Space, movement, run, set-up and support. This was the coaches message to the boys prior to the match kicking off. Look for players with better options to goal in the forward line, the boys delivered on all fronts. Apart from one goal taken from the bottom of the pack by Joe in the final quarter, the Rovers goals all came from what the coach had asked for pre game.
All day the boys did what they were asked and the end result was never in doubt.
Ben, Harry and James continued their run of form with some brilliant passages of linking up across the ground with support from Henry. Lucas continues to show that he is a valuable addition to the team with his strong marking across the ground. Luke, applied pressure at all times and had a big second half, it was his pressure tackle in the last in our forward line that resulted in the scrambled goal.
This wasn’t just about these boys though, today all the boys played a role and lifted from last weeks performance. Josh B relished his time in remaining at full forward, kicking more goals than Hawthorn in the second half. Josh K had a huge impact when it was his chance in the centre and in the final quarter down back.
The first quarter had the backline under pressure and they continued to block the Brighton attacks. All the boys down back had a hand in this with the possession count for all even. This allowed the centres to move the ball quickly on the rebound with Archie marking solidly and finding Harry for a great team goal. Two goals from two entries for the quarter was a great start by the boys following the early pressure.
The second had the Rovers all over the Brighton boys after a slow star that saw the backs again under early pressure. The mid field dominated ensuring that the ball was, for most of the quarter locked in the forward line. Flynn returned to the team and showed great courage in his tackling to maintain this pressure. Adrian took advantage of this to goal and the Rovers had three goals for the quarter and were well in-charge.
At half time the coach asked for all to keep working hard, support your team and don’t wait for the ball. See ball get ball!
The final two quarters saw more of the same application from the boys to put on nine goals for the half. Ben finding Massimo to set up a goal, Lucas taking marks in space, the theme for the day was set and delivered.
The result was never in doubt from the start of the second quarter, every one of the boys played their role today. Whether it be in the set-up to create space for the ball winners, applying tackles or just putting pressure on when the opposition had the ball, every one of the boys should be proud of how they each applied what the coaches were asking for.
Great response boys after last week, you should all be pleased with how you went about it today and great to be in the rooms singing the song.
