Gippsland Power Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
In windy conditions Gippsland Power recorded a comprehensive 61 point victory over the Bendigo Pioneers but could not feel satisfied with their performance as they rarely made effective use of the 400 possessions that they managed to accumulate. The Power had Hansen, Ross and Goldsack back and seemingly were close to their best side. They tried really hard to create run and options for each other but really over did their ball use and, despite dominating much of the play, allowed the Pioneers to stay in touch because of the countless turnovers that they created.
The first 10 minutes of the game were tight with neither side able to assert them selves on the scoreboard. Ben Ross broke the drought and instead of going on with things the Power began to be over-elaborate in their build up and kept the Pionee\rs in the game. In the last ten minutes they started to be more purposeful and direct and another goal to Ross, two to Tristam Francis and one to Brent Macaffer restored some scoreboard respectability and they went into the first break 31 points up.
Instead of keeping the more productive football going in the second term, the Power went somewhat into their shell and despite an early goal to Ross, allowed the Pioneers to have too much of the ball. They were not being direct or taking the first options and didn't score another goal until late in the term. The lead at half time was 39 points but their style of play wasn't convincing and the Pioneers were a lot closer than they deserved to be based on general play.
If the second term was "dodgey" for the Power, the third was really ordinary. The Pioneers continued to dominate the centre clearances and the normally resolute Power defence was starting to wilt as the Pioneers hit back on the rebound after the inevitable Power turnovers. Bendigo got within two goals mid way through the term and some strength by Kane Martin broke a run of 4 unanswered majors by the Pioneers. Some forward pressure from Rob Eddy set up Ben Jostlear and then Tyson Goldsack managed another after a comedy of errors and seemingly the Power were back in charge. A late Pioneer goal raised doubts again and the Power went into the last term 24 points up and with a game on their hands.
The last term was all Power as they totally shut the Pioneers scoring options down and basically kept the ball in their half of the ground for much of the quarter. The totally dominated the play and despite some missed "gettable" goals finally managed to put together some pleasing passages of play. Goals to Macaffer, Jaymie Youle, eddy and two to Rob Michaelides allowed them to finish the game off positively but the win raised some serious doubts despite what appears to be an impressive final margin.
Final scores Gippsland Power 15 goals 20 behinds 110 points defeated Bendigo Pioneers 7 goals 7 behinds 49 points. Goal kickers, Ben Ross 4, Rob Michaelides, Brent Macaffer and Tristram Francis 2, Rob Eddy, Jaymie Youle, Ben Jostlear, Kane Martin and Tyson Goldsack 1.
Luke Webber played his best TAC Cup game with a sound effort across half back. He totally nullified his opponent and created some great passages of play with his run and vision. Ricky Delphine was the perfect link man for the side and used his creative hand and foot skills to telling effect all day. Once again Tom Johnson was the lynch pin of the Power defence and was never beaten in the one out contests irregardless of the intense pressure involved.
Jaymie Youle has thrived on his new role that Paul has created for him and put himself into every contest with great gusto. Ben Ross once again impressed with his pace and reading of the play and but for inaccuracy could have doubled his tally of goals. Michael Todd has become a key member of the backline group and was mean and hard at the ball as well as creating run and rebound for the side. James Blaser again showed that he relished the freedom on the wing and continually backed his judgment with great effect. Rob Eddy amassed 44 possessions on the ball but didn't finish much of his work as well as he could have.
Paul and his selectors would have been pleased with the endeavour shown by the boys but their finishing and decision making left a lot to be desired. They wasted far too many possessions and against top TAC Cup sides this level of extravagance will be fatal. It was really and NQR type of game for the Power, they were "not quite right" all day and some fine tuning needs to done if they are to get the scoreboard rewards that their effort deserves.
The boys travel to Melbourne next Sunday to take on the Calder Cannons at Coburg. There is a chance that Dan McKenna and Shane MacIntosh could be in the mix next week as both played this week with their clubs after getting over niggling injuries while Beau Vernon is returning to match fitness after missing the whole season so far with a Knee injury. Given this scenario,
Paul and his selectors have the ability to keep the pressure on all the boys as no one will be guaranteed a game and performance will be the only condition for selection. This is the ideal situation for a coach to be in and with the finals looming the Power are getting into the sort of form that's needed to cope with such unique pressure.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:17