Coaches Report R12 - Goals Goals Goals - Drew bags 15 !! and the B's two Mac's - Corey 6 & Alex 5
Big Wins for both A + B Grade - both kicked 21 goals for great wins against Eastern Park at home
A Grade Report
A terrific result where, for the first time this year, we played consistently over four quarters in an excellent sustained team effort against a quality opponent (who beat Uni by 11 goals last week and who smashed us last time we played them). We were very inaccurate early, registering 1.8 at one stage, however we persevered well and in the second half didn't kick a point! Our run and handball was great to watch as we grew in confidence and finished the game full of runnning.
Drew Litster was extraordinary, kicking 15 goals in one of the great performances in club history. Other good players were Scott Paul, Anthony Medhurst, Jack Nelligan, Luke Manuel, Will O'Malley,Peter Baccanello and Scott Gilbert. Good to see former club coaches Tim Symes and Greg Mellor watching on Saturday. Athelstone have won their last three and will be tough opposition at their home ground so we hope for a good level of travelling support.
Tim Hart
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report
With another hit of injuries and players unavailable due to work commitments we were forced to make 6 changes on Thursday night. With this in mind it was going to be a test of depth through the club. The result however was emphatic. We played some terrific flowing, skilful football that at times was clinical. Led by Sam Dubois who rucked all day unchanged, our midfielders led by Green, T.Taylor and Ash continually drove us forward with purpose and intensity. The forward line functioned with great understanding, allowing Sheedy (3 goals), Mckenzie (5 goals) and Corey McDonald (6 goals) with space and separation to beat their opponents and finish well after quarter time.
Our backline were again outstanding not letting EP kick a goal after half time. Particularly pleasing was the debut made by Sam "Fos" Newman who was clean and poised with his ball use. Overall with our youngest and most inexperienced side for the year we produced our most consistent 4qtr performance.
We must quickly move on from this game as because of the tightness of the competition, every week is critical and Athelstone will be a massive test for our young group this week.
Peter Pedersen
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report
Sporting eleven changes to last week's team the C's made the hike up Main North Road to face the 3rd placed Eastern Park. Despite the upheaval and apparent turmoil in trying to fill a team the C's displayed one of its most spirited performances for the season.
In a highly competitive first quarter we controlled the ball but didn't quite maximise our opportunities going forward and trailed narrowly at quarter quite. The second and third quarters followed a similar theme as Eastern Park used the ball more effectively and ultimately opened up a 6 goal lead at three quarter time.
Our final quarter was one of our better bursts for the season as we attacked with gusto, got within three goals and ultimately lost by four goals. It was certainly very pleasing to see the team regain its verve and enthusiasm for the contest and if we can display this level of commitment for the remainder of the season we will be more than competitive in every game we play.
Our best players on the day were Leigh Mosel who was superb in the centre, Paul Whitford who continued his stellar season at full back, Alex Sawley who gave us an excellent forward target, Luke Kelly who rebounded strongly from Centre Half Back and Paul Arnfield who provided great run through the midfield.
Finally, I wanted to mention the performances of three players who were late call ups to the team. Club stalwarts Dave Falco and Jeremy Parsons both slotted in at short notice and both played exceptionally well. In addition, Ryan Tarca, in his first game acquitted himself very well and showed genuine promise.
All in all, despite the result this was an encouraging effort and something we can build on going forward.
Mick Borrillo
C Grade Coach
