SENIORS
With a near perfect setting Alexandra with the bye next week, were host to old Waranga rivals Yea last Saturday in what was their last game for the 2014 season. The ground was in excellent condition despite the rain earlier in the week and is a good choice for one of the semi finals. Alexandra had made some five changes adding Will.Goonan, David Bourke, Michael Miller, Scott Hill and Andrew Moravski, playing his last game after four years of good service to the Club, to the side beaten in the mud at Powelltown.
Alexandra began the game well to the town end and moved the ball well to give the forwards opportunities. Alex were winning most of the contested possessions and with Chris Mullins, and William Walker prominent early were able to kick early goals to go to a 24 point lead at quarter time.
The Yea Tigers kept the pressure on and were able to work their way back into the game getting the margin back to single figures at one stage during the quarter due to some good ball movement. Despite an Alex. player being red carded the Rebels were able to steady and kick goals at the hill end as Walker, Ben Cooper and the Goonan Brothers won the ball in the midfield to reestablish a 21 point lead at the main break. Alexandra continued their ascendancy after half time and despite some early mistakes big forward Grant Noonan made amends with multiple goals to the applause of the Rebels supporters on the hill. Young Tom Halligan continued to show that he has a bright future with some dashing play on the wing whilst Jayden Murphy who marks well above his size and Russell Comb continued their excellent form. Alexandra added six goals to three during the quarter to establish an unbeatable 44 point lead at the last change. Goals came a bit easier for both teams in the last as Alex. kicked a further seven and Yea five, but most interest was in how many goals Noonan would finish with (he kicked a further 3 for 6) and who had the winning margin ticket as the margin increased as the quarter wore on. Alex played some of their best football of the season during this game but was it the opposition, who like Alex. is a bit below the top sides? Best: The long kicking, strong marking William Walker would have probably earned the umpires attention as they marked their cards or was it Jayden Murphy who has had a fine finish to the year or the consistent Ben Cooper who is always amongst the better players each week. Chris Mullins, Damien Toomey and Grant Noonan were also effective players whilst the Goonan boys (who look like Ned and Dan Kelly) Will 3 goals and Jack won many possessions.
In all it has been a disappointing year for Alexandra following the enthusiasm shown early with the addition of a few new recruits. Alex only won seven of sixteen games with wins only against the teams finishing below them with one exception, a good win against the otherwise unbeaten top side Seville. Alexandra must strive to keep the good young players it has promoted this season and again be active on the recruiting scene to improve in 2015.
An interested observer amongst the good crowd was former coach Terry Rodgers. Terry a former Essendon player coached the Rebels to the finals in 1965’66 and ’67. At the time it was a coup for the club to secure the services of a player direct from the VFL. A spectacular mark and great kick Terry played 58 games and kicked 187 goals and was runner-up to Thornton’s Peter Tossol in the Waranga League’s best and fairest in 1966.
Terry, now retired and living in Maryborough was a teacher at the Alexandra High School, enjoyed catching up with many of his old team-mates in his first visit to the town since 1972.
RESERVES
The Reserves, in second place were at home to the fourth placed Yea Tigers and began the game well, moving the ball with system and with five first quarter goals were able to establish a 21 point lead at the first change. The second quarter was more even as Yea tightened up in defence although Alex. were still able to increase the lead to 27 points at the main break. Alex again had the assistance of the breeze that had sprung up and with Cory Jack controlling the centre bounces were able to go forward often where Jock Blakeney and Daniel Steel marked strongly. Four Alex. goals to two virtually sealed the game as Alex. took a 40 point lead to the three quarter time huddle. The last quarter was played mostly between the half back lines as Alex. were only able to manage one goal whilst the Tigers added two to win the quarter. Alexandra still had plenty in reserve as they coasted to their twelfth win of the season and a place in the Qualifying final on August 23rd Jock Blakeney was back in form with five goals mostly from strong marks whilst Lyndon Purcell (two goals) was judged as best followed by Daniel Steel who is still a very good player. Zack Vincent also has had a good finish to the season as has Michael Heyes and along with Jack Elkington, instigated many forward fifty entries. Lee Ragg controlled the rucks all game and gave Jack and Stephen Steiner (until injured) first use of the ball on many occasions. I’m sure with a good list to select the side from with a mix of experience and youthful run, Alex. is capable of going deep into the finals
Last Modified on 10/08/2014 15:32