Coaches Report - R18
A's, B's & C's vs Salisbury North; D's vs Uni and E's vs Walkerville
A Grade Match Report: Round 18 v Salisbury North
Our final game of the minor round saw us head on the road to continue to build some valuable momentum leading into the major round.
The opening quarter was full of promise. The pace of the game was hot early with our ball movement, pressure and energy high which gave us some dominance in our front half. Hayden Swanbury led from the front intercepting and rebounding attack from our opponents which saw us hold them goalless at the siren holding a slender 3 point lead.
The second started much the same as the first with a brilliant goal from Jett Boxer. Our pressure remained; however our ball movement became stagnant playing into our oppositions hands, and they raced out to a 24 point lead at the main break.
The final half did not provide many highlights, to put it quite simply we were out worked and outplayed by our opponents who demonstrated why they are the competition benchmark and now stand at the top of the ladder. As the final siren sounded the margin had blown out to a resounding 86 points defeat.
Certainly not the momentum we were searching for nor the result we had hoped for as a playing group but sometimes in footy you get what you deserve.
We will now look to put the game and the minor round behind us as we head into next week.
Final Score : ROCFC 3.3.21 defeated by Salisbury North 15.17.107
Goal kickers : T. McCormack 2, J. Boxer 1
Best Players : H. Swanbury, B. Baldwin, P. Dawson, D. Best J. Thomas
See you at the footy.
Bootsy
A Grade & Club Coach
B Grade Match Report: Round 18 v Salisbury North
Getting the job done.
This week’s game had us a little nervous for a few reasons. Firstly, there were the expectations that come with playing a team we had only beaten by five points earlier in the year. More importantly, we needed to make sure our connection pieces were where they needed to be as we continued our push towards finals.
For the first five minutes of the opening quarter, we were certainly up against an opponent who had come to play. We were a little off in the competitive sense, and you could feel the nerves beginning to creep in. We needed to address a couple of moments in that competitive space immediately and make sure we got ourselves back on track.
To the lads credit, they steadied, settled into the contest and rewarded themselves with some straight kicking to take a 17-point lead into the first break.
The second quarter was where we really settled into our brand. Our pressure, connection and competitiveness were on full display, and from the best seat in the house, I could not have been prouder of this group. The way they responded and played their football was outstanding, and we went into half-time 31 points in front.
At the half-time break, we spoke about how our pressure and competitiveness had returned to where they needed to be. We also spoke about what good sides do in a third quarter — they continue to build, continue to apply pressure and refuse to let the opposition back into the contest.
The lads responded brilliantly. They grew the margin to 49 points, which was an outstanding effort considering everything our opponent was throwing at us — literally!
The last quarter was really about managing the group, making sure our lads were ready for what lies ahead and getting through the game unscathed. The final margin of 61 points was thoroughly deserved, but for me, it was about so much more than the scoreboard.
This group has earned the right to play finals football.
That is the reward for the work they have put in all year. It is a reward for sticking to the process, continuing to believe in each other, embracing the challenges and, most importantly, continually improving.
When you look at where this young side started the year compared to where they are now, the growth has been enormous. Their understanding of our game style, their connection with each other, their competitiveness and their belief have all continued to develop. That improvement doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from the commitment and hard work of the players, coaches and everyone around the group.
Now the real reward begins.
Next week we face an opponent we are one-all against from the minor round, this time in an elimination final on their home ground. We will respect them, but we will not fear them.
If this group brings the very best version of themselves, they give themselves every opportunity to earn another week of football.
And that is what this young side deserves.
They have worked incredibly hard to get here. They have improved enormously throughout the year, and now they get the opportunity to test themselves on the biggest stage.
Enjoy the moment, embrace the challenge and believe in what we have built together.
Whatever happens from here, this group should be incredibly proud of the journey they have been on — but I have a feeling they are not finished yet.
Final Scores: ROCFC 14:9 (93) defeated TTG 4:8 (32)
Best Players: W. Fanning, T. Bradford, S. Zealand, L. Rust, J. Petty
Goal Kickers: S. Zealand 4, T. Bradford 3,D.Carbone 2, S. Carey 2, B. Spehr 2, W. Fanning 1
Jamie Thomas
B Grade Coach
C Grade Match Report: Round 18 v Salisbury North
The last minor round fixture comes to you from Salisbury North. Lucky for me as the coach it’s the closest game of the season to my home. My fuel supply finally isn’t taking much of a hit. Coming into the game we knew that we had solidified third place on the ladder and will have a double chance heading into our finals campaign. That’s fantastic, however we still needed to focus on the game at hand. Go in with a strong mindset and put in a performance worthy of a team that is in form heading into finals.
Our first quarter was really good. A team that looked strong on offense with 14 inside 50’s and registering 10 scoring shots for the quarter. Defensively sound which allowed repeat entries to our forwards. The second quarter was okay, but it seemed like we took our foot off the gas a little and our execution by foot in transition cost us when it came to putting a score on the board.
The team received a stern talking too by yours truly about staying mentally strong and staying composed. Unfortunately in the third term it was clear that Salisbury North turned up there physicality and pressure, they had us rattled. Whilst we still won the quarter on the scoreboard it didn’t seem like we were winning the battle on the ground. The fourth was a great representation of us as a team, moving the ball fluently and using our run and spread to generate offense. Whilst we still weren’t at 100%, we still managed to dominate our opponent on the scoreboard.
Was it our best game of football? No. However, a win is a win and that game gave us something to build on and learn from as well.
Jordan Huppatz again showed why he is the most improved player this year, his defensive craft keeps getting better and better. His run and carry off the half back line was fantastic and his decision making during the game was great.
