Coaches Report - R14
B & C's record solid wins and Congratulations to Drew on reaching the 1000 goal milestone
A Grade Report
A very poor result where Pembroke played very well and we were unable to get anything going all day. We had plenty of the ball in the first half, however a return of 3.11 was very disappointing. Nonetheless, we were within a goal at half time. They lifted in the third quarter whilst we were very flat and lost confidence and our skills were even worse as players who had been good in the first half fell out of the game. We hardly gave a yelp.
My clear belief is that there was too much focus around the club on things other than beating Pembroke and realising how good they could be. Our training also reflected this lack of consistency and real intensity. We need a much improved effort this week against Walkerville at their home ground.
Congatulations to Drew on his milestone. He has been a great player for a long time and deserves recognition. Drew has averaged 4.7 goals a game in his ROCFC career regardless of the form of the team, which is an extraordinary performance.
Tim Hart
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report
Whilst it wasn't a pretty game, it was pleasing to get back on the winners list and keep our chances of participating in finals alive. For the most part it was a really competitive game and Pembroke were physical and skilful when moving the ball forward. In the end we just worked a little harder and were more dangerous up forward and our pressure skills caused turnovers resulting in more opportunities for us to score a comfortable but hard fought win.
Without a genuine ruckman, Alex Mckenzie rucked all day and gave us first use of the ball and also went forward and kicked 2 goals. Tom Taylor, Mark Green, Andy O'Connor and Chris Ash were all busy around the call and it was great to see Hayden Edwards show poise and skill on his wing in his B grade debut. Our defence was again solid and well led by Dave Eckert and Paul Bannister and up forward the return of Sheedy, Ryan and Clothier provided added strength and smarts.
A solid and important win, however if we are going to be serious about playing finals footy in 2010 we need to beat a side in the top 3 and this week against Walkerville provides an exciting opportunity to achieve this.
Peter Pedersen
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report
The C's made the short trip down the Parade for a crucial game against Pembroke OS and despite some sloppy patches came away with a decisive 53 point victory. Importantly, our defensive skills were much improved as we kept Pembroke to only one goal.
Our first quarter was hesitant and reactive and fortunately the Kings failed to capitalise on their numerous opportunities. Scores were virtually even at the first break and in the second term our back line and midfield started to get on top and we were able to set up some constructive play. We opened up a 4 goal lead at the main break and then competed solidly into the wind to maintain that edge heading into the last quarter. The last quarter was clearly our best for the day as we generated lots of run, linked up well and finished the game in style.
Our better players for the day were Brendon Edson whose exceptional marking and penetrating kicking were highlights, Glenn Castellano whose strong form continued with a excellent rebounding game in defence, Daniel Baillie whose work rate and run through the midfield was brilliant, Luke Kelly who provided a terrific target across half forward and Nick Rendell who played multiple roles but provided a physical presence and commitment at the contest. I should also mention our full back, Paul Whitford who has been terrific in defence all season, was sent forward in the final term and promptly took two marks and converted them perfectly into two goals.
In summary, this was a satisfying win for the C's and gives us a great opportunity to seal a finals birth against Walkerville next week.
Mick Borrillo
C Grade Coach
