Round 3 started with an early morning trek out to the eastern suburbs for the new look Hampton U12 Girls Blue Team and their first taste of division 2 footy.
In what would prove to be a stroke of tactical genius Super Coach Josh made changes to the starting formation, introducing two sweeper roles and he used the pre-match huddle to emphasise the importance of territory and work rate, particularly in the forward line. Unable to resist, he reminded everyone in the change room this was the reason why his beloved Tigers had won the flag in 2017 – no need to gloat Josh 😊.
In her first game Sienna Block got an early kick away in midfield, which was soon matched by Abbey Hickey. Emma Bloom found Bianca Stewart with a pin point punt and the Rovers midfield quickly hustled the ball into the forward line in a highly promising start. Matilda Clarkson got the first of what would be many quality possessions, then launched a raking kick off the back of an explosive run which she soon followed up with a mark.
The Hawks, also looking for their first win of the season, then showed their hand, sending the ball deep into Rovers territory where Nadia Stockwell linked up well with captain Lola Davis who in turn found Juliet Moss up the left flank. Another burst from Matilda Clarkson, a big tackle from Juliet Moss and a huge right foot punt from Lily McEniry saw the Rovers move back onto attack – it was end to end action.
Vivienne Buckley, Zoe Hewlett, Jessica Hart and Sienna Block featured heavily in the later stages of the quarter before the siren interrupted the Hampton momentum and a fast and furious period ended with the solitary score a Hawks behind.
After a quick reshuffle of the line-up the second quarter was underway with Juliet Moss launching an early attacking foray after momentarily losing her bearings. Matilda Clarkson demanded the ball and went on an arcing run before unleashing a powerful shot at goal. The crowd collectively held their breath in anticipation, desperate for this to be the first goal of the season, but the ball ricocheted off the post. Nevertheless, the scorers were on notice that their services would be required this week and they best pay attention.
Bianca Stewart kept the pressure on the Hawks with a great spoil in midfield which Juliet Moss then capitalised on before possession was turned over.
Lily Jones fought hard to win the ball back and Matilda C continued to pounce on anything loose during a period of ferocious defence from both teams.
Amelia Lees made a telling touch up front and Sienna Block continued to pop up on defence and attack.
As the first half drew to a close Matilda Clarkson was unlucky not to get the opportunity to kick a free which was well within her range as attention was distracted to an injured Hawks player right on the siren.
At half time Josh encouraged the Rovers to focus on their own game and not the opposition and to keep things simple on offence: get ball, kick ball was the essence of the message.
It must therefore have been gratifying for him immediately after the break to see Matilda Clarkson not hesitating to send the ball straight back into the forward line where she and Emma Bloom linked up well as the Hawks tried to combat the Rovers intensity with physicality.
Amelia Lees made a vital smother and a rushed behind by the Hawks saw Hampton deservedly take their first lead of the game and indeed the season. Another Matilda Clarkson mark and long bomb complimented by a Vivienne Buckley kick forward kept the pressure on and led to a behind to Amelia Lees that was initially paid by the goal umpire, only to be disallowed due to offside.
More pressure from the Hampton attack lead to another rushed behind before Ava O’Keefe went on a run for the ages and stepped up and fired home the Rovers first goal of the season. The cheers of the Hampton supporters must have had the neighbours thinking they’d been transported back to an era when the nearby Waverley Park was still in its prime.
The Rovers were now dominating possession with Abbey Hickey, Matilda Brown, Zoe Hewlett, and Sienna Block all making contributions before Emma Bloom made a trade mark tackle. In amongst the Rovers ascendancy the Hawks snuck a behind despite some great defence from Jessica Hart and a smart clearing kick to a mark from Nadia Stockwell. More possessions to Matilda Brown, Sienna Block, Matilda Clarkson and Emma Bloom rounded out the 3rd quarter in which Hampton appeared to take control of the game but could they maintain their lead and record their first win of the season?
Talk of the team song being sung for the first time was overheard amongst the Rovers supporters early after the resumption of play but this was soon quietened by a Hawks goal that brought them back within striking distance.
After the restart they went straight back onto attack but, during what was perhaps the most telling passage of the game, the gallant Rovers defence held their nerve just metres from their own goal line to repel wave after wave of Hawks sorties and conceding just the one touched behind; Lola Davis, Nadia Stockwell, Lily McEnriy and Ava O’Keefe take a bow.
As the Rovers swung back onto attack via Matilda Clarkson and Lily McEniry, Juliet Moss got the ball in space, going on to kick a composed goal and curtail any hopes of a Hawks come-back. Amelia Lees also added a behind and both Lilys had important touches as a spirited Rovers team finished the game as they started; on attack.
Winners are grinners as the saying goes and it was hard to tell who was happier – the players, supporters or proud coach Josh as the Rovers team song was belted out in the change rooms.
Whilst every player was deserving, awards this week went to Ava O’Keefe, Sienna Block and Lily McEniry along with Matilda Clarkson who also accepted the opposition selected player of the day award in what was a classy gesture from the hosts.
I’m sure all the Rovers entourage will sleep well tonight after what will hopefully be the first of many victories in 2018.
Over and out.
Grant Stockwell (Nadia’s Dad)