Thomas Matsis destroyed his opponents all day. The guy gets like 25+ disposals every game but probably goes at 20% efficiency due to his very unique ball drop. Still, he provided a lot of dash out of stoppage which allowed the forwards to get to work.
Adam Greenwood is a big X-factor for us heading into finals. His tackle pressure and 1%’s through the game were huge and effective. Greeny is a massive barometer for the team, and he showed that against Salisbury North.
‘The Coach’ had an impressive game. Racked up the KM’s between the arc’s acting almost as another midfielder. Coach was able to expose his opponents lack of fitness and bury them making them wish they weren’t so fat. Also managed to kick a couple of goals. (p.s. Timmy Draper did the best players so I can only pump up who he puts in on the PlayHQ!)
Sam Warren played another strong game. His leadership around the ground, work rate and contest work really set us up for success during the game.
Our chapters for the minor rounds have concluded and now onto the next chapter of our story which is finals. We face Port Districts in a qualifying final which I’m sure is going to be a cracking match up.
Final Score: ROCFC 17.14.116 defeated Salisbury North 6.2.38
Goals Kickers: Coach 2, Adam Greenwood 2, Thomas Matsis 2, Anton Slivak 2, Harrison Smith 2, Harrison Twiggs 2, Tom Fotheringham 1, Dylan Matthews 1, Jack Platten 1, Jayden Smith 1, Sam Warren 1.
Best Players: Jordan Huppatz, Thomas Matsis, Adam Greenwood, Coach, Sam Warren
Nick Karagich
C Grade Coach
D Grade Match Report: Round 18 v Adelaide Uni
Rocs on the road this week taking on Minor premier's Adel Uni-E in Adelaide's Parklands. Rocs Academy have managed to secure a finals berth this campaign and were determined to test the top side in the midday matchup.
Adel Uni-E exploded out of the centre square with quick ball movement and despite Rocs best efforts in defence, kicked truly on goal within the first 60 seconds. Rocs Academy responded in the best possible way, increasing our pressure on the ball carrier and gaining confidence held the momentum around contested possession, creating many scoring opportunities with our hard running backline setting up constant attacking plays. Unfortunately Rocs missed some easier shots on goal but held Uni's talented forward line to minimal impact until a desperate Uni booted a last effort goal just before the end of the quarter.
1/4:time scores Rocs 3-3 (21) vs Adel Uni-E 2-0 (12)
The second stanza evolved into a one-sided contest as Uni dominated play all around the ground, linking up with run and deadly accuracy as a desperate Rocs were chasing jumpers and outpointed in all areas of the game. Rocs kept applying pressure but were constantly outclassed and fell behind on the scoreboard as Uni booted 7-1 to 1-0 as the first half ended.
1/2 time scores Rocs 4-3 (27) vs Adel Uni-E 9-1 (55)
During the second half both sides found momentum to control general play, but Uni handled the heavy conditions much better to hold the Red & Blacks relentless efforts to work back into the contest at bay. Rocs kept on trying to create flowing teamwork until the final siren.
Final Scores: ROCFC 7-5 (47) defeated by Adel Uni-E 13-7 (85)
Goal Kickers: P. Norris 2, S. Marotti 2, S. Bridge 1, T. Barnes 1, C. Simile 1.
Best players: L. Tripodi, J. Avlonitis, S. Bridge, P. Norris, J. Munchenburg, F. Shanahan.
Best team men: S. Tagg, T. Grant, W. McDonald, P. White.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
E Grade Match Report: Round 18 v Walkerville
First, an acknowledgement of our coach who is away. Safe travels.
Round 18, the stage was set. A win, combined with maintaining our percentage, would see us finish on top of the ladder and secure the all-important week off before finals. It was 2nd versus 3rd: Walkerville versus the Entertainment, without the presence of our Ringmaster, Coach Tony Franzon. John Lewis led the team, with assistance from Vice Captain Jack Hill, and the stage was set.
Walkerville Oval at 10:15 provided perfect conditions and a perfect ground for our team. It's a small oval, which suited our style of play.
We dominated early, kicking two goals in the first five minutes and finishing the first quarter five goals up. We maintained this lead through to half-time.
Spirits were high, and the team looked as motivated and hungry as I have seen all year. Perhaps, after last week's result, we knew we were no longer invincible.
Butters dominated in the ruck and provided fantastic service to Josh Massie, who was incredible all day. Mitch Warren was also immense throughout the contest.
The forwards were a sight to behold, with Tom Jonas leading the pack, kicking five goals, and Scooter doing things only he can do. Liam Holland battled valiantly all day and was influential all over the ground.
However, our game was won by the defenders. Draper was tough and uncompromising throughout the match, while Clemente refused to lose a one-on-one contest, all while providing strong leadership from full-back.
The one-two punch combination of Peter Sianis and Alex Pietrobon was incredible to watch. It was poetry. Like ink and pen, akin to Barrass and McGovern in the 2018 Eagles premiership side. Sianis set things up behind the ball, marking everything that came his way, while Pietrobon launched attack after attack from half-back and finished as one of our best players.
The scoreboard may not have fully reflected the situation. The last quarter was tough. Walkerville were impressive and kicked a couple of goals late, but our big names and ageing bodies dug deep and put them away in the final 10 minutes.
We sang the song without knowing whether our percentage would be enough to secure top spot. As we now know, we have given ourselves the best possible opportunity heading into what promises to be a tough finals campaign.
We will welcome Franz back to do what he does best: motivate his mighty E's as we embark on our finals journey.
Final Scores: ROCFC 12.12.84 defeated Walkerville 6.5.41
Goals Kickers: Jonas 5, Gilbert 2, Fitzsimons, Holland, Kemp, J. Massie & Mezzini 1 each
Best Players: J. Massie, Butterworth, Holland, Pietrobon, M. Warren
Timothy Lewis
E Grade Captain
