A windy Southport dung heap greeted our group for the first practice match of the season. With a line-up missing a few 2007 regulars and a dozen or so from the 2008 list, but including 9 recruits and welcoming back Brendon Trew and Ben Tindall after missing 2007 from injury and sabatical respectively, we had a useful hitout on and off the field, giving coaches a first glimpse of the group under fire.
New coach Shaun Hart was purposeful and constructive in providing individual assignments and a team game plan and style. The pre-game address focussed on total unity built on team one-percenters and particular principles/disciplines for forwards, midfielders and defenders, directed to taking the game on in a ferocious and running mood. At the breaks he challenged players forcing them to think on agreed plans rather than just listen, and encouraged all with positive feedback. Plenty of time for a 'Lethal Barassi' personality to emerge?
The game itself was tightly contested with both coaches experimenting and Harty making bulk interchanges without unsettling team structure or individual esteem. Southport actually won by some 22 points but in the overall scheme of things the result is neither here nor there. Roundy presented at full forward and notched 3 majors before a due shower at half time; Matty Boston and Tauri Zimmer (ex Southport) were standouts in defence; Dean Howard appeared as a likely general in the middle; Dane Zorko showed great form for the Stawell Gift and the Titans; recent arrivals in Jamie Lobb (Sunbury) and Taylor Hayley (Tasmania) were prominent in play and as leaders; Matt Spencer was happy to see the umpires after the Christmas break; a few 2007 under 18s tasted senior footy and acquitted themselves well; Sam Edwards volunteered for decapitation; and Jackson Emblem looked suspect in lime green.
All up, an encouraging display. (see also 'Caught in the Act'.)
Last Modified on 27/11/2008 10:30