The on-ball players took great advantage of a fired-up Matt Preston-Smith who was giving them first use of the ball. He may not be the biggest ruckman in the competition, but what he lacks in height, he certainly makes up in heart. Taylor Ross, Luke McMahon and Brayden Fitzpatrick were superb all day with Taylor Ross probably playing one of his best games for the year from the centre.
Dan Schimdt’s job on the Tigers’ Tom Fields was outstanding, keeping the prolific goal kicker to just one major for the day and also playing off him on several occasions. This allowed Josh Brown to have a day out kicking a goal on the run from the centre square late in the game which was certainly a highlight, although a special mention must go to David Ritchie for his determination to shepherd it through from the square.
The backline has held well on most occasions this year with players like Alex McDonald and Shane Jones providing plenty, but it was to be their run and carry from the backline along with Brownie yesterday, that had our forwards playing in overdrive with the speed that the ball was coming in to them. Corey Driscoll played his best game for the season along with Grayson Huddart who limited the Tigers’ attack throughout the game and frustrating them on several occasions with ferocious tackling and forward line pressure. Tom Russell and Jake McGilll provided great targets and along with Chris Loosley, the best part of their game was their second efforts when the ball hit the deck.
Yesterday also saw the return of Taylor Pezzelato after a four-week injury and after watching him yesterday, it was very clear that we have missed his presence over this past month. I was very impressed yet again with some of the efforts of the first year under 18 players, especially Jordan McKinley’s attack of the footy and he was rewarded when he kicked one of the best goals of the day after slicing his way through a pack and then slotting it through. James Williamson, who has been probably one of the biggest improvers over the season also stood tall in the side along with Brandon Manley, Mitchell McDonald and David Ritchie. Their eagerness was very evident each time the ball hit their zone.
For those who weren’t in the know, Rowan Page pulled out just before the game suffering from the evil ‘flu that seems to have taken a hold of several of our players including the McCloy boys, who along with Rhys Reddington, I would like to congratulate for making the trip down to support the boys after not being selected yesterday. However, after a certain player decided not to show up, not call and still hasn’t rang to apologise, I asked Rowan could he hold down a forward pocket, and in true Rowan style, he stood up to kick 3 majors; the first two when the game was still in the balance. To sum it up that was probably what yesterday’s game was all about - guts, accountability and determination, but we must remember there is only one game that counts and you have to be in it to win it!
All in all, well done boys and make sure you give yourself the best chance of playing over the weeks to come by getting to training and training well.
Springwood 11.10.76 def Labrador 5.8.38
Goals: Rowan Page - 3; Grayson Follett - 2; Josh Brown, Jordan McKinley, Brayden Fitzpatrick, Christopher Loosley, Taylor Ross, Jake McGill - 1
Best: the Team with special mentions to Matt Preston-Smith, Grayson Huddart, Brayden Fitzpatrick, Corey Driscoll, Chris Loosley, Daniel Schmidt.