Week 2 Coaches Report
A's vs PNW - QF and C vs Henley 2nd Semi
A Grade Report First Semi Final v Payneham Norwood Union @ Payneham
We went into Saturday’s game full of belief and confidence. Finals football especially cutthroat finals are historically played at a higher intensity with the stakes so high. Saturday’s game was no exception.
From the first bounce it was “Game on “ with both sides hard at the contest and full of run. Early in the first the game was played at a frenetic pace each side challenging for ascendency. At the end of the first our opponents had crafted a 16-point lead on the scoreboard despite momentum evenly balanced.
The second quarter was a different story. While we were still not able to get the upper hand around stoppage our pressure lifted, our team defence and back 6 especially lifted to new level restricting our opponents to a solitary point and at the main break we had regained ascendancy on the scoreboard with a 5-point lead.
Traditionally third quarters are described as the “Premiership Quarter” . We knew we needed to maintain our pressure to maintain our momentum. The first 10 minutes of the quarter we were unable to gain possession and control of the ball with our opponents striking hard with three quick goals from stoppage to arrest the momentum. We held firm absorbed the pressure and managed to score to control the scoreboard damage. However, the final break saw our opponents 12 points ahead.
The final quarter was epic in so many ways and a real sign of the growth and maturity of the team. We lifted again kicking the opening goal of the quarter bridging the gap to within 6 points and again denied our opponents clean ball in their forward 50 resulting in them managing only 2 points for the entirety of the quarter. Our belief and ball movement through the agency of Beau Baldwin result in another goal which left the deficit at two points. The balance of what proved to be the shortest but yet longest quarter of the game was epic with both sides desperate to win the ball. With sheer belief and determination, we created numerous opportunities during the dying minutes but unfortunately were unable to generate that final goal going down by a heart wrenching 2 points.
There were stand out contributions from Patrick Dawson who was best afield playing a creative and hard running role on the wing all day. Beau Baldwin stood up in critical moments heralding his talent for all to see. Tom McCormack the competitions and clubs leading goal kicker was a focal point all day kicking 3 crucial goals and provided numerous assists. Kane Cini led the back 6 in numerous intercept marks and rebounds capping an outstanding game and season. And the clearance maestro Tim Baccanello defined “ Father Time “ generating clean ball from every part of the ground creating many entries and opportunities for us in the front half.
To describe the feeling at the sounding of the final siren as “heart wrenching” would be an understatement. But football can be like that especially when the stakes are so high as they were Saturday. But in that moment as hard as it was and as hard as it will be for a while I was overwhelmed with incredible pride in the way we had played to the end.
While the game and season didn’t finish in the way we had “pictured” it cannot be denied how far we have come as a group. Both Adam and I are enormously proud of each and every one of the players. They should be proud of their efforts.
Make no mistake we will learn and continue to grow as there is more work to do.
Thank you to everyone for your support during the season.
Damian Boots
A Grade Coach
C Grade Report 2nd Semi Final v Henley @ Payneham
Before the report can I send a thank you to the dad’s army on Thursday night who cook the food for the boys. Swany, Sliv, Warts, Dnistriansky, Dazza, Stef and whoever else Thank you.
To the beautiful mothers that look after the teams up top, Sarah, Kate, Dale, Maria and I know I’ve missed some thank you, thank you, thank you, you will always be in my heart.
Nikki behind the bar you’re the best thank you.
Saturday, we came up against Henley, who have lost 1 game in 3 years and that’s to us in round 5.
Winner earns the right to straight passage to the big dance.
Your lads didn’t disappoint. I had them pretty fired up and we came out of the blocks kicking the first 3 goals of the match. Solid first quarter by all.
Second quarter was an arm wrestle with no team scoring any goals. Our backline was magnificent as always.
Tom O’Leary started to get his hands on it and Jack Hill off the half back was on fire.
The third quarter was our best, Tim Lewis dominated CHB and we really took control of the game .
Murphy was great up forward and Di Iulio was lively.
Max McKay was magnificent at full back, again our backline sets us up for success.
Josh Massie again leads the charge in the midfield but was given first look by J Mac who was outstanding in the ruck.
Another fantastic performance by the team I couldn’t be prouder.
But it all means nothing if we don’t win next week.
Please to all our supporters come to the match 10am start at Richmond oval and please come back to the club and hopefully celebrate a win.
We will make you proud.
Final Scores: ROC 11-6-72 def Henley 4-7-31
Goals Scorers: Murphy 5, Di Iulio 3, Fantasia, Gilbert, Hurley, Best: McInerney, McKay, , Massie, Lewis, O'Leary, Hill.
Grand Final here we come.
Tony Franzon
C Grade Coach
