Coaches Report - R11
A's, B's & C's vs Payneham Nwd; D's & E's vs PAC & LOSA vs Pultney
A Grade Match Report: Round 11 v Payneham Norwood Union
Preparation is integral to performance. We start every game knowing we have done everything within our control to perform to the best of our ability. This knowledge along with the trust in each other and the plan gives us a strength we use for 120 minutes even when we are confronted with challenges outside of our control.
The opening 5 minutes of Saturday’s game served up an uncontrollable which challenged. Returning from injury Paddy Baldwin unfortunately was forced from the ground with a potentially season ending injury which shocked all that witnessed the incident. The players responded almost immediately led by El Murada lifting to ensure we played a front half game for the quarter. Jett Boxer controlled the forward line with three unrewarded shots on goal after the opening goal from Finn Wakelin and an inspiring first up goal to Ben Spehr in his return to the A grade in 2026. Unfortunately a red time goal to the opposition cut the margin at the break to 17 points, from our 9 shots on goal.
The break was full of energy and an eagerness to respond again for Paddy as we headed into the second. With the conditions remaining heavy and our opponent searching for their first win of the season the quarter was a grind. Tempers were challenged both on and off the field as the quarter unfolded as an arm wrestle. Charlie Kemp generated contested mark after contested mark turning back time kicking the opening goal for us in the quarter and settling us down. Our back 6 were challenged but responded to again hold out a surge from the opposition. Halftime was welcomed from the brutal quarter with the lead out to 18 points.
The third was a battle of attrition and a test for the uncontrollable as we were already down and rotation. Xav Tranfa and Beau Baldwin both responded to again do the heavy lifting in the middle controlling stoppage and generating entries which result in both kicking a goal themselves and a one to a restricted Finn Wakelin. The efficient three goals forced the margin out to 22 points at the final break.
The final was another brutal contest with players to a man drawing on their individual and collective preparation to control the quarter. Will Mead lifted another gear kicking the opening goal of the quarter, followed by some reward on the scoreboard to Jett Boxer which had the margin out to a game high 34 points. Again we were tested with eventual Best on Ground Charlie Kemp sealing the game with his second for the game and a final 29 point margin at the final siren.
A solid resilient performance from the players which we will again reflect on and look to our preparation for next week.
Final Score : ROCFC 11.13.79 defeated PNUFC 6.14.50
Goal Kickers: C. Kemp 2, F. Wakelin 2, T. McCormack 1, J. Boxer 1, B. Baldwin 1, B. Spehr 1, W. Mead 1, J. Bradford 1, X. Tranfa 1
Best Players: C. Kemp, E. Murada, W. Mead, X. Tranfa, B. Baldwin
See you at the footy.
Bootsy
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 11 v Payneham Norwood Union
Heading into this week's game against an opponent that has proven to be a little tricky for us in the past, the group understood they were in for a tough, physical contest. While we never want to get ahead of ourselves, we also recognised this was the final game of the four-week block we had set ourselves to win, and it presented a great opportunity to finish that period on a high.
The opening quarter was difficult to break open. We suffered two significant injuries within the first 10 minutes, which naturally took some time to adjust to. Once we settled however, our players found their rhythm and began to play some outstanding football. At our best, we moved the ball from defensive 50 to forward 50 without our opposition getting a touch, showcasing the style of football we know this group is capable of playing. We took a 17-point lead into quarter time but knew the job was far from finished.
The quarter-time break required a couple of personnel changes due to injury, but the message remained simple. We were moving the ball better than our opposition, and if we continued to trust our system and play our brand of football, the opportunities would keep coming. The second quarter unfolded much like the first, with the conditions becoming more challenging, but our young group continued to adapt. Their willingness to work hard for each other saw us extend the lead to 35 points by half-time.
At the main break, we acknowledged the scoreboard but also challenged the group. While we held a healthy lead, we had still missed opportunities that stronger opposition would punish. This young side continues to learn every week, and moments like these are invaluable. We spoke about maintaining our intensity, staying disciplined and understanding that good teams continue to push regardless of the scoreboard. The third quarter became a genuine scrap as the physicality lifted, but our players embraced the challenge, refusing to take a backward step and extending the lead to 50 points at the final change.
