Now that your attention is gained .... and as you have most likely heard, Wayne Carey played for a few minutes for PBC, but that was last Saturday in what can only be described as a great drawcard for the PBC Club with a reported 1000 people braving the wet conditions to see the great man pull on a jumper for his charity. It was also great marketing by PBC and for the QAFL's State League Pineapple Hotel Cup competition. Even the Sunday newspaper considered it newsworthy in reporting on the match won narrowly by the home side over Maroochy-Northshore who will consider themselves to be serious contenders to win the PHC premiership.
However, to this weekend .... Springwood will not win this match .... well, at least on stats, they're absolutely no chance. Thumped by 19 goals in Round 3, the Pumas average 10 goals per match while conceding an average of 21 goals. PBC average 20 goals on the scoreboard and 12 goals against, which is certainly not the best defensive record in the competition.
But that's where it stops ! ..... stats mean nothing on any one day. Mayne didn't read the stats against them or the almost dismissive summary of their chances of knocking over the top dog in Round 5. But their game startegy was executed to perfection and Mayne prevailed by a goal. Also, the Pumas are a different side to that which contested Round 3. Not that there's a great difference in personnel, but in way they play the game. Coach Brad Pollock, assistant Tony Lynn, staff and the players have worked hard to develop both the skills and game of the largely young squad, and the results are starting to show. In recent weeks against top sides, there simply hasn't been too much in most quarters between the Pumas and their opposition. And, PBC will be sore coming off last week's hard game against Maroochy Northshore. But they're still on top and won't see Springwood as any obstacle to their chances of staying there after Saturday's match.
Well, here's the BIG NEWS. Those 3 factors will be enough to knock off PBC. From the first tap, you can bet PBC will know they're in a game! If they think it's going to be stroll in the park, then they will be vulnerable. Bung a few goals on them early and suddenly there's some doubts. But, to a man, it will require a belief of success before the match and a totally committed effort to ensure a good start to give themselves a chance in the match. Confidence breeds confidence in any team and it's amazing how even a sniff of success can drive players to be in contention seemingly against the odds. As Queensland proved (again) in that other code of footy, not wanting to let your team mates down and working hard for the bloke beside you are the ingredients for successful outcomes.
The X factor is the home ground advantage, not the grassy paddock, but the supporters who encourage their men to stand up and make their efforts at every contest, the difference in the game. So get down to your footy ground on Saturday and support YOUR team. It might just be that your support is the 5% that the Pumas need to get them over the line. Reserves at 12.00 pm and Seniors at 2.00 pm.
Oh .... and there's no Wayne Carey - but geez, he WAS good.
Springwood Teams:
Seniors
B. Lewis R. Vik R. Raudino
A, Wolbers A. Sponneck J. Sutton
J. Menz D. Swan D. Nash
M. Edwards C. Collins S. Murrihy
A. Richardson M. Price M. Thompson
T. Harper L. Ruf M. Hendry
P. Bullock N. Martin W. Ollington J, Moore
Reserves
C. Brain M. Harding M. Vincent
P. Wright S. Hamilton R. Penn
Z. Manios S. Rowe B. Pallamountagne
K. Creely J. Mills S. Howse
J. McKeown C. Barnes A. Symons
G. Gibbons J. Martin T. Ransome
M. Levitt S. McKeown R. Connolly L. Hilderbrandt
Last Modified on 26/06/2009 01:58