Gippsland Power Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
Gippsland Power ventured to windy Williamstown last weekend to take on the Western Jets in what loomed as a danger game for the Power. The Jets had been in good recent form while the Power had been better in recent games but still had some problems with consistency. On the positive side Beau Vernon and Dan McKenna resumed form injury and added some vital class and stability to the composition of the side. Beau's return is a tribute to his determination and self-discipline as he hadn't played a TAC cup game all season due to a practice match knee injury. He has left no stone unturned in his efforts to get back and is desperate to be in the side when the finals start.
It was the Power who started more positively but they were struggling early to apply scoreboard pressure due to some poor finishing. A Ben Ross special off the pack opened the goal scoring for the side but the Jets were able to capitalise easily on Power turnovers and stay in the game. Some excellent forward pressure set up Ben Hughes but the Jets replied immediately on what was going to be the pattern of the term.
Joel Morgan combined with Bent Macaffer who used his strength well but instead of capitalising on this advantage they allowed the Jets to score far too easily again. Macaffer finished off a penetrating forward thrust but in a growing sense of deja-vu the Jets struck back and reduced the margin at the first change to 5 points. It was a poor result for the Power's efforts as they had the ball in their forward line for about 75% of the time but couldn't capitalise on this dominance.
It took Kane Martin two tries to score his first but he converted the harder option before a defensive "howler' gave the Jets an answering major. Things got worse for the Power when the Jets took the lead as a result of loose checking but Rob Eddy took things into his own hands with two crucial goals. The first from a classic front and centre while the second was due to some strength and vision from Hughes. Monotonously the Jets replied against the run of play and it took a goal after the siren by Macaffer to give the Power an 8 point, but somewhat unconvincing. lead at the long break.
Paul Hudson was far then impressed with their game and set the boys a challenge to play more team oriented football in the all-important third term. James Blaser and Hughes combined for the first of the quarter before Ross took advantage of some Tristan Francis pressure to allow the Power to finally assert some scoreboard pressure on the Jets. Hughes unselfishly gave one to Tyson Goldsack and Martin chimed in with another and suddenly the Power were in total command. Ben Hughes scored again and the Power had six unanswered goals before the Jets scored their first on the 22 minute mark of the term. Another quick, long and direct forward thrust gave Macaffer his fifth but the Jets spoiled the party with a late one to reduce the Power lead to 39 points with one quarter to go.
It looked as if the Power were going to blow the game wide open as Macaffer and Hughes combined for the first of the quarter. Rob Eddy kicked a Daicos special when he curled the ball around the boundary line against the wind from 50 metres out and suddenly the Jets realised that they needed to lift. They regrouped and kicked the next three to let the Power know that they were still in a game and suddenly the composure and purpose of the previous term was missing. Fittingly it was Hughes and Eddy who combined to stop the rot and then Martin finished off some Ricky Delphine vision to put the issue beyond doubt. The Jets kicked the last of the game to reduce the final margin to 33 points but after such a sluggish start, it was a pleasing final result for the Power.
Final scores Gippsland Power 19 goals 19 behinds 133 points defeated Western Jets 14 goals 16 behinds 100 points. Goal kickers Brent Macaffer 5, Ben Hughes and Rob Eddy 4, Kane Martin 3, Ben Ross 2 and Tyson Goldsack 1. In a standout game, Ben Hughes showed how hard and effectively he works for the side kicking goals as well as setting up many others for team mates with his strong play. Around the ground Rob Eddy demonstrated the form that won him All-Australian honours in the under 18 nationals with clever use of the ball and a willingness to use his pace and skill.
Fellow All-Australian Lachlan Hansen took 15 towering marks, mostly in big packs, and dominated across the half back line. He was a constant springboard to attack for the side. Defender Tom Johnson was at his "no-nonsense" best taking telling marks and harassing and nullifying opponents all day. James Blaser continued his rapid learning curve in the midfield and consistently backed himself to run and create play for the team as well as beating his opponent in the one-out contests. Kane Martin came off the bench to play a crucial cameo for the side with his ability to crumb the packs and be a viable avenue to attack.
Jaymie Youle worked hard all day and was another who created run for the side as he rebounded the ball from defence. He was complemented perfectly by Jeff Ryan who used his strength and reading of the play to set up play off the halfback line. Capping off a fine team performance, Brent Macaffer not only kicked 5 goals but presented strongly as the key forward option all game.
The game was a curtain raiser for a VFL senior match and it turned out that it was like old home week for some of the Power "old boys." Dale Thomas and Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Jason Winderlich and Jay Neagle (Essendon), Troy Makepeace (Kangaroos) and Clint Proctor (Williamstown) were keen supporters and caught up with ex team mates and the many staff who have been around the club for many years.
Paul and his assistants Steve Carey, Andrew Dunkley and the grey haired old gentleman who helps the forwards, were pleased with most aspects of the win but still have lots to fine tune before the side will be performing to their considerable potential. They have two games left in the regular season to achieve this and will be at home for both of them. The next game will be against the Eastern Ranges on Sunday before taking on the dangerous Oakleigh Chargers in the final match. It's the perfect challenge for Paul to set the boys as they attempt to minimise the unnecessary turnovers and decision and skill errors in a pressure situation.
On a positive note for Paul, Beau Vernon and Dan McKenna showed, that while still "rusty," they will be all the better for the run and will add an important extra dimension to the team dynamic. When the boys are "on song" they are good enough to challenge the best in the TAC Cup but when they are not "in sinc" they give opponents too many chances to apply pressure. Hopefully he will be able to reduce the errors and give themselves a deserved shot at September glory.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:19