The returning injured duo of Nate W and Ryan P were our captains for the game against St Kilda City. It was a different team to what we played in a praccy match earlier in pre season.
The 1st quarter saw the game very evenly matched. Each side kicked 2 majors for the term. Kaden was at his tenacious best locking the ball in. Will S was great down back and took a great intercept mark. Max L felt like getting into the rough and tumble of the contest with a great smother, followed by a great mark. Jack W got rewarded for putting himself in and kicked deep forward. The goals came from the Two Ronnie’s, oops I meant Benny’s! Ben H snd Ben W must be head to head in the goal kicking race. We had a slender lead of 2 pts at the change.
The 2nd term was a tough slog for the boys. We failed to score and the opposition slotted 2 goals, proving to be around about the winning margin. Huddy briefly left the ground with an arm injury, however he bounced back with courage to continue his importance. Harry BG acquitted himself well in the ruck and might spend some more time there. Nate W, Ryan P and Matt B were prolific in there chase, tackling and ball movement forward. Freddie S loves running up and down the wing. The margin was just under 2 goals at the half.
We really tried to pump ourselves up for a big 3rd term and evenly squared off on the score board. Sandro is a very straight kick and I’d be having him as my go to man kicking for goal. He booted truly to claw back the margin. Geordie was great down back. Mitch R had a run in the ruck as well and his marking around the ground was solid. Mitch G was unlucky up forward but was looking dangerous. Mikey P started to repel the opposition attacks one after the other. James P jumped on a few packs to stop the ball getting free into the opposition’s hands.
One last effort was required. Did we have it in us? A 3 goal to 1 final term nearly saw us pinch the game. All the guys gave an effort. Leo R and James H were great. Hugo G and Kian never stopped running into the contests. It was all too late unfortunately and the final margin was 8 pts.
I just want to make a comment on the positions and the team make up. Unfortunately we can’t have 22 full forwards or midfielders. I’m still learning where the boys best fit on the ground and this won’t change for the remainder of the year. I will try and change it up as often as possible and depending on the state of the match.
Early start this week. Albert Park @ 830am. Wowzers!
Go Hampton Rovers – best mates!
Cheers
Wayno
