Gippsland Power - Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
The enigma that is Gipplsand Power in 2006 was never more evident when they took on and defeated the highly rated Northern Knights in a crunch game at Preston last week. The Power had been embarrassed by the Stingrays in the previous round and went into this match without key players Hansen, Goldsack, Ross and McKenna and then lost promising Yarram youngster Shane McIntosh during the week. It was hard to imagine that in this situation the Power would bounce back as strongly as they did, but once again they showed true grit to forge a pivotal victory in terms of their TAC Cup prospects this year.
The Power opened the game kicking against a strong wind but through a combination of pressure and composure, had the Knights on the back foot. Tough on-baller Tristram Francis had two on the board early but the Knights rallied and had the lead midway through the term. A clever running goal by Joel Morgan, was followed by three in a row to Brent Macaffer as a result of excellent pressure, vision and skill. Ben Jostlear then used great strength to give the Power a 16 point lead at the first change but more importantly the psychological edge with the wind in the next term.
Instead of building on their outstanding effort, the Power then struggled to be as purposeful as the Knights tried hard to erase their lead. Some indecisive play gave the Knights the first of the term and it was game on. Francis replied after a penetrating forward thrust and this was the sign for the Knights to gain the initiative. They kicked the next four and challenged the Power before Macaffer had two more to give the Power a 10 point lead at the long break.
Based on previous efforts, it was hard to feel confident that the Power had what was needed to win the game but they hit back hard against the wind and had the Knights struggling to cope with the constant pressure that they were applying all over the ground. Key forwards Ben Hughes and Macaffer capitalised on some excellent vision and teamwork and the Knights were struggling to get any cohesive play going. They worked their way back into the game with two majors after somewhat of an arm wrestle before Hughes bobbed up late in the term with a clever goal and the Power had an 11 point lead with on term to go,
The last quarter was pivotal for the season for the Power and early, they appeared to struggle to maintain the effort from the first three terms. The Knights struck first to put scoreboard pressure on the Power but Rob Michaelides kicked a telling goal before the Knights had another the really challenge the resolve of the boys. Some persistent pressure allowed Macaffer to kick his seventh before some sparkling footwork and cool finishing saw Brent Connelly lay claim to goal of the day. This inspired Hughes to follow suit and with 5 minutes to go, they were 27 points up. The Knights rallied late but it was merely cosmetic as the Power were in control and recorded a morale boosting win against the odds.
Final scores Gippsland Power 17 goals 13 behinds 115 points defeated Northern Knights 14 goals 17 behinds 191 points. Goal kickers Brent Macaffer 7, Tristram Francis and Ben Hughes 3, Rob Michaelides, Brent Connelly, Ben Jostlear and Joel Morgan 1.
Paul Hudson was delighted with the team focus demonstrated by the boys during the game but there were some outstanding individual efforts in the win. Leading the way was Jeff Ryan whose poise, precision and willingness to run and generate drive that was crucial to much of the positive play by the side. Mid fielder Jaymie Youle also thrived on the responsibility and worked tirelessly in the packs to win the hard ball and use it well. Rob Eddy roamed far and wide winning the ball and then had the confidence and skill to use penetrating disposals to telling advantage.
Brent Macaffer provided a deadly focul point for much of the side's forward thrusts and finished it off with precision. Despite being closely tagged, Ricky Delphine was busy all day but really lifted when the game was there to be won. Rob Michaelides showed composure and genuine dash to demonstrate that he has adapted to TAC Cup football while Joel Morgan was another to show that he was making positive progress in his learning curve with some impressive play.
Ben Hughes turned in yet another determined and disciplined effort up forward while Brent Connelly's ruck work and play around the ground was crucial to much of the Powers good work. Hard working mid-fielder Tristram Francis was at his aggressive best in the thick of the action and James Blaser relished his move to the wing and the chance to be a highly effective play maker.
A win such as this is what coaches' love, a perfect response when the side is under all sorts of pressure. Paul challenged his team leaders to lift their work rates and some deep soul-searching had obviously gone on. They responded manfully and gave their all for the side. What was even more important was the way in which the youngsters played such significant roles in the win and he now has set them some big goals for the coming weeks.
With Hansen back and maybe, Goldsack, Ross and McKenna available, the side will be strong and in form when they take on the Bendigo Pioneers at Morwell on Sunday. The pressure is on the boys to maintain these levels of endeavour and purpose for the rest of the season and fulfil the considerable potential that astute observers know they have.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:17