Coaches Report - R14
A's B's &C's vs Golden Grove; D's vs Sacred Heart; E's vs Modbury & LOSA vs Salisbury North
A Grade Match Report: Round 14 v Golden Grove
Saturday loomed as an opportunity to re-energise and get back to playing our brand. While our recent weeks hadn’t generated the W , there were signs of resilience and intent which we were keen to build on.
The long awaited return of the “weather man” Darci Best for his first game of the season together with Finn Wakelin coming off an outstanding debut at SANFL level the week before gave the boys a lift with the mood in the rooms up and about. Add to the mix our 10th A Grade debutant for the year in club journeyman Justin McInerney had the energy high pregame.
Our opening start was promising with Wakelin exerting his presence having 2 early shots on goal and some concern from our opponents back line. Then an injury to one of our opponents stop the game, literally stopped the game for 40minutes while we all waited for medical teams to arrive. Once the game restarted and we completed the longest first quarter in recent memory our energy and contest work seemingly evaporated. Our opponents seized the drop off in intensity to feast on the Sherrin posting 9 shots on goal to post a 28 point lead at the first break.
We reset at the break determined to work ourselves back into the contest. Darci Best had already announced his presence which would eventually see him take out best on ground honours through his work down back and Charlie Kemp up forward was taking contested mark after contested mark. The second was full of intent, with JMac pushing hard to give the likes of Beau Baldwin and Will Mead first use. It was still a slog as we were forced to play a back half game and grind our way forward. Despite our best return for the game the deficit had only been closed marginally and still out at 27 points.
The third wasn’t our best work at the siren. There is no other way to describe it , despite the intent and the desire we were systematically out worked and out played. We were forced to chase jumpers and lost all shape and connection. Our opponents comfortable on their home deck ground out 12 shots on goal , fortunately for us at 50% return to drive a stake deep going into the final break 50 points in front.
A search for some respectability on the score board and pride on our performance was put on the table by us all at the final break. While the intent remained the method of contest didn’t change in the final with our opponents sensing some percentage they lifted their intensity which we were unable to match despite some heavy lifting in patches with the final siren sounding a disappointing 58 point loss.
Definitely a soul searching loss which we must learn from and look to next week.
Final Score : ROCFC 7.8.48 defeated by Golden Grove 15.16.106
Goal Kickers : F. Wakelin 2, J. Boxer 2, E. Murada 1, C. Butcher 1, B. Spehr 1
Best Players : D. Best, C. Kemp, B. Baldwin, W. Mead , J. McInerney
See you at the footy
Damian Boots
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 14 v Golden Grove
This week we travelled to Golden Grove, the same venue where last season we were defeated by 85 points by a well-established side that went on to play in the Grand Final. As a group, we knew how much progress we have made throughout this season, and we were determined to show just how far we had come by producing a far more competitive performance.
The opening quarter presented some immediate challenges. We lost our full back to concussion within the opening minutes, before our centre half back was forced from the ground with a back injury shortly after. It took us a little while to adjust, but the response from the players was outstanding. We fought our way back into the contest, finished the quarter strongly, and restricted the margin to just 14 points at the first break.
The second quarter began in a familiar fashion, with the opposition kicking the opening goal. Rather than letting the game slip away, our group showed maturity and composure. They stuck to the plan, worked tirelessly for one another, and battled through the remainder of the term to trail by just 19 points at half time.
The third quarter again tested our resilience, with the opposition scoring the first goal. However, our young group refused to be discouraged and began to wrestle momentum back on our terms. We then suffered another significant setback when a third defender left the field with a hamstring injury. Soon after, one of our players received a contentious yellow card, leaving us with just 17 fit players on the ground. Instead of retreating, the group displayed enormous courage. They embraced the challenge, continued to play with freedom and belief, and were rewarded with two goals of their own to reduce the margin back to 14 points at the final change.
At the final break, the message was simple—we were playing to win. We challenged the players to roll the dice, back themselves, and write a story they could be proud of. The response was exactly what you hope to see from a developing team. They attacked the contest with belief and determination, taking the game up to a quality opposition. While the final margin was extended by a couple of late goals in junk time, the scoreboard certainly didn't reflect how fiercely we competed throughout the afternoon.
