Match Report

Round 07

St Marys W U-14 Blue 14.3 (87) d Fitzroy Blue 7.14 (56) at Whatmough Park, Greensborough, May 23, 2010 You learn a new lesson every week with footy, especially if you lose (and it's usually a lesson you've been taught before). Expecting to win is not the same as putting in the effort to win in terms of crashing thru packs, charging forward once you've got possession of the ball and being resilient after a goal or two is kicked against you. To be honest, our attitude before the game was too relaxed and the very late appearance of a few players didn't help. That said a few things the coach did weren't spot on, on the day either. There's more to playing productive footy than simply getting the ball into the forward 50. Something we did a lot of in the first quarter. Going on to kick goals is the name of the game and you have to slam them thru yourself when you get the chance .Despite the best efforts of the backline, St. Mary's punished us by rebounding the ball into their forward 50 three times in the last 9 or 10 minutes by simply kicking precise and well-directed passes into an open forward line in which the forwards were moving into the right spot (usually, but not always in front). Connor's well-deserved goal on the siren kept us in it but something special was going to be needed when they kicked the first two of the second quarter. All of a sudden we reverted to our usual fast, confident play on style of football. players like Ahmed and Andre were dominating the centre corridor, (esp. near CHF), playing on from marks and finding each other by hand and foot BEFORE St. Mary's had time to man-up. The footy was being delivered much better to the ever dangerous Connor and with a bit more luck his snaps would have been goals. The way we imposed ourselves on the game was a great turn-around and only our reluctance to slot the ball through calmly kept us behind at half-time. The less said about the 3rd qtr the better although for over 10 minutes early on, don't forget that we defended grimly and with great distinction. Kent was doing a great job on their big no. 7 time and again spoