R9 Reports
A's Bs & C's vs Brighton & D's vs PAC (Elim. Final)
A Grade
ROCS travelled to Brighton knowing a loss would finish off their 2020 season. It was as good a side as we have had on the park for a couple of years, and the team did not disappoint.
In a solid 4 quarter performance ROCS ran out winners 17.19 to 4.8. Murphy Short and Michael Coad (6 goals) were stand outs. Tim Baccanello was solid. Patrick Dawson (4 goals) was dangerous.
Dylan Reinbrecht and Craig Holm were again very good. Others to play well included Kieran Holland, Sam Jonas, Charles Jordan and Tullo DeMatteis.
ROCS now play Brighton in the Elimination Final at Campbelltown on Saturday (2.15pm). Coach Will O'Malley and the players have worked extremely hard to get to this position, and now look forward to the challenge of finals and the support of the ROCS Army.
B Grade
The B's were also at Brighton in coach Damien Polkinghorne's last game at the helm. Fittingly the team got over the line for Polky, 8.13 to 3.6 (Half-time : 1.6 to 3.2).
The side has struggled with injuries for most of the shortened season. On Saturday it gave an indication of what may have been if not for player unavailability, by comfortably defeating a team fighting for a spot in the finals.
Tom Hurley was at his skilful best and was named best on ground. Ferghus Kernahan was excellent. Harry Simpson and Zac Noonan provided plenty of drive. Tom McCormack and Ryan Lymn continue to impress. Ruckmen Sam DuBois and Jackson Sutcliffe were on top all day.
Congratulations again to "Polky" on his playing and coaching career at ROCS. He has always given of his best, and has gained the respect of the players, coaches and supporters as a result.
C Grade
The C's were keen to finish the season off with a win. Similar to the B's, coach Mark Twiggs also had one of his best line-ups for 2020. Despite trailing Brighton at the main break 2.4 to 5.4.
ROCS went on to win the game 11.10 to 9.5. Tom Matsis was our best, followed by big man Justin McInerney, the reliable Tim Lewis, Mitch Warren, high-flying Jarryd Ball (3 goals), and Riley Slack. Max McKay was named Best Team Man. "Twiggsy" has had a comparatively young side to work with in 2020, and the group will only improve with further experience.
D Grade
ROCS played Prince Alfred OC in a knockout final at Fred Bloch Oval (Adelaide University). Stevo Edwards has done a wonderful job of again getting the team into the finals.
It is anyone's guess what players the D's have available on any given week, but "Super-Coach" Edwards' enthusiasm for the contest does not wane. Unfortunately, ROCS came up short in this week's Elimination final against Prince Alfred OC. After a slow start, ROCS were defeated 7.9 to 13.7 (H/T : 3.5 to 8.2).
Best Players: Luke Skoblyk and Sam Bridge showed their class and experience. Ben Davies has improved the longer the season has gone. Tyler Gava kicked 2 goals bringing his season tally to 35 from 10 games. Matt Sauer led by example, and Joshua Piantadosi was again in the best players. Nick Bartold battled hard all day and was named Best Team Man.
Rino Cialini
Football Director
