Although we had an early start this week, it was another magnificent Melbourne Autumn morning….enjoy it while it lasts! The boys arrived bright and early for our match against St Kilda City, who we played against only 4 or so weeks ago in a practice match at the same venue.
The match started and it was apparent that St Kilda City were going to present our stiffest opposition to date, as they took took the ball forward in what turned out to be an even first 5 mins. However, once our boys moved the ball into the forward line they were able to control the footy. It was great to see the forwards working hard too “in defence” to lock the ball into our forward line and create multiple scoring chances, particularly after we spoke about focusing on this before the game.
The boys continued to apply fantastic tackling pressure in the second quarter led by Charlie, Alex and Ollie G in the mids and Angus repelling multiple St Kilda City attacks. Up forward, it was great to see the boys share the ball and kick to the “hot spot” continually resulting in some great goals, with Axel kicking his first goal and Zac being rewarded with a couple of goals.
Normally half time would not rate a mention, but the thing I love about coaching under 8s is that every now and then they say something that is just brilliant. Today Lachie Meehan decided it was the right time to let everyone know that his dad was nicknamed the “tractor” and so that makes Lachie the “junior tractor”! Priceless!
The third quarter saw more of the same with James and HD playing well in defence, the defensive pressure in the forward line continuing to lead to goals for Marcus and Charlie and some fantastic sharing of the ball in the midfield. It is really good to see the boys looking for each other and creating play rather than just kicking it forward in hope.
In the final quarter, we continued to move the ball forward well and create chances. A highlight of the day was seeing Will sell some candy as he danced around a couple of defenders to score a great goal. All in all, the boys played a really good game and it’s pleasing to watch them continue to improve their footy skills in each game with great tackling pressure and teamwork evident this week.
Our award winners for the day were Zac, Charlie and Angus and our captains, Axel and Alex led the team strongly all day.
Thanks again to all our parent supporters, I hope you and your boys are enjoying the season so far. Looking forward to next week back at home against Malvern East.
#GoRovers
Tim & Walt
