Bendigo travelled down to Altona’s home ground to face Altona/Wyndham, with thirteen players. It was a very clear sunny day but with a howling wind which caused our bus operator to drive 10 to 20K below the speed limit.
Altona were a few positions below Bendigo on the ladder, but the Warhawks knew not to take this game lightly. There were 16 Altona players that lined up even though there were 14 players listed on the scoresheet. They were mostly junior or inexperienced players, but there was a couple that seemed they could play in higher divisions.
Bendigo were scoring with the wind, and usually the wind direction doesn’t have an effect on the game, but because of the 100km winds, running against it was tortuous. The first quarter was so frustrating, as Bendigo had the majority of the possession in Altona’s defensive half but scored just one goal by Angus Anglioletta. It was estimated that the Warhawks had over twenty shoots. Altona’s goal keeper was saving every short off his toes and waist.
The second quarter saw Bendigo try and score against the wind. It seemed that the first quarter was repeating itself. However, there were more attacks from the Altona side, but nothing bearing any fruit for them in the first ten minutes of the second period. Bendigo’s first ten minutes of hard work to retain possession saw Bendigo shoot two goals from Alex Orr. Altona resorted to Hail Marys from their goal keeper to isolate individual defenders and scored two fortunate goals. It was 3 to 2 Bendigo’s way at half time.
The Warhawks knew that the first half didn’t represent the way they usually play, especially in the forward half. There was no movement in the forward half and it showed. In defence everyone did their bit from defenders, middies and attackers. They were on the ball and doing what was required of them.
The third quarter was better with Bendigo scoring 4 goals to Altona’s one. It could have been 5 if Alex Orr stick wasn’t adjudicated as being illegal. It rattled Bendigo a bit as Altona pinched a goal before the end of the term. Again plenty of shoots, but Angus scored 2 while Tyrone Griffin and Alex scored one each. It was hard work for Tyrone as he had taken up a short pole to assist the forwards. It seemed that he needed 2 quarters to get him and everyone else accustomed to him being in the attack without a long pole. He dodged a couple of players to slot home his first for the year.
The fourth quarter Bendigo really got out of their shell by banging in 6 goals and against the wind. Two goals from Ian Lock and Angus, while Alex and Tyrone scored one each. It was great ball and player moment that got Bendigo the goals. Desperation from the forwards to retain the ball in their attack was evident, with Will and Vincent swooping on loose balls and running down clearing Altona players.
Bendigo defender’s Mark Reader, Jarrod Topp-Lowe and Tim Davies were outstanding controlling Altona’s Hail Marys and ensuring the ball was always in Bendigo’s attack. James English was hard working but unfortunately mistaken as an aggressor by an Altona player and defended himself, however the ref wasn’t taking any explanation and expelled both players from the game.
Votes went to Angus Anglioletta (3 Club votes and 3 Association), Alex Orr (2 Club votes and 2 Association), and Tim Davies (1 club vote).
Thanks to Lester Young for his refereeing and Pat Kenny for his scoring.
Next week is a home game against Caulfield, and if everything goes well, Nick Goddard will be playing his 50th game.
Gino Iuliano,
Senior player
Last Modified on 02/08/2017 11:25