In surprisingly good conditions at North Ballarat, Loy Yang B Gippsland Power had their most important game of the TAC Cup season when they took on the second placed North Ballarat Rebels. Both sides were without key players due to state football commitments but were well prepared for the challenges involved in such a key game.
The Power were without Nick Graham, Will Hams and Ben Kearns who were playing for Country Victoria while captain Tim Membrey was missing due to a minor injury. On the positive side of the ledger, Anthony Tipungwuti and Jack Leslie returned after their state duties while Jack Johnstone came back after two excellent performances for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL.
Early in the game both sides were working hard to apply pressure in contested issues all over the ground. The Rebels broke the deadlock after exploiting some poor manning up by the Power on the rebound and scored really simple goals. The Power, in stark contrast, struggled to have the same effectiveness when they went forward and by the end of the term were three goals down.
The second quarter opened better for the Power when Jack Johnstone found Simon Deery for a much needed goal. Instead of capitalising on this, the Power went back into their over-commitment when going forward and the Rebels were able to find free players to set up simple scoring opportunities. By the end of the term, they trailed by thirty-nine points and the game appeared over even though there were two quarters to play.
Nick Stevens used the break to highlight some crucial home truths for the Power and then to remind them of the basic elements of their game plan that had been so important for the season so far. Before the game they had committed to being responsible one on one when the opposition had the ball but, for the first half, they had failed to live up to the need to play this disciplined sort of team football.
Some more effective pressure by the Power created an opportunity for Shannen Lange to find Tom Muir and he kicked a vital goal for the side. Once again the Power were punished for some poor disposal skills and it appeared as if the Rebels were ready to run riot again. However, the Power rallied and began to get back into their trademark game plan elements. They stemmed the Rebels goal rush and by the last break were back to the same margin as at half time.
In the opening minutes of the last term the Power rebounded skilfully from defence and Lachie Channing, Muir, and Matt Northe combined to set up Tipungwuti for a crucial goal. Jack Johnstone cleverly exploited a mistake by the Rebels and inspired his team mates to up the ante. They worked really hard to shut down the Rebels avenues to goal and push the ball into their own forward fifty.
They dominated much of the quarter in every aspect of play except the scoreboard and by the end of the term had been beaten by twenty nine points after looking likely to be thrashed earlier in the game. Final scores, North Ballarat Rebels, 8 goals 9 behinds 57 points defeated Loy Yang B Gippsland Power, 4 goals 4 behinds 28 points. Goal kickers, Simon Deery, Tom Muir, Anthony Tipungwuti and Jack Johnstone 1.
In his second game of TAC Cup football, Jarryd Drew was again impressive playing across half-back. He soundly defeated dangerous opponents but also generated plenty of drive for the team with his willingness to back his judgement and create attacking play with highly effective use of the ball. Mid-fielder Josh Cashman was another key play maker for the team with his ability to win contested ball and then use his pace and skill to run and carry the ball. His long and penetrating kicking skills were then used to try to give his forwards a chance to create scoring opportunities.
Defender Jack Johnstone showed how much he had learned from his VFL experience as he dominated his opponents. He too created plenty of positive play with his ability to back himself and run to take opponents on in an attempt to use his many possessions to the side’s advantage. Although he didn’t accumulate a lot of possessions, Josh Scoot was an important player across the Power forward line with his great work ethic. He applied excellent pressure in contests as well as doing the one-percent things throughout the game.
Key defender Jams Huts had a tough day due to his teammate’s inefficiency in the first half. He coped manfully with the challenges involved and then became an important play maker in the second half once the others started to follow the game plan more precisely. Lachie Channing was one of the few mid-fielders who applied consistent pressure on opponents in the first half and then became a really effective attacking player in the second half. His work to do the one-percenters was again a crucial part of his performance. Debutant, Rohan Hildebrand took full advantage of his opportunities and showed that he had the poise and skill to cope well with the demands of this elite level of football.
The Power now have to get back to the basics that have been such a critical component of their best form this season. There were still plenty of positives to be drawn from the loss including the fact that they had more forward fifty entries than the Rebels despite being beaten. Better use of these scoring chances might have meant that they secured a win but, their failure to play one on one was the real key to the fact that the Rebels were able to score so easily.
Nick will ensure that they learn the lesson so expertly taught by the Rebels as they prepare for their clash against the Bendigo Pioneers at Oakleigh on Saturday. The state boys don’t have a game but may be rested anyway as they prepare for the rest of the carnival and then the remainder of the TAC Cup season. On paper this looks to be a winnable game for the Power but, if they don’t do the basics from the game plan, the Pioneers have the work rate to exploit any slackness in attitude by the boys.
He will stress that you need to learn from such losses and but total faith in the boys and what they are capable of after working with them so far this season. The Pioneers will find that the boys were hurt by the loss and will be very keen to ensure that they don’t fall into that trap again regardless of where their opponents sit on the ladder. Some of the Power players had their pride affected by the loss and will be very eager to restore their credibility with each other and their coach.
Last Modified on 12/11/2012 09:29