Gippsland Power - Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
Gippsland Power went into round 9 of the TAC Cup facing a real test of their mettle against the Calder Cannons. The Cannons have been the pace-setters so far this season and it was always going to be hard for the Power once key midfielders Tristran Francis and Michael Todd were ruled out for the season with knee injuries requiring reconstructions. This created opportunities for others to step up but the Cannons were going to test just how quickly the re-jigged midfield adjusted to life without the dynamic duo.
The Cannons were on the scoreboard first and were applying the sort of pressure that has been the Power's hallmark in 2007. They were clinical once they forced a turnover and were making the Power look second rate. A clever snap by Jaryd Blair opened the Powers scoring but they were unconvincing against the well-disciplined Cannons. Another goal on the rebound by the Cannons put scoreboard pressure on the Power and some vision by Chris Endres to Andrew Oldmeadow reduced the deficit at the end of the term to 13 points. The Power had squandered several easy opportunities during the term but later the Cannons lost their way so neither side could say they were unlucky.
In the second term the Power's endeavour was excellent but their efficiency in terms of ball use and team oriented play was poor. They seemed hell-bent on attacking the wrong side of the ground and made the Cannons defenders job very easy. To compound this they tried to do things individually rather than as a cohesive unit and at times the Cannons made them look like a disorganized rabble compared to their slick and precise play. They kicked four goals during the term to the Power's one late in the quarter to Robert Michaelides after some good work by James Blaser and Ashley Payne. The Cannons went into the long break 30 points up and with a critical psychological advantage for the second half.
The third term opened with the Power playing better but the Cannons again scored first. In reply the Power again missed vital goals when they did create scoring chances and the Cannons could sense that they had the game by the throat. They upped the pressure and the Power went into individual mode trying to get something happening. Blaser created a chance for Luke Webber and he converted it but it wasn't pretty football and the Cannons were always able to answer any challenge that the Power could raise. Sam Katers' endeavour from a kick-in gave the Power their second but the Cannons responded on the siren to go into the last quarter 44 points up.
Against the pattern of the game it was the Power who scored the first when Darren White worked his way through a pack and this stung the Cannons into action. Instead of finishing off their work they missed several chances to keep the Power within reach of a respectable score. They found their accuracy again and it looked likely that they would blow the Power out of the game. Some rare cohesive team play by the Power gave Blair his second before Jackson Hall kicked another from a free on the goal line. Once again the Cannons scored on the rebound but the Power lifted their workrate in "junk time" and began to get some easier possessions. Endres had a gift from a kick-in and then Webber got two more late in the term to restore some scoreboard respectability. In many ways the 26 point final margin did flatter the Power but importantly they didn't give up.
Final scores Calder Cannons 15 goals 22 behinds defeated Gippsland Power 11 goals 20 behinds 86 points. Goal kickers, Luke Webber 3, Jaryd Blair 2, Andrew Oldmeadow, Rob Michaelides, Sam Kater, Darren White, Jackson Hall and Chris Endres 1.
On a day when the Power needed midfield leadership James Blaser responded manfully to win and then use the ball effectively in an attempt to keep his side in the game. His endeavour was matched by Jackson Hall who played in a variety on positions and was rarely beaten. But for some inaccuracy he could have had three or four goals as well. Diminutive rover Jaryd Blair showed that he has the courage and skill to be a prominent member of the team although he too could have double his goal tally with a bit more coolness under pressure.
Andrew Olmeadow continued on his TAC Cup learning curve with another strong and team oriented performance. His long kicking was a highlight of his solid days work. Haelen Kay's performance was excellent both as a close checking defender as well as a pivotal generator of attacking play. His willingness to run hard all day was outstanding. Another of the Power mosquito fleet, Michael Stockdale was at his busy best all over the ground and, as he done all season, he was rarely beaten in any contest.
Adrian Hickmott's "honeymoon" period with the Power was ended by the Cannons but he still has lots of positives to draw from the game. Granted, the Power did fall apart under the relentless pressure applied by a very good side, but they didn't at any stage give up. He now knows that the boys need work on their skills and decision making under extreme pressure. They were exposed by a slick combination but can improve with a little work in that area.
Next week the Power take on another of the TAC Cup benchmark teams when they meet the Western Jets at Morwell. The Jets also suffered defeat this week and both sides will be keen to get back on track. Complicating the task is the fact that the Power will have 7 key players in Hall, Connelly, Kay, McKenna, Blaser, Heyne and Michaelides due to state squad training and most of them will also miss the next two games if they make the final team. This means that several players will win another opportunity to stake a claim for a spot in the side as well as those who haven't played yet being under consideration. The key will be team balance and attempting to maintain some sort of system in the teams play. One positive in this scenario is the likelihood that Beau Vernon and Darren Granger should return from injury and their "grunt" in the packs will be critical in drains plans for the crucial games whilst the state players are away.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 14:13