Manuka Oval has not been a happy hunting ground for our football club this year and our woes their continued.
Again our club depth was tested with our under 18s stretched and only having 18 players available with so many pushing up the grades.
Amazingly , in a game where we were comprehensively beaten we played our best quarter for the year in the first. Matching Belconnen in every contest, the glaring disparity in the end was our ability to maintain this for 27- 30 minutes every qtr.
The scoreboard in the end at all grades was a clear demonstration of where the two clubs sit currently, Belconnen is well stocked with quality players both recruited and developed locally. They are in a football cycle where many years of hard work are paying off and credit to their club, its adminstration and its coaching staff. The Hawks are at the very begining of such a cycle, rebuilding its talent and player depth which was severely affected through the on again - off again merger issue through summer 07/08.
Belconnen fields 5 particularly strong teams in every grade of AFL Canberra footy providing fierce competition for spots at every level, this breeds hunger and desire to be a better player and pushes your mates along with you and before you know it you have a football club where all involved strive to be better players and success follows.
As a football club, this is where we need to get to and to compete at the elite level in AFL Canberra we need strong competition for spots at every level with 4 or 5 viable , strong outfits that where a Hawks jumper each weekend with pride and the will to be better players each week.
There were positive signs on the weekend despite the thumping we received and the games our younger players are getting under their belt will benefit the club in 18 - 24 months no end.
Last Modified on 01/09/2008 08:39