Coaches Report - R6
A's & C's impressive wins against top of the table SPOC
Coaches Report - R6
A Grade Report
Round 6 V St Peters Old Scholars at Campbelltown 19/5/2012
Again this week we raised the bar for a quality consistent four quarter effort against the previously unbeaten SPOC. After a slow start where SPOC controlled the game with slow, possession based football, we were able to gain ascendancy by causing turnovers and then hurting them on the scoreboard with quick movement deep into the forward 50. The last ten minutes of the first quarter was some of our most powerful football for the year. Our ability to link up with running handball and finish of very well in front of goal really caught SPOC out. It must have been frustrating for them to be down by 4 goals at quarter time after controlling a fair bit of the first term.
The second quarter was a sea-sawing affair with SPOC getting a few quick goals early and looking to be back in the game only to have a repeat of the first quarter with the ROCS gaining ascendency around stoppages and again maximizing opportunity around goals. Drew Litster was making the most of even slight opportunities, Paul Fantasia was strong across half forward and our on ballers were having the better of an experienced and quality SPOC midfield.
Being up by five goals at half time was a great start but for a long time we have been unable to put sides away and either let them back in the game or at least take the foot off of the accelerator. This was a big motivating factor for the second half and the players stood up right across the ground. It was very pleasing to see the guys on the bench make the most of their opportunities when they came on. We have been tested for depth in the last two weeks and this makes their contribution all that more important. In the second half SPOC struggled to get it past our half back line with Ben Birch controlling the air and Luke Crouch and Chris Pahl creating some excellent run and carry from defence.
The last quarter was very pleasing and arguably our best for the game. We dominated clearances and won the contested ball all over the ground. SPOC actually went inside 50 once more than us but the pressure on the kicker often caused them to miss goals. In contrast our forward movement was clean and dangerous licking 5 goals 4 from 11 forward 50 entries. As with last week, the game was probably always going to be beyond SPOC’s reach in the last quarter but it was fantastic to see our players running to the end whilst resting myself, Luke Crouch and Drew for most of the last quarter.
Best players were Drew Litster for the second week in a row with 7 goals. Paul Fantasia was dangerous all day with 3 goals from Centre Half Forward. Craig Holm continued his consistency of good form, Luke Crouch was totally dominant across half back for the day and Will O’Malley had another great game in the centre. There were many other contributors and probably another ten players who easily won their positions on the day.
The B grade looked a little outclassed by a strong SPOC side who had several players running around from last years Div 2 premiership side. Well done to the C grade on a great win against another previously undefeated team.
Best Players: Litster, Paul Fantasia, Craig Holm, Luke Crouch, Will O’Malley
Goal Kickers: Drew Litster 7, Luke Manuel, Paul Fantasia 3, John Corbett, John Trenorden, Craig Holm, McKenna, Crouch
Matthew Dawes
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report - R6
The B grade came up against a physically bigger and stronger St Peters team and struggled to compete effectively and match them in work ethic in the first half of the game. The St Peters b grade are very well structured and drilled in getting the ball out of congestion and we certainly learned a few lessons from them.
Being 32 points down at half time and only kicking one goal in the first half, we could have got kicked off the park in the second half. To the lads credit, we changed the way we delivered the ball to teammates up ahead and tried to match their work ethic with a higher intensity and pressure at the ball and we dragged ourselves in back into the game. It was a real positive that the lads took pride in the result that they were responsible for and half way through the last quarter the lead had been cut back to 16 points. A couple injuries restricted our rotations and we probably are not as fit as we need to be at this point and St Peters had control of the final 10 minutes of the quarter to register a comfortable win against us.
While it was a loss, it was a game that we can take some positives out of the second half and gives us a clearer indication how we stack up against one of the best teams in the b grade competition. Another positive was the performance of Sam Bowler who played his first game for the year and will quickly put pressure on an A grade selection. Also Simon Fitzgerald's form in the B grade was pleasing as he fights to regain a position back in the A grade.
Fifth best player was Russell Brooks who's looked more at home with the pace of the game as the game wore on. After missing some easy marks in the first half, his second half was a lot more positive and he regained some form and confidence as the game progressed. Patrick Holland continued his good form from last week and received 4th best player. Paddy is as honest as the day is long. He works tirelessly in any position he is asked to play and never gives up on a contest. Dale Sheedy has a work rate that other team mates need to recognise and try to match. His presence across half forward gives us a great target and his skill level, especially his marking, earned his 3rd best for the match. Luke Sheridan has made an impact since coming into the side and gaining some fitness to become extremely effective on the ball. Luke plays hard at the ball and demands his teammates to follow suit. His efforts and attitude are important to this team and earned Luke second best in this game. Best player for Rocs was clearly Trent Versace. It was great to see Trent regain some confidence and attack the ball in the air and on the ground with some real intensity. It has been a slow and frustrating start of the year for Trent's standards and it was clearly his best game personally and positive impact on the team. He really did work hard and maintained a high work ethic on the ball, running with the St Peters on-ballers.
It doesn't get any easier for the b grade this coming week, playing the undefeated Henley side. Our best efforts should be more than competitive. The result will be determined on how long we can maintain the effort and intensity for the game.
