Coaches Report - Round 1 - ROCS vs Uni
Round 1 kicked off at Campbelltown Oval for the triple header against Adelaide University - summaries below from all three coaches.
A Grade Report
A result that was ultimately disappointing as we had plenty of the ball and hit the front in the last quarter only to lose in the last ten minutes of the game (as we so often have in the last two years).We need to move from being competitive to getting results on a consistent basis.
Our backline played well, we tackled and pressured them effectively, however, in the end their depth of talent and height wore us down.We struggled to find a winner up forward and will need more scoring options this week against SPOC.
Tim Hart
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report
This was always going to be a monumental test first up. We started well and managed to get an early break on them. We were on top of Uni in clearances and tackle count which helped give us a lead at quarter time. University as you would expect fought back hard in the second term and with the goal umpire making an error and awarding a goal on the halftime siren when clearly it was a point, they went into half time with momentum. We started the 3rd term like the 1st, full of run and pressure across the ground. We wrestled back the lead only for University to fight back late and take a small lead at 3qtr time. The last term proved disappointing as we were unable to sustain the same work rate and with superior fitness and run University went on to record a hard fought win.
There were positive signs in the group with 5 debutants performing admirably and the return of Alex Mckenzie to the field after a year out of the game due to knee problems and his return of 5 goals was a standout performance up forward. Our midfield was competitive all day led by Trenorden and O'Connor. Down back Daniel Trimboli in his 150th game for the club displayed all the poise and courage which has been his trademark over many years. We take many positives from Round 1 with much improved competitiveness, ball movement and speed. However we need to improve in all areas of accountability when we don't have the ball, our match fitness to run out games and ability to find moving targets in our forward line. We look forward to next weeks game at SPOC which will be another great test for our young group.
With so many new players to the club and many B graders from last season performing well in the C Grade on Saturday, competition for spots this week will be hotly contested. The need for blokes to train both nights is critical for fitness and touch, but also to ensure the best possible chance at the selection table.
Peter Pedersen
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report
The C Grade's round 1 game against Adelaide Uni was encouraging yet ultimately disappointing, with Uni coming away with a 17 point victory. The first three quarters of the game were competitive and tightly contested with the margin between the teams not exceeding more than a goal. However, in the last quarter Uni dominated the clearances, worked harder and ultimately had a greater desire to win. A key take away for the team is an understanding that to be successful this season will require consistent commitment for an entire game.
On a positive note there were some exceptional individual efforts which contributed to some patches of terrific team football. Tim Felice, in his first game for the club was outstanding, Tim's clean ball handling and neat disposal stood out throughout. Darren Leggett's game on the ball was excellent, Darren's work rate was terrific and his ball carrying ability was eye catching. As a unit the back line was generally solid and Paul Whitford and Simon Emanuele led the defence very well. Paul's attack on the ball and rebound was very impressive and Simon read the ball brilliantly. Other notable efforts came from Rhys Davies who was lively in the forward line, Brad Green who worked tirelessly in the centre and Glen Malkin whose competitive spirit set a positive example for others. A special mention also to Tim Franklyn, who, in his first game straight from school showed some great potential.
All in all there was a lot to like on Saturday but the challenge is to translate good signs into four quarter performance.
Mick Borrillo
C Grade Coach
