It’s not quite in the bag………
A cracking August sun shine greeted us at Princes Oval on Sunday for our Semi Final against Caulfield.
Captains for the day were Josh Cameron & Nick White who were celebrating their 50 game milestones.
After being impressed by the fast ball movement and desperation in the game before our own it was clear that finals time requires the team to play at a higher level. Rovers teamwork was the order of the day and with fantastic early attack Harry L set the tone along with the mid-field the boys. Our team attack on the ball was first class and the defensive efforts in all contests was the best it has been all year.
Our boys were all AWESOME, early majors to Harry L (2) Angus, Hudson and Josh H allowed us to focus on the things we do as a team and play the ball on our terms.
I feel like I say it every week but the lift in performance across the ground is more than exciting to watch. A second quarter highlight was Josh C sliding a silky left footer onto the lead of Angus for a great team lifting goal.
Our defence was also sensational the work of Nick, Harry G, Pat, Darcy, Refe, Harry N, Arthur, Oscar and Dan continually ensured the ball was sent swiftly to our forward line on our preferred side.
The mid-field remained outstanding with Joe, Fletch, Hudson & Jonty ensuring the ball moved quickly out of traffic. Our mid-field defence was a genuine highlight and was a huge contributor to our result. We added 4 great goals in the second quarter courtesy of great link play driven by Anastasi, Jack, Jonty & Tom and finished brilliantly by Angus (2), Hudson & Josh C
The second half was as impressive as our first. The boys were in full voice supporting each other and the desire to be first at the ball remained. As a touch of speed came out of the game Josh H remained tall at Centre Half forward and crafted 2 great goals. Angus was not far behind as he was playing his best ever game for the rovers and made sure he was getting in the scorers book in each quarter. Although we need to score to win, the support up the ground on Sunday to supply the goal scorers was fantastic & while they did not register majors Tom & Zain provided very good movement strong team support up front.
Our four quarter running was a highlight it was great to see Fletch who lead the running to get a goal himself in the last quarter after a great dash through the mid-field. Angus (2) & Josh H 1 rewarded their team mates again for their hard work up the ground none better than Harry G & Nick W combining to stop a certain goal in the square and then run the ball out of defence.
After a great season so far the boys certainly deserve the right to play for a premiership. I was so impressed with the significant team effort and will of the boys to win each contest on Sunday. Our opponent in the Grand Final is Port Melbourne who have been tough opponents on the 2 times we have played them this year. We know they are a side that deserves respect which they demonstrated by coming from behind to win their right to play off on Sunday.
Our best is good enough and our Teamwork is the best!
The song was sung loud and proud with good reason.
Go Rovers!
David
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