Saturday 28th May, 2011 at 12.45pm @ Strathalbyn
Strathalbyn 3.15 (33) def. by McLaren 12.9 (81)
Goal Kickers: J. Williams 3, M. Edmonds 3, C. Kohnke 2, S. Mccade , A. Natale , T. Semple , T. Long
Best Players: B. Ebsary, J. Gentel, B. Thomson, M. Stopp, S. Freeman, M. Curtis
Travelling to Strath to play is always a tough task. They have been one of the pacesetters in the Reserves comp for the past few years reaching the GF in the past 3 years.
We started really well, with our players reflexing the ball out of the packs and moving it quickly and cleanly into our forward 50. The next 2 quarters, Strath really came at us hard - lifting their intensity at the contest and out worked us for the next 40 minutes, which was to be expected as they are a proud club that don't put up the white flag.
In the last quarter, we really steeled ourselves for a big finish as Strath had kicked 1 goal and 13 points in the previous 2 quarters - had they kicked straight we would have been in trouble. I will say that our backline applied that much pressure, that a lot of Straths shots were from rushed snap shots due to our unrelenting defence - who really were awesome all day.
We played well in the last to kick away to win by about 8 goals but we still haven't had a 4 quarter effort and this will hurt us against the likes of Willunga, who make you pay in front of goal.
Ducka was our best with his tough attack on the ball from the back pocket, Gents played his best game for the season with some telling marks and his run of half back, Stoppy continues to shine and is probably the most damaging back pocket in the comp at the moment with his hard running and his ability to win the tough footy. Thomo is leading the way with his outstanding leadership and his ability to get to the right spots as a centreman to set play up and our Captain Curto is having his best season with his form at fullback and his uncompromising attack on the ball.
The most pleasing thing from the coaches point of view, is the form of 1st Year Senior Sam Freeman - he is as tough a footballer as I have coached. He puts his head in places some players won't stick their feet and he runs hard all day. Players like Sam make coaching very rewarding as they listen, learn and deliver.
Overall a pleasing win, always good to beat Strath but we still have a long way to go. We will continue to work hard on our game plan and improve our run and carry.
Keep at it boys.
Cheers Daisy
Last Modified on 30/05/2011 16:59