Loy Yang B Gippsland Power recorded its fifth straight TAC Cup victory for the season by defeating the gutsy Western Jets by twenty four points. In cold, wet and slippery conditions at Oakleigh, the Power overcame the hard working Jets but the final score wasn’t a true reflection of their performance. Important statistics such as inside fifty entries and tackles indicated just how well the Power had played. They had 57 forward fifty entries to the Jets 33 and, despite the fact that the Jets are renowned for their tackling, dominated this key stat as well.
The obvious flaw in the boy’s performance was their finishing up forward. They had nineteen more scoring shots than the Jets but won the game by one goal eighteen behinds. Even a fifty-fifty return on scoring opportunities would have given them a ten goal win and it gives coach Nick Stevens a simple issue to address for the sides up-coming games. The Power’s work rate to create scoring opportunities was outstanding, especially when you consider the pressure applied by the Jets, but they need to avoid such wasteful finishing if they are going to realise their extraordinary potential.
The game opened with two quick goals by the Jets after centre clearances that were far too easy. Stunned by the Jets early dominance, the Power upped their work rate and Will Hams and Josh Scott set up Tim Membrey for the side’s first major. Not to be outdone, the Jets exploited some slack manning up on the rebound and regained the initiative. It was the Power’s turn after some more hard work but they kicked points instead of goals and were putting themselves behind the eight ball as a consequence.
Some clever ball use and unselfish play saw Jake Thomas, Membrey and Nick Graham combine to give Tom Muir an easy goal late in the term. By the first break the Jets led by three points and had well and truly served notice that they were ready to take full advantage of any laziness in the Power’s application and finishing skills. Nick reminded the boys of what was needed against an honest side like the Jets and set them some strong challenges for the rest of the game.
It was clear that the Power had responded positively to most of their coaches challenges in the second term. They shut down the Jet’s scoring opportunities by being better at getting one on one when it mattered but couldn’t kick goals when going forward. They missed five consecutive set shots when well within scoring range and went to the long break three points up despite having thirteen scoring shots compared to the Jets five.
The match was well and truly up for grabs going into the second half and it was the Power who staked the first claim. Good ball use by Thomas and amazing skills from Anthony Tipungwuti allowed Membrey to kick the first goal for the quarter but the Jets replied to make it clear that they were still in the game. Some great pressure by the Power allowed Membrey to set up Muir for another and Shannen Lange then took the ball from the resulting bounce to let Simon Deery to kick a good goal on the run.
Another good piece of defensive work for Matt Northe saw him intercept the ball and then Membrey kicked his third from the resulting play. Not to be outdone, the Jets scored the final goal of the term with another piece of rebound play but the Power went into the last term with a seventeen point lead. Closer analysis of the play showed that the Power had had eighteen forward fifty entries to the Jets eight and seven scoring shots to three by the Western boys.
In the opening minutes of the last quarter the Jets showed the Power what could happen as a result of being some wasteful of their hard-won scoring chances. Two easy goals put them within six points of the Power and it was time for some effective ball use if they were to win the game. A long kick into attack by Deery allowed Membrey to snap a crucial major to give the side vital breathing space. Great pressure football by Hams and Lang gave Membrey his fifth and it appeared as if the Power had finally shaken off the persistent Jets.
They were far from finished and kicked another good goal to put themselves within reach of victory but the Power upped the ante and Lange, Deery and Ben Kearns combined to allow Membrey the final goal of the match. In the closing minutes the Power wasted several chances to extend their lead but they had shut the Jets avenues into attack down. They had fifteen forward fifty entries to the Jets five for the quarter but both sides kicked three goals from these opportunities.
Final scores Loy Yang B Gippsland Power 9 goals 21 behinds 75 points, defeated Western Jets 8 goals 3 behinds 51 points. Goal kickers, Tim Membrey 6, Tom Muir 2 and Simon Deery 1. On a day when the forward line had many scoring chances, Tim Membrey stood head and shoulders above everyone else in a brilliant display. He took contested marks, lead strongly and did even better at ground level. As well as kicking goals himself he helped to set up chances for team mates with his unselfish play.
Nick Graham showed why has been such a crucial contributor for the Power with another great performance highlighted by his work in the critical one-percent area. He won more than his share of contested possessions but led the side in tackles with another eleven for the game. He is averaging close to ten a game in this key statistic. Ben Kearns stepped up a couple of notches with a great display of midfield work. He had over thirty possessions in a fine game but it was his ball use that was the highlight. He consistently drove the ball long and direct into attack and helped to set up many of the teams more positive work in this vital area.
Will Hams was another midfielder who did a fine job with his many hard-won possessions. What was particularly noticeable about his performance was his stunning ability to generate run and carry despite being under close pressure by opponents. He wasted few of these classy pieces of play. Defender Ryley Hall was often under pressure when the Jets went into attack on the rebound. He not only shut dangerous opponents right out of the action with tight defending but also backed himself to create attacking play by running off with the ball.
Fellow defender Liam Nash was another to stand tall despite being in many tight situations. He was very strong in the contested issues and helped to generate good team work with clever se of the ball in close. Nate Paredes was another midfielder who worked tirelessly al game and did especially well in the contested situations. His strength with hands and feet enabled him to set up others from almost nothing. Matt Northe was another to have a strong work ethic in close and he too created positive play from seemingly tough situations. His vision and skill under pressure were excellent. Youngster Aaron Heppell was another to keep opponents out of the play with tough, disciplined work but also had the confidence and skill to run and set up attacking play as well.
At the end of the match Nick congratulated each boy for their particular contribution to a very impressive team oriented performance. There is still plenty of work to be done to improve the side’s efficiency when in attack but their ability to get the ball there was excellent. The Power now takes on the Eastern Ranges at Morwell next Saturday. The Ranges have had a slow start to the season but will be highly competitive if the Power doesn’t pay them the respect that they deserve.
Nick will ensure that the boys are fully aware of the challenges that they face in this game and will be stressing the need to fully use the scoring chances that they work so effectively to create. This match will be that last for a while where the Power will be at full strength. In coming matches they will have up to eleven of the club’s best players unavailable due to state duties as the boys strive for a place in the up-coming national championships. Despite this challenging situation, it will give several boys the chance to step to the TAC Cup standard and there are many youngsters eagerly awaiting this opportunity.
Last Modified on 03/09/2012 14:05