After winning a tough and tight encounter against the Dennis Pagan coached Northern Knights, the Rebels faced the daunting proposition of knocking off the unbeaten Geelong Falcons at Skilled Stadium. The Falcons had started the season in fine form and the benchmark of the competition, creating a great challenge for us to see were we are as a unit after starting the season 6 and 1.
During the week, Geelong’s quick movement of the footy and their stoppage work at centre bounces was highlighted by Coach Glenn Wilkins. Training Thursday night showed great enthusiasm and excitement as the boys and the coaching staff were looking forward to the tough challenge that awaited us.
The Rebels welcomed two debutants into the team this week which would add to the enthusiasm of the team. Running utility Callum Currie and 199cm tall Jordan Dillon were valuable inclusions, as they both have been playing consistent footy at their local clubs. The Big Fella is coming off a toe injury due to hitting his toe while trying to answer a phone apparently, which caused him to miss his Round 1 debut with the Rebels.
The feeling was good in the rooms before the game, with all the boys knowing there was everything to play for. We came out firing having all of the possession and capitalizing in front of goal. The first quarter saw us pull out to a 4 goal to 0 lead largely thanks to the midfield run of Dean Gavin, Ben Peters and the ever consistent Oliver Tate. They were racking up possessions all around the ground and also having the tough defence lead by the courageous Jandre Slabbert controlling the backline.
The Falcons came out hard; as we knew they would and made it hard fought contest during the second quarter. During the latter part of the quarter Geelong started to get on top around the ground and started to capitalise on their opportunities making it a tight tussle going into half time. At half time Wilks questioned us of trying to be too cute with the footy by over handballing at times and when in the clear we should kick it long and to give our tall forwards more opportunity.
After the break the Rebel players dropped the intensity and work rate that they had showed so far this season as we slipped into cruise control. This enabled the Geelong Falcons to come out and pile on 8 unanswered goals for the quarter which then had them going into three quarter time with all the momentum and a comfortable lead.
The last quarter was a tough contest, although we prevented Geelong from scoring only two goals we were unable to get any run and carry into our game. Jordan Dillon who stared all day in the ruck, went forward late to kick our only goal for the term. The difference at the final siren was a 29 point loss, and after a terrific start we were all bitterly disappointed with our efforts. As Wilks reminded us ‘we are only as good as our next game’ which we be against the newcomers of the league the Gold Coast.
Well done to Hoops, Dave and Josh Cowen on all playing terrific games for Vic Country in their great win against Metro.
Last Modified on 03/06/2009 09:58