The Rovers Under 9 Team Sill boys, under the inspirational coaching of Head Coach Julian, along with assistant coaches Steve and Wayne, and team manager Aaron, have now moved to a new division. At the start of the 2018 season the boys had limited focus, but with much patience and guidance, Coach Julian and team were able to renew their focus and transform the boys into selfless team players. With 3 solid games under their sleeves, the team was aiming for a fourth, but moving a division created further need for more focus and determination to win today’s game. Today’s game led the boys out of the Hampton bubble comfort zone to challenge South Melbourne.
The world-famous Australian Grand Prix circuit, Albert Park – Oval 12, opposite the Schumacher Stand on the final bend before the finish line was the scene for today’s clash. The breeze was light, weather was mild for a winters day – perfect conditions for a great game and why Melbourne is most liveable city, with the best code of football in the world. Note that the Race Lap Record – by Michael Schumacher for Ferrari was 1:24 on 7 March 2004, unfortunately Port Phillip council in partnership with the State Government have reduced speed to 40 km per hour meaning the average Rovers support vehicle will never be able to complete a lap in under 6 minutes and thus the players and their families had to plan accordingly and arrive early. Nerveless, the Rovers heading down to Albert Park was an inspiration for speed, focus and burnt rubber (grass).
Quarter 1 was a great warm up for the boys – to get them acclimatized to the new division, in knowing their positions, their team mates, strengths and areas to work on. The boys were working hard, and so was South Melbourne. Ashton had provided great defence in this quarter. Charlie did a great tackle and also was able to quickly get the ball out to create further momentum for the Rovers. Great marking and quick passing by Kai. Also team effort by Sebastian, Caelan and Jackson helped cement the focus and drive for the remaining quarters. Cruz and Jeff had great defensive play in this 1st Quarter. Josh slipped a nice little ripper of a goal in this quarter.
Quarter 2. The boys now were sharp and fierce in their attack and were quickly moving the ball from defence into the goal area. Lincoln set the scene with a great kick to start this charge, and the ferocity of the team for the rest of the quarter. Noticeable efforts came from Jackson with terrific tackling, marks and a behind. Cooper copped a high tackle, got a free kick and took it in great sportsmanship to keep the Rovers’ momentum. I’m not sure what Caelan and Cruz ate for breakfast but they were on fire with some fine long kicks that resulted in good goals this quarter for the team. Dylan displayed speed and focus – great mark and a behind. Also Ed, Josh, Kit, Sebastien, Jackson N, and Charles had clean marks and kept the momentum going that resulted in the Rovers getting into the lead and South Melbourne scoreless for the quarter. Other noticeable team efforts from Boston, Charlie, Will, Cooper, and Kai. Caelan briefly stepped out for suspected wrist sprain but was determined to be back on the field. Great football in this quarter, marking up the opposition and moving the ball around!
Quarter 3. The Rovers kept on the attack in this quarter with a few early goals by Jackson B and Lincoln. Some photo worthy marks from Dylan. Ashton was trying to kick a goal but it hit the post. Jackson N had some great plays – marking and the running up the ball to help the forwards. Other noticeable efforts again from Cruz in this quarter. Charlie pushed hard with some great tackles and Ashton was running circles around the defence, appearing to be everywhere. Ed at one point he was crushed by the opposition, however he pushed hard and continued to with some magical marks. Archie created some good distraction in the goal area to assist Jackson B with a goal. Lincoln kicked a great goal too.
Quarter 4 – Coach Julian shared some heroic comments just before the start of Q4 – ‘We don’t want to get too far ahead of yourselves’, we want to stay humble and we feel like there’s plenty of scope for Rovers to keep improving as we don’t know what is in front of us’. This set the stage for a great final quarter with further focus and teamwork by all. Ash had a great mark, and strong defence was seen by Cruz, Kai, Ed, Josh, Will, Charlie, Kit and Sebastien. All were focused and passing well to their team mates. Jeff was great at getting the ball out to his team mates, and also helped build the play for a goal by Lincoln. Archie did a long kick to Jackson N where he scored a 2nd goal for the quarter. The boys finished of the game in great sportsmanship and then sung the club song! Go Rovers!
A great effort today by the boys was built around teamwork and midfield dominance and the great coaching efforts by Julian and team!
Captains: Archie and Ashton
Congratulations to Cooper, Aston, Kai and Dylan who received awards on the day. Also, a big happy birthday went out to team manager Aaron who turned 21 today! 😉
