Rovers 6-13 – 49 to Ajax 3-3 – 21
Goals : Brown (4), M Carrigan(1), Rankin (1)
Summary
The Rovers had been eagerly awaiting an opportunity for redemption following the emphatic loss of the week prior, but were aware our opponent would come into the game confident with 8 points already in the bank. From the opening bounce it was clear both sides were in for the contest, and with the footy played in Ajax’s half of the ground for much of the opening quarter, we were happy with our boys’ resistance when the opposition pushed forward. The back six were holding their structure helped by the midfield pressure and preparedness to push back as per the pre-match instruction. After being engaged in the arm wrestle it was the Rovers who manufactured a goal capping off their hard fought effort. The 2nd quarter was then played on our terms in our front half, but without the scoreboard reward. With 1.7 for the term we were left reeling that the game could have been iced. Not wanting to dwell what could have been at ½ time, we focused on the positives including our impenetrable half back line, and the discipline to wall up across the HF line securing the ball in our half of the ground.
With the first goal of the 2nd half conceded within the first 2 minutes, the complexion of the game changed and while the coaching box may have tensed up, the playing group show character in the way they responded. After thwarting a potential follow up scoring opportunity, the Rovers regained control around the ground eventually leading to a couple of goals. The main message at ¾ time was to tighten the screws and lift the pressure applied to the opposition. When the Rovers pushed forward to post the first goal of the last quarter, followed by a couple of handy points we felt we were possibly one goal away from breaking them. We did allow them one last late surge, but we were then able to lock the opposition down as the clock wound down. On reflection the net scoring shots of 19 to 6 suggests a comprehensive performance, however through inefficiency up forward we allowed the opposition to remain within scoreboard reach for the majority of the game. Our challenge is to turn 6-13 into 13-6 for the next time.
Highlights
- Louis (or the “Prince”) bringing both energy and discipline to his role in the back 6
- Elliot working hard across the forward half able to manufacture an invaluable goal in each quarter for the match
- Maso man imposing himself on the contest deep in the forward line as asked by the coaches, leading to a clever snap and goal
- Lach & Kyle playing the wingers role to instruction providing the release option for their team and using the switch of play to great effect
- Colby working hard at the bottom the packs feeding out many handballs to his team mates
- Maxie working hard in the ruck as well as his many follow up efforts at ground level
Things we did well
- Held our structure behind the ball, particularly the back 6
- Numbers at the footy with great support for each other leading to effective clearances and link play
- Pressure on the opposition, not allowing them an easy possession for most of the game
Room for Improvements – (RFI’s)
- Give the handball or short kick to a team mate rather than take the opponent on who stands before you
- Poise, composure and perhaps being more team orientated up forward to cap of the good work up the ground, rather than rushing shots on goal
- Clearances from deep in the backline – kickouts and decision making from deep in the backline
