Coaches Report R5
C's report uploaded - A & B Grade Coaches Reports - 3 out 3 against Gaza
A Grade Report - R5 vs Gaza
Prior to the game, I felt Gaza was as always going to be a bigger challenge than what the win/loss tallies may of indicated. Of the 21 players that played for Gaza on Saturday, 7 of them had made a previous SAAFL team of the year. With this in mind we were very much aware they had the talent to play some good footy. So it was no surprise that during the first quarter Gaza were able to capitalise on our low intensity around the footy, poor delivery inside 50m and untidy kicking at goal to be leading us 4.5 to 1.7 at the first break.
After quarter time the ROCS players intensity around the footy lifted hugely, which resulted in us winning a lot more of the footy and the momentum certainly shifted in our favour. But frustratingly our inaccuracy in front of goals continued as we kicked 5.7 for the quarter to be leading by 1 goal at half time.
The third quarter was a much more even affair and at three quarter time with us up by 5 points the game was most definitely in the balance.
Despite Gaza being well on top at the clearances in the last quarter, we finally managed to kick more accurately in front of goal which allowed us to run away with a 29 point win. This was largely due to Chris Pahl's outstanding effort to kick all of the side's 5 last quarter goals. A truly great individual effort!
Ben Kerslake worked hard all day and his competiveness and strong contested marking must be commended. Brendan Littler continued his good ball winning form - look out when he gets his goal kicking boots on! Kieran Holland, Craig Holm and Drew Litster were also good performers on the day.
A special mention to Carlisle Jones who made his A grade debut for the ROCS and contributed towards the win.
We look forward to the challenge of taking on Henley at home this week. They have been a strong Div 1 side for many years and we'll certainly need to improve a in a few areas if we are to give ourselves a chance of beating them.
Tom Wigley
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report - R5 vs Gaza
After a tight loss the previous week to Adelaide Uni, the focus was on us making sure we bounced back with a strong win against Gaza. Gaza can traditionally be a difficult opposition to beat, so to run out eventual winners by 49 points, especially away from home was pleasing.
In reality, this was by no means one of our better performances of the year. We struggled to use the ball efficiently when going forward, and also found it difficult to break away from Gaza’s congested and contested game style. However what was pleasing was the player’s persistence and eventually in the 4th quarter the game opened up for us. We had 10 shots on goal for the quarter, however unfortunately 9 of these were points!
A pleasing aspect was our strong 1st quarter (3.5 to 0.1) which was been an issue for us in the 1st 4 rounds. We now need to work on taking our opportunities when they arise to ensure we get ourselves into strong positions from which oppositions teams find it difficult to get back into the game.
Better players for ROCS on the day were; Tom O’Malley who continues his strong early season form. His ability to find space on the wing, and use the ball efficiently was again excellent. Mitch Sutcliffe played his best game for the year. His ability at CHB to beat his opponent and also provide us with run was invaluable. Trent Versace and Charlie Jordan were valuable contributors on ball and John Harrison continues to be a strong target up forward for us with his 4 goals.
This week see us set ourselves against the reigning premier in Henley, which will be an exciting challenge and a game that we MUST play well!
Final Scores: ROCS 9-19 (73) def Gaza 3-6 (24)
Goal Scorers: J. Harrison 4, T. Versace 2, C. Jordan 1, T. Taylor 1, J. O’Leary 1
Best Players: T. O'Malley, M. Sutcliffe, J. Harrison, T. Versace, C. Jordan, S. Bowler (Best Team Man)
Paul Bannister
B Grade Coach
C GradeReport - R6 vs Gaza
Excellent weather conditions greeted all who ventured along to the late game played at the ‘Home of Footy’, Campbelltown Oval, to witness the ROCs Academy of Football meet Gaza in a clash that our young squad had to win. We must continue to improve & develop each round, with a win helping to consolidate our team’s position (2nd on the ladder). The C1 squad has worked diligently to improve its game & style of play, and each week must continue the hard work as we aim to challenge for a top 3 position by the end of the minor round. The team needed some early morning re-jigging as three players had withdrawn from the selected side. With plenty of players pressing for selection each week, replacements were given their chance to perform & add something to the team’s performance.
