Gippsland Power Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
In typical football conditions Gippsland Power took the four points against a dogged and determined Western Jets side. Yes it was a win\but, the Power performance left more questions unanswered about the Power and their TAC Cup prospects rather than allowing Paul Hudson to feel that the boys were fully on track in 2006. The margin of 54 points signifies a massive win but closer analysis shows that for much of the game the Power were on the back foot and allowing the Jets to have the initiative. It was a 12 goal third term that set up the win but overall it was a disappointing effort by the Power.
Early in the first term the Jets were punishing some indecision by the Power defenders and had control of the all-important centre clearances. The Power seemed to emerge from their lethargy and a Jaymie Youle goal followed by two to Rob Eddy seemingly had the momentum running the Power's way. As would be the pattern of play for much of the first half, the Power stopped working and the Jets capitalize with stunning effect. They kicked four unanswered majors and were making the Power look inept in all areas of the game. A late goal by Tyson Goldsack restored some scoreboard respectability for the Power, but they trailed by 8 points and were looking very shaky in defence.
It was the Jets who took the initiative early in the second term when they dominated the clearances and had the Power defenders struggling to stem the tide of Jets running players. Goldsack kept the Power in touch but they were playing poorly and the Jets were in control. Some great work by Jack Bailey and Tom Johnson set up Ben Ross to run and take them on and the Power seemed to be waking from their slumbers. Once again the Power's impotence at the centre bounces was being ruthlessly punished by the Jets and they were four goals up. Ross and then Brent Macaffer kept the Power within reach late in the term but instead of keeping the pressure on, the Power lapsed again and allowed the Jets to have a 16 point lead at the long break.
It was time for the Power to stand tall and show that they were going to learn the lessons of the first half. Not even the most ardent Power supporter would have predicted what was to transpire next but it was a totally different Power team that stemmed the flow of Jets goals and then crafted twelve stunning team goals in their best term of football for a long time. Whatever Paul said to the boys needs to be "bottled" because they were brilliant from the opening bounce.
The Power dominated the centre clearances and played great team football to set up Macaffer on the lead or clever crumber Marc Truscio. The side kicked twelve majors in 25 minutes with proven players like Hansen, Goldsack and Delphine joining the party. Not to be outdone, hard working "rookies" Brent Connolley and Will Kelly made their contribution to the best quarter of football in the clubs history. The Power turned a 16 point deficit to a 48 point lead and effectively blew the game wide open.
With their supporters eager for more champagne football, the Power stopped running and giving a contest allow the Jets to regain the momentum and have the first four goals on the board before the Power realised that there was a game to be won. Ben Ross set the side alight with another superb goal after using his blistering pace and suddenly the Power work rate went up and they regained control of the clearances.
With Macaffer providing strong leads, sure marking and accurate kicking the Power had three more on the board to put pay to any thoughts of a miracle Jets comeback. Fittingly the dynamic midfielder Tristan Francis snagged a long bomb to extend the lead to 54 points and put the seal on an import5ant win for the Power.
Final scores, Gippsland Power 25 goals 12 behinds 162 points, defeated Western Jets 16 goals 12 points 108 points. Goal kickers, Brent Macaffer 8, Ben Ross, Marc Truscio and Tyson Goldsack 3, Rob Eddy 2, Brent Connelley, Ricky Delphine, Tristan Francis, Lachlan Hansen, Will Kelly, and Jaymie Youle 1.
On a day when few Power players had strong four quarter efforts, Jaymie Youle stood tall with some excellent work in the packs as well as creating run with his willingness to back himself and carry the ball. Ben Ross was again "on fire" on the wing with a combination of blistering pace, skill and strength in the contest. Brent Macaffer came on late in the second term and immediately straightened the side up with his direct leads and precise finishing. In the crucial key forward position, Jack Bailey was a crucial focul point and worked tirelessly to win the ball as well as keep it in the forward line.
Tom Johnson was one defender who was resolute when other around him crumbled under the relentless pressure. He was always on the spot when the side needed some backbone. Rob Eddy was another hard working on-baller who used his strength and pace to telling effect and he and Ricky Delphine were key members of the Power engine room when the game was to be won in the third term. Ben Hughes was the other defender who could hold his head high as he was able stop a dangerous opponent as well as winning key possessions himself.
Once again Paul and his coaching panel have lots to be positive about when looking at parts of the Power performance. However, they still have plenty to work on when you look critically at the Power effort in the first half. The Jets really played well and exploited some very indecisive and lacklustre Power play. They now have a bye for state squad trials and then face the Eastern Rangers at Morwell the week after. If they ever play four quarters of their best football they will set the TAC Cup alight, however, there is a long way to go before they are ready to do this. The pleasing thing is that the boys are starting to work harder and more importantly, smarter and hopes are high that they will have a major role to play later in the 2006 season.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:09