The wind it blows cold on the oval so green
Football is back for 2019
The kids are excited and the coaches are too
And the name it has changed from Maroon to the colour of Blue
Sheeds he is happy as he has his wingman
The reliable Dimma, who often carries the can
Or wristbands, or boards – whatever’s about
And admiring Sheeds for his strength, brains and clout
So another season has begun, of that we do know
And one thing’s for sure – is that the wind will still blow
But now down at headquarters – it is known as the Boss
When the Rovers play there – it’s never a loss
To have fun and teamwork it is all the go
Respect and passion it will overflow
And the kids they will grow into the flanks and the wings
And when the Blues win, the team really sings
“Down by the Seaside” with gusto and flair
And Dimma thinks quietly that he’s glad he’s got hair
And the wind it blows cold on the oval so green
But down at the Boss in 2019
The Blues they are back – together once more
To play footy again and kick a great score!
——
The day started – soooooo smoothly! Fi rolled up – organised and wildly efficient as usual. Dimma – sauntered in half an hour early. Sheeds cruised in, running his hands over his freshly polished noggin. Big smile…. how different is this to the same time last year? Running around like chooks with their heads cut off we all were!!! Up and about!!
Straight into pre game drills – kids right into it. Calling names. Focused. Sheeds and Dimma gave each other a little man hug in the rooms – what a year it will be!!! Then… the opposition ran out. Sheeds whispered in Dimma’s ear, “hmmm…. big, aren’t they Dimma?” Dimma slapped Sheeds on the back, “…Mate! Bigger they are, the harder they fall!!!!”
Captains for the day were Alex and Niko – well done! They proudly led the team out through the parents (thank you!). The game began and it soon appeared that Sheeds was correct (which as we all know is a very regular occurrence and why he is the coach). They were big. And fast. And kicked with the wind in the first quarter. All these things, as most football watchers would know, does not normally bode well for the opposition.
But the Blues did not falter. Not once. They attacked every contest with grunt. Their effort was first class. The defence was tested a lot in the first quarter, and Arlo, Niko, Sam, Alex, Sebastian and Jason were right into it. Desperate smothers, tackles and trying to find a way out was the order of the day. Multiple entries into the forward line by East Sandy proved a bit much, but the defence, particularly led by Jason and Sebastian were stoic and determined.
The second quarter saw a greater focus on manning up and being accountable for your opponent, and the mids, led by Jack, Diesel and Xavier managed to drive the ball out of the guts on a number of occasions. Tom and Ben provided great support in the packs and Jacob was starting to assert his authority across centre half forward. The backs, led by Charlie, Teddy and Tim were doing a great job, and Harry and Aiden in his first game were doing a great job in contested footy.
Half time saw Sheeds focus more on manning up and looking for teammates – and the team responded in kind in the third quarter, which was great to see. Seb and Jason continued their great game with plenty of drive, and Diesel was strong in the middle with plenty of left foot raking kicks, pumping it forward. Sam was doing a great job, as were Xavier and Teddy.
The final quarter was quite an even contest to the team’s credit and Arlo, Niko, Alex and Aiden were really strong around the ball. Charlie laid a Sydney Stack like (legal) tackle, which was great to see. Jack, Jacob were strong across half back, and Diesel, Jason and Sebastian were holding the fort across the centre. Alex and Tim were terrific across half forward and Tom and Ben were always at their feet, looking for crumbs.
In the end, East Sandy were too strong and deserved their win, but the best thing was that the team never gave up once and attacked the ball with intent and purpose. Well done Blues!!!
The effort of the team is a strong indicator of great improvement through the year, so get down to training and let’s do it!!
#goBlues #goRovers
Note of explanation:
Sheeds = coach
Dimma = assistant coach
Fi = team manager