Although we didn't come away with the 2 points, this performance was another significant step forward in the journey of this young group. The courage, resilience and togetherness they displayed in the face of adversity was outstanding. To finish the game with effectively only 16 fit players on the field and still continue to chase victory says everything about the character that is being built within this team. These are the experiences that shape groups into genuine finals contenders, and the lessons learned from this contest will hold us in good stead moving forward.
We now turn our attention to a massive game this weekend. We've earned our place inside the top five, and with that comes a new challenge—we are now the team others are chasing. If we want to play finals, we must embrace that pressure and continue to rise to every challenge that comes our way.
There is no doubt the bond this group has built throughout the season has become one of our greatest strengths. They trust one another, they fight for one another, and they continue to grow together every week. That unity, combined with the resilience they displayed at Golden Grove, gives us every reason to be excited about what lies ahead as we prepare to face another side determined to take our place in the five.
Final Scores: ROCFC 6.8 (44) defeated by Golden Grove 10.9 (69)
Best Players: M. Daw, Z. Searle, L. Smith, L. Rust, T. Bradford
Goal Kickers: N. Reid 2, W. Fanning 1, J. Smith 1, Z. Searle 1, L. Rust 1
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 14 v Golden Grove
No greater satisfaction in the regular season than rocking up on a Saturday morning for an away game and beating them on their home turf. Especially when it’s against a team like Golden Grove. Grove’s recent track record suggested they had improved on our past outing and had been putting up some big scores. The vibes were high within the group, but we knew the importance of this game. Win and we go three games clear of 4th position and almost a lock for a double chance when finals role around.
A common theme was present about our game. Chaos. We knew the ball was going to be hot within the contest and that it would be a physical scrap. This was also partial to the fact that it was pissing down with rain. And it rained for the whole game. It wasn’t going to be a pretty game, but front half territory was going to be the key to winning the game.
Our first half was outstanding. You know you have played the perfect first half of footy when you haven’t allowed your opposition to register a score. Donuts. Locking the ball in our front half has become the biggest strength of the C grade. Our pressure in contest and in transition has improved dramatically with a clear shift in mentality within the group. We went into the half time break with a 32-0 lead.
We knew that Golden Grove would be looking to respond after a dismal first half. They scored the first two goals of the 3rd quarter and started to gain momentum. When I speak about a mentality shift within the group I talk about the team’s ability to regain momentum or when things aren’t going our way. 10weeks ago we would’ve allowed teams to get on top of us, and we wouldn’t be able to stop it. We as a group have changed. It was incredibly pleasing to see the team stayed composed when under pressure and get the momentum back on our terms. From then on the team was able to stand tall and keep Golden Grove at bay. Maxy Aufderheide put the icing on the cake with a goal after the siren for a 27point victory.
The vibes in the rooms after the game were incredible. The song was sung with such gusto, you could see the joy on everyone’s faces, this is what a connected group looks like. A team that is playing a great brand of football and enjoying playing football. Even though I can only pick five best players, everyone played the role exceptionally well and it is the reason why we won. Team first football.
Adrian Bruno came back down from the B grade and proved why he deserves a recall. He may be small in size but his hunger and determination for the contest and to win the ball was a massive asset to the team. He was deserving of best player for the game.
Lewis Matsis was again outstanding in the middle. Played a full game and really dominated at stoppages. His work rate was incredible throughout.
Sam Warren’s strong run of form continues after an outstanding game. A true leader on the field and set the standards high for the midfield group throughout the game.
Eddy Elton was a welcomed return to the lineup after a long stint out with injury. A fantastic return across the half back line. Every touch he had turned into gold.
Nick Brown rounds out the best players. Strong down back, made smart choices in tight and was incredibly clean in the wet.
An incredible win but the train doesn’t stop there. We move on to our next opponent St Peter’s which should be another College grudge match. We look forward to showing up with the right mentality and putting another win on the board.
Final Scores: ROCFC 8.10.58 defeated Golden Grove 4.7.31
Goals Scorers: Max Aufderheide 2, Adrian Bruno 2, Dylan Matthews 2, Tom Fotheringham 1, Coach 1
Best Players: Adrian Bruno, Lewis Matsis, Sam Warren, Eddy Elton, Nick Brown
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 14 v Sacred Heart
Rocs Academy hosting eternal rivals SHOC with cold, damp & boggy conditions the order of the day. Availability throughout the grades has been particularly difficult for the club this season during the past several weeks especially C7. The Squad has been fortunate to call on some past players and a couple of mature-age debutantes helping out the Team during this difficult time.
