Gippsland Power Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
When Gippsland Power's officials were assessing the team's potential for the 2007 TAC Cup season, the one thing that really excited them was the midfield crew that they had at their disposal. It was the hardest and most courageous engine room that the club had seen in its 15 year history and was going to be the impetus for their assault on the 2007 season. By round eight of the season Beau Vernon, Michael Todd and Tristran Francis were missing from the core group and suddenly the team's strength looked likely to be a problem against a top team like the Northern Knights. The pressure was on for the "new" midfield unit to rise to the challenge and they did so brilliantly in the team's best performance for 2007.
The game opened in wintry conditions with neither side able to settle into their game and the pressure causing good players on both sides to make fundamental skill errors. It took over 14 minutes for the Knights to open the goal scoring courtesy of a free kick and this seemed to jolt the Power into some more deliberate play. Brent Connelly replied for the Power and then Andrew Oldmeadow kicked the second after a free kick and 50 meter penalty. James Blaser and Jackson Hall's courageous effort gave the Power their third for the term and they were getting better as the quarter progressed. By the first change they led by 10 points and had the momentum going into the second term.
A defencive brain fade gave the Knights the first for the quarter before Blazer, Oldmeadow, Nick Heyne and Ashley Payne combined for a great team goal. Some more indecisive defence allowed the Knights to kick another and the Power were being punished for some slackness in application. A long bomb from Haelen Kay set up Michael Stockdale for another and then some excellent forward pressure allowed Will Kelly to snap his first. Once again the Power went quick, long and direct with Rob Michaelides on the end of it and by the long break the Power led by 28 points and had applied enormous pressure on the Knights. The midfield was magnificent and the Knights were really struggling to get any cohesive play going.
Once again it was the Knights who scored first but Nick Heyne's individual brilliance gave the Power a vital reply. The Knights hit back again as you would expect from a top side and the Power had to dig deep to regain the initiative. The conditions were becoming an influence on the game and hard work was the only option for both teams. Some strong work by Payne and debutaunt Jaryd Blair allowed Heyne in for his second and the Power led by 26 points at the last change.
As if on cue, the Knights had the first major on the board and once again the pressure was on the Power to lift their work rate. They responded with another impressive team goal that saw Oldmeadow, Hall, Blair and Kelly combine. The Knights hit back quickly and served notice that the Power had a game on their hands. Dan McKenna finally converted after earlier "howlers" and again the Power lifted their work rate and applied relentless pressure in every contest.
Connelly, Blaser, McKenna, Blair and Hall took the ball from the centre bounce to score a great goal and the pressure that they were applying was relentless. In the closing minutes the Knights scored two consolation goals but it didn't take away from the magnificent effort that the Power had put in to defeat a top side despite that fact that they had 6 regular team members missing.
Final scores, Gippsland Power 12 goals 15 behinds 81 points defeated Northern Knights 8 goals 13 behinds 61 points. Goal kickers, Will Kelly, Nick Heyne and Jackson Hall 2, Rob Michaelides, Michael Stockdale, Andrew Oldmeadow, Brent Connelly, Ashley Payne and Dan McKenna 1.
With the pressure on to lead the new midfield unit, James Blaser did so magnificently in a strong display of committed team football. He won many possessions but also did the one-percenters to set the tone for the day. Haelen Kay was another to lift his work rate and his dash and long and direct use of the ball was pivotal in many positive pieces of play. His precise use of the ball was a highlight. He was assisted by Jackson Hall in yet another polished display that combined resolute defence and attacking play. Brent Connelly took on a top opponent and was responsible for generating a lot of drive with his 30 tap-outs and many possessions around the ground.
Nick Heyne was again a critical avenue to attack on his wing and despite some unfamiliar fumbles was able to step up when the pressure was on. Defender Darren White was at his resolute best and was rarely beaten in any contest. He was also able to run to create play in a top performance. Will Kelly was also busy in the midfield and attack and his long kicking was an important part of the team plan. Defender Dean Woodhead was up against top players but was rarely beaten one-on-one. He didn't get a lot of possessions but played a major part in the win. Pocket dynamo Michael Stockdale was another to win a lot of the ball as well as defeating his opponents all over the ground.
Adrian Hickmott was justifiably delighted with the effort that saw the Power have 99 tackles and effectively stop a great side from getting any cohesion in their play. It was arguably their best effort for the season considering the quality of the opposition and the number of key players missing. In terms of the 2007 season it give them confidence going into the up-coming matches against the top sides at a time when Nationals commitments will test all sides depth.
The Power have a bye this week for the Nationals trails and will be back on deck against Calder at Morwell. This is another excellent litmus test for the team and the coaches will be working hard to ensure that the positives from this game will be repeated and that the minor flaws are eliminated.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 14:12