As I do every week we go into the game full of confidence knowing if we play our best footy we can beat anyone in our division. However, on Sunday, still struggling to put a finger on it, the boys were just second to the ball and just not switched on. Was it the early morning start? Lack of sleep or energy? Or bad match preparation? Not sure. But bad starts seem to be consistent all year.
We had some great passages of play where the boys displayed their improved skills in linking by foot from back to forward with Mitch Nolan in particular being involved for his best game all year. Orlando once again tries his guts out all game, his ability to run, mark and tap has been brilliant. And of course who doesn’t like watching the big Angus fend off his opponents and kick the ball!!! Tom played a great game for us too when moved to the middle, a position I hope he can continue to play well.
However, we seem to have more passengers on board at the moment and not drivers. I urge the parents to chat with their kids about the ability to go in and win the ball, not sit on the outside and wait for someone else to pass it to them. Fear is always hard to conquer, but if they have a go, that’s all we ask. They do it at training, in particular when we play scratch matches, so they can do it.
With only 3 weeks left I urge the kids to get to the training sessions please, the difference in their skills and confidence of the boys present in both sessions is clearly evident to my eye.
Finally, and what is really pleasing, and regardless of the result, is that I’m really proud of these boys. We have really bonded as a team, you can see the friendships formed, and their having fun out there. And at the end of the day, that’s what counts!!!
See you at training!
Rovers 1.0.6
Oakleigh 4.19.43
Goals: Angus 1
Best: Orlando, Mitch N, Angus, Taro, Camdyn, Tom, Marco, Dion
Bill Barbas
Go Rovers!