The first half produced fast paced football with both teams looking to control general play, SHOC were relentless around contested possession and created many attacking plays into their forward line, Rocs backline defended gallantly but were constantly under pressure from a well organised game plan. Rocs tried their best to create some better teamwork but failed to take advantage across half forward with SHOC controlling general play using much better skills to set up constant forward entries, keeping the scoreboard ticking over repeatedly. The Red & Blacks were working overtime to create flowing teamwork but could not find any promising forward opportunities to score. Finally, just before the half-time siren Rocs scrambled forward to boot a solitary point and limit total embarrassment.
1/2-time scores Rocs 0:1 (1) vs SHOC 6-9 (45)
Rocs were determined to create better efforts around the ground and played with more purpose and intensity. Rocs began to create scoring opportunities & finally kicked truly to repay the efforts of solid defensive pressure from our overwhelmed back six.
3/4- time scores Rocs 2-2 (14) vs SHOC 10-13 (73)
The final stanza developed into a dour contest as both teams battled hard to gain momentum only to be denied by some ruthless defending. Rocs never gave up with our efforts to create fluent teamwork despite the huge scoring advantage held by SHOC throughout the game.
Final score ROCFC 2-2 (14) defeated by SHOC 11-15 (81)
Goal Kicker- C. Simile-2.
Best Players- J. Avlonitis, D. Nitschke, Matt Bowman, C. Simile, J. Thoday, L. Tripodi.
Best team men- L. Gigos, J. Munchenburg, M. Dzido.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade Match Report: Round 14 v Modbury
In Greek mythology Icarus didn’t listen to his father’s warning and flies too close to the sun with wings made of wax and feathers and plunges to his death. A warning tale of pride and recklessness. We didn’t listen.
It starts at selection, lots in lots out but the loss of J-Mac our ruck man was a big blow. Congratulations on his selection into the A GRADE I love the lad. In the pursuit of replacements, I targeted an ex great in James Butterworth who has agreed to join the Entertainment, and I must say was probably too good for my midfield, but we’ll work on it, but it’s sensational to have you.
He slotted 2 on Saturday and will only get better.
Modbury was always a danger game. They are the only team to push us in the first round of games, and they match up well against us. Pré match this was the warning and to be honest we started well. But in heavy conditions our second quarter was appalling. Dropped marks, missed opportunities took its toll and we were outclassed. A soft performance by all including the coach. We just thought it would happen, and we became as spectators.
At half time I warned the ICARUS team of what may happen. I was right, if it could go wrong, it did go wrong. Modbury 3 goals from free kicks we get 0. They kick 2 out their lemonade we miss 2 straight in front, unfortunately not our day.
But the positives, Clemente was solid at full back best game for us this year, Henry Dawson again continued his excellent form and tried hard. Adam Richter answered the SOS call up again and was sensational, and Jeremy O’Leary did the same, answered the call and was magnificent. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching both Jeremys brothers and if he continues, I might rate him the best.
BOG went to Charlie Brasher who played wing for us. His competitiveness and contribution on Saturday kept us in touch, well done Charlie.
The unbeatable were beaten. Lots will say the loss you had to have but we will see. We dust ourselves off and go again this Saturday and deliver what we are capable of. Love to see as many as possible at Uni this Saturday, Fred Block oval 12.15pm start. Time to get serious now if you want the holy grail.
Final Scores: ROCFC 6-9-45 defeated by Modbury 8-4-52
Best Players: Charlie Brasher, Jeremy O’Leary, Adam Richter, Henry Dawson, Vincent Clemente
Goal Kickers: James Butterworth 2, Michael Boffa 2, Liam Holland 1, Scott Gilbert 1.
Tony Franzon
E Grade Coach
LOSA - R14
Loreto OS 02 06 (18) Def by Salisbury North 04 07 (31)
Goal Scorers: Tayla Gordon 1, Poppy Scaife 1
Best Players: Tayla Gordon, Abbie Deegan, Annie Green, Lucy Franzon, Astrid-Marie Powell
