R18 Coaches Reports
A's B's & C's vs Athelstone
A Grade Report Round 18 v Athelstone @ Campbelltown
In the lead into Saturday there was much speculation and external noise around the permutations from the outcomes of games throughout the competition. For us and an absolute focus - it was round 18 and like every game in 2023 another opportunity.
We continue to drive as a group and mentioned here a number of times during the season a benchmark to have a “ fast start”. The scoreboard at the first break reflected exactly that 8.3.51. A solid footing from which to build without question.
Despite the scoreline there remained a further three quarters in the game against a formidable opponent so there was work to get done.
Our aim always is to play our way with 21 contributors. The balance of the game was a crystal clear example of just that. Even during shifts in momentum and moments where we were headed and out worked the players as a collective trusted each other and continued to work for each other which was extremely pleasing.
The pressure around every contest and our ability to move the ball from our defensive half provided our forward line with numerous opportunities to convert. This gave us the ascendency to maintain the scoreboard gap we had established in the opening quarter of the game. The outcome took care of itself.
As mentioned, we had 21 contributions throughout the course of the game which is the main focus every week. But like most weeks there are stand out performances in all games. Tom McCormack’s return of 10.5 as our key forward was simply outstanding, clearly his best individual game for the season and a major factor in the final result.
James Butterworth and Ryan Lymn along with their many partners through the midfield provided the side with drive from the engine room all day continually giving us first use and looks at offensive moments, each continuing their stellar seasons.
Charlie Kemp and Dan McCallum both at opposite ends of the ground each had outstanding games offensively and defensively respectively and were clear winners of their respective posts.
There was a lot to like as mentioned but the most pleasing and satisfying was, we played our way and continued the build.
We have created ourselves another challenge and opportunity which we now very much look forward to.
Final Score : ROCFC 19.16 (130) defeated Athelstone 7.11 (53)
Goal kickers : T. McCormack 10, C. Kemp 2, D. Reinbrecht 2, S. Lanzoni 1, W. Mead 1,
J.B oxer 1, F. Kernahan 1, J. Warton 1.
Best Players: T. McCormack, J. Butterworth, R. Lymn, C. Kemp, D. McCallum
Damian Boots
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report Round 18 v Athelstone @ Campbelltown
A fine way to finish the season with 3 wins and draw in our last four games.
As a group we set about this task after round 14 – so it was great to see we achieved this goal. In these last four games we played with great spirit, energy and enthusiasm and in turn sticking to the plans and systems.
Against Athelstone it certainly came altogether beating a side above us on the ladder.
We controlled the match all day with many contributors – our defence again was brilliant led by Jackson Thomas – when you win by 10 goals it is somewhat strange you have a back pocket dominating the game but that’s what Jacko did, also getting great support from Shute, Hearn, McNamara, Greenslade and McGuiness.
Luke Cogswell has been a consistent player all year, but this game was his best for the year.
Dylan Fitzsimmons, El Murada, and Adam Greenwood again had good games in the midfield or high forwards.
My last report this year, so would like to thank all the players this year that played B’s this year (54 players), special mention to the leaders who grew in their leadership on and off the field.
Also, would like to thank Mark Twiggs who managed and assistant coach the side.
Exciting times ahead as LOSA playing in the Grand Final and the C’s and A’s playing in the finals, congrats to Brooke, Franz and Bootsy for these achievements.
Big day at the Taj this weekend, hope to see you all there!!
Final Scores ROCs 13-11 def Athelstone 3-6
Best – Thomas, Cogswell, Fitzsimmons, Murada, Greenwood.
Goals – 4/Fitzsimmons, 4/Greenwood, 1each – Matsis, Twiggs, Cogswell, Piro, D.Huppatz.
David Moyle
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report Round 18 v Athelstone @ Campbelltown
Great day out for the team. Magnificent team performance against the number two team in the competition. We started well and won the ball out of the middle and Nick Murphy up forward delivered with 5 first quarter goals. We were on top in every position.
It was a day out by the boys but cannot emphasise enough the enormous contribution the former stars of the club have made to the development of our players in the team. Nick Murphy, Paul Fantasia and Kieren Holland were all sensational on Saturday and provided some very calming words to a slightly nervous group of players.
J Mac and Josh Massie got us going out of the middle and had very good games.
A great overall team performance today. We unleashed for his first C grade game Mike Lombardi (the block of flats) and his debut was exceptional.
Scott Gilbert (club legend) played his 200th game for the club and was outstanding. His ability and leadership in our midfield allowed the younger guys to excel. Great contribution from all well done.
The C grade haven’t played finals in over 8+ years, we grabbed 2nd spot back and go into a qualifying final against Athelstone at the quarry.
With a squad of 30 odd players this week’s selection will be very difficult. Unfortunately, some hearts will be broken but that’s why I get paid the big bucks to make those agonising decisions.
Fantastic season thus far and a wonderful minor season.
I think our players have really developed into some very solid club footballers and will figure highly up the grades in the coming years.
My theme on Saturday was “Get it done”. We have achieved part one of the goal.
Thank you to all that has help us achieve what we have thus far, the footy department with Pat Bowler, Damian Boots and Adam West, Dave Moyle and Mark Twiggs in the reserves and of course Stevo Edwards who supports everything we do as D grade coach along with Keith Norris.
Also, Vicki, Warbs and all the medical personnel, and the committee and community.
As I stated after the match what has been has been, now we need to get serious. Let’s do this all together.
See you back up the quarry Saturday, your support is well noted we hope we can deliver for the club.
Final Scores: ROC 18-12-120 def Athelstone 7-2-44
Goal Scorers: Murphy 8, Fantasia 3, Holland 2, Augustine, O'Leary, Condo,
Best: Gilbert, Murphy, McInerney, McKay, Fantasia, Massie
Tony Franzon
C Grade Coach
