GIPPSLAND POWER
MEDIA RELEASE
By Bryan Mitchell
Gippsland Power went into their round 18 match of the TAC Cup season needing a win to get themselves back on track after three sub-standard performances at the business end of the year. Their opponents, the Bendigo Pioneers had struggled for consistency in 2007 and were decimated by injury to the extent that they went into the match with 6 under 16 players in their team. The Power in contrast had a good side on paper but needed to perform on the field if they were to be competitive in the finals series.
Conditions at the Eaglehawk oval were ideal with the wind favouring the end to which the Pioneers were kicking in the first term. Things looked ominous for the Power early as the Pioneers took the initiative and were forcing the Power into the indecisive football that had caused them to lose their last three games. The Pioneers were kicking soft goals and, despite the fact that the Power had many scoring opportunities, they were unable to put scoreboard pressure on the Pioneers. Late in the term a free kick to Beau Vernon gave the Power its first goal and then James Bristow and Nick Heyne combined for another to reduce the deficit to 8 points by the first change.
The Power were getting into the game but inaccuracy cost the Pioneers a bigger lead and the warning bells were sounding for the Power at the start of the second term. Some strong work by Vernon allowed Brent Connelly to open the Power's scoring and this seemed to inspire them into more productive football. Haelen Kay's long bomb after good work by Luke Webber and Chris Endres gave the Power the lead but the Pioneers hit back after some poor decision making in defence. Once again Bristow's clever ruck work gave Vernon his second and the Power began to dominate the term.
Webber's long penetrating kick allowed Connelly in for another before under 16 player Koby Stevens burst through a pack for an inspirational goal. Bristow was on fire in the centre bounces and was giving the on-ballers and arm chair ride and they were giving their forwards plenty of opportunities. Kay and Connelly linked up for another good goal after a string of purposeful handballs and then Andrew Oldmeadow's long kicking created a running goal for Michael Stockdale. Endres chimed in from long distance but the Pioneers were able to punish some sloppy defence late. On baller James Blaser capped off the Power's best quarter for weeks after Bristow again created the opportunity for him.
The Power had a 36 point lead going into the third term and the pressure was on to keep the intensity up as the Pioneers had the advantage of the breeze. They attacked hard early but could only kick points and despite some hard work by the Power defenders they looked likely to get back into the game. It was uninspiring football with neither side able to finish off their work and the Power were over using the ball when they entered their forward 50. The aerial skills of Heyne and Bristow resulted in the only goal of the term and by the last change the Power led by 40 points with the chance to put the demons of previous weeks behind them.
Bendigo were intent on spoiling the party early and had the Power under pressure. Bristow kicked his second after some good teamwork and then Steven's vision and team focus gave Jaryd Blair another. Blair then combined with Endres to give Vernon his third as they struck a blow for penguins everywhere and it appeared as if they were going to repeat their second term barrage. Connelly finished off some more good team work but Bendigo upped the ante and caught out the Power after they seemingly took their foot off the accelerator. The Pioneers had another quickly but the Power hit back with Vernon turning provider for Shane McIntosh who was relishing his release from defence and was having a run up forward. It was a much better effort by the Power but some nagging doubts still exist over aspects of their game as the finals loom.
Final scores Gippsland Power 17 goals 11 behinds 113 points defeated Bendigo Pioneers 7 goals 13 behinds 55 points. Goal kickers Brent Connelly 4, Beau Vernon 3, James Bristow 2, Koby Stevens, Jaryd Blair, James Blaser, Chris Endres, Nick Heyne, Haelen Kay, Shane McIntosh and Michael Stockdale 1.
It has taken a long time but James Bristow has returned to the stunning form that he was in before being injured two seasons ago. He dominated the aerial duels all day and was the initiator of countless positive pieces of play for the Power. Forward Chris Endres was at the right spot at the right time all day and used his many possessions to good effect in a perfect display of crumbing football. Brent Connelly relished more time up forward and not only kicked four goals but also gave his on-ball brigade first use of the ball at stoppages with some clever ruck work.
Defender Dean Woodhead enjoyed the reduced pressure due to the increased work rates of the mid field and forwards and not only shut down his opponents but also backed his judgement to run and create play. As per usual Jackson Hall led the team by shining example with yet another typically disciplined display of the hard-nosed defence and creative running that have been the hall marks of his stellar season.
James Blaser was hampered due to injury but was still able to get to many contests and have a positive impact for his side. He used run and long kicking to full effect. Strong defender Darren White stood tall all day and was rarely beaten in the one-on-one contests as well as having the confidence to turn defence into attack. Beau Vernon is another to be dogged with injury but he too showed that he is returning to his best with a strong display in the packs as well as some clever work up forward. Koby Stevens showed enough to say that he will play a part in the sides' finals program. His composure under pressure was a highlight of his impressive performance.
There was a lot to like about the performance for the Power with the team playing team-focused football for much of the game. Their work around the clearances was much cleaner and more purposeful and they were far more efficient with their use of the ball in their forward 50 area. They definitely weren't perfect, but it was a decided improvement over recent efforts. There is still scope for further improvement as three state players were down on their usual outputs and Adrian and his coaching panel will be keen to reduce the turnovers that good sides ruthlessly exploit on the scoreboard.
After finishing on top of the TAC Cup ladder the Power have a well-deserved double chance and will play Northern Knights at MC Labour park at 11.20 on Sunday. The Power defeated the Knights earlier in the season but since then their respective form has been very different. On their best form the Power are a great chance to go directly to the preliminary final round in two weeks time. However, any of the indecisive and individual football from recent weeks will be clinically exploited by the top teams in the competition. Adrian will be working hard to keep them positively oriented and ready to play their best football when it matters most.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 14:46