Coaches Report R5 - C's report uploaded
A's and B's go down in nailbiters against SPOC and the C's record a strong 6 goal win in this weeks round of triple headers at ROC Park
Coaches Report R5 - uploaded Monday
A Grade Report R5
A very disappointing loss. We led all day but could never really get a big enough break to be comfortable, however, we led by three goals around 20 minutes into the last quarter with a chance to go further ahead. We missed and they played inspired football to hit the lead with 30 seconds left in the game.
The lesson here is that we left the door ajar by missing opportunities throughout the game. Our inaccuracy on the scoreboard hurt us and we were never as fluent as we would've liked. Having said this, we did shut them down pretty well until the last quarter.
Better players were Ryan Holm, Kieran Holland, Scott Gilbert, Ben Birch and Jack Nelligan.
Hopefully we can bounce back this week in another big game against PAOC at their ground.
Tim Hart
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report
The B-grade played 3 and bit excellent quarters of football against one of the top sides in the competition and just came up short, going down by 4 points in a well fought game. Our young side were able to take it right up to the more experienced and mature side in St Peter's. Anyone who watched the first 3 quarters would see that the team is improving in skill, decision-making and supporting each other at the contest.
We started really well and had the first 4 goals on the board before St Peters were able to reduce our lead to 15 points at quarter time. Tom Taylor kicked our first and Sam Bowler, Ollie Bowler and JD Derrington also contributed goals in the first term. The second term was a free flowing quarter of football and our back line was excellent, led by youngster Patrick Holland repelling St Peters on numerous occassions. We were able to hold onto an 11 point lead going into the long break and Tom Birch got into the game kicking two important goals in the second term.
Our intensity remained strong in the third quarter and we answered all challenges thrown at us and when James Jordan marked and goaled just before the three quarter siren we took a 17 point lead into the last change.
Upon reflection, our last quarter was probably a combination of being tired from our first three quarters effort against bigger bodies and our mind set changing, trying to save the game, rather than playing the way we had in the first three quarters. These are all learning curves for everyone involved in the team and we are not far away from a win. A win can set us up with a lot of confidence and giving us the confidence to take the game by the scruff of the neck and win the game, rather than trying desperately to save the game.
Best players were led by one of the 'Old fellas' of the team Dave Eckert. Dave had a great game on ball and threw himself in at every contest and competed well all day. James Jordan was second best and witha bit of fitness under his belt was moved onto the ball and had a positive impact around the ground. Vice Captain Trent Versace, playing his 50th game for the club, did a great job moving down to centre-half back to take on a big role leading and controlling the back line. First year player Patrick Holland has been rock solid out of his back pocket, and never gave up on a contest and fifth best for us this week was Sam Bowler. Sammy is finding the ball well and always uses it well with his delivery.
We are improving as a team and a win is not too far away.
Glen Malkin
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report
ROCS C Grade Vs SPOC at ROC Park always loomed as a fierce contest and a great test to see how our squad was really travelling in 2011. SPOC to their credit began the game hard and had numbers all over the ground prepared to run and provide options. They kicked the first three goals of the match and were holding sway. Towards the end of the quarter however the ROCS started to lift their work rate and led by Pat Murphy's excellent ruck play started to put some pressure on the scoreboard. Ryan Tarca was a clear winner in the forward half and kicked a couple of goals to get us back in the game.
The second quarter saw SPOC still prepared to do the hard running and attack their goal. This saw them increase a 7 point lead at quarter time to 10 points at half time. ROCS backline through Matt Pedler and Alex Kelly, when moved to Centre Half Back to quell a dominant opposition forward, proved invaluable in keeping us within striking distance. Importantly our full back and Acting captain Craig (Mr Fabulous) Fabbian was never beaten at the contest and Sean Castellano (Best Team Man) had plenty of work to do and made the most of his opportunities, backing up his team mates and tackling ferociously to really put pressure on the opposition.
The third quarter was a dour struggle with both teams kicking only 1.2 each for all their efforts. We felt that our boys had worked back into the game with our pressure around the ball causing many mistakes from SPOCS. Jesse Abfalter (Best On Ground) added to his good first half winning plenty of the ball with his tough approach, Stevie McKenna found a harder focussed approach on the ball and player to start to dominate his wing and gain plenty of possessions. Sam (Foss) Newman continued his hard running and heavy bollocking work to stand out and fire his teamates up. At 3 quarter time the ROCS were 10 points down.
The injection of “The Cheese “ Paul Arnfield into the full forward line at 3 quarter time proved invaluable as he kicked three goals and created several other opportunities as the C-Grade juggernaut kicked into gear. The team can play a delicious brand of football when provoked as a 9.2 to 1.2 onslaught turned the deficit into a very handy lead. Hayden Edwards started to burn on his wing with his silky disposal and by using the right option shone through to be a very important player. Nick Bartold started to hold down the CFH position to become a great target and go to man. His development this season is quite sensational and he can only improve as he gains more experience.
By the time The Cheese had slotted his third and Tarcs had his fifth goal the team were really enjoying the contest and were quite disappointed when the final bell rang. We had run out winners by 38 points in another bruising yet highly skilled encounter. This week we face the top of the ladder PAOC and our boys must be ready to face the challenge. At least the start time is back to normal this week with the later 2.15 start time meaning the players will not miss out on some valuable beauty sleep.
Craig 'Fabes' Fabbian was successful in winning the SAAFL West End Lucky Player of the week - thanks for all the votes - over 1025 votes !!!!
Steve Edwards
C Grade Coach
