Coaches Report - R9
Round 9 V Port Districts at Largs Reserve
With Port Districts desperate to win to stay in the top 5 and on their home ground we went into this game knowing we would be in for a contest. Then as we watched our B grade kick only 4 goals to lose a game they were expected to win it certainly reminded us that Districts would be a big challenge.
We were kicking into a strong southerly in the first quarter and Districts certainly had the early momentum and had the ball parked in their forward half for long periods. I was really pleased to see the players adapt to the situation and not only halt Districts early momentum but actually attack them and eventually win the quarter by 2 points.
The second quarter we played some of the best football we have played all year. On the narrow ground we didn’t overuse the ball and played efficient, direct, corridor football. The forwards took advantage of our fast ball movement and hit the scoreboard almost every time ball went inside our 50m. This resulted in us kick 8.6 to Districts 0.1 for the quarter and set up the win for us. Half time scores were ROCS 10.10 to Districts 2.3.
After half time we were unable to maintain our momentum and we continually let ourselves down in front of goal while Districts couldn’t miss! In the second half we kicked 4.8 to Districts 6.0, so we were actually out scored by 4 points in the second half.
Final scores: ROCS 14.19 to Districts 8.3.
I was thrilled to see Trent Versace play his best A grade game for the club, Ross Christie had a stand out game and Kieran Holland and Damien Moyle continued their consistent years in the back half.
At the half way mark of the season we are second on the ladder with 8 wins and 1 lose. The players and I are certainly looking forward to the challenge of the second half of the season. Despite the position we are in we know we have a lot of areas of our game we need to work hard to improve on.
Tom Wigley
A Grade Coach