The final quarter demanded even more resilience. With no bench available and several sore bodies on the ground, most of the squad played the entire second half without a rest. To their enormous credit, they never lowered their effort or intensity. They continued to compete, support one another and play the game the right way. Although the contest opened up at times, we responded whenever challenged and finished with a well-earned 48-point victory.
This was a character-building win in every sense. Our young group showed incredible resilience, adaptability and determination in difficult conditions while managing an increasing injury toll throughout the game. To come away with a fourth consecutive win under those circumstances is something they should be extremely proud of. More importantly, they continue to show that they are growing not only as footballers but as teammates who are prepared to work and sacrifice for one another.
While it's easy to become excited by the results, we know there is still plenty of improvement ahead. We now enter what shapes as a season-defining block of five games against quality opposition. These are exactly the challenges this group has been working towards. The exciting part is that we know we are nowhere near our ceiling. Every week this young side continues to learn, improve and build belief.
We can't wait to see what the next five weeks have in store. We'll embrace the challenge together, continue to back in our process and look forward to seeing just how far this group can go.
Final Scores: ROCFC 13.15.93 defeated PNU 6.9.45
Best Players: T. Bradford, J.Haddad, L. Rust, H. Shute, H. Maxwell
Goal Kickers: S. Zealand 3, A. Bruno 2, D.Huppatz 2, J. Smith 1, A. Ismail 1, J. Petty 1, L. Rust 1
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 11 v Payneham Norwood Union
Payneham. Probably one of the most anticipated match ups on the season calendar. Due to its long and healthy rivalry and because they keep sooking about us taking their players. That’s not our problem, that’s there’s. However, everyone has the Payneham games circled in red. Understanding that Payneham came into the match up against us at 0-10 they were not to be underestimated. We knew when it comes to Payneham, anything is possible.
Our start to the game wasn’t fantastic. Sitting in cruise control and watching butterflies fly by for the first 10mins probably wasn’t on the script for the first quarter. Credit to Payneham they made us work for it. It was the first time that I had to give the team a bit of a spray at quarter time. Even if the score was 37-7 at quarter time. Second quarter showed slight improvement but still didn’t feel like we were moving the ball the way we wanted to. Half time the score reads 71-8 in our favour but there was still plenty of room for improvement.
Our second half was outstanding. We knew Payneham weren’t going to go with us around the ground and knew they would get tired. Our switch of play and ability to make the ground big to open on lanes through the corridor really allowed us to control the game and dominant on the scoreboard. Not a four quarter effort game but one I was happy to see us adapt to the challenges we faced at times throughout the game.
Riordan McNamara was best on ground. Taking the game on through the middle of the ground, hitting targets and somehow finding himself in the forward line kicking three goals. The man is uncontrollable and unstoppable.
Lewis Matsis just keeps going from strength to strength through the midfield, dominating at stoppage and his pressure acts around the ground have been elite all year.
Daniel Leonard had his best game for the year. Mopping up across the backline, taking the game on and running with speed. Was great to see his confidence grow throughout the game.
Fabian Di Iulio, was hard not to put him in the best players. His intercept work was outstanding a complete brick wall down there. He will be sorely missed whilst he is in Europe but I’m sure whoever replaces him will fill his shoes nicely.
Tommy Matsis. Really running out of things to say about Tommy’s game that I haven’t already said. His run and carry with the ball are elite, no matter how hard I try to keep him out of the forward 50 he still manages to creep in there, at least he’s kicking goals when he does go in there.
Next up to the plate, Port Districts. 2nd v 3rd. A revenge game for us, and also the coaches 100th game as well. A lot on the line with this game but I know we’re ready.
