Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
In the 2004 TAC Cup finals series Gippsland Power received an absolute thrashing from a rampant Calder Cannons in the Preliminary Final and it left the 2005 Power players with plenty to inspire them in terms of payback whenever the two sides met. In the regular season clashes the Power had won both matches well but for the players, the only place to really exact revenge was in the heat of a final and the Power did so magnificently with a 77 point demolition of the Cannons in a qualifying final at Optus Oval.
Gippsland went into the game at full strength and after an awesome performance against the Jets in the last round of the season. The Cannons are a proud club with a stunning record in recent years and the Power knew what was required to earn a place in a Preliminary final and the all important week off. The first term opened with a Cannons goal but from then on it was all Gippsland with Ricky Delphine being a highly unlikely but stunningly effective avenue to goal with three majors in an amazing blitz. By the first change the Power led by 32 points and had the Cannons absolutely stunned with their endeavour and skill.
The opening minutes of the second term was more of the same with Jay Neagle taking on the "go to" role. He was unstoppable and even had the Cannons looking to pass to him with an Almost Footy Legends "howler" by a Cannons defender. However, instead of capitalizing on this start the Power began to flirt with their form and let the Cannons exploit the resultant turnovers with three late goals. The Power lead was 28 points but they were unconvincing and the Cannons were back in the game.
When they worked hard the Power was capable of scoring magnificent team goals and the needed to get back to this style of play in the "premiership" quarter. The Cannons squandered some early opportunities to put the Power under the pump but, as often happens, the Power suddenly regained the momentum and slammed on four goals as a result of some exhilarating team football. The ball was flying around the ground with breathtaking speed and skill and the Cannons struggled to exert any lasting influence on the play. By the last change the lead was 50 points and the Cannons inaccuracy had cost them dearly.
In the last term Paul Hudson had the luxury of making proactive use of the interchange bench as well as giving the boys a chance to play in different positions. Despite these changes to team structures the Power still dominated the play and continued to score brilliant team goals. The Cannons again squandered opportunities but really it was a matter of the Power just being far too strong and committed when the game was up for grabs rather than Calder being unlucky.
Final scores Gippsland Power 19 goals 14 behinds 128 points defeated Calder Cannons 5 goals 15 behinds 51 points. Goal kickers Jay Neagle 5, Ricky Delphine 4, Dale Thomas and Chris Dunne 2, Steven O'Bryan, Ben Ross, Ben Fraser, Tyson Goldsack, Rob Eddy and Brett Dore 1 each.
In another excellent team performance the Power was led manfully by Trent West who dominated in the ruck as well as having 15 possessions and 8 strong marks. His aerial dominance was matched by Lachlan Hansen who also generated immense drive off half-back while Ricky Delphine with over 30 possessions was a pivotal prime-mover for the side. Scott Pendlebury's precocious ball and evasive skills enabled him to provide a potent avenue to attack all day and Brett Dore's strength and skill was crucial all over the ground. Rounding out the better players were Chris Dunne across the middle and Jay Neagle in the multi-pronged attack.
The coaching panel was elated with the performance and especially with the boys' ability to follow a game plan and to apply intense and unrelenting pressure throughout the match. To underline the emphatic nature of some of their play, the Power kicked four goals from kick outs at fullback where the Cannons were unable to touch the ball as it was swung from defence into the forward line with astonishing skill and purpose.
Paul will ensure that the boys remain focused during the weeks break and will have a couple of sessions this week where they can retain their touch and prepare thoroughly for their next opponents at Sandringham in two weeks time. The boys are fully aware that, while they are playing well, there is still a job to be done to get to a Grand Final and more than ever they must be relentless with their endeavour and application in the weeks to come.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:00