There was a real positive energy around the group as they started to arrive for our home game against Ormond. Our pre-game address centred around longer kicking, smarter ball use and being more relentless with our attack on the ball. We knew we would be in for a real contest today as Ormond really work the ball and set-up so well across the ground.
The pressure was on in the first with both teams going forward but it was Ormond who were more accurate in front of goals despite having less scoring shots than the home team. Our backline held strong with Josh C, Harry T, Tom K, Jonty and Matt all combing well to rebound the ball back out from their dangerous forwards. It wasn’t until the second that we posted our first major courtesy of a lovely snap from Taj. Our endeavour by our forwards in Gus, Fletcher, Jasper, Charlie and Josh H cannot be faulted as they kept pegging away at the goals but as it goes sometimes just doesn’t find its way through the big sticks. We stayed on the ground at half-time instead of going into the warmer changerooms (which was the players idea) and there seemed to be a real sense of wanting to take the game up a notch by the group. Could this be the day that a line is drawn in the sand by the players and bring together everything we’ve learnt so far and really take the game on.
With a couple of board changes we were back out for the third and it wasn’t long before we posted our second major for the day via some great kicking by Taj. Our mids in Mitch T, Jem and Taj were incredible as they provided so many options out of the middle, not only for the quarter but for the entire game. Jed was doing amazing run and carry work along the wing and Luke was starting to make his presence felt in the marking contest and with some wonderful kicking into the forward fifty. We were only four points down heading into the last after an amazingly tight three quarters of footy.
A quick chat at the final break and we were all back on the ground ready to go. As he has done all day Gibbo was incredible with his pressure and tackling and it set the tone for the final quarter. A goal to Josh H and were up by 2 points with half a quarter of footy yet to be played. The pressure from both sides was the stuff that makes this great game of ours so special and both teams went inside there forward fifties without posting any majors. The clock was ticking down and with about 3 minutes left and the ball found its way into our forward line with Matt chasing as hard as he has done all day. It bounced favourably and he put the after burners on with the opposition head on his heels and kicked truly, sealing the game for the home side. However there was to be one final act for the day as Ormond surged forward with only a minute left, Harry T laid probably one of the biggest game saver tackles that I’ve ever seen to ensure a home side victory.
It’s been a tough start to the year with such a strong competition and we will take the win but I am really proud of these young men who continue to work hard and push the boundaries of their football to see what can be achieved. The song was sung by the boys with such gusto with our Angus G (who has now become the heart & soul of his team) in the huddle with his team mates.
Enjoy your well-deserved win boys and we look forward to our next game against another quality opposition.
