The weather was cold and dreary Saturday night. It cleared up for our early start in Albert Park for our next contest against SMD. We arrived in sunshine and the parking meter wasn’t working. Bonus! Zac Mc was our captain for the day.
First half saw us playing solid football against a side that had been inconsistent. We can’t relax in any match we contest. Keegan M kicked our first and then some great link play between Ryan P, Oscar M and Ben W saw James H run onto the kick with confidence and booted his first goal for the year. Max L has excelled when going back this year and his link play with Mikey P and Mitch R was working well.
Ollie S was playing defensive role at the stoppages brilliantly. Matt B was setting up on the wall as instructed. He’s a great runner when the ball comes out his way. Chris L has worked with the boys all year on set up and it looks great when they show the teachings off. Ben H was first to the ball on multiple occasions and ended up with free kicks. He was showing renewed hunger for the ball the past few weeks. Harry W got on the board with a goal to give us some breathing space at half time.
It wasn’t a big lead and Sth Melb were getting forward at times. Ollie E continues to show his talent across half back at reading where the ball is headed. Jake S was pushing into the gaps and with some luck would’ve added to his years clearance tally. Our tackling was at the highest level. Our courage was epitomised by a Zac M assault at the footy. James H was having a day out and got on the end of another to double his tally. Sandro M is just an see ball get ball machine. His work often sees us move forward with ease. At 3 qtr time we could throw the team around a bit. It’s all about giving us options and teaching the boys different roles.
The half back line included Huddy J and Giddy Z and they had it on a string. It didn’t really go past the centre in the last qtr. Wes S pushed us forward with a great pick up and kick. Mikey P got on the end of it and kicked a goal. Freddie S was best on in the last qtr across half forward. Kicked 2 beauties. This gave Charlton a good run in the ruck for the whole last qtr. Harry G became the general down back with Mitch and Mikey both forward and didn’t give them a sniff.
We had a comfortable 7 goal win to get us back some confidence and momentum. We’ll continue this for the last couple of games against sides we should beat. Then it will be pressure on for finals. This week sees us take on Prahran @ Castlefield.
Go Hampton Rovers – best mates.
Cheers
Wayno
