Rovers : 4-6-30 Lost East Brighton Vampires 5-11-41
Goals : Lucas.R (3), Ollie.H (1)
Summary
This week’s game was a tale of 2 halves (apologies to Dickens). In first half, the Vampires showed-up the Rovers, with fast running and clean hands. The Rovers were second to the ball too often and the Vampires made us pay. They played an excellent brand of running footy, showing us a clean set of heels, especially in the second quarter. The Rovers were still competitive, but were not as sharp as the Vampires, resulting in a 3 goal deficit at the half. Neither the forwards, midfielders or backmen could say that their units played to their abilities.
After some truth-telling by the coaches at half time, the Rovers committed themselves to the contest in the second half. The effort was raised across the board, the team played smarter football, and the results were clearly evident. The Vampires continued to play their running game, but now the Rovers ran with them, and there were fewer easy-ball-gets for the Vampires. The Rovers manned-up their opponent, stuck their tackles more often, and slowed-down the Vampires ball movement. Then Rovers surged forward, creating scoring opportunities.
After a disappointing first half, the Rovers’ outscored the Vampires in the second half, making it a tight contest. But at the siren, it was the Vampires ahead by a goal and change. This was a game that the Rovers need to learn from – we need to play with the intent we showed in the second half, and we will be competitive in more games.
Highlights
- Oli H, fighting through close attention by the opposition all game, took a strong mark in the second quarter and kicking truly to put the Rovers on the board
- Chevi O was a tough defender in the first half, then was swung-forward in the second half to provide extra hardness inside the forward 50
- Billy M playing another great game, working hard under pressure in the midfield and in the backline
- Heath D, in his 50th game of footy, taking a number of goal-saving marks in the last line of defence
- Ted M’s toughness and willingness to work hard for the loose footy, bumping and tackling all-comers
- Lucas R showing his talent, presenting for marks and leading the team in goals
- Kento and Jack C, back playing limited game time in Rovers colours after injuries, teaming together to rebound across the wing
- Ben S demonstrating exceptional timing and desperation in applying multiple smothers during the game
Things we did well
- our willingness to compete. This is a trait of our Rover’s team, and it was clear throughput the game, especially in the second half.
- we didn’t give up. Despite kicking a solitary goal to the opposition’s 4 to half time, the Rovers regrouped and outscored the opposition in the next 2 quarters.
- our ability to convert under pressure. After a wasteful first quarter, the Rover’s kicked more goals than points for the rest of the game.
Room for Improvement (RFI’s)
- we must be switched-on from the first bounce. Don’t under-estimate our opponents, and don’t over-estimate our abilities. It is the team that is hungriest for the ball that usually wins.
- we must be responsible our direct opponent. Know their number, and don’t let them get an easy kick.
- we must be willing to run to create an outlet option, especially after marks or free-kicks. The Vampires showed us how damaging this can be.
