R8 Reports
A's B's & C's vs Athelstone & D's vs Modbury R8 & SPOC R9
A Grade
The A's had a comfortable victory against Athelstone on the weekend. Whilst inaccurate kicking in the windy conditions made the match frustrating to watch at times, the final result (16.22 to 6.9) was never in any real doubt.
Michael Coad (7 goals) was Best on Ground. Will O'Malley was outstanding. Skipper James Jordan (3 goals) was again courageous and inspirational. Murphy Short has been one of our best performers all season and his good form continued.
Tim Baccanello, Dan McCallum and Craig Holm all had very good games. Others to play well included Dylan Reinbrecht, Flynn Pisani, Scott Gilbert and Hayden Swanbury in his A Grade debut. Patrick Dawson's played his 50th game.
Many thanks to Ben Moyle for his tireless work as the A Grade Runner on Match Days - initially doing the B Grade running as well. His understanding of the game has been of great assistance when relaying messages between the bench and playing coach Will O'Malley.
With one match remaining ROCS are in 6th spot, 2 points from top, and obviously needing to win this Saturday. The "finals" start a week early, with 7 clubs fighting for 5 spots. All the players will greatly appreciate your support at Brighton Oval this weekend.
B Grade
Coach Damien Polkinghorne and his team notched up a much deserved win against Athelstone : 23.18 to 1.1 - The Raggies only scoring a point after quarter-time.
Stefan Lanzoni (4 goals) was outstanding. Zac Noonan (4 goals) was as determined as always. Ferghus Kernahan made a welcome return from injury. Co-captain Josh Massie worked hard all day, as did Joe Tarca, Henry Tregoweth and Peter Vorrasi.
Ruckmen Sam DuBois and Jackson Sutcliffe dominated at the stoppages. Liam Holland kicked 4 goals, and Jarryd Ball 3 goals. The team now faces Brighton in the final game of the minor round. It should be an interesting clash with the Bombers fighting for a spot in the finals.
"Polky" has decided to have a break from coaching the ROCS in 2021. His enthusiasm, experience and knowledge of the game will be sorely missed. He first coached the B's back in 2014. The side made the Grand Final in his first season and won the flag the following year. A fearless competitor in his 127 match appearances for the club, he may well decide to add to this total in the future.
Regardless of what decision is made, Polky will always be part of the ROCS community.
C Grade
The C's had a strong win against Athelstone : 19.17 to 4.5 ( Half-Time 7.9 to 1.4). Mitchell Warren was best on ground, and others to impress included Tom Matsis (4 goals), Hamish Massie, Josh O'Leary, and Sam Tagg (4 goals). Riordan McNamara was the Best Team Man.
Coach Mark Twiggs will be looking for a strong performance when the C's meet Brighton, at Brighton, this week.
D Grade
Last week ROC's trounced Modbury on the CMO : 18.13 to 4.5. (Half-time : 13.9 to 1.2). The win secured the D Grade a spot in the finals.
Chris Pahl was best on ground. Simon Emanuele turned back the clock. Sam Hearn was impressive in his cameo for the D's. Matthew Mezzini, Tyler Gava (6 goals) and Sam Bridge all had very good games.
This week Stevo Edwards' team was away to SPOCS. We were defeated 2.6 to 14.16. The experienced Sam Bridge was our best. Ben Davies continues to show improvement and was named second best. Matthew Mezzini was again high in the best players. Patrick Russo and Joshua Piantadosi also had good games. Sam Millard was Best Team Man.
Paul "Chuck" Norris played his 288th game for the club, and moved into outright third on the "all-time games played" list. It's an amazing effort from Paul, given that well over 1400 players have represented the ROCFC since 1974.
We wish the D's all the best as they begin their finals campaign this Saturday, in the Elimination Final against Prince Alfred OC (tba).
Rino Cialini
Football Director
