Footy Manager’s Report – Round 3

Passion – Teamwork – Fun – Respect

Membership crossed the 520 line and with another transfer last night and 2 more pending we have 75 numbers up on the 2017 season or 15% growth, even my General Manager would be happy with 15% growth.

Let’s start with a little observation; a little heads up for new families on where the club wants to be.

I watched 3 games at Boss James on Sunday: U13, 14 and 16 – all Div 1 – and the skills from one age group to another is comparable, average, not great.

It blows my mind the lack of skill shown at the elite level. Past AFL players this year point out the lack of skill shown from draftees coming into the system. The craft of kicking and handballing has diminished greatly. In my household my 3 sons bicker over the PS4. I wish they would grab a Sherrin and fine tune their skills more, I hear this often in our parent groups.

In early March each year we talk with the coaches on what we would like to see as a club for skill development. Below are 2 slides from that presentation. We need all children coming out of U10 to be able to use both sides of their bodies. They will enjoy their sport more if they can turn either way with confidence and less predictability.

Starting Saturday week, extra skill sessions for Under 8-12 will be held at Castlefield. We are looking at 10.00-10.45 – just 45 minutes of extra craft work on basics, each week it will be a different skill. Chris Leeds is heading up this initiative.

Parents, please take the time to have a kick with your child – boys and girls – or encourage an older sibling to visit the park for an hour instead of sitting around on Fortnite.

Okay, moving on. Last Sunday, let’s start with the Under 14 D1 side. Given they still have some injuries I was rapt with the spirit shown against the much fancied Vampires. Our boys led for portions of the game, going down in the last quarter but plenty of fight shown. Great game by Luke Nixon Smith in the ruck, Olli Horigan, Zach Bowen, Olli Hotton and Ned Gray. Plenty of support from Sam and Jamie also. Keep up the good work team.

U14 D3 reported a loss but plenty of new faces on loan from Vampires and a new registration in the last 24 hours make for a good season.

The Under 8 squad had a wonderful day. This is gold – taken from the U8 Pink game report: “Harvey was strong in defence with a solid mark – remembering his training – “mark, push back and kick quickly to free space”. Great coaching Sam.

Tim Hall wrote this in Under 8 Purple: “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!

Hold the phone, we have a tractor in the Under 13s. Archie ‘Tractor’ Roberts, seen below plucking one from the sky with plenty of Green and Gold Support in a weight of numbers win over Ajax at the Boss. Elliott Brown was a star with 4 snags and plenty around the pack disposals, Lachlan Teal was another who played well in his second game ever at the club.

U13 D4 had another win, that’s 3 from 3, great stuff lads. Oli Howell had plenty I am told.

The Under 12 girls had 3 games for 2 wins and a first up experience for a new coaching staff, well done to all.

Under 18 ladies fell short but enjoyed the game and the sunny afternoon.

Our young ladies playing in U14 and 16s Zebbie teams are lighting up the park, word has it that the Rover girls have settled in well and love the game and new team mates.

Likewise, with the U15 lads who lost in D1 but were competitive in all divisions. A shout out to Tommy Reynolds who was in the wars again Sunday. Speedy recovery Tommy.

U9 teams were flying with plenty of positive reported in all 4 coaches reports. Purple played Brighton Beach, always special 😊 when singing the song. Red played Port Colts and had fun also having a little sing along. Yellow played well against the Dingos…BESIDE THE SEASIDE, BESIDE THE SEA.

10s and 11s had solid games. Toby C was outstanding against Brighton Beach, did I say “Always Special” 😊. Damo Reported singing the song against Mordi Brae. Wayno had a sing along also.

U17 beat St Kilda City at the Farm, Tom Marron wrote a great report.

Under 16 D1 worked hard and got home against Oakleigh at home, plenty of loose ball action, extra class was the difference.

D2 struggled against St Peters, conceding 2 goals in the first 45 seconds, the boys tried hard but were outclassed.

So Round 3 is finished. I hope I didn’t forget an age group, great day for the Rovers, plenty of singing in the sun.

Whilst the sun remains, let’s get outside and have a kick with the kids.

#GOROVERS
CAGGS