We were greeted with a beautiful crisp morning for our first real early game for the season against St Peters at Centenary Park. Our pre-game centred around better/smarter ball use & movement and more intensity and pressure across the ground. The shorter oval allowed for a fast flowing, high scoring game with plenty of inside fifties for both sides.
St Peters went to work early as our backline was under enormous pressure but in true Rovers spirit we fought back to be down by only a goal in the first. Both teams had plenty of the ball in the second with wonderful ball movement shown by both sides with every player contributing to what was a great half of footy with only nine points separating the two teams at the long break.
The wind however did increase in the third as the home side posted three majors for the quarter. As the siren sounded we were nearly five goals down with a lot of work to do in the last. The final address was pretty simple but to the point. Do we just accept this and go through the motions or do we prove to those around us and more importantly ourselves that we have grown together as a team and can work our way back into the game. Well I’m pleased to report that we did just that. We came out and played one of, if not the best final quarters of footy for the year. Our pressure around the ball and in the contest was incredible. Our ball movement, creating space, leading, tackling all went to the next level. Everything we trained for and discussed were working for us. Every player in our side stood up. In the end we kicked four goals to one and fell short by just over a goal. In past outings and certainly against the more quality oppositions we may have relaxed in the final quarter but not any-more.
Just a couple of quick mentions. Tom K played an outstanding game, kicking multiple goals and creating so many opportunities. Josh H (our only real tall for the game) was incredible with his ruck work across the whole ground. Gus Z with his strong attack on the ball in the backline, Josh C with his silky skills creating opportunities. Jonty (our captain for the day) leading by example showing terrific poise and strength at centre half back. And Jasper, Jed and Charlie working so hard at both ends of the ground for the entire game.
There is a real drive now within this group to never give up and to keep working hard, week in week out. There is certainly plenty we need to improve on and more skills we need to refine but how exciting it is to be part of this awesome U13’s side as we approach the second half of the season.
Enjoy your week off team and remember to take a footy wherever you go.
Rovers 9.8-62
St Peters 11.4-70
