Coaches Report - R11
C's report now uploaded for viewing !! - A's and C's record victories in R11
A Grade Report - R11
Our first quarter was blistering, full of run and purpose and sensational finishing as we used the wind superbly to kick 9 goals. Modbury responded well in the second as we lapsed in concentration , were unbalanced by Chris Pahl's injury and we allowed them to draw to just over three goals behind at halftime. Again we were faced with a significant challenge as they had all the momentum. In the second half we showed character and despite further injuries slogged to a solid victory. In the last quarter we refused to give any time or space to use the ball and played very tough competitive football.
Many thanks to our sponsors who were in attendance and to those who sponsor the club but couldn't be there. Your ongoing interest and support is invaluable and much appreciated. Our football club is like family and the community feel is the best part of what we do.
Better players were Luke Manuel, Will O'Malley, Kieran Holland, Scott Gilbert, Ben Moyle, Tom Bowler, Sam Bridge and Craig Holm.
Tim Hart
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report - R11
The message was very clear before the game to build on the form from the past month and not to be complacent as we prepared to play Modbury who were bottom of the ladder. Unfortunately the message did not get through our first half was very poor. There was a lack of intensity, commitment, voice and enthusiasm within the team. We were 14 points down at half time and our third quarter was very good, however we missed some shots at goal and scored 3 goal 5 behinds to Modbury's solitary behind and took a 6 point lead into the last quarter. We were kicking into a slight breeze, but we were confident that our fitness could get us over the line. We dominated the first 7-8 minutes but couldn't put a score on the board. Modbury kicked a goal against the run of play and had a sniff of victory and played with passion and confidence. We kicked the next two goals and was 12 points up with 8 minutes to go. Unfortunately we didn't maintain an effort or composure and Modbury had the last 3 scoring shots to win by one point. We certainly didn't deserve to win today and only played reasonable footy for a quarter and a half.
Best player today was young Stevie McKenna. He was one of the few that did attack the ball hard and run from his half forward line. Dale Sheedy was very good at centre half forward and when he was shifted onto the ball. Jeremy O'Leary tried hard and had a positive impact on the ball, John Derrington found a bit of form coming back from injury and John Trenorden wasn't overly influential, but battled hard all day.
The weekends game just goes to show that you can never take anything for granted and must always prepare properly, both physically and mentally. We must learn from our mistakes this weekend and prepare for St Ignatius this week.
Glen Malkin
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report
Finally after a long, long break the ROCS C-Grade squad were back in action. Round 11 had us meeting Ovingham at Can reserve. This game was a very important clash for the team as Ovingham, sitting in third place, had been in very good form since our last meeting and are one of the top sides going around.
On a small oval with a strong breeze blowing straight down the ground the ROCS impressed by leading at quarter time against the breeze 3.1 to 2.3. The ROCS started very well in probably our best start to a game for the season and should have been further in front but for our forwards failing to hold onto several easy marks.
In the second quarter with the breeze we played tough hard running football but with not much room to run to position the play was scrambly and we wasted many attacking forays to but lead 6.7 to 3.6. With 9 shots at goal for the quarter the boys should have been in a much more commanding position.
Ovingham in the third quarter came out snarling and the contest only got tougher for both teams. With goals at a premium we managed to kick 2.1 in the stanza to just hold on to the lead as Ovingham booted 4.4, at one stage hitting the front towards the end of a tough quarter.
Going into the last quarter with a 4 point lead the team was urged to dig deep and stick to our game plan which we did with a telling result. ROCS slammed on 4.5 to 1.1 to run away with a hard fought (including several scuffles and a huge melee at the end of the game) 26 point win. A fantastic effort by the team.
The siren went and after all the spot fires were put out the ROCS and Ovingham shook hands and both teams regrouped to have a beer and a chat in the Ovingham club rooms which shows a lot about the character of both sides. Ovingham are a proud club and will no doubt be stiff competition later in the season.
This game saw several players return to the side from overseas and long term injuries. CJ “Bobcat” Jones rucked tirelessly and passionately to be best on ground and with his second efforts was an inspiration to his team mates. He is very happy to be back at the ROCS after a year in the Hills League and a stint in the US. His travel buddy Rhys “Wombat” Davies proved a valuable asset in the first half and can only improve with more time on the training track. Reece Digance, back from injury, played a vital role as an attacking forward and kicked two goals. Big Nick Rendell, also back from long term injury, used his time in the ruck and at full forward to finish off some vital plays in the third quarter and finished with two goals.
A great return from our beloved skipper Simon “Hambone” Emanuele saw him come up against one of our grades leading goalkicker and the great man proved he hasn't lost his touch by keeping him to just a few points and a handful of kicks for the game. Jesse Abfalter (Best Team Man) continued his fine season and really has that extra bit of class that is vital to his teams efforts. Matt Pedler and Garry “Velvet” Velez also put in stirling performances with fierce attack on the ball and creative running.
Pat “Dutchy” Holland was almost impassable at Centre Half Back and his dangerous opponent only took a handful of marks for the game as Dutchy ran to provide support and great ball use for his team. Paul “Banno” Bannister and Vic “Pissa” Pisanello, playing his 100th game for the club, are both having standout seasons and the way that they attack each contest is an inspiration to their team mates. The only time Banno wasn’t in the play was when he was off the field (several times) with the blood rule. The sight of him careering into packs with his bandaged head is becoming legendary.
Nick McDonough always puts his head down and charges through the packs. Nick plays with confidence and can certainly turn a game in favour of the ROCS. Paul “Cheese” Arnfield has been going about his business very nicely and is beginning to hit top form. His first half was one of the great individual halves for the season and his three goals from the wing and a pocket had him the leading goalscorer for the match. His goals included one absolute gem from the off pocket kicking into the wind. No doubt he will let you all know just how good it was over a beer or two back at the club.
The ROCS boys all know the job is still not done despite another great win and all must be on the training track to improve on a great season so far. Again, huge congratulations to Vic on his 100th game, he has been a great clubman for several years now and we can only hope for 100 more!
Steve Edwards
C Grade Coach
