Coaches Report - R15
A's; B's & C's vs SPOC; D's & E's vs Uni
A Grade Match Report: Round 15 v SPOC
Yes ‘ a week is a long time in football’, no one can deny that. Every week, we recover, reflect, assess, review, receive and provide feedback, train and plan for the next opportunity. This process happens every week and when your recent performances have not been to the standard, we hold ourselves to, irrespective and inclusive of the results we learn more about ourselves as individual’s and as a team.
Every week is an opportunity, and we headed into Saturday buoyed with the learnings of the week on the track and with a vibrancy I can only describe as ‘ youthful enthusiasm’. Home ground, Sponsors and Past Presidents’ Day and a critical game in context provided the perfect setting for the side to bounce back.
The opening quarter and half for that matter we witnessed this “energy”, Tom Griffiths lit up the wing with lightening runs from D50 creating opportunities, Dillon Huppatz contested marking weapon stopped the opposition from exiting our front half, Lucas Rust contested pressure and ball use, Will Fanning’s quick and decisive hands in close together with the composure of second gamer in Justin McInerney in ruck all combined to energise the side to play our way , shifting the ball creating scoring chances and defensively holding and restricting our opponents ball movement, holding them to just one goal to the main break and giving us an 18 point lead.
The message at the break continue to build the pressure. The third saw a shift in momentum with our opponents surging in an effort to break through our team defence, Jack Michalanney was defiant willing the back 6 and the team defensively along with Xav Tranfa, Beau Baldwin and Paddy Dawson we remained composed containing the shift in momentum. After an outstanding Captain’s and team lifting goal, we head into the final break having pushed the lead out to 20 points.
The final quarter was full of pressure and Rock Solid trademark acts across the whole 21 players , we were not going to be denied. Connor Butcher and Charlie Kemp provided moments of individual brilliance which completely galvanised the side in spite of external forces to hold on to a huge team win by 10 points at the final siren.
The learnings and youthful energy had impacted.
We now go again look to recover, reflect, review, train and plan for next week.
Final Score : ROCFC 9.10.64 defeated SPOC 8.6.54
Goal Kickers : P. Dawson 3, X. Tranfa 2, B. Spehr, C. Butcher 1, J. Boxer 1
Best Players : J. Michalanney, X. Tranfa, C. Kemp, J. McInerney, C. Butcher
See you at the footy.
Bootsy
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 15 v SPOC
This week presented one of our biggest challenges of the season. We came up against a side that is chasing our position in the top five and, with them having a favourable run home over the final three rounds, this truly was the classic four-point game. We knew exactly what was at stake and were excited to embrace the challenge.
Our preparation began the night before with a fantastic team pasta night. It was a great opportunity for the players to spend time together away from the football field, strengthen relationships and build the connection that has become such a feature of this group. The energy and togetherness on Friday night carried into game day, despite us facing a significant hurdle before the first bounce.
We were forced into 11 changes from the previous week's side. Yes, 11 changes. For any team, that presents enormous challenges in maintaining continuity, structure and chemistry, but the boys never looked for excuses. Every player who pulled on the jumper committed themselves fully to the contest and represented the club with pride.
The game itself was a genuine battle from start to finish. Our opposition was a physically mature and hardened side, with many players who looked more like Division 1 reserves footballers, and they made us earn every possession. While we found it difficult to generate scoreboard pressure throughout the day, our effort and willingness to compete never wavered.
Defensively, the boys showed enormous courage and resilience. Time and time again they threw themselves into contests, worked tirelessly for one another and limited the opposition to eight goals. There were periods where we were able to wrestle back momentum and play the style of football we know we're capable of, but unfortunately, we couldn't capitalise often enough when our opportunities came.
The final siren was met with genuine disappointment. The boys were hurting because they care. They understood the importance of the game, they wanted to reward the effort they'd put into preparing, and they desperately wanted to get the result for each other. Seeing that disappointment is never easy, but it also speaks volumes about the standards this group is setting for themselves. They expect to compete, they expect to improve and they want to win.
As coaches, we'll review the game honestly and work through the areas we can improve. There are lessons to be taken from this match, and that's exactly what we'll do together. Development isn't always a straight line, and sometimes the biggest growth comes from the toughest afternoons.
What will never be lost on me, however, is just how young and exciting this group is. Every week these players are gaining invaluable experience against bigger, stronger and more seasoned opponents. Those experiences cannot be taught on the training track—they are earned through games like this.
This group continues to show incredible character, resilience and a willingness to learn. They support one another, they never stop competing and they continue to buy into what we're building together. The future for this team is incredibly bright because the foundations are already there.
The exciting part is that this group is nowhere near its ceiling. As these players continue to develop physically, gain confidence and accumulate experience, they will become an incredibly difficult team to beat. Their best football is still ahead of them, and I have absolutely no doubt that this group will achieve some special things together.
While Saturday's result wasn't the one we wanted, it will not define this team. What will define them is how they respond, how they continue to learn and how they continue to grow together. I couldn't be prouder of the effort, commitment and spirit they continue to show every single week, and I'm genuinely excited to watch this young group develop into the outstanding football team I know they can become.
Final Scores: ROCFC 3:6 (24) defeated by SPOC 8:12(60)
Best Players: H. Twiggs, Z. Searle, S. Carey, T. Bradford, B. Lymn
Goal Kickers: S. Warren 1, S. Carey 1, Z. Searle 1
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 15 v SPOC
After an incredibly strong win against Golden Grove, the C grade was looking to continue that form heading into its game against an old college foe in St Peter’s. That was easier said than done. Unfortunately the A grade and B grade couldn’t stay away from injury, so we had eight changes to our team for the St Peter’s game. C grade always prides themselves on the ‘Next Man Up’ mentality and this week was no different. We knew from our last encounter with SPOC they definitely took us to the edge and we really had to grind out the win. We expected no different this time around.
