After a run of away games, the Loy Yang B Gippsland Power finally came home to Morwell, hosting the Western Jets in round 13 of the TAC Cup. The sun may have been shining but the ground was still very wet underfoot, the centre square area a bog, it was going to be a day of slippery conditions in the sun.
Coach Nick Stevens knew this was a real “danger game” for Power with the Western Jets recent form impressive and Power having so many changes to their line up. With the National Championships now concluded Power was close to full strength with its Vic Country reps coming back into the team. Membrey, Graham, Kearns, Leslie, Hall and Hams all retuned, the youngsters that stepped up and served Power well during the championships making way.
Pre Games Stevens emphasised that the Jets were quick starters, and true to form they jumped power, kicking the first goal of the game. It was scrappy early, the slippery ball making it hard to get clean possessions. Shannen Lange roved the pack with his usual hardnosed attack and snapped Powers first goal, but the Jets answered straight away with another and were in control of the play. Power were second to the contest, not manning up and turning the ball over, it was a sluggish start, but fortunately the Jets inaccurate kicking was keeping Power in the game.
Down by 10 points at quarter time coach Stevens delivered a classic spray, furious that his players hadn’t done any of the things that the coaches highlighted pre match. He emphasised the need to lift in intensity and get the basic things right.
Power responded in the second quarter with a noticeable increase in effort, the backline stood up under pressure and the tackling intensity all around the ground lifted. Coach Stevens brought Tim Membrey up to the midfield and pushed Ben Kearns forward, the move reaping rewards instantly as Matt Northe found Kearns all alone 30 metres out, Kearns slotting it through for the first of the quarter.
Aaron Heppell may have been without his trademark mop of hair, but his trademark attack at the football was certainly on show, Heppell single handily changing the momentum of the game with his attack and run. Great hands from Daniel Jackson set Jarryd Drew up for the second goal of the quarter and Power hit the front, it was short lived though as the Western Jets answered with a goal straightaway.
Josh Scott took an outstretch mark on the goal line and converted from in front right before the half time siren. Power went into the break just 2 points up. Coach Stevens was pleased that his players had responded with a better effort that quarter, but knew they were capable of so much more, telling them that he thought they were running at 85%.
The Jets started the second half with the first goal and it was game on. Powers running game started to click, the over handballing from the first quarter well and truly replaced by run and carry and quick ball movement. Ben Kearns kicked his second goal as the ball slid out the back of the pack, then brilliant run through the midfield and great hands from Lachie Channing set birthday boy Will Hams up with a classic running goal.
It seemed like Power were in control of the match but the Jets were putting up an almighty fight, answering with an easy goal of their own and keeping in touch on the scoreboard.
The run from the midfield enabled Power to get better delivery to targets inside 50, with Tim Membrey , Nick Graham and Darcy Irwin all taking advantage of this by kicking goals in the five minutes before three quarter time. Power went into the final break 24 points in front.
In the final quarter Power put on a show for its home crowd with hard, attacking and running play that was just a delight to watch. Strong team work from Power allowed them to run the ball out of defence and work it into their forward 50. Darcy Irwin kicked his second goal, and then Bean Kearns kicked two goals in five minutes, almost identical snaps from the boundary. The Western Jets responded with a huge goal from 50, but Power was starting to win clearances with ease and run away with the game.
Forward pressure from Lachie Channing forced a turnover, Chano hit Matt Northe on the chest with a pass, and Northe converted the goal. Tim Membrey put through Power’s fifth goal of the quarter before the Jets stopped the run with a strong mark and goal. It would be the Jets last goal for the game; Power went on to kick another three unanswered goals to make it an eight goal quarter.
Coach Stevens was pleased with the way in which the boys ran out the game, but has concerns over the slow starts that are dogging Power. With only four games left before the finals, the players and the coaching staff know they face a challenge to ensure that a poor start doesn’t prove costly come finals time. Power has a bye next weekend, the TAC Cup scheduling regular byes through the season to ensure that players maintain a balanced workload. After a well deserved rest, Power will face the Oakleigh Chargers at home.
Final Scores: Gippsland Power 17.6.108 defeated Western Jets 7.10.52
Goal Kickers: Ben Kearns 4, Tim Membrey 3, Matt Northe 2, Shannen Lange 2, Darcy Irwin 2, Jarryd Drew 1, Nick Graham 1, Will Hams 1, Josh Scott 1
Best Players: Shannen Lange, Josh Cashman, Ben Kearns, Lachie Channing, Jack Johnstone, Matt Northe
Last Modified on 12/11/2012 09:31