Welcome to another Hampton Rovers year! This year we hope will be another exciting journey in your child’s life and AFL football development. The season has arrived in quick time since our first run on the beach at the end of February.
The side that has been decided for Team Powell looks to be a very solid spread of talent. From the boys who have known and played with each other as far back as under 8’s, to the new boys who have joined the club in the past couple of years, the side already appears to have gelled and is familiar.
One thing that I’m certain the boys will get out of this year is progressive learning of the game and an enormous amount of fun, training and playing with their mates every week. We have a great coaching and support group to ensure that the knowledge passed onto each boy is at the appropriate level of ability and skill.
So, we arrived at Sunday, to a sunny arvo and brand spanking new facilities. I think I was a little nervous, whilst the boys were just oozing energy to get going with the first game. The first four rounds are grading games, the same as previous years. We find ourselves in the top group and the club expects we’ll continue the year in Division 1. Thanks to Ollie S, Ben H, Harry BG and Max L for playing up in the under 13’s.
Caulfield Bears were our opponents and Mitch R was our captain. Caulfield won the Division 2 premiership last year and were largely an unchanged team. It’s important to start all games well and get the first jump on the opposition. We have trained the boys to always support and bring one another into the contest.
The first term saw Wes and Giddy combining well with Wes’ tap out of congestion a smart play. Oscar didn’t waste any time in showing us his marking talent. Ollie E and Mitch R were combining well and keeping the backline on the job of repelling any forward push by the Bears. The two Benny’s kicked a couple and some good forward roving by Jake S saw him get on the board as well. The skill and penetration of Keegan’s kicking didn’t take long to be on show. He found Harry BG on a great lead and he finished it off with another goal.
The second term was important to solidify our advantage. Keegan goaled and was dominant both forward and when he went to CHB. The tackling pressure was at the satisfactory level expected. Ryan got on the end of a great Max L pass and added another one. Max L was on fire and added his own major after contesting and marking strongly. Harry B was getting busy and he snapped truly for our fourth for the term. A handy eight goal to zip first half was great reward for effort.
The third term saw us put the game beyond doubt. Complacency wasn’t something we needed to worry about. Huddy kicked a major and was dominant across half forward. Zac M kicked a great running goal and Ben W kicked his second. Our leading goal kicker from last year had decided to be up and about early. Mitch was thrown forward with immediate effect and added another one. Matt B was showcasing his run and finish throughout the second half and James H was having his best game for the club. His run and dash along the wing was a highlight of the second half.
The last term was going to be an important test to see how much run we had left in our legs. Ollie S and Harry W were throwing themselves into the bottom of packs and Sandro was really showing his pace and hardness through the middle. Charlton had a run in the ruck and showed he’ll be an important option for us in future games. Freddie was sidestepping opponents with great balance and slotted a great goal. Mikey P had a crack up forward after another solid backline game. Max L popped one over the top to Mikey P and he kicked truly for another goal. Result was a 91 point win. Dominant four quarter effort. Oscar, Max and James H were our award winners for the match.
Brighton Beach await us this week and our aim will be to get a good start. See you all Sunday at South Road.
Go Hampton Rovers – best mates!
Wayno – Coach
