We were a few down this week and if ever rotations were needed it was this week on the humungous Brighton oval. Another run through the 50 game banner for Huddy. He will play 300 at some higher level one day and its been a pleasure to be part of his early years. Along with Kaden, the birthday boy, they were our captains for the day.
I’ll speak about this game in halves. The first saw the boys linking up well and using the space wisely. Whilst the opposition were definitely the stronger unit, we more than held our own. I asked for smothers and tackles and got both in abundance. These actions get everyone involved and pumped to give more to the contest.
Matt B played one of the best 1st games I’ve seen. He’s already showed he’ll fit in really well. Sandro was chasing down everyone who got within range. Ben H continued his stellar form, to contribute all over the ground. Jack W was locking the ball in well up forward and Kaden got a sneaky goal before half time to keep things respectable.
Our marking has been a highlight so far and Ollie, Mitch R, Harry BG and Nate J pulled in some screamers. Scott Reed usually gets these shots for the wallpapers! Freddie and James H were running themselves ragged. Ben W and Kian literally gave us everything they had. As the opposition started to get away from us we continued to give our all. James P, Mikey and Mitch G still made some good saves down back and Will, Maxy and Leo were busting a gut to keep the ball in our forward half.
We suffered our worst loss of the year against a fully graded team. We come up against the other fully graded team this week (St Bedes/Mentone) and whatever the result, we will hold our heads high and give 100% effort.
Let’s see how we go against these teams for the remainder of the year with a full squad and bench to utilise.
I’ll continue to do my best in getting the best out of the boys.
We’re Hampton Rovers and we’re best mates, on and off the field.
See you all Thursday and Sunday.
Cheers
Wayno
