LOSA wins GF; A's & C's Strong Wins in Week 1 of Finals
LOSA defeats Modbury; A's & C's vs Athelstone in Week 1 of Finals
Huge Congratulations to LOSA
Premiers 2023 - Division 5
LOSA Grand Final - Saturday 2 September
LOSA 1 7 (13) defeated Modbury 0 4 (4)
Grand Final Report - LOSA v Modbury
The team was very focused and trained well during the week. Having met in the first round of finals two weeks prior, we faced Modbury again at St Mary’s Park. The spring morning was sunny and the players were full of energy before the game. Modbury were coming off a strong last quarter defeat against Woodville South, so we knew a win was going to require a solid four quarter effort.
The first quarter had us kicking against a slight breeze, while the opening minutes were full of pressure and nerves, both sides struggled to gain possession and dispose cleanly. Defensive rebounding abilities were on show as the ball was turned over repeatedly. Hannah Ellis had a strong opening 17mins, as she tackled, chased, pressured and gathered ground balls while playing against one of Modbury’s young stars. LOSA was able to find some space on the big wings in transition, with forward Bethany Ince even finding time for a bounce or two. Due to the high defensive nature both teams found it hard to get the ball past the oppositions defensive structure. The first quarter ended with LOSA 0.1 to Modbury 0.0 in a tight contest.
The team were encouraged to use the width more and lower their eyes when kicking. In the second quarter we started to find more space and time with Bella Simpson delivering forward. Good connections with forwards Amelia Rosella, and Emilie Hasler continued, as we maintained possession with our contested marking inside our forward 50. Both teams were still under intense pressure around the ball, however Modbury’s ball movement started to improve as they controlled small portions of the game. Pressure started to show with some fumbling from LOSA. Kicking goals was difficult again this quarter. A set shot by midfielder Hannah Osborne after the siren just sailed through the wrong side of the goal post in the nail biter. Both teams were still goalless at half time, with LOSA taking a 2-point advantage.
Modbury came back after the main break and it was clear they had a point to make as their attack on the ball and physicality had intensified. Three LOSA players left the field sore following some heavy clashes and tackles. Pressure was then on getting the right substitutions and positional changes made. Modbury were able to control the ball in their front half for almost the entire quarter however LOSA’s defensive pressure nullified their scoring ability. The rapid fire forward entries had our back six feeling the heat, and midfield supporting all defensive efforts. LOSA was able to break the lines and transition forward on a few occasions, but it returned with pace. A quick ball into space on the half back line found Ereni Vithoulkas with a decision to stay or leave her player alone deep inside the defensive 50 or to go to the loose player and the loose ball. It looked like a sure goal if the Modbury player could gather the ball and work with her teammate. Vithoulkas chose to leave her player to try and impact, and was successful in causing a stoppage, allowing LOSA time to get numbers back to cover. This decision saved a sure goal. At fullback, Vithoulkas is often the last line in defence, and Saturday she displayed a cool and calm head on every occasion especially considering the pressure. Some inaccurate shots on goal did assist, but LOSA were able to keep Modbury goalless for the quarter. The scores were all tied up at 0.4 heading into the final break.
With 5 minutes to catch our breath, the pressure we had just endured was acknowledged and the message was to find our runners and space again, remembering when the ball is in our hands we control the pace. A positional change was made to move Georgia Saggese from half back to half forward as we needed to improve our contested marking game again. The final message was simple and put on the players ‘you choose how you start this quarter and you choose how you finish it, and there a 17 minutes in between. Get it done!’ One final rev from Captain Rosella, it became evident the team were ready for one final battle.
The team responded by winning the ball at the source again, and transitioned forward quickly. Saggese at half forward had an immediate impact providing a strong midsized target. She also brought clean hands at ground level and forward pressure. LOSA controlled possession in transition finding space wide. The kick-mark combination between Rosella, Simpson, and Ince ended with Ince having a set shot about 20 meters out on an angle. A reliable goal scorer this season, Ince kicked true and celebrated with her teammates. The pressure was then on Modbury to respond. The midfield continued to compete and move the ball forward while the back six established the defensive structure behind the ball. LOSA were now able to have repeat entries and score attempts. As time ticked away and even with additional points added, Modbury would require a quick two goal response. Having watched them play the week before, we knew this was still a risk. However it was evident that our players were not going to let that eventuate. The final siren sounded, and LOSA finished as the 9-point victors to claim the premiership as celebrations erupted on field and off field.
The four quarter efforts and restless intent to win by all players was displayed and was so vital. All players played their role and contributed on grand final day.
Very proud of this bunch of footballers with how they played throughout the season as we were challenged each step of the way. Their drive and desire for success was pivotal right down to the last seconds of the season.
