Round 8 Report
R8 vs Modbury A's B's & C's & R9 vs North Haven D's
The ROCFC bounced back after last week's poor showing, winning 3 out of 4 matches.
A Grade
The senior side were never troubled by bottom-placed Modbury, and won convincingly 28.17 to 5.7. Half time scores were 14.10 to 1.4. Key forwards Heath Commane (11 goals) and Michael Coad (5 goals) were dominant all day. Daniel McCallum (Best Team Man) continued his excellent year, Craig Holm was prolific, and Will Mead was constructive. In a game in which "all played well", other impressive performances came from Tim Baccanello, Jack Nelligan, James Butterworth, Tullio De Matteis and Luke Manuel. The final score and winning margin were most likely the club's highest in Div 1, surpassing the 27.10 vs Portland 6.6 (2015), 26.13 vs Portland 12.8 (2014), 25.13 vs PHOS Camden 8.7 (2013), and 23.11 vs SHOC 3.4 (2015)
It was a fitting result in Will O'Malley's 150th game for the club. "Skip/Mr. Football" has made an outstanding contribution in his time with the ROCFC. Club captain since 2013, he has played in two Div 1 flags, and won two Best and Fairest awards. He has been a State Rep, been named in the SAAFL "Team of the Year" on 4 occasions, and in 2017 won the Association Div 1 medal. Hopefully Willo has many more seasons left, but he is already one of the club's most decorated players.
The SAAFL has a bye this weekend, with Adrian Rocco's team sitting in top spot with 7 wins and 1 loss. Good luck to Paul Fantasia, Craig Holm and Luke Manuel who are still in the mix to represent South Australia against Victoria, on Saturday.
B Grade
Coach Damien Polkinghorne saw his team bounce back from the previous week's loss, defeating Modbury 22.14 to 2.6. Zac Noonan (5 goals) was best on ground, followed by Ferghus Kernahan, Dylan Fitzsimons, Matt Walker, Mick Aloisi and Joe Tarca. Captain Tom O'Malley was named Best Team Man, and is set to play his 100th game after the bye. John Harrison and Tyler Gava kicked 4 each, and Adam Richter 3. It was pleasing to see players who have recently played A's, return to the lower grade and have a real impact. The percentage boost sees the team slide into second spot.
C Grade
The side gave "Super-Coach" Edwards a much needed victory, running out winners against the Modbury Hawks 20.19 to 3.5. Kane Cini dominated, and was best on ground. Kristian Burchett has had a very good season thus far, and was again high in the best players. Steve "Stevie J/Moises Henriques" Marotti, Paul Norris (5 goals), captain Matt Sauer and debutant Ned McKay were others to excel. The C's are just outside the top 5, and have some important games ahead of them after the break.
D Grade
Mark Twiggs took a young side to North Haven, and after a slow start were defeated 7.7 to 10.7. Harry Simpson was our best. Others to play well included Justin McInerney, Jordan Kelly, Riordan McNamara and captain Dan Franzon (Best Team Man). The team is well positioned for the second half of the season, sitting in 5th spot, a game and percentage clear of the 6th team. Stalwart Steve Russo is due to play his 100th game after the break.
Rino Cialini
Football Director
