Week 3 Finals Report
A's vs Athelstone; B's vs Flinders and D's vs Sacred Heart in Prel Finals,
A Grade Match Report: Preliminary Final v Athelstone
Everyone has heard the quote “ a week is a long time in footy!” . We can absolutely validate that statement. Last week’s disappointing performance gave us as a group and a club a significant jolt in the reality of finals football and an acute reminder it’s so very important to take the opportunities you create.
A trip to the “ Ponderosa” , the largest deck in SA was an exciting prospect even for our Football Director who commented shortly after the news of the venue.” I have never been out to that ground in all my years of playing and supporting football! “ Yet another opportunity we had created.
We knew we needed to rebound quickly from our Semi Final performance and were very much aware of the reward on the back of a Preliminary Final victory . Some extremely tough decisions during the week saw a different makeup to the side heading into the game. Our game style was suited to the open spaces of the ground, and we were confident our fitness would prove a weapon for us on the day.
The opening quarter was clinically measured with the run and carry absent from the week before now very evident and our control of the ball critical. Finals are always tight especially preliminary finals, and we knew our opponent were hungry for the contest. We played the opener in our front half aided by a dominant quarter and ultimately game by Paddy Dawson who was racking up countless possession enabling us to control the quarter, dominating entries and contested possession which led to an 8-point buffer at the first break.
Controlling the opposition for the whole game is always a significant challenge and the second was just that. Our opposition gained some ascendency from stoppage which we countered with the dominance of our back 6 led by Cam Ball and Kain Cini, who together dominated the air with intercept marks across the quarter and game. The wide-open spaces and warm conditions were taking a toll and the main break a welcome relief for all. The margin just 6 points.
Throughout the season our third quarters have been one of our strengths, so we knew if we maintained the pressure and built some separation on the scoreboard, we would be in good shape heading into the final quarter. The third was no exception , we controlled the game and camped the ball in our forward 50 . Ryan Lymn and James Warton got on top around stoppage allowing us to force our opponents to defend all quarter. We managed to punish the scoreboard with 9 scoring shots on goal. Ferg Kernahan’s work lit up the forward line with two outstanding goals. His spark built strong belief. Unfortunately our overall efficiency inside 50 wasn’t to the level to put the game beyond doubt leaving the three-quarter time margin at just 12 points.
The message at the final break was to keep pushing and keep out working our opponents with our fitness weapon sure to kick in. Across the side every player lifted providing contributions during a tense quarter. Charlie Kemp playing a cameo role in the ruck was everywhere in what was a best on ground performance. Ferg Kernahan continued his brilliance in nailing a clutch goal from outside 50, which settled the nerves and built further belief. Finn Wakelin defied his age and experience all game and in the dying stages of the contest taking three outstanding defensive marks across half back. They say the game is never over until the final siren and it wasn’t but 22 players in the final quarter ensured the ROCK SOLID connected performance that game was ours, producing a well-deserved 16 point victory at the siren.
A tremendous performance and reward to the players, which for those present could see and hear in the rooms post-game. Redemption back to Division 1 was ours. Now we learn, reset again and chase Silverware.
Final Score : ROCFC 8.12 (60) defeated Athelstone 6.8 (44)
Goal Kickers: F. Kernahan 3, S. Lanzoni 1, M. Brown 1, P. Dawson 1, J. Shute 1, F. Wakelin 1
Best Players: C. Kemp, R. Lymn, P. Dawson, F. Wakelin, C. Ball
See you all at the footy.
Damian Boots
A Grade Coach
B Grade vs Flinders Park - Preliminary Final
Rostrevor OC 11 05 (71) def by Flinders Park 12 07 (79)
Goal Scorers: Luca Stepic 3, Dylan Reinbrecht 2, Patrick Baldwin 1, Max Daw 1, Dylan Fitzsimons 1, Elliott Murada 1, Julius Piro 1, Jake Slivak 1
Best Players: Josh Bradford, Dylan Reinbrecht, Thomas Bradford, Elliott Murada, Julius Piro
D Grade Match Report: Preliminary Final v Sacred Heart OC
Rocs Academy on the road taking on huge rivals SHOC in a blockbuster contest with a ticket to the Big Dance for the winning team. An extra early start time of 10am adding to the massive challenge ahead, only a few minutes before the start we lost our important Gun fullback the Duck (Mark Dzido) to injury and managed a late change to the lineup.
The contest started with plenty of vigour from both sides looking to take control of general play. Unfortunately it was SHOC who claimed the advantage and constantly had Rocs defensive unit under extreme pressure and with skilful execution hit the scoreboard repeatedly as Rocs were unable to stop the momentum and despite our best efforts could only manage a few forward plays and were able to sneak a goal against the run of play.
1/4-time score - Rocs 1-1 (7) vs SHOC 4-2 (26)
The second stanza was a much better effort from the Rocs, with teamwork and quick disposal the Rocs were creating chances, but our forwards couldn't make the most of our opportunities & luckily managed a late goal to keep us in the game just before the 1/2-time siren.
1/2-time score - Rocs 2-4 (16) vs SHOC 4-5 (29)
A refocused & desperate Rocs hit the ground running and were constantly moving the ball forward as our teamwork and skills improved , our forward structure improved, and the team were rewarded with a flurry of goals to boot clear of SHOC with a dominant 3rd quarter effort.
3/4-time score Rocs - 7-6 (48) vs SHOC 4-8 (32)
As expected with the season on the line SHOC challenged Rocs constantly, desperate efforts were needed by our under siege supreme defence who worked tirelessly to ensure SHOC did not kick another goal after 1/4 time. A commanding display by our team to finish with a win & now the ultimate prize awaits for the Rocs Academy a fantastic end to our magnificent season so far.
Final Scores: Rocs 8-8 (56) defeated SHOC 4-12 (36)
Goal Kickers: H. Brasher 2, S. Marotti 2, C. Brasher 1, D. Bria 1, D. Leggett 1, A. Slivak 1.
Best Players: B. Warren, S. DuBois, L. Tripodi, W. McDonald, G. Kemp, W. Sullivan.
Best team men: P. Norris, S. Tagg.
See you at the Grand Final.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
