Another chilly early start for our boys in Albert Park. We came up against a side who has had a similar start to their season as us. We warmed up well and kicked into a slight breeze. Captains for the day were Mitch R (after being the only one to kick to me lace out at the skills session) and Mikey P (the rock of Gibraltar down back).
They got the jump on us in the 1st quarter kicking 3 goals to zip. The big ground was always going to ensure the scores would be like gold and this start was going to see us have to work really hard to peg it back. We threw the boys around a bit to give them a taste in other positions and for the coaches to learn if they are better suited in different roles. The boys are developing well and always give their all.
Kaden has shown he will get the ball at both ends. Max had a positive game down back after showing an interest to defend st training. Jack and Hugo found the ball a few times and will continue to improve with training and guidance. Leo and James P continue to put the pressure on when it gets in their zone.
Harry played ruck and didn’t look out of place. Mitch R also found himself in different roles and his ability to fly for his marks is a joy to watch. Ollie and Nate W were chipping in with some good support at both ends of the park. Geordie is a work in progress and he may be used in 3 or 4 roles for the rest of the year.
Hudson and Mitch G had great 2nd halves trying to get us back into game. Kian and James H had their best games for the year. These 4 deserved their awards for the effort to keep us in the game and not getting a blow out on the scoreboard. Mikey was once again a stand out down back.
We’ll continue to mix up the midfield and get the runners in the side to give us the most grunt. Sandro and Ryan had some great moments through the middle. Matt B, for a first year player, continues to learn and get the ball regularly. Freddie seems comfortable on the wings and we’ll try him at HB and HF along with Will S. Ben H and Ben W dominate the middle and will also be useful at HB and HF.
We went down by 5 goals by the end of the match.
Our pressure has been great all year. Tackling and smothering has shown the endeavour and will to win that will get us through the year positively.
We face AJAX this week and hopefully we can turn the tables on our meeting earlier in the year. We continue to be competitive and some weeks it will just all click. Congrats to Mitch R on 50 games this week.
Go Hampton rovers – best mates!
Cheers
Wayno
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