Under 19’s coach Doug Hamilton casts a watchful eye over his sides 77-point win over Whitefriars College at Ruthven Reserve on Saturday.
We were fronted with challenges early, starting against a four-goal wind and having to throw players into unfamiliar positions forced by injury, sickness and player unavailability.
Big H was thrown into the middle to give us some grunt at the centre bounces, while Pup was given a chance on-ball to mix it up too.
Hollifield was offered the ruck duties after Humphrey 1 was only able to operate on one leg - where's Jake the Pake with his extra leg when you need him? – (for those too young to remember it's an old Rolf Harris song).
Diesel turned back the clock and roamed the forward line like he's been doing it for years (pretty sure he has) and Humphrey 2 played his best game yet for the club (I think I almost heard his voice)!
Big B came off the ground and apologised - even though he hadn't played the position before - for giving up two first quarter goals prior to Humphrey 1 celebrating what he thought was our first goal of the game until he realised it hit the woodwork.
Our forwards worked hard to lock the ball in our forward line and Pup, Humphrey 1 and Babe shared our four first quarter majors to give us a six-point lead at the first change of ends.
Hazmah was particularly influential in the forward-line pressure, roving the packs, tackling and holding the ball in our 50 with non-stop energy.
The second quarter started with M&M taking over the ruck duties and palming the ball to Tickers who was running with the ball, running down opponents and throwing up every time he came off the ground.
The defenders held the opposition to just one goal for the second quarter with the Professor and Homer roaming the backline alongside Donuts who was offering himself as a link from defensive 50.
Babe and Tickers continued to be lively at the stoppages while Quads offered a highlight for the supporters by delivering to Hayley who burnt his opponent with ease.
Our forwards were struggling to convert and reward the good work of Tommy, TJ and Dewy who kept pumping the ball into the forward line.
After halftime the boys knuckled down again and proceeded to gang tackle the opposition and not give them any space at all.
Della paid his teammates back for his late arrival - and bright blue boots that were 2 sizes too small - by kicking the first goal of the quarter. I think we need to start telling Della the game is 2hrs earlier than what it is.
Sharrod was running around spotting up targets and giving second and third efforts for the team while Holifield, TJ, Tommy and Dewey continued to work tirelessly at both ends of the ground.
Another reasonable quarter which could have been better if our forwards had converted better.
The last quarter challenge was to hold the opposition against the wind and keep attacking our goals.
Diesel piped in for another goal, while Pup was rewarded for his great teamwork all afternoon when he kicked a goal from the boundary while trying to place the ball to the goal square
The highlight of the day was the smile on H’s face when he kicked his first goal of the season (after registering two behinds).
Humphrey 1 must have been playing a trick on the coach after he kicked his fourth of the afternoon. Imagine how he'll be on two good legs!
It would be remiss of me not to mention Donuts, who has to be commended for his efforts (by foot and mouth) in trying to get kicks, but couldn't find any LOL.
The game was played in good spirits and our tackling was excellent after halftime. We need to work on our conversion in front of goal and get reward for effort.
Get to training this week as we have another challenge this week up against Yarra Valley at home.
Northern Blues 14. 25. (109)
Whitefriars College 5. 2. (32)
Goals: 4 H.Thomas , 3 B.Useinov , 2 P.Hamilton , 2 J.Powell , 1 H.Baker , 1 D.Delle-Vergini , 1 T.Tickner
Best: J.Powell, H.Baker, T.Tickner, P.Hamilton, B.Useinov, H.Thomas, M.Petkopoulos, P.Natoli, D.McNamara, T.Evans
Last Modified on 08/07/2014 22:49