GIPPSLAND POWER - MEDIA RELEASE
By Bryan Mitchell
Gippsland Power faced a severe test of their physical and mental toughness when they traveled to Queensland for a TAC Cup game against the Queensland under 18 state side. The Power were coming off a morale sapping loss against the Dandenong Stingrays the week before whilst the Scorpions were on a high after thrashing the Oakleigh Chargers in Melbourne.
The scenario facing the Power was daunting, their form had dropped off after a brilliant start to the season and they were playing in conditions that strongly favoured the Queenslanders. Paul Hudson had worked hard with the squad to try to restore the determination and commitment so evident in the first four weeks of the season and they had responded positively with some suggestions as to what they could do to help to address the problem.
The boys had to adjust quickly to what the Queenslanders call "winter" and it was quickly obvious that they had come to play. The game opened with the Power having the advantage of a strong breeze and neither side could get their game going due to the pressure being applied. The Power were able to take the initiative after the early arm wrestle and they had the Scorpions on the backfoot with stout defence and some creative forward play. By the first change they led by 28 points and, importantly had shut the Queenslanders down on the scoreboard.
It was going to be a much tougher task in the second term with the Scorpions kicking with the strong wind. Once again the boys used excellent teamwork to set up Jay Neagle for his third goal and it appeared that they were going to take the game by the scruff of the neck. However, the Scorpions lifted their workrates and slowly but surely put themselves back into the game. They forced the Power into error when shooting for goal and, importantly began to punish the Power for turnovers. When they had the ball they were able to put the Power under pressure and suddenly it was game on. By half time it was the Power by 23 points and the tell-tale signs from the loss last week were beginning to reappear.
The conditions were tough for both sides and the Power were showing signs of tiredness after being so hard at it in the heat during the first half. They opened the third term with renewed purpose and suddenly had four telling goals on the board. Ricky Delphine with two long bombs and Jay Neagles strong leads and marks had the crowd buzzing.. Just when the game looked to be "iced" the Scorpions hit back hard and had three majors on the board as the result of their determination to apply pressure and make the Power turn the ball over. A timely reply by Ben Fraser stemmed the tide and the Power led at the last break by 39 points.
It was going to be a searching test of the Powers resolve and mental toughness as they attempted to hold off a rampaging Scorpions team when they were literally running on empty. Both sides were giving their all and the Power struck first with some strength by Zac Vansittart. The Scorpions replied quickly and once again the pressure was on the Power to finish the job. Ben Fraser came to the rescue again and finally it looked as if the game was in the Powers grasp. Queensland upped the ante with two quick majors and the warning sirens were flashing for the Power. Despite being physically spent, they responded to the challenge and shut down the Queenslander opportunities and controlled the game until the final siren.
Final sores Gippsland Power 12 goals 19 behinds 91 points defeated Queensland 9 goals 8 behinds 62 points. Goal kickers Jay Neagle 5, Ben Fraser 3, Ricky Delphine 2, Scott Pendlebury and Zac Vansittart 1. Better players were Brett Dore, Steve O'Bryan, Scott Pendlebury, Zac Vansittart, Jaymie Youle, Tom Johnson, Jay Neagle, Chris Dunne and Ricky Delphine.
The Power must now attempt to do the rehabilitation so crucial in overcoming the physical and mental stress that they endured for this game. They return to their home turf at Morwell next Saturday to take on the Sandringham Dragons and then face the Oakleigh Chargers the week after. Paul Hudson and his coaching panel were justifiably impressed with the way that the boys responded after the loss the week before and will work hard to ensure that the boys have the same determined mindset for the coming challenges. Despite only winning by 29 points they had 14 more scoring shots than their opponents and struggled to convert efficiently against the wind they kicked 3 goals 11 behinds against the "tide". It gives Paul and the "old grey headed bloke" who helps the forwards, plenty of room to improve the boys finishing.
In terms of the rest of the TAC Cup season, this game was pivotal for the Power club/ The boys were outstanding in this game and showed that they have what it takes to be dominant at this level. They now know well what happens when they take the foot off the pedal and wont make that mistake again.
Last Modified on 21/05/2008 17:32