Seniors
Vermont 14-25-109 defeated Sth Croydon 14-15-99
Ins: Lachlan Ryan, Luke Johnson, Kris Barlow, Pat Lawlor (Box Hill) Outs: Nathan Henley (inj), Lachlan Tindal (inj), Jack Besley (inj),
Xavier Barry-Murphy (omitted)
Goalkickers: Dalton 3, Kelly 2, Millhouse 2, Carmody 2, Gileno 2, Mullett 1, Mendes 1, Barlow 1.
Best Players: Bonuda, Barlow, Mullett, Carmody, Ross, T. Johnson, Lawlor.
Coach’s Comment: We made it hard for ourselves and we still have a lot of work to do. The back 6 did a good job and we still another gear to move to with players to come back into the side. Paid tribute to 1st gamer in Pat Lawlor
Possessions: Mullett 38, Barlow 27, Bonuda 2, Carmody 22, R. Wilson 22.
1%’s: Bonuda 7, T. Johnson 6, Dalton 4, Lawlor 3.
Summary: In the opening stanza of the 1st quarter neither side had control of the game however South Croydon took full advantage of their limited opportunities and opened up an early 14 point lead. From midway through the first term Vermont started to get the game on their terms and a run of 5 goals opened up a 21 point lead due to a lift in work rate from the players however a late goal by South Croydon pegged the margin back to 15 points at the first change. A promising start but our poor disposal into the forward line and kicking for goal could have seen us with a bigger lead.
The 2nd quarter started very much like the 1st quarter with Vermont dominating possession and we were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard. South Croydon gained some momentum for a 10 min patch kicking 3 goals to stay within striking distance and all of a sudden we were under pressure. However two late goals restored the equilibrium our way and we went into the main break with an 11 point lead.
The 3rd quarter yet again saw Vermont threaten to blow the game right open. Our backline was playing well but our delivery was still lacking purpose and we created numerous scoring opportunities albeit with not much success. Entering time on Vermont had a game high 28 point lead but to South Croydon’s credit they would not be denied and came back at us again and at the last break we were still 18 points ahead with South Croydon kicking with the wind in the last quarter.
An early goal in the 4th quarter saw Vermont take a 4 goal lead and yet we were still creating scoring opportunities but were unable to put South Croydon away. Yet again South Croydon challenged us and they kicked another 2 goals and had some other genuine scoring shots that could have made the game interesting right to the end. However Vermont finally prevailed with a hard fought 10 point win to square the ledger at 2-2 much to the relief of players and supporters alike.
Well done to South Croydon today on their performance and I’m sure they will trouble many sides this year in what is shaping as a very even season.
To our players a job well done, with some key players coming back into the side over the next few weeks, we now move on to Croydon next week with renewed confidence and belief and a real chance to get our season moving forward.
Reserves
Vermont: 22-19-151 defeated Sth Croydon 2-7-19
Goalkickers: Barry-Murphy 5, McCarthy 5, Sonsie 3, Dore 3, Ellis 2, White 1, Emley 1, King 1, Carrodus 1.
Best Players: Barry-Murphy, Jordan, Dore, Emley, Bull, McCarthy.
Coach’s Comment: We are playing a great brand of football and structurally we were fantastic. A really good effort from everyone.
Summary: A comprehensive victory from the Reserve players. From the first bounce today they took control of the game and never gave South Croydon a look in. We were treated once again to some precision running and execution by hand and foot which was fantastic to watch.
Once again the ability of this side to keep playing high intensity football especially in the last half of games is the most pleasing aspect. Several players are now putting real pressure on the selectors to be considered for promotion to the seniors. I’m sure the coach and players alike will be real keen to keep that winning feeling going and attempt to maintain their unbeaten start to the season next week against Croydon.
U19’s
Vermont 13-21-99 defeated Sth Croydon 3-2-20
Goalkickers: Strachan 6, Davidson 3, Lindon 2, McCullough 1, Langmaid 1.
Best Players: McCluskey, Strachan, Mendes, Davidson, Hemmings, McCullough.
Coach’s Comment: We didn’t bring a good a standard today as we need more players to embrace team footy. A few players went through the motions however the new players did well.
Summary: Under normal circumstances you would be happy with a 79 point win but it’s the manner and how you achieve this which is the point in question. A very lacklustre performance from the side today and I agree with the coach that many players went through the motions. That being said the boys got the job done and head into the bye week with a 3-1 record and with plenty of improvement to come they can come back and play the football we all know they are capable of.
Last Modified on 17/05/2012 22:43