Making Cecil ‘Captain for the Day’ was the best move I have made coaching in a long time; his game was from the very top shelf in every way.
Before I go on, a big shout out to our Captain, Archie who plays D1 U14 interleague on Wednesday night against Yarra league, then over the Queen’s birthday weekend. All the best Tractor.
The conversation in the car to the ground was interesting. My lads were confident. I wasn’t my deep-thinking self, I was relaxed and keen to see where we were at. D2 to D1 has always been a jump. I knew our lads would be competitive.
Our day started interestingly given mass confusion with what oval we were playing on. Not even the East Malvern players knew what oval to head to. Our pre-game was far shorter than I wanted due to the confusion. Ted Mackie read out a short speech to acknowledge the Sir Doug Nicholls round and take the team photo.
A huge oval with plenty of lads playing the day before with APS meant short burst rotations. Lads that hadn’t played the day before would be key to the outcome. As it turned out the likes of Ben S, Mason C, Jordan, Ted, Josh D and Kai had extra ground time to sure up the defensive running.
Every lad was to ask to find his inner champion. We focused on the club mantra and said if we live it we will win the day. I asked the boys at quarter time when two goals in front not to look for the finish line and just work from contest to contest. This was our formula for success.
Jules was asked to play a role and curb the influence of how EM went about it. Archie, Elliott, Lachlan, Kento and Kyle worked tirelessly. Every boy was jogging on the spot towards the end, they had worked hard. Jensen is like the silent assassin, his actions were huge and at vital moments. This lad can play.
Jordan gave us plenty and was a real headache for the oppo. This allowed Mason C to get involved in the air. At ground level Oli and Jack supported, and Oli kicked truly for two valuable goals.
Big Mason fought hard in the air and on his knees, laying some big tackles. Max stood tall. Mateo added some run. Brodie came on and added plenty.
Alexander was a star in the centre and his little men were where they needed to be.
A big shout out to the back line. They stood tall and weathered some big moments – Loucas, Ben, Kai, Max, Josh and of course Cecil.
Great to see Colby at the game.
What we did well
– Found our inner champ
– Changed angles
– Went hard and low
– Went harder for longer
– Kept it simple and listen to instructions
– Time management was excellent
What we can improve on
– Defensive spoiling
– Attacking the body when a loose ball is open
– Hands back
We look forward to meeting the Sharks this week on the Boss.
#GoRovers
Coach – Paul Carrigan
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