It was a rude awakening from our school holidays slumber with an 8.30 start.
It was a game of 2 definite halves this week where we controlled the ball and attacked for most of the first half and then had to defend stoutly for most of the second.
Throughout the first half the spent a lot of time in our forward half due to the good work of our midfield. Jack, Sunny, Sebastian, Joe and Campbell in the midfield kept on pushing that ball back into our forward line which allowed goals from Alex, Hugo and two from Dom. His second spectacularly selling a dummy to his opponent on the mark and running around him and slotting it through.
The difference in this game came for us in a 10 minute period. In the last couple of minutes of the second quarter South Melbourne kicked two goals and then the first few of the third they managed three more. It proved a real swing in the momentum of the game.
South Melbourne’s midfield were suddenly full of running. Domenic was doing his best to try to slow them playing a kick behind play. Hugo was again covering plenty of ground in the back line getting into space and getting a lot of the ball. And Campbell was desperately throwing himself at every contest. We managed to stop South from scoring further but couldn’t get more than 2 points ourselves.
I always believe that you learn more from a loss than a win and this week it should show us that we can’t afford to rest during game. This is the second time South Melbourne have shown what a good side they are by taking away a game, that we looked like we were in control of, when given only a small opportunity.
The awards this week went to Jack Carson for the great work he did finding space in the midfield and bringing the other boys into the game. Dom Todarello was everywhere in the first half kicking us two goals and then playing the kick behind play when he went into the midfield in the second acting as a great defensive barrier. And the final award went to our best on ground, Campbell Holtham, who played his best game for the year. Campbell has been one of the most consistent this year providing amazing tackling and defensive pressure despite his slight build and can be relied upon to kick us into attack with his breaks from congestion and run once he is clear.
Finally, a massive thank you to the four boys who volunteered to play a quarter each with the other team to even up the numbers. To Hugo, Sebastian, Miles and Harvey your selfless act on the weekend is a real demonstration of what is important in building a great team. Well done boys.
Goals: Domenic Todarello 2, Alex Condon, Hugo Tuffley
