win.
Tommy Matsis found time out of his busy EOFY schedule to dominate in the midfield. So much so Tommy made Athelstone’s midfield question whether or not they should continue playing football. His ability to run and carry is the real feature to his game. Giving the forwards multiple looks.
Dylan Matthews had his best game for the year. Despite the quality of opposition and Dylan’s opponent terrified to go anywhere near him, Dylan’s forward craft was fantastic which allowed him to kick 6 goals for the day.
Riordan McNamara had another standout game across half back. Frog’s ability to find the ball in our back half and become the quarterback is a real weapon for the team. Always looking to get the hands through the midfield and deliver into our forward half. The team think that I am biased towards Frog but his leadership and experience across half back is highly valued and is playing some quality football.
Lewis Matsis was incredibly consistent all game. Providing a lot of energy in the midfield, and hard gut running. Lewis’s 2nd and 3rd efforts played a major part in our success in moving the ball forward.
Daniel Cook has become a very reliable utility. His role up forward and pinch hitting in the ruck has become very valuable. His game against Athelstone showed how much his game has evolved. His ruck craft has improved out of sight and Cooky took some really strong contested marks.
Another great outing by the team. We move onto our next opponents in Payneham. A healthy rivalry game which I’m sure will bring out another strong outing by the Primetime Ballers.
Final Scores: ROCFC 32.23.215 defeated Athelstone: 0.0.0
Goal Scorers: D. Matthew 6, A. Greenwood 3, A. Elhosni 2, J. McGuinness 2, J. Platten 2, H. Smith 2, J. Smith 2, C. Thomas 2, Z. Aufderheide 1, A. Bruno 1, D. Cook 1, Coach 1, L. Matsis 1, T.Matsis 1, R. McNamara 1, A. Slivak 1, L. Smith 1, H. Twiggs 1, S. Warren 1
Best Players: T.Matsis, D. Matthews, R. McNamara, L. Matsis, D. Cook
Choo Choo
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 10 v Tea Tree Gully
A huge challenge this week as Rocs Academy hosted perennial pacesetters TTGULLY in a midday matchup .
Gullies were relentless from the first bounce and immediately found a clear way forward to set-up some scoreboard pressure as Rocs worked hard to arrest momentum and began to create some better teamwork as the first stanza evolved. In a see-sawing game both teams battled hard to gain the advantage, it was Gullies who held on to a slightest lead at the quarter time break.
1/4 time scores Rocs 1-2(8) vs TTGully 1-3(9).
Rocs were creating some excellent ball movement, using quick ball use and run to gain momentum and create some better forward entries , holding Gullies at bay and held a small lead for most of the second quarter. Disappointingly Rocs were content with the lead and failed to stop a rampant and disciplined TTGully from storming back into the contest and taking the lead in the last few minutes of the first half.
1/2 time scores Rocs 4-2(26) vs TTGully 4-6(30)
The second half had plenty of highlights as both teams exchanged control of general play, but Gullies were far more efficient and clinical moving into attack as they created some easier shots on goal and made the Rocs pay dearly for some costly turnovers and erratic shots on goal. In a disappointing end to the contest a wayward Rocs were brushed aside by the much better organised and totally ruthless Gullies, who made us pay dearly on the scoreboard booting 7 goals without a miss to the Rocs 2 goals 7 behinds to finish 27point winners at the final siren.
Final score ROCFC 6-9(45) def by TTGully 11-6(72)
Goalkickers: S. Marotti-3, J. Scutella-1, C. Simile-1, L. Succone-1.
Best players: M. Lombardi, J. Munchenburg, F. Shanahan, M. Aslan, W. McDonald, S. Marotti.
Best team men: N. Brown, A. Condo, T. Fotheringham, P. Russo (50th game)
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade Match Report: Round 10 v Pembroke
Plenty of changes again for this week’s clash. After last week’s great win, I feel we had a bit of a letdown game.
To be honest we were pretty average, but on the positive Tim Baccanello returned and played well, but the most excitement was to have Scott Gilbert debut for us and he didn’t disappoint anyone. Tim Lewis was back from the world cup and continued his excellent season form. Josh Massie gave us first bite of the cherry in the middle and Anthony Cream had his best game of the season thus far.
Dylan Fitzsimons was our best player on the day his run was exceptional to the point where he got the free pass and could do as he pleased. Henry Dawson stepped up when required to help in the middle, his superior fitness shone out, and he guided us home.
Unfortunately, it was not our best performance for the season, but we got the points. Next we have PAC at Park 9, which is always a challenge we look forward to.
Final Score: ROCFC 10-15-75 defeated Pembroke 4-10-34
Goal Kickers: Tim Lewis 2, Anthony Cream 2, George Kemp 2, Charlie Brasher 1, Tim Baccanello 1, Lachie Spehr 1, Dylan Fitzsimons 1
Best Players: Dylan Fitzsimons, Josh Massie, Anthony Cream, Tim Lewis, Henry Dawson
Tony Franzon
E Grade Coach
