Winning the statistics was not enough to get the Peter Jackson VFL over the line against the SANFL.
Despite dominating possession and all the key match indicators, the scoreboard was the area the VFL did not come out on top.
“The players, coaches and staff were really disappointed that we could not get the job done, especially when we thought we controlled a lot of the game, but were unable to use the ball well enough and hurt them with scoreboard pressure,” VFL coach Damian Carroll said after the game.
“Full credit to the SANFL, their run was really good, along with their ability to use the ball. Their transition from defensive 50 was good through quick and clean ball movement.
“We had over 50 more touches, won the clearances and won the contested ball but they were the better side on the day.”
Carroll believes that the experience of the SANFL side was evident during the game, with an awareness of their teammate’s game style a key to the way they ran the ball.
“They had a lot of guys that have played together for a long period of time, and it seemed to show as they knew each other’s game pretty well.”
Trailing by 17 points early in the second term, Carroll was forced to make quick changes. The move of Shane Valenti forward provided instant results, as he teamed with Port Melbourne teammates Chris Cain and Julian Rowe to get the VFL back in the game.
“Rowe was very good in the second (quarter), and we were happy with Shane Valenti’s game when he went forward. His pressure and ability to impact the scoreboard were decisive after carrying a little bit of an injury, and he certainly fought through that and gave us an opportunity which was really important.”
For the younger players, Carroll believes they will only benefit from the step up in standard, and what is expected playing against the best from other states.
“It was another step up in their football, and will hold them in good stead for future years and back at their VFL club.
“They acquitted themselves well, and there is definitely some ability there to get an opportunity at AFL level and it will help to get them exposed to a higher level.”
Last Modified on 03/06/2014 12:44