Week One of Finals
Last week I talked about bittersweet moments in club land from one year to another. Yesterday reaffirmed everything I love about our sport and some things that make me question why we bother. I saw the highs and lows all at the same venue within 20 minutes of each other, the contrast was huge. RESPECT doesn’t come cheap, it’s a value one can’t overstep or compromise, I have spent a lifetime living a code taught to me by my parents and great coaches along the way.
Norm Smith:- 6 time Premiership Coach and AFL team of the Century Coach said “When you lose you say nothing and when you win you say less”.
Following the loss to our U14 D1 team yesterday the lads heard me say these words. Although soundly beaten for most of the contest our team had been wonderful throughout the year coming from D2 and finishing third in D1. Our boys didn’t deserve the backlash from our opposition they received with only minutes to go in the last quarter and the physical treatment following the siren.
Vastly different to our U12 D1 team on the adjoining oval at the same venue. After consoling our U14s I witnessed the U12s work for each other and win their way into a GF. Some brilliant skills and a fast-flowing game plan that left the more favoured Vampires looking for answers, our lads had great Respect for the opposition afterwards. The Mantra PASSION TEAMWORK FUN RESPECT was understood and lived by the young lads in GREEN and GOLD.
I jumped in the car and called Christian as his U14 D5 team played at a similar time to us so I was keen to get a heads up on how they went. The boys led from start to finish and will have a week off this Sunday to train and get freshened up. BIG Shout out to Chevi O’Neill and Ben Davis who have struggled with injuries recently, both boys played and did well, both got a mention post-game from the Super Coach.
When the siren sounds and you’re in a Grand Final – Under 14 Div 5
I ventured down to Boss James as I was on duty for the U16-17 games in the afternoon, I loved watching these games, always fast, spirited and skilled, a real test, everyone on a sunny day enjoying their sport, a large well-behaved crown watched.
I stood with Emma and Jase as word filtered back about other Rovers games. Fantastic results, not only are the U12 D1 straight into the GF but our U11 D3 champs are heading to the Big Dance. The U12 Girls lead by Kabel Davis also booked a berth. All well coached and well managed squads, good luck to everyone. And to the U16 D1 Zebbies team with a number of Rovers girls playing, they are also off to the grand final with a week off.
Girls U12 D2. Scores were level with 9 seconds to go when Nadia kicked a point!
Unfortunately, our U12 D6 team under Damo Garlick went down as did the U16 D3 team under Andy Dinn. Thanks Gents, a great season by your teams and two ripping coaches to lead the way.
Finally, well done to Sam Care and his coaches & Miranda as TM of the U19s. A great effort finishing second on the ladder in D2, a great group of mates who love the jumper and sung the song loud at Marcellin Collage Saturday arvo, Finals bound.
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