Gippsland Power - Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
Gippsland Power returned to the 2007 TAC Cup winning list with a strong win over their arch-rivals the Dandenong Stingrays in wintry conditions at Morwell. The Stingrays were the Power's nemesis in 2006 and typically they made the Power work hard for every possession in this game. Importantly for the Power and their prospects in 2007, they came home strongly when the pressure was on in the last term and finished the game off with some positive and purposeful football.
Brad Wedrowicz made his debut for the Power after spending 2006 on the development squad list and, like Haelen Kay and Nathan Grylls before him, was rewarded for his persistence and work ethic. The Power opened the scoring with some excellent forward pressure and Nick Stockdale finishing it off. Ominously the Stingrays hit back immediately and the Power were aware that they were going to need to work hard to keep the Stingrays at bay. Another to Nick Stockdale after some set up work by Will Kelly and Jackson Hall.
The game became an arm wrestle for 10 minutes before Dan McKenna broke the deadlock and then Jack Brown finished off some good team play with a running goal. From the resulting centre bounce the Stingrays had another and it was the catalyst for some better play by the Power with McKenna on target again. The Stingrays were far from done with and scored a telling major in red time to be 8 points down at the first change.
The second term was opened with some dour pressure football and it took some poise and vision by Chris Endres to give the Power the momentum. This was followed by a clever bit of teamwork resulting in a major to Liam Carolan and it appeared as if the Power had control of the game. Once again the Stingrays hit back to put the Power on the back foot and a defencive howler by the Stingrays gifted a sitter to Tristran Francis. Instead of consolidating and protecting their lead the Power allowed the Stingrays to kick two late goals and they only led by 9 points at the long break.
The third term was a war of attrition with neither side able to break the deadlock. It took 10 minutes before another by McKenna seemingly gave the Power vital breathing space. Once again the game closed down and it was the Stingrays who steadied late and kicked two crucial goals in red-time. The Power lead was 3 points and Adrian Hickmott had plenty to talk about at the last change.
The final term was always going too be a severe test of mettle and the Power were the side to stand up to the pressure best. Rob Michaelides was cool under pressure for the first of the term and the Stingrays served notice that they were still in the game with an immediate reply. When the game was up for grabs the Power lifted their work rate and shut down the Stingrays opportunities before setting up their own with some excellent team work. Endres and McKenna put the icing on the cake but it was an important milestone for the Power as they did it as a team rather than the individual efforts from the Bendigo game.
Final scores Gippsland Power 12 goals 13 behind 83 points defeated Dandenong Stingrays 9 goals 10 behinds 64 points. Goal kickers Dan McKenna 4, Liam Carolan and Nick Stockdale 2, Chris Endres, Jack Brown, Rob Michaelides and Tristran Francis 1.
Youngster Nick Heyne continued his excellent form in 2007 with a standout performance on the wing. He won and made use of his 23 possessions with aplomb. Old-time Luke Webber showed great leadership in defence and nullified his opponent as well as initiating many positive passage of play with his run and long kicking. On-baller Michael Todd was at his hard-working best with his willingness to put his body on the line and ability to win the ball all over the ground. His endeavour was matched by Tristran Francis who picked his usual bag of tackles, smothers and spoils as wellas many valuable possessions as well.
Another young player to excel was Michael Stockdale who dominated when on the ball and was equally as effective when in defence. His clever and precise use of the ball was a highlight. Traralgon team mate Jackson Hall was a valuable player again with his excellent defence and creative running enabling his to be the springboard for a lot of good passages of play. Sam Nickless continued his development as a TAC Cup player with a polished display on the ball and around the ground while Dan McKenna worked hard to present for team mates and provide a constant avenue in attack. Adrian was also pleased with the disciplined jobs done by Chris Endres and Haelen Kay and they both showed that they have a lot to contribute to the fortunes of the Power in 2007.
The Power can now prepare for their clash with North Ballarat Rebels next week with some confidence. They still have a lot to learn but the signs were exce3llent that they have made good progress so far in 2007 and have what it takes to play a major role in the end of season action. Adrian was pleased with the win in many respects but especially with their strong finish under pressure. He will keep working with the boys on the deficiencies in their game but they proved in this game that they have the right approach to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and stick to his game plan when it really matters.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:41