We were switched on from the start, playing with ferocity & a desire to win the contested ball, providing run & options to link up well, transferring the sherrin into our forward zone. The ROCs responded in the best possible way to many heavy body clashes & late tackles, controlling general play with all players contributing to another excellent 1st qtr. blitz, holding Gaza at bay & restricting their movements into attack. The on-ball brigade was led by Bungee O'Connor, ably assisted by McGloven Weaver, Pigeon Deegan, Jacko Adams & Sticks (Hamish) Kernahan. They worked together to accept the chances created by the ROCs dominant ruckmen Funky Millard and debutante Sam (Squidjig) Matthews who dominated the centre-square contests. These ruckmen worked tirelessly & in conjunction with Plugger (Daniel) Farrugia, our 3 big men presented solidly, rotating between CHF & ruck duties. ROCs played with a relentless & unselfish style of play, pumping the ball into attack with our forwards taking their chances to slam home 7-6(48) while restricting a hard hitting & physical Gaza to 1-1(7).
As the 2nd qtr. got under way the Red & Black juggernaut was a delight to watch, with the ROCs lifting their intensity & desperation around the contested ball & choosing the best option when in possession. The ROCs worked extremely hard in every position to be well on top of their opponents, the backline supreme with CHB Jacko McSpozza (McCarron) on fire to lead his other backmen, making it almost impossible for the Gaza side to score. Wingman ‘Rowdy’ O'Leary & ‘The Experiment’ (Chris Press) were in total control of their positions & played with poise & discipline to set up many attacking moves. The ROCs Machine was relentless, still running hard as the siren sounded to end a powerhouse display of teamwork & had run away with the game slamming home 9-4 to 0-1.
1/2time scores ROCs 16-10(106) vs Gaza 1-2(8)
The 3rd qtr had Gaza fired up and not giving any possessions away easily. The game tightened up around the park with the ROCs standing up to Gaza's challenge & in a hard fought 22mins of footy managed to score our teams 'standard', kicking 4-3 while holding Gaza scoreless.
3/4time scores ROCs 20-13 vs Gaza 1-2(8)
As the ROCs remained positive & enthusiastic during the ¾ time break - the Red & Blacks couldn’t wait to begin the last stanza & once again exploded around the park, playing a high standard of team play, dominating the scoreboard & converting most chances on goal, again slamming home 9-4 while restricting Gaza to 1-0 scored in the last minute of the contest.
Final scores ROCs 29-17(191) def. Gaza 2-2(14)
The final score-line of 29-17(191) is the highest score kicked by the C-grade in recent memory, with the huge 177pt winning margin a fantastic result to our squad, who have all done their best to improve their game play & skill levels each week as required to achieve our ultimate goal.
Standout performers this week included debutantes ‘Squidjig’ (Sam) Mathews & Adam (‘Richter scale’) Richter. The ‘Squidjig’ was a sensation in the ruckman’s position, a real credit to the young man as he has had to wait patiently for his opportunity to play alongside his former schoolmates. The ‘Richter Scale’ a small crumbing forward who has had limited opportunities with Norwood U18s, fitted in to the ROCs forward-line to add what we have been lacking most of the season - goals off the pack and great work in & around the packs. The ‘Richter Scale’ booted 5 goals & set up team mates unselfishly with scoring chances. ‘Jersey Boy’ (Paulo) Emanuele also impressed in his first outing this season filling in at full-forward & booting 4 goals to provide a focal point to kick to, as well as tackling & pressuring the Gaza defence.
A huge challenge for our squad this week is Unley Jets, last year’s premiers in C2 division. They were undefeated last season & sit 3rd on the C1 ladder, waiting to pounce on any ROCs slip-up.
A great match-up this week is expected with our
'Divine Leader 'Captain Blood' Simmo’ Emanuele playing game 250 for the Red & Blacks - a fantastic achievement by our top class defender;
the C1 side must leave no stone unturned in our efforts to notch another win.
Steve Edwards
C Grade Coach
