Sunday 28 July presented one of the best morning’s for footy all season.
The team arrived today ready to implement the strategies learned at training this week.
Quarter 1 immediately opened up with a series of plays that linked up multiple teammates including Tommy, Hannah and Hudson V with the first goal being kicked by Hudson V. From then on forward pressure was consistently applied by Ethan tapping the ball out to Fraser who would immediately find space and pass into the forwards. The next goal was beautifully orchestrated by Josh getting a great kick to Hannah who took the mark without incident and then delivered an excellent kick to Archer and Goal!!!
Hunter provided some excellent pressure on the Vampires with some devastating tackles. He wouldn’t even let a significant crash into some of larger Vampires dampen his spirits.
The next few goals followed from applying the same formula without letting the Vampires gain any momentum. Goals came from Archer and Hudson V following some excellent marks and precise kicking. Strato was provided an immediate impact following a bit of a break. This was arguably the best quarter of football from the team all year!
Quarter 2 started on a positive note with further forward pressure being applied, within the first 90 seconds Hudson V was already lining up for the first goal of the term. The Vampires however had some different ideas to the first quarter and managed to get some more possession of the ball. However as soon as it looked like they were gaining momentum the Rovers somehow managed to provide an answer, whether it was a solid tackle by Ethan or intercept marks from Hunter.
At half time and the lead maintained coach Sam spoke to our players about how each of their roles are important and stay focused on the team strategy.
Quarter 3 saw a tough start and if it wasn’t for some excellent defensive work by Ernie the Vampires may have been able to score a few goals in the first few minutes. Despite some excellent skills from our team the Vampires managed to gain some momentum which lead to 3 rather crushing goals in a row. Leading towards the final break the Vampires had managed to claw themselves back into contention.
The Rovers entered the final term with a winning attitude which showed from the very first hit out. Some excellent work by Xavier saw Archer receiving the ball in front of the goals. Without hesitation Archer sent it through for 6 points. The Vampires clearly weren’t going to take it lying down and immediately launched an attack however Ernie and the backline sprung into great defense mode and would not let the Vampires get through. A special mention must be made of Jack’s efforts which prevented the backline from being penetrated multiple times. Fraser performed multiple mid-field retrievals which continued to drive the ball into our forwards. Hannah had an amazing ability to find space and take multiple marks providing an excellent platform to further points.
At the final siren the exhausted Rovers celebrated by singing the team song. The team has improved significantly throughout the season and the effort put in by the players and coaches was extremely evident.
Well-deserved awards were given to Tommy E, Strato, Josh, Jack and Ernie.
