PREMIERS 2012
Preston City Oval had a sense of anticipation about it as the Roosters embarked on what would be a momentous day. The scene was set on a picturesque Melbourne spring afternoon for the Roosters to take on the minor premiers in a tantalizing clash. The Roosters boasted a double figure win streak and the newly crowned best player in the competition, Shaun Barker, to go into the match brimming with confidence. The side looked balanced, exciting and loaded with weapons. Coach Matt Sleeman implored the troops before the game to embrace the opportunity and continue the great form from previous weeks. Only time would tell how the “Big Dance” would go for the Roosters.
In shortened 20min quarters it was imperative for the Roosters to “come to play”. The problem for Montmorency was that the Roosters were ready, they were boisterous, they were amped and they were hungry. In an explosive first stanza the boys from J.E.Moore Park were practically unstoppable. A coach can only hope for Grand Final day to produce the team’s best football but a galvanized and inspired Rooster’s outfit exploded in the first term to play arguably its best football for the season. The crowd was stunned, the scoreboard attendant was busy and to the delight of the fans the Roosters were ON.
Condurso was integral to getting the midfield first use in the centre as the star-studded midfield ran rampant in the first quarter. Unsurprisingly, Montmorency went after a couple of the midfield jets for the Roosters in Barker and Belbasis. This only compounded their problems as the players on the periphery excelled. These players were not only capable and competent but also superior to the Montmorency opponents in all facets. Peters led the way early with a plethora of time and space inside 50 and had two first quarter majors, which was enough to cover the score from the whole Montmorency outfit. His agility and poise inside 50 was a class above. He wasn't alone though. Garrett McDonagh had started the day in sublime fashion. He was controlling the wide expanses of Preston and amassed plenty of the ball. With the back half under control from stalwart Tom O’Neill and Brian White it released superstar swingman Matt Whittaker and didn't halt the attacking prowess of the Roosters early in the game. Jedd Crapper provided the highlight after a 50m penalty to slot a 55m bomb to ignite the elated crowd.
WPLFC 6.3.39
Mont 1.0.6
After a stern message from the Roosters in Q1, the second quarter was the exclamation point. Without any noted scoring end, the rampage rolled on into the second term. Mitch Tobin and versatile Big Man Jarrod Caspersz were significant whilst fan favourite and perhaps this scribe’s favourite Jon Hiho was imposing himself on the game. The Ben Peters Show continued on to the Market end as he collected possession at will and added a couple more goals to make it 4.4 for the half. Not only had he eclipsed the total score for the opposition but he had doubled it. He was alarmingly free on many occasions and was making full use of the latitude afforded him by the opposing defence. Brad Sanderson had started the game on one leg and battled admirably through the first half with many lengthy handballs to enable teammates more space along with that renowned left shoe equally as damaging. His intriguing battle with Montmorency’s Moulas would be game changing and he certainly had the points in the first half.
WPLFC 10.5.65
Mont 2.1.13
With a 52 point lead at half time the 3rd quarter was not going to be the aptly named Premiership quarter. If we recall the 3rd quarter a few weeks ago against Lower Plenty at the very same ground it may be the more appropriate to hail that 30min the premiership quarter. Niall McDonagh slotted 3 goals and David Bonadio another 2 goals in a 10 goal 3rd term, which propelled the Roosters past Lower Plenty and since then never challenged in their premiership journey. Today the Rooster would simply cruise through and ice the game with a more possession based slow game. Montmorency could only manage 3 goals in the term and the margin at the final change was an unassailable 41 points. Garrett McDonagh and Jon Hiho continued on from their stellar first halves. Whittaker was prolific and creative across halfback seemingly unmanned. Barker was finding more of the ball in uncustomary short sleeves whilst Chris Belbasis was intense at the contest and the man. The most impressive aspect to the game had been the overall contribution by all players, Green was manic when injected from the bench, Rizzolio hit the scoreboard and the man with ferocity, Tanti was an important link man, Close maintained the ruck dominance when he was relieving Condurso and Dufficy roamed the dangerous half forward line for the Roosters.
WPLFC 11.8.74
Mont 5.3.33
Having only conjured 5 goals to the ¾ time siren a comeback was unlikely and, unfortunately for the minor premiers, the Roosters, after strict directions from coach Sleeman, turned up the tempo. Garrett McDonagh was amassing more possessions and utilising his potent left boot to hammer the football inside 50. Naci “JunkTime” Eshel come into his own late in the game hitting the scoreboard and even Zac Watkins when he got into his space inside 50. Eshel didn't want to “bow” out of the game without having an influence. He finished with 4 goals for the day and certainly contributed to the win. He must have realized Belbasis was leading the season’s goal kicking tally with 28 and Peters after kicking his 5th for the day was on 27. After steering through his 4th, Eshel added to his 25 prior to the game to finish the season on 29. You do the math.
Zac Watkins was pivotal across half back all day. He wont be noticeable on the stats sheet but his drop back work in front of Montmorency forwards was critical. A few times the crowd held their collective breath as Watkins backed back into oncoming traffic without fear or concern in Hiho-like fashion. He was happy to play his part and allow the likes of Whittaker and McKernan to play rebounding roles all day. McKernan not only quelled the influence of his opponent but also was crucial in his normal springboard role. Mitch Tobin continued to work hard and was a very valuable player on the day. Kane Heaney was similarly valuable and provided a strong target. Peters finished the day with 5 goals 5 behinds and an abundance of possession in a typically impressive display. Hiho was courageous, efficient and all and sundry were suitably impressed with his performance. Garrett McDonagh was awarded the Best afield Medal after the game for a sensational performance. A 7 goal final term was the perfect ending for the Roosters. They had smashed the minor premier to be crowned Premiers.
FINAL SCORE
WPLFC 18.12.120
Mont 7.5.47
As the siren sounded, the relief on the coach’s face was evident. Years of hard work had culminated in a much-deserved premiership. From 4 wins and barely 17 players at the half way point to an impressive win streak and a cup to show for it, the season has been a turbulent yet fulfilling one. The contribution of players without the boots on was not to be shunned. McMahon had played a significant leadership role in an injury riddled and tribunal affected season. Lawless was a valuable asset throughout the season and unluckily missed the last 3 matches but his efforts and involvement cannot be underplayed. Willet, Velluto, Jurgens plus a number of other reserves and U/19 players who have been involved throughout were all integral in getting this side to play off in the Grand Final. Many thanks for all the contributions to those players and other non playing support personnel from Hawk to Chaddy and Mel, Turbo to Ducky and everyone that remain unnamed but provide unheralded assistance from Day 1 to Grand Final day and beyond.
WPLFC Division 1 Reserves PREMIERS
Last Modified on 24/09/2012 13:29