There was a real vibe around the playing group as we arrived for our round 13 away clash with Ormond. Maybe it was the fact that we always have terrific close battles with the opposition or could have been Jasper and his pre-game warm up music that got us pumped. In our pre-game address we talked about how far we have come and how much we have grown as a team. We wanted to continue on with our terrific effort from last weekend’s game and carry that into the final three games of the season. For extra incentive we had huge milestone with Harry T playing his 100th game. We spoke about how courageous and committed he is on the field and how much he inspires us to improve our own game. His incredible marking and speed off the half-back flank has set up so much of the play all season and his tackling is second to none. He’s always positive, gives 110% and never gives up. The team formed a guard of honour as Harry ran out onto the ground and we knew we were in for a special day.
The first quarter didn’t quite go to plan with the home side dominating most of it, but there was certainly no need to panic at the quarter time huddle as we have been in this situation for most of the year. The second quarter we started to kick into gear with the mids winning the ball more out of the centre and our forward line moving much more freely. Our backline was doing an incredible job on the taller opposition forwards. A terrific goal to Harry G and we came in for the long break just over a goal down. After a quick chat and a couple of changes to the board, we headed back out for the third. We have played amazing third quarters all year and today was no exception. Every-one of our players in every position lifted and the intensity of the game went to another level. We ran, we chased, we tackled in one of the toughest and high-pressured of quarters we’ve had for the year. Goals to Josh H and Matt G and we came in for our last break of the day one point down. We knew what we had to do in the last and we so wanted to bring it home for Harry. Both teams came out firing with every player on the ground desperate to get their hands on the ball. A clever goal to Taj put the Rovers in front with the clock ticking down. Every-one of our players could sense the moment and took their own game to another level. But somehow in the final minutes of the game the ball ended up with one of the opposition talls who kicked truly sealing the game by two points for the home side.
I must say a great game of football by both teams who played within the sprit and passion of this great game of ours. We will re-group quickly as we have done all year and prepare for our next encounter with St Peters at home.
Congratulations and well done to Harry T for your 100 amazing games. Thank-you for being such a terrific player in our team and such a wonderful teammate.
Chris
(Coach)
Rovers 4.2.26
Ormond 4.4.28
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