With our ‘Runners reporter’ away in Korea I am happy to fill the void and wrap up the weekends game.
Well our challenge this week was one of the biggest in the AFL Canberra competition, to take on Queanbeyan @ Queanbeyan and considering the scenario with a 1 win and 7 loss record behind you this task would seem impossible.
New challenges arose during the week with two of our best performers all year (Taka & DJ )ruled out through injury, but that is the way things work in footy and you almost never have a full list to pick from , even in round 1 after 6 months of no games at all.
On that note, I am intrigued at the constant ‘ excuse ‘ reports you see on other AFL Canberra teams websites. Terms such as ‘under-strength’ , ‘wounded’ or ‘ injury plagued’ seem to be reasons given for their clubs defeats. Also, if it isn’t their injuries it is a free kick count from the men in orange who officiate. Self assessment and criticism is the best way to improve yourself and others in your club and that is the way we need to see the Hawks approach things, not seeking excuses and reasons outside of poor performance or lack of preparation. Unfortunately, no football club in Australia will have their best 22 at seasons mid point so deal with it and report on the game.
Back to the game , the Hawks started well applying pressure physically and on the scoreboard slotting 5 goals straight by siren time, the Tigers seemed to have control of the midfield with its quality inclusions like Powell, Carey & Daniher who all returned for about a month of footy. But the Tuggeranong backline was providing some rebound through the ‘evergreen’ Jay Kickett & Ash Pocock.
Throughout the day the scoreboard see-sawed with both defences holding strong despite many forward thrusts by either sides midfield. The Hawks were starting to counteract the Tigers midfield dominance and the Overs / Kavanagh battle was great to watch with Kav stretching his young opponent with speed and endurance.
Excellent tackling and chase pressure was a highlight of the Hawks forward line who in recent weeks had been playing patchy footy, they created turnovers and scoring opportunities for each other and this pressure grew not diminished as the clock ticked into the last qtr.
The youthful Hawks went in the last break 1 point down and seemed driven not to let an opportunity to knock the Tigers off, in round 2 they let a golden opportunity slip when dropping intensity after a commanding first half that should have set up a win. Not this time….. there was an obvious desire to win with Fenevysi, Cleaver, Healy & big Sammy Hartmann giving the Hawks forwards plenty of opportunities by driving the footy into the 50 arc. The Tuggeranong defense was holding up well with youngsters Chuck Prowse ( 17yrs )& Chris Robinson ( 16yrs ) showing football maturity beyond their years with patient , precise movement of the footy.
A qtr where the Hawks has 10 scoring shots to the Tigers 6 was evident of the Hawks control of the game which ended in 3 pt thriller.
Simon Kelly played a wonderful defensive role on two diffrerent key Qybn forwards during the day after losing Tim Ghirardello with a leg injury & Nathan Irvine was awarded players player after a surging last quarter which provided lots of inspiration for the group.
The win was a fantastic effort for the group , 10 of who played are 19 yrs of age or under with Sean Richardson playing his first senior game for the club.
We take on league leaders Belconnen next week who are in red hot form and 2 games clear on top of the AFL Canberra ladder.
12.14-86 |
|
QUEANBEYAN |
2:00 PM Sat 7/Jun
Margaret Donoghoe
Oval |
|
|
def.
by |
13.11-89 |
|
TUGGERANONG |
QUEANBEYAN
Goal
Kickers: J. KAVANAGH 6, M.
ARMSTRONG 4, J. SATCHELL, P. Williams Best
Players: J. KAVANAGH, R. QUADE, N. IRWIN, J. SIBLY, M. Powell, D.
JAQUES
TUGGERANONG
Goal
Kickers: M. GHIRARDELLO 3, J.
KICKETT 2, M. FERNIE 2, C. HEALEY, J. McCabe, N. IRVINE, B. FUNNELL, P. LOVETT,
K. MASTERS Best Players: T.
FENYVESI, S. Hartmann, S. KELLY, W. OVERS, J. KICKETT, M.
FERNIE |
Enter Results
|
Q1G |
Q1B |
H1G |
H1B |
Q3G |
Q3B |
FTG |
FTB |
Q4 |
QUEANBEYAN |
3 |
2 |
7 |
4 |
9 |
11 |
12 |
14 |
12.14-86 |
TUGGERANONG |
5 |
0 |
8 |
3 |
10 |
4 |
13 |
11 |
13.11-89 |
Last Modified on 16/07/2008 11:04