Hello all
The matches vs PBC were always going to be a test of our real position within the competition. PBC have been at the top of the league for several seasons in all grades of footy and are seen as the benchmark for the competition. The day was a beautiful day for footy with fine weather and no wind, the ground had a little water on it from showers the previous day but did not have a great effect on general play.
The Under 18's
------- Game Summary ------
A solid display by the boys in the early game on Saturday.
The first quarter was tight, we were probably on top for most of the quarter, but not on the scoreboard, Palmy were very good at pushing the game into our forward line to close down our space, this worked very well as we had a minimum of 8 scoring shots but for little reward, they kicked 3 goals for the quarter against the flow, by rebounding quick off our skill errors.
The second quarter we started to changed our structure a little, to force the game to be fought out in the middle of the ground, this opened up the space in the forward line and our midfield started to dominate around the contests.
We improved as the game went on, but for our accuracy, we could have finished with a big win, a fifty point win at this stage is very welcome as our percentage will be important come the end of the year.
Angus Hubert displayed the type of football we all know he is capable of and has been improving every week, a standout BOG performance by a dominant midfielder, again showing that he is, and should be playing above this level. Nate Murcutt was fantastic down back in the first half, but finishing the game in the ruck put on a great display of ruck work and midfield play, this allowed Balmy to go down back which suited his marking and run.
Rowie's desperation and tackling display was a pleasure to watch.
Dylan Raabe after not feeling well, turned it on in the second half and created some great opportunities and also snapped a great goal himself.
Best games for Andy, the twins, big Benny Mac and not forgetting Brock, these boys are all showing fantastic improvement, this is where our next level of improvement will come from.
As already said, a solid performance with everyone playing their part.
Next week Mayne, get on the track as we still have lots to work on.
Springwood 18's vs Palm Beach
Final score: 12.17 (89) d 6.3 (39)
--------------------------- Goals: 4 B.Cherry , 2 A.Hubert , 1 B.Meredith , 1 E.Hackett , 1 D.Raabe , 1 L.Opbroek , 1 D.Balm , 1 B.MacDonald Best Players: A.Hubert, N.Murcutt, J.Rowe, D.Raabe, A.Miklavc, J.Isbel
The reserves desperately needed a win to stay in touch with the final 5, with only 3 wins for the year the reserves had to have a real crack to remain in the race. Overall the game was the best match the reserves have put together for some time. Good games from the usual good players seen us get very close at the end of the game. We did have a shot for goal after the final siren to win the game but unfortunately it was too far out and just fell short to finish up losing the game 4 points. All of the players gave it 100% effort and it was dissapointing to see them fall so close to a victory, this is the third time this year they have been beaten by less than a goal so we are not far away.
I thought Kassulke, Raudino, Friis and Chalmers were our best players with a number of other players including Sutton, Murrihy, Menz not far behind with solid games. Coach Phillips is on the right track, this game may be the turnaround for the year with the effort that was displayed certain to result in a lot of victories on the way home.
Keep having a crack boys it will come.
The seniors saw the Pumas who are on top taking on the 2nd team on the ladder. There was a great deal of anticipation around the game, it was clearly the match of the round and could be a dress rehersal for a couple of finals games later in the year. The 1st quarter started like a prize fight with both sides feeling each other out and generally speaking the defence of both sides on top. The score of 2 - 3- 15 to PBC 5- 1 - 31 was a fair description of this quarter with roughly the same shots at goals with PBC's finishing a little better. PBC were interchanging players a great deal and doubled the amount of interchanges for this quarter. The defence of the Pumas led by Wallis and Friis was resolute with both players clearly on top of their opponents, other defensive players Sponneck and Hopkins also doing well. The amount of forward entries was limited and because of the PBC structure of pushing players behind the ball the forwards were normally outnumbered and found it difficult to keep it in the area. The Pumas were rushing their entries into the forward line which suited the PBC backline, a more structured entry into this area may have been more efficient. The midfield battle was as hot as it gets with little or no time to make decisions and the intensity at the ball was the best this year from both sides. Big Mitch Vasternick was having a briliant game with his work in the ruck contest and around the game making him clearly the best big man on the ground, the PBC midfields were roving well and clearances were difficult to get.
The second quarter started with more of the same. PBC had certainly done their homework with Proud, Hooper and Furfaro having tight tags and although playing well were not having their normal influence on the game. The Pumas were missing the service of Luke Ruf who has the shut down role on the better opposition players. Some of PBC midfield were starting to pick up a lot of possessions and except for some poor finishing they could have been a lot further up at half time. Again PBC were pushing players behind the ball and although outnumbered at the clearance area were still doing very well with some hard work. The Pumas kicked a couple of goals to stay in touch and were still well in the game at half time. Tronc was having a great game continuing on from his good game last week. Half Time scores Pumas 4 - 6 - 30 PBC 8 - 7- 55. The Puma change rooms was one of determination, there was no one thinking the game was over. It was going to be tough because the size and maturity of the PBC players suggested they were not going to be run over.
The third quarter started brightly for the Pumas with the first two goals and closing the gap, the Pumas had an opportunity for a third but a missed handball resulted in a turnover and PBC taking it the length of the ground for a major. Although it is not fair to identify individual misses like this one it does show how quickly momentum can be lost when playing good sides. PBC then consolidated their position with a couple more goals, from this point it was difficult to see the Pumas winning. Even though all the players knew it was becoming more difficult the endeavour and hardness at the ball did not drop off, it would have been easy to drop their heads and get smashed but this didnt happen. Three quarter time scores Pumas 7 - 7- 49 PBC 11- 11 - 77
The final quarter needed the Pumas to come out and kick the first three goals to get within range but the experience of PBC meant this was not going to happen. Again the Pumas fought it out to the end and there is no doubt there will be some sore PBC players.
It was interesting to look at the scores and to realise PBC won every quarter as follows:
1st Quarter: 16 points
2nd Quarter: 9 points
3rd Quarter: 3 points
4 th Quarter: 5 points
As it was against Wilston Grange with us turning at quarter time behind, the first quarter seems to be our worst and against good sides can be a problem. From this point the game was very even and with a kick here and there could have gone either way.
Best Players: Greg Friis, Mitch Vasternick, Nick Tronc
Next week we have Sufers Paradise who are also travelling well and are sitting 4th on the ladder. We have now dropped to 2nd on the ladder so again we will be the match of the round. We are playing at home again and as per last week the Under 18's are at 10.00 am, the reserves at 12.00 and the seniors at 2.00.
One note from the club is that we are chasing a sponsor for the senior club polos, this will give you a chance to be a part of a very good team who are capable of anything this year. If you would like to get some more information on this please contact club President Andrew Hickman on email Andrew@fvs.com.au.
See you at the ground next week and cheer on another Puma win.
