Coaches Report - R4
Goodwood Saints take the points in all grades
Coaches Report - R4
A Grade Report - R4
Round 4 V Goodwood Saints @ Goodwood 5/5/2012
For the first time this year we got off to a slow start and were chasing guernseys from early in the game. In the times we did get the ball we appeared rushed for time and looked panicky in contrast to recent weeks. The rest of the quarter was an arm wrestle that was to set the scene for the majority of the day. We seemed to turn the ball over through the midfield too easily at times but maximized our opportunities when going deep forward. Losing Tom Bowler early left us without much flexibility down back but it was exciting to see Henry Schilling come on for his first run of A grade football.
There were several periods in the first half where Goodwood appeared hungrier for the contested footy and were able to bundle the ball forward aided by ineffective tackling. Had it not been for the likes of Craig Holm and Jack Nelligan getting enough of the footy going our way we would have been a lot further behind at half time. Thankfully we were still in the contest and looking to come out stronger in the second half.
The third quarter was patchy in that didn’t do as well statistically in the way of clearances or inside 50’s but were far more efficient going forward and were able to outscore them for the quarter thanks to their inaccurate kicking for goal. It was very concerning to see Scott Gilbert go down and with Damien Moyle also getting a knock we effectively had nothing on the bench.
In the last quarter the arm wrestle continued but to Goodwood’s credit they ground us down and eventually took control of the match. Further injuries to in form Tom Birch, Brad Manuel and later Mick Aloisi left a war torn scene after the final siren where the scoreline probably flattered us given their missed opportunities in front of goal. The aim now is to get as many people up for this week and hit Broadview with everything we’ve got get a win
Best players were Craig Holm who stood extremely tall with a four quarter effort and was spent by the end of the day. Jack Nelligan fought hard all day and Ben Birch and Will O’Malley were great across half back. Damien Polkinghorne and Drew Litster also won their positions at their respective ends of the ground.
Bad luck to the B’s on their first loss for the season. If only that game went an extra few minutes a win was looking ominous. Commiserations also to the C grade on their loss. At least with the injuries we have there will be plenty of opportunities in this grade to the guys waiting in the wings.
Best Players: Craig Holm, Nelligan, Ben Birch, Will O’Malley, Damien Polkinghorne, Drew Litster
Goal Kickers: Drew Litster 4, Luke Manuel 1, Brad Manuel 1, Tom Birch 1, Craig Holm1.
Matthew Dawes
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report - R4
In a tough and physical game, we fell 5 points short against Goodwood Saints on the weekend. We certainly had our chances to win but some skill errors and our set shots at goal were the difference.
The first quarter set the scene for the whole day. It was tight and tough around the contests and we stood up well and didn't get pushed around. We had plenty of the ball and certainly went into our forward 50m more than Goodwood did. Quarter time we led 1-4 to 1-0.
Unfortunately all our points were from set shots and they were all gettable. If we had gone into quarter time 4 goals up the result may have been different.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle and we still managed to maintain a slender 2 point lead. At the start of the 3rd term Goodwood Saints gained control for the first time in the game and kicked 5 out of the first 6 goals of the quarter. At one point in the closing stages of the 3rd quarter Goodwood Saints lead 8 goals to 4 goals even though we probably had more of the ball over the course of the game. What was really pleasing was that we dug deep and never gave up on the contest. We still crashed and bashed into the contests and we really put a great deal of physical pressure on them. I was really pleased that we dragged ourselves back into the contest and we kicked the final 3 goals of the game. We almost snatched victory at the end of the game, we were inside 50m with Jeremy O'Learys quick kick under pressure rolling towards goal but pulled up short as the siren went.
Patrick Murphy was tough and hard at the contests and took a few casualites in the last quarter. Johno Koerner made a good contribution for his first game at the Rocs and will be better when he improves his match fitness. Josh Robinson was good around the ball and shows class and poise when he has the ball.