Glen Malkin
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report - R6
The Rocs C1 squad faced its biggest challenge in season 2012 kicking off proceedings in the early game of a triple header Sponsors Day extravaganza vs the undefeated Spoc team. Kicking to the Guy Sebastian Memorial end at the home of football (Campbelltown Oval) the Rocs boys ran out to their positions & all but 2 of our young team shook hands with a much taller & physically bigger opponent. Things were looking ominous indeed as the last time the College sides had met was in a exciting & very close Preliminary Final at the end of the of season 2011.
The game started with a rampant Spoc running the ball easily out of the centre square with options galore, using quick ball movement to hit their full forward on the chest 20m out directly in front of goal, as the goal ump watched the kick sail straight through the middle the Rocs defense were trying to work out what the hell had happend. 2nd ball up same result, with consummate ease Spocs midfielders & runners were all over the Rocs boys & this time hit their forward target 35m out on a slight angle with the same result. Rocs young defenders had to regroup quickly making sure their match ups were more evenly correct & the size difference more balanced. Again the Spoc side had options galore from the centre break & only some outstanding courage & discipline from consummate defenders Simon (Captain Blood) Emanuele & Shannon (little Ghengis) Castelano aided by Golden Ox Craig Fabbian stopped the damage of attacking forays from the fired up & confident ladder leaders. As the dust settled Rocs onballers led by inform ruckman Alex (Big Mac)McKenzie began to string more than 2 possessions in a row together, aided by constant harassment & tackling from wingers Robby Emanuele & Matt (Butch) McPeake the Rocs were finally into attack giving Chris Ash chances to mark & create shots on goal. Finally after some wasted chances from the Rocs forward line classy Jess Abfalter launched a trademark bomb from outside 50m & the Rocs were back in the hunt in a tight & hotly contested battle that was unfolding. As the quarter neared its time limit with their coach constantly pressing the 'on' button the Rocs machine burst into life, only to be halted by the ¼ time siren. Scores Rocs 2-3 vs Spoc 2-1
The 2nd qtr began just as the first with Spoc again running in numbers, taking the game on & were quickly back in the lead. With Rocs backline working overtime to repel Spocs constant attacking plays, the Rocs boys moved the ball forward into the 50m arc & a courageous mark was held by Simon Captain Blood Emanuele as he had followed his man everywhere & our spiritual leader had fearlessly committed his body to the contest. As the dust settled Captain Blood realised he was in the forward zone & composed himself enough to slot a much needed goal. The Rocs boys came from everywhere to congratulate him as his courage & will to do anything for his teammates was respectfully acknowledged. Rocs were soon back in the lead with great goals from Robby Emanuele & the Barometer Vic Pisaniello just before the long break. ½ time scores Rocs 5-4 vs Spoc 4-3
The third qtr was soon underway & a dour struggle for the lead had both teams defenses working extremely hard to keep their respective sides in the contest. Rocs had to re jig their defensive posts with the Golden Ox having spent his petrol tickets minding Spocs mobile CHF & cult hero Bang Bang Bartold recovering from a bone shattering but totally legal shirtfront just before halftime. These 2 problems could have easily derailed the young Rocs endeavors but with faith shown in our 1st year charges they all lifted when needed & steadied the ship. Ruckman Bigmac McKenzie who has tirelessly stayed onball 95% of game time this season & has taken onboard the challenge to become a more complete ruckman, worked hard to have a bigger influence around the ground and in the defensive zone as his presence can create unforced errors from the opposition. With both teams striving for the lead Rocs forged to game high 8pt margin at 3/4time Scores Rocs 7-7 vs Spoc 6-5.
The final stanza started with the Rocs side forcing the ball forward at all costs. With Sam (Willo) Wilson using his naturally gifted skills & ball reading ability to nullify
many of Spocs attacking moves teaming up well with resting onballer The Barometer Pisaniello across halfback to send the Rocs constantly into our attacking zone. The Golden Ox recharged and moved to CHF a man who never gives in against all odds held onto some fine pressure marks but despite his best endeavors with plenty of assistance from Paul (Trojan Warrior) Bannister & livewire Josh (Coalminer) Daniele the Rocs struggled to kick the goals to put the game away. As the term dragged on & on it seemed to everyone urging the young Rocs team on that sinking feeling that Spoc could create a swing in momentum & surge to the lead. In a frantic last few minutes young gun Luke (Polky) Polkinghorne took time out from tackling & harassing anyone in a blue guernsey to swoop on a loose ball & kick truly and at last the Rocs had an unassailable lead. The final siren rang with Rocs winning a bruising & physical battle against a formidable opponent by 14pts.
After the game with plenty of players from both sides showing the effects of fatigue & hard knocks the Rocs boys sang our club song with absolute gusto & feeling knowing that playing together as a complete team unit, with a never give in attitude had got them over the line. Just another small step in a long season but during the last few weeks our team has shown the commitment & desire to now know what it takes to be a feared & competitive unit in the C1 division.
Goal kickers: Chris Ash 2, Jess Abfalter 2, Rob Emanuele 1, Simon Emanuele 1, Vic Pisaniello-1, Nick Bartold-1, Luke Polkinghorne-1
Best players: Vic Pisaniello, Shannon Castelano, Simon Emanuele, Alex McKenzie, Jess Abfalter, Chris Ash
Best team man: Sam Moten
Other players just outside the votes - Rocs team
Steve Edwards
C Grade Coach
