Hawks 8.9.57 def Rovers 5.6.36
Goals Ben S (2), Christian S (1), Jack G (1), Oli H (1)
Game Summary
We are very familiar with the Waverley Hawks, after they trounced us last season, and we had returned the favour earlier this season. The teams were evenly matched, placed in similar positions on the ladder.
The game started with the Hawks in ascendance and with the Rovers appearing to not be switched on. Things really didn’t get better during the quarter, with the Hawks peppering the goals and the Rovers barely registering. At the break, the Rovers were lucky that the Hawks had only a solitary goal.
The quarter time huddle was a time for the coaches to let the players know that the first quarter effort was not acceptable, with too few having to do too much. The team were encouraged to take the game on by attacking the footy. The Rovers responded in the second quarter, with the intensity and effort increasing as the quarter went on. Players started to attack the ball, and surprise, surprise, the Rovers began to impact the scoreboard.
Somebody must have flipped the players’ switch back to off at the half, because the third quarter was just as disappointing as the first, with too many players running second to the ball. If it weren’t for the last 5 minutes of inspired play by a few Rovers players, where we kicked 2 quick goals, the quarter would have been one of our worst for the year.
The players lifted again in the fourth, with renewed effort. The forwards attacked the footy much better, and were able to lock it into the forward line more effectively. Despite the Rovers peppering the goals, we were only able to score one goal, but at least we won the quarter.
This was one of those strange games, where the team played poorly at times, but were inspired by individual efforts during other times. We needed a full team effort to win, and unfortunately that wasn’t the case today.
Highlights
Ben S leading from the front, with a four quarter game of effort and polish.
Jake M displaying his well known grit and determination, locking-down the opposition in the backline over and over again.
Ben D providing a focal point at CHF, contesting in the are and on the ground
Chevi O, the tackling machine, locking the ball in our forward line
James M running across the wings and driving the ball forward
Things we did right
midfield & half-back engine room. Our midfielders and halfbacks worked well together, clearing the ball in dangerous situations.
running in waves. When we ran, we looked like a different team to when we didn’t. It was a stark contrast in effort and intensity.
huddle at kick-out. We had our best game in kicking-out, where the mids and backs huddled at the half-back position then spread. The kick-outs were precise and the marks were clean.
Room For Improvement
get to the ball first. We were second to the ball at times, resulting in easy opposition clearances.
too many passengers. In the first and third quarters, we needed to work harder to get the ball, run to support or get back and defend.
forwards in front. Our forwards need to work harder to get in front, and not be lead to the ball by the opposition.