Best player against Goodwood Saints was Matthew Bazzica. Continuing his good form from last week, he attacked the ball hard from half back and rebounded well. He judged the ball well and took some good relieving marks in the backline. He led the backline well and his experience was good in a tight game. Dale Sheedy kicked 4 out of the 7 goals and his marking and presence in the forward line was invaluable. Sheeds has been a great target up forward for us in the past couple weeks and works hard to present as an option. Luke Sheridan has made an impact since joining the club and was good on the ball. Luke is a head down, hard as nails type of player and doesn't take a backwards step. He was very good moving the ball forward under pressure. Sam Bridge played well again at centre half forward and in the ruck. His experience gives the rest of the team a great deal of confidence and he rewards the team with his work ethic across half forward. Bridgey took some great marks around the ground and his taps to our advantage when in ruck gave us first use of the ball on many occassions. Fifth best was Chuck Norris from his back pocket. Chucky rarely gets beaten and was rock solid in defence again on the weekend.
The challenge this week is how we regroup and bounce back, against another good side in Broadview this weekend.
Glen Malkin
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report - R4
A huge assignment this week for the Baby Rocs as we lined up against last seasons Premiers of the C1 division Goodwood Saints to kick off a triple header away @ Goodwood oval.
The first quarter had the Rocs off to a flier with Jess Abfalter & Bungy O'Connor well on top around the ball as Big Al McKenzie kept up his fine ruckwork to gift our onball brigade first use of the sherrin. Rocs teamwork & support all around the park assisted our side to propel the ball into our forward zone. Backed up by our defensive unit linking up well with each other to provide options around the park. Abs in particular was on fire to slot through 3 classy goals, Bungy working overtime in heavy traffic using his skills to maintain possession & use the ball effectively, backed up by Sammy Tagg & Luke Polkinghorne doing well on their wings. In a highly skilled & tough contest the Rocs went to the first break with a well earned & handy lead. Scores Rocs 5-1 vs Goodwood 3-1.
The Saints reacted to start the second qtr applying taggers to try & nullify Bungy & Abs' dominance. This move didn’t quell our experienced quality onballers but the rest of the Saints Team lifted their workrate as top teams will do & our young side found it harder to stay focused, didn’t work hard enough to pick up loose players which had the Saints peppering the ball into a young man mountain at full forward. Unfortunately for Rocs new fullback Sam (motor) Moten who has been in top form in his first year as a senior player the Rocs defence had lowered their workrate to drop off their opponents & fill in the spaces which consequently had their team with their tails up & confidence building to kick the last 3 goals in the qtr & be right back in the hard fought contest. 1/2 time scores Rocs 5-2 vs Saints 7-4.
During the break the Rocs boys were urged to keep doing the hard things in a football game & raise our workrate, shepparding & teamwork to assist the ballcarrier. Another area our squad has been working on-spreading around the stoppages & in general play as our boys have been tested in this area in the last couple of games against quality opposition only to be left with red faces of embarrassment as we watched our opponents use the spread & backup to carry the away into attack with telling results. This is exactly what happened again during the 3rd & 4th quarters as Goody Saints swarmed into attack & took total control of the game & hammer the scoreboard. As this happens in a game it contributes in a number of ways frustrating the players who are doing the harder things, our boys must keep working together in the same direction as this will help us be more competitive against the top teams in the C1 competition. After halftime the Saints cruised away with the scoreboard kicking 8-5 to Rocs 1-5 & achieve a hard fought 56pt victory.
The final scores had surprised most of the Saints players & officials with many commenting they thought the scores were closer than what had transpierced. This is a pleasing comment as our squad has been told many times 'it’s the way you go about playing the game that really matters'. With plenty to work on over the next few weeks & many of our squad needing to improve their general fitness, stamina & skill level the Rocs boys must keep working hard & aim towards becoming a squad that is respected & feared in the C1 grade.
Final scores Goody Saints 15-9 vs Rocs 6-7.
Goalkickers - Jess Abfalter - 4, Paulo Emanuele -1, Steve Marotti -1
Best players- Andrew O'Connor, Jess Abfalter, Millard, Sam Tagg, Simon Emanuele
others to do well over 4quarters - Alex McKenzie, Dan Marotti, Shaun Castellano, Luke Polkinghorne
Steve Edwards
C Grade Coach