First half presented its constant challenges. We were probably 10% off our game. Conditions were great for football, but we just couldn’t execute our plan on. The midfield was working the backsides off, and our structure to keep the ball inside our forward half was the key to holding the ball inside our forward half. It was just unfortunate that we couldn’t convert on those chances.
The second half was quite the same. Our ball movement was a lot better, and we were able to open St Peter’s up and hit the gaps, however we were unable to put it on the scoreboard. This game could’ve been an absolute flogging. We had 47 inside 50’s for the game and only managed a total of 87pts. Under 50% conversion wasn’t the most pleasing thing to see but as a team we certainly are giving ourselves the best opportunity to dominate the scoreboard. Nonetheless, a solid win all round with some good positives to take out of it.
Amer Elhosni was great all game. Really showed a desire for the contest and a hunger to get the ball rolling and create opportunities.
Daniel Leonard was solid down back all game. His second half especially was outstanding, putting himself in dangerous positions to intercept and use his leg speed to run and create.
James McGuinness took charge of the midfield group. Usually starting on a half forward flank, he has gotten his opportunity to start in the midfield the last couple of weeks. Jimmy has provided the group with a different look and plays the quarterback role exceptionally well. He proved that again on the weekend.
Lewis Matsis continues to be an incredible asset to the midfield group. His gut running really proves to be a focal point for the team. His game on against SPOC showed how damping he can be in tight and around the ground.
Zac Aufderheide rounds out the best players. Quite the last month and a half Zac is a player really growing in confidence which is showing on game day. He took some really solid contested grabs and his decision making out of our back half was great.
We look forward to next weekend’s game when we take on the undefeated team in Sacred Heart. Another college match up which I’m sure will provide some great fireworks.
Final Scores: ROCFC 12.15.87 defeated SPOC 4.3.27
Goal Scorers: James McGuinness 3, Thomas Matsis 2, Dylan Matthews 1, Mlaham Arslan 1, Max Aufderheide 1, Amer Elhosni, Tom Grant 1, Coach 1
Best Players: Amer Elhosni, Daniel Leonard, James McGuinness, Lewis Matsis, Zac Aufderheide
Choo Choo
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 15 v Adelaide Uni
Rocs on the road travelling to the Adelaide City Parklands taking on second placed Adelaide Uni-D.
Rocs Academy kicking to the city end , were creating some fluent passages of team play in another fast paced game as both sides tried to hold advantage around contested possession. Uni-D's backline was under constant pressure as Rocs worked together creating some excellent forward opportunities but wasted some easier shots on goal. The first stanza produced some excellent teamwork from both sides, with Rocs holding momentum but could not apply scoreboard pressure, wasting chances with the aid of a strong breeze.
1/4:time scores Rocs 2-4 (16) vs Adel Uni-D 1-0 (6)
Rocs tried their best during the rest of the contest but could not contain Uni-D in front of goal. Rocs backline defended gallantly throughout the gruelling match but were constantly let down by their teammates inability to control possession across the forward line and apply scoreboard pressure. Overall the Red & Blacks never gave up the challenge and despite Uni-D dominating the scoring Rocs worked hard towards creating teamwork until the final siren.
Final Scores: ROCFC 2-7 (19) defeated by Adelaide Uni-D 8-2 (50)
Goal Kickers: C. O'Malley-1, T. Barnes-1.
Best Players: J. Scutella, N. Brown, J. Munchenburg, M. Augustine, S. Tagg, L. Tripodi.
Best team men- M. Dzido, M. Lombardi.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade Match Report: Round 15 v Adelaide Uni
Two premiership points that’s what we needed. Thursday night lots in lots out again, with our roster of FIFO workers, superstars and princesses’ selection can be interesting. Tom Jonas was back and kicked a lazy 1-8 in a half plus 3 out on the full, no wonder he played CHB for Port. Josh Massie was outstanding and unfortunately left at half time. As I’ve continually said, we are hunted. Tim Gineva always said you can sook for 24 hours after a loss well it took me 3 days last week.
We did what we had to do Saturday. No frills went about our business. Jeremy O’Leary continued to impress, Daniel Franzon was solid down back along with Jack Draper, down the line was exceptional. Peter Sianis got the fullback line and was outstanding, Vincent Clemente got CHB and alongside Henry Warren both had two best season performances thus far with more to come. We played on Fred Block oval with conditions being very windy.
The umpiring was criminal, but our forwards need to apply more lock in pressure. James Butterworth slotted 4-3 rotating forward and in the ruck, and Lachie Spehr assisted with 3 goals.
Midfields win premierships, Dylan Fitzsimmons dominated his wing and so did Matt Mezzini. Sam Moten was brilliant, boy are we going to miss you, but our captain was magnificent. Tim Lewis leads from the front and is prepared to work very hard and help out in defence. Now with J-Mac gone he probably moves into medal contention. Serviceable game by all but not convincing.
ROCFC 11-15-81 defeated Adelaide Uni 4-9-33
Best Players: Tim Lewis, Sam, Dylan Fitzsimons, Vincent Clemente, Henry Warren, Peter Sianis
Goal Kickers: Lachlan Spehr 3, James Butterworth 4, Dylan Fitzsimmons 1, Tom Jonas 1, Daniel Bailey1, Sam Moten 1
This week we play second on the ladder Uni G AT HOME. 10.15 Time slot see you there.
Tony Franzon
E Grade Coach