To win LOSA’s first premiership was a historical moment and one for all past and present players, coaches, committee members, support staff, sponsors, and supporters to celebrate and remember for all at LOSA and ROCS.
We ‘GOT IT DONE’!!
Goals: Bethany Ince
Best Players (Coaches vote): Amelia Rosella, Bethany Ince, Ereni Vithoulkas, Hannah Ellis, Bella Simpson.
Additional acknowledgments on the day:
• Best on Ground (Umpires vote): Amelia Rosella
• Best on Ground (Adelaide Footy League commentators vote): Bethany Ince
Brooke Copeland
LOSA Head Coach
A Grade Report Elimination Final v Athelstone @ Campbelltown
We knew going into the game that this would be an entirely different ball game. Same opponent but definitely more at stake for both sides.
The opening quarter was as expected, our opponents came to play and with the aid of their strong midfield group the exerted their authority on the game, utilising the conditions placing us and in particular our back 6 under enormous pressure enabling them to craft a 2 goal break at quarter time.
What has been pleasing over the back half of the season is the development in maturity of the side and clear on field leadership. Whilst we aim for a fast start every week, the players remained composed at the break knowing what was required.
The second quarter with composure and confidence we worked our way back into the game creating numerous opportunities for our forward and at the same time defensively we lifted to another level, denying our opponents a goal for the quarter in what was in the end the quarter which set the balance of the game.
After halftime with the knowledge there was still work to be done and that we wouldn’t get it our own way all 22 players contributed when it was their individual time which continued the momentum and maintained the score board pressure.
The final quarter was ignited by a Lanzoni special from outside 50 which was the fuel that set the scene for a further 5 goals straight for the quarter securing the victory in front of our home crowd.
While every player contributed our back 6 were outstanding all day led by a best on ground performance by Dan McCallum who along with Kane Cini rebounded our opponents’ offensive movements time and time again.
Dylan Reinbrecht, Patrick Dawson and Beau Baldwin all part of our midfield division created so many opportunities from the middle and at the same time their individual pressure around the contest was outstanding.
We have again created ourselves another opportunity which we now look to prepare for and take this coming week.
Final Score: ROCFC 15.7 (97) defeated Athelstone 8.14 (62)
Goal kickers : T. McCormack 3, S. Lanzoni 3, J. Boxer 2, W. Mead 2, F. Kernahan 1, J. Warton 1, C. Kemp 1, B. Baldwin 1, M. Daw 1.
Best Players: D. McCallum, K. Cini, D. Reinbrecht, P. Dawson, B. Baldwin
Damian Boots
A Grade Coach
C Grade Report Qualifying Final v Athelstone @ Campbelltown
Great win by the boys on Saturday. We beat Athelstone last week well but always knew finals football is always different.
Before I give a brief, I would really like to thank Bob Sutherland, Dean Lord, and Keith Norris for all their help and guidance throughout the season with not only the C grade but also LOSA. You blokes a legends.
This game was tight from the very beginning. They had put significant effort in trying to curb Murphy’s influence. Even with that he still managed 5 goals .
It was a lot more competitive game out of the middle this week.
The middle was where the game was going to be won or lost. The first half was a significant arm wrestle, but we went into 1/2 time 16 points up.
I must be honest I wasn’t very happy and gave the boys a blast.
Mids needed to get on top. Third quarter we came to play , with a 6 to 0 goal difference. We had lifted.
Tim Lewis led the way from the back half and Fanta was a strong target up forward.
Tom O’Leary gave us valuable running power off the wing.
But the swing came from our mids who really got control of the game. Josh Massie was in and under and Amer Elhonsi was sensational all over the ground.
A solid win and puts us in a second semi against top side Henley.
Henley have only lost one game in three years and that’s to us in round 5.
Please get out and support us this week.
We had another milestone game on Saturday with Paul Fantasia playing his 200th game for the club. As I’ve said many a time what a wonderful achievement from a great club man. His service to the C grade this year is unmeasurable, and I thank him.
Last, I would like to let LOSA, Brooke and all the girls know how proud and over the moon I am about their success on Saturday. Not only in their first year to play off in a GF, but to go up a division and then win the flag is monumental. Well done to all concerned.
Good luck to the A grade let’s both get to the big dance.
Final Scores: ROC 16-8-104 def Athelstone 10-10-70
Goals Scorers: Murphy 5, Fantasia 2, Di Iulio 2, Holland 2, Elhosni 2, Gilbert, Huppatz, Ky Haddad.
Best Players: Elhosni, Massie, O'Leary, Fantasia, Lewis
Tony Franzon
C Grade Coach