Finals Scores: ROCFC: 24.16.160 defeated Payneham: 1.3.9
Goal Kickers: D. Matthews 4, A. Elhosni 3, T.Matsis 3, R. McNamara 3, M. Aufderheide 2, J. McGuinness 2, J. Platten 2, D. Cook 1, F.Di Lulio 1, Coach 1, T. Fotheringham 1, H. Twiggs 1
Best Players: R. McNamara, L. Matsis, D. Leonard, F. Di Lulio, T. Matsis
Choo Choo
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 11 v PAOCFC
Rocs Academy on the road taking on long-time nemesis PAOC. Princes home ground in the City Parklands has always been a difficult venue to conquer with only a handful of successful outcomes over the years. Adelaides wintery weather made ground conditions even more difficult for both teams to create flowing teamwork during this crucial match.
The first quarter produced the best teamwork and fluent passages of forward opportunities, but the Rocs were wasting chances on goal. Princes kept applying pressure around contested ball and created some dominant control but were also wasting some shots on goal, with Rocs doing enough hard work to hold a small lead at the first break.
1/4 time scores Rocs 2-4 (16) vs PAOC 1-3 (9)
Rocs were the dominant team during the 2nd & 3rd quarters but were again wasting opportunities to break away on the scoreboard, leaving the door open for a resurgent PAOC to remain in touch. The slippery conditions were proving hard to control momentum of general play, but Rocs worked as a team to pressure the ball carrier and create turnovers or ball ups holding Princes at bay.
3/4 time scores Rocs 6-9 (45) vs PAOC 3-4 (22)
A desperate and fired up PAOC made the final quarter a nervous time for the Red & Blacks as we struggled to create any promising teamwork and fluent passages of play. Princes booting an early goal helped them regain momentum and Rocs defending desperately, repelled constant forward opportunities to hold on to the lead in an exhausting last quarter effort to ensure a much needed win.
Final score ROCFC 6-10 (46) defeated PAOC 4-7 (31)
Goalkickers: S. Tagg-1, J. Scutella-1, A. Condo-1, C. Simile-1, J. Thoday-1, T. Barnes-1.
Best players: M. Lombardi, B. Warren, W. McDonald, S. Tagg, J. Scutella, J. Thoday.
Best team men: C. Simile, S. Wakelin, D. Leggett.
Congratulations to Rocs champion clubman Darren ( Darrell) Leggett (200th) and Rocs C7 Superstar Michael (Block of Flats) Lombardi (50th) on their milestone games . Both players are crucial to our teams success and never played a bad game over many seasons.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade Match Report: Round 11 v PAOCFC
Always a pleasure to play PAC at park 9. 1 vs 6 clash with the ENTERTAINMENT being the hunted.
The usual 10 in 10 out on Thursday with another 4 changes on Friday but as always, we managed.
Huge debuts this week with Matt Panos joining us, and John Harrison. What a pleasure and privilege having the 2 join the E grade, both didn’t disappoint and both played very well.
Fanta, Bails and Mitch Warren were back in, and all contributed in what were very tough wet conditions.
The boys complained that the ball was like a cake of soap, but I thought we handled the conditions well.
Tim Lewis was on fire early until he received a heavy knock, but he battled through and was one of our best again. Mitch Warren showed his class, J-Mac continued his excellent form and Henry Dawson showed that if you train and work hard you can impact any game.
Up forward the opposition were no match for our talls Fanta and Panos class shone out highlighted by Matt kicking 4 in a half.
We are back home Saturday with some exciting big ins. We sit top of the tree with lots more to come, see you Saturday at the quarry 10.15am.
Final Scores: ROCFC 12-7-79 defeated PAC 5-9-39
Best Players: Tim Lewis, Justin McInerny, Henry Dawson, Paul Fantasia, Mitch Warren, Matt Panos
Goal Kickers: Paul Fantasia 4, Matt Panos 4, John Harrison 2, Daniel Bailey and Anthony Cream 1 each
Tony Franzon
E Grade Coach
LOSA - Round 11
Loreto OS 0 6 (6) defeated by Pulteney 5 5 (35)
Best Players: Hannah Osborn, Abbie Deegan, Savannah Scaife, Tayla Gordon, Jacinta Beltrame
