Welcome to a new season and great to see the boys back out there.
Off the back of another successful year, the kids have been asked to test themselves against higher opposition during the grading period over the first four rounds. Today was tough but our boys showed that they are up to it.
With Mark taking on his first game as coach (with Michael away) he really wanted the boys focussing on what it means to play a position and the team role required. Pre and during the match we split into forward, mid and back line groups and had a line coach line run through 2-3 points of focus.
With the boys transitioning into the big league of no zones next year this is important for their
football development.
Joe and Archie had the privilege of taking the toss and being Captains for the first game. Now we were into it. Early in the first quarter not only were the boys concerned, but some of the parents also, playing in a higher grade as Mordialloc Braeside came out firing with a quick couple of opening goals.
To the boys’ credit they did not drop their heads. Ben M, Harry H and Hewy put in some great efforts, supported by those around them to stem the tide.
After regaining some control back from Mordi very late in the first, the boys held them scoreless in the second term while adding 1.6 themselves. The commitment of Tom S, Luke K and Flynn S at the ball reflected a change in all the boys. Flynn on debut for the Rovers took a knock to the head showing his resolve for his new team. Another debutant Tom D took a couple of superb marks across centre half forward and then goaled for his first goal.
The coach’s highlight for this quarter was the way the team worked together to lock the ball in. This was reflected by seven shots to nothing in a quarter.
The third quarter was played mainly in the centre with both teams working hard at the contest. It was another debutant Lucas that led the way. With both teams locking it in, it was just two entries into the forward line by Mordi that proved the difference in the quarter.
In the final term Mark asked to boys to move it quicker straight down the centre corridor. Liam F worked hard with Henry to continue the commitment the coach had asked for, unfortunately today was Mordi’s day.
Mordi are a hard-tackling team and just didn’t let our boys get the space they have been used to. Our boys will learn from this contest and we’ll focus on moving the ball quicker at training and over the next few games.
A great start to the season against higher graded opposition, we are all proud of the boys in the way they responded to Mordi’s fast start. It would have been easy to give up but the boys drew on what the Rovers are all about in their teamwork and passion in coming back. Well played all.
