Pre Season Outlook
The list developed by the Roosters over the off season looked promising especially given the previous 2 finals campaigns going deep in September. A Premiership in 2010 and a Preliminary final last season was a platform that could propel the Roosters into the top 3 and secure the valuable double chance. The offseason had been successful as the club was able to secure a few recruits that would be top line assets for the season. Andrew Luzza, already a noted NFL star along with country stars from Kerang Kris Bardon and Luke Cotchett joined the club with high hopes for the 2012 season. The goal for the senior group was firmly set at a top 3 finish to secure the double chance and push for the top 2 not out of the question by any stretch of the imagination.
Early Season
An opening round loss at Bundoora against the reigning premiers turned out to be the worst loss for the club throughout the whole season. A 10 goal defeat and a nasty melee soured the trip to Bundoora. The loss of Vasilevski and Bromley to suspension and last position on the ladder was not the desired result for the Roosters. By round 7 the Roosters were teetering at 3-4 and precariously placed. Kris Bardon started the season in stellar form. He was able to sneak under the guard of a few teams who had not yet witnessed the skill and poise of the new recruit. His ball use and decision making was a delight to watch as he carried the hopes of the Roosters midfield. Shaun Gannon, the dual Best and Fairest winner, had also started in his usual consistent form. Luke Cotchett and Andrew Luzza had proven to be valuable additions as they played in numerous roles to cement themselves as key contributors for the Roosters outfit.
Mid Season
The middle of the year was, unfortunately, the highlight of the year. The Roosters would string together 4 wins in a row and sit one game out of the top 3 at round 11 at 7-4. A much needed confidence boost for the players would come out of the middle part of the season to take into the latter half of the season. Getting Matt Vasilevski back from suspension and great form from Presti and Pece Micevski allowed the Roosters to excel in the heart of winter.
Late Season
The run home looked manageable for a crack at securing a top 3 position. Big games against Montmerency and Heidelberg would shape the ladder position for the Roosters. A loss to Montmerency and a draw to Heidelberg were not enough to put pressure on the higher placed sides. A surprising loss to Lower Plenty and another draw to Greensborough didn't help the charge to the finals. A season defining loss to Northcote Park and a couple of wins saw the Roosters finish 5th on the ladder and only an outside shot of doing any damage in September. Promising signs from Daniel Bisetto and Simon Close in the latter half of the year as well as the return of Anthony Rocca left the door ajar for a finals surprise. Cotchett and Gannon continued their terrific form and Mckenzie was holding together the ruck duties admirably. Billy Morrison was threatening to kick a big bag as his marking power was utilised inside 50 more and more.
Finale
The first final would be the last for the Roosters. A loss at Preston City Oval to Northcote Park was season over. Pece Micevski was gallant all year and Andrew Luzza certainly was not disgraced against his old team. Ali Fahour and Billy Micevski were consistent and reliable all season as they shouldered much of the leadership roles in the forward and back lines.
Review
A promising outlook lead to what must be described as a disappointing season. Without the services of Rocca on a consistent basis made it harder than first thought for the Rooster’s forward line to continue to be effective. Injuries to Bardon and Presti later in the season did not facilitate a prolonged run at making the top 3. There was not one game where the team was unchanged from week to week. A struggle to string wins together, apart from the month stretch midseason, meant that the Roosters were always under pressure. With only 4 players playing every game of the season it was not going to be enough to continually play quality football in such a competitive league. Losses to Whittlesea and Lower Plenty, given the final position on the ladder being only 2 games out of the top 3, leaves a “what could have been” taste in the mouth of all Rooster’s supporters. Draws to Greensborough and Heidelberg, in seemingly winning positions, also add to the disappointment. Without being far away from something big, the Roosters were not close enough and suffered the consequences in an Elimination final.
Best & Fairest
Gannon and Cotchett will go into the count as the 2 favourites in the most open count in a decade. Both played every game and were consistently excellent throughout the season. Kris Bardon will lead the count at the half way mark but injuries late in the season may see him overtaken by the aforementioned duo if they don't have too many votes to catch up. That should be the top 3, with the order unknown, while Pece Micevski and Andrew Luzza should be close behind.
Cotchett $4.00
Gannon $4.50
K.Bardon $5.00
P.Micevski $7.00
Williams $8.50
Luzza $11
Vasilevski $12
McKenzie $17
McKenna $17
A.Bardon $21
Morrison $21
Presti $41
Rocca $81
Kutroli $501
Last Modified on 11/09/2012 14:57