Gippsland Power Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
Round 5 of the TAC Cup saw Gippsland Power venture to chilly Ballarat to take on the North Ballarat Rebels in what looked likely to be some typically bleak conditions. The Power went into the game with James Bristow and Ashley Payne back from injury and Darren Granger making his debut while the Rebels were hit by injuries and had struggled so far this season. Adrian Hickmott was looking for some consistency from the Power and this scenario was the perfect opportunity to challenge the side to play four solid quarters of football.
The ground was slippery after some drizzling rain and both sides had to adjust their play to suit. To add another variable to the equation, the wind was blowing strongly across the ground so it was going to be a test of which side had the better discipline to play wet weather football. Early in the game the Power served notice that they were adjusting best and they were using the ball with great effect all over the ground. Dean Woodhead opened the scoring after some strong play before a penetrating long kick by Jackson Hall allowed Rob Michaelides to swoop off the pack and kick a clever goal.
Woodhead was in the action again as he converted some more good teamwork but the Rebels punished the Power on the rebound to ensure that they were concentrating. Darren Whites long bomb set up Michaelides for his second and then Dan McKenna joined the party to cap off some fine teamwork. The Power weren't finished yet and Darren Granger went quick, long and direct to allow Michael Stockdale to run into open goal. By the first change the Power led by 31 points and seemingly had the game by the throat.
This idea was reinforced with an early goal to Nick Stockdale but for the next 10 minutes the game degenerated into a dour struggle as the Rebels lifted their work rate and the Power seemed to lose the intensity that had been so effective earlier. Instead of letting the Power dictate terms, the Rebels began to punish some indecisive play by the Power. They slammed on four unanswered goals in 10 minutes to reduce the margin to 14 points by the long break and the alarm bells were ringing in the Power coach's box. It appeared as if the Power weren't respecting their opponents and not following the game plan. The Rebels capitalised well on this poor attitude and the Power were faced with a stern test of their resilience as a consequence.
Adrian delivered a measured reminder of the sort of commitment required in the conditions and the boys were well aware of his feelings about their effort in the second term. A centre clearance by Brent Connelly to Mick Stockdale and then on to Haelen Kay served notice that the Power were back on task. Some more effective team play gave Kay his second and suddenly the momentum had swung in the Power's favour. Michaelides crafted a clever goal before some poise and vision by Nick Heyne gave Will Kelly his first for the game.
Once again the Power were using the corridor to telling effect and another series of long penetrating kicks saw Ashley Payne with the ball on the goal line. Michaleides bobbed up with a clever snap after being front and centre and then Kelly was on the end of some more direct play to kick the Power's seventh for the term. Although off target late in the quarter, the Power had dominated the term and had a 52 point lead at the last change.
By the start of the last stanza there had been 17 goals kicked at the score-board end of the ground and only to the end that the Power were attacking. They would need to be on song to overcome this seemingly strong disadvantage and any slackness would allow the Rebels to get some scoreboard respectability as well as embarrassing the Power. Chris Endres opened the scoring for the Power from a free-kick and, although going to the non-scoring side too much, the Power were dominating most aspects of the play.
Some clever ball use allowed Tristran Francis to mark and kick a tricky goal and this seemed to be a signal for the Power to up their work rates. Kay kicked a long bomb from the 50 meter arc and then some more positive team work allowed Connelly to finally kick a major after hitting the post twice with earlier attempts. Haelen Kay fittingly kicked the last for the Power after a gutsy mark and then a superb finish.
Final scores Gippsland Power 19 goals 16 behinds 130 points defeated North Ballarat Rebels 5 goals 10 behinds 40 points. Goal kickers, Robert Michaelides and Haelen Kay 4, Dean Woodhead and Will Kelly 2, Dan McKenna, Michael Stockdale, Nick Stockdale, Ashley Payne, Chris Endres, Tristran Francis and Brent Connelly 1.
On a day when the Power played their best four quarters of team football for the season, Rob Michaelides showed just what he is capable of with an uncanny ability to read the play and then use the ball with vision and precision. His quick hands in close were a highlight. Haelen Kay had a great game on the wing where he provided a constant avenue into attack as well as having the confidence to sneak up forward and snag four important goals.
The heavy conditions were right up Michael Todd's alley and once again he was at his best in the clinches applying consistent pressure and winning the ball himself. Youngster Dean Woodhead relished his release from defence and was a lively target in attack with 7 marks as well as a lot of clever play at ground level. Defender Jackson Hall had another solid performance which saw him shut down his opponents as well as creating run and drive with his willingness to back his judgement.
After looking a little shaky early, Will Kelly upped his work rate and not only kicked goals but also provided an effective avenue for attacking moves. Brent Connelly showed that the conditions didn't worry him by doing well in the ruck as well as picking up17 possessions around the ground and taking 8 marks. On his return from injury James Bristow underlined his enormous potential with a disciplined and heady display in defence. His decision making was spot on and he was important for the team when he ran to generate play.
The majority of the Power players now have a rare opportunity to go back to their clubs as the TAC Cup has a bye to allow the State squad to get together for their first formal session in preparation for the national carnival in July. The Power are well represented with James Blaser, James Bristow, Brent Connelly, Tristran Francis, Jacson Hall, Nick Heyne, Haelen Kay, Dan McKenna, Robert Michaelides and Darren White flying the flag for the club.
Round 6 of the competition will see the Power up against the Tassie Mariners at Casey Fields. The Mariners are the Tasmanian state squad who participate in the TAC Cup as part of their preparation for the Nationals. They represent an excellent challenge for the Power and Adrian will be keen to have the boys continue their improvement. Although they only had a 10 minute lapse of concentration against the Rebels he will be encouraging them to work hard to eliminate such fadeouts as they will be costly against the sides who have set the standard so far in 2007. He knows that they are still "a work in progress" and although pleased with their performances so far, they still have a lot of scope for further improvement as a team and individually.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:47
