Another magnificent Melbourne morning…well, not quite, but despite the cold morning the boys arrived keen to take on St Bedes / Mentone and bounce back after last week. During the week, we had a good training session and started focussing on playing in more traditional positions, particularly in the forward line, rather than forming a scrum and following the ball around.
It was great to hear during our pre match talk, that the boys had remembered what they learnt at training and were keen to have a go on the field. Another ask of the team was to pick up where we left off from last week, with a focus on being first to the ball rather than watching the play. Our captains, Leo and Tim led the team out with much enthusiasm and were eager to get into it.
Form the outset, the boys seemed to be on today (despite one player forgetting his boots!), as we won the early contests in the middle to gain possession and set the tone for the day. There was some awesome link up play between HD (who was a little under the weather), Zac, Leo Axel. With the extra space in the forward line, Spencer ran riot and proved a magnetic target up front as the other forwards, including Tim and Mans continually hit the “hot spot” to find Spencer on the end of a stream of attacks.
Our good form continued in the 2nd quarter, as our forwards continued to keep the forward line open which created plenty of space leading to scoring opportunities. They were well supported by our mids who were keen to get into after spending the 1st quarter in defence. It was great to see the boys continue to run and spread and pass the ball amongst themselves and create attacking chances. By the time the siren sounded, the team had played an awesome half of footy.
In the third quarter, Charlie seemed to find space at will and was on the end of many passes from our midfield where Angus and Spencer were controlling the game. Nick took a great mark, Jack R was looking to pass the ball to the hot spot. Both Lachies had good quarters, with Lachie Matthews finding the footy and Lachie (jnr tractor” Meehan finding teammates on the lead. It was a fantastic quarter, with the boys being well rewarded for their efforts and teamwork.
We ran the game out well in the last quarter. Our forwards continued to find space, with Spencer and Marcus bobbing up to kick goals. Leo was strong all day, particularly off the wing at the centre bounce where he was quick to get to the contest and lay a big tackle or back into a pack and take a strong mark. We are definitely going to miss Leo when he heads off!
All in all, it was a really pleasing day as the team showed they are continuing to develop their skills, their understanding of the game and attack on the ball. It makes coaching a lot easier when you have such a keen group who listen and learn so quickly.
Our award winners for the day were, Marcus, Axel, Ollie G and Spencer who all played super games.
Thanks to Rob for subbing in as runner and to all the other parent helpers. See you next week.
Tim & Walt
#gorovers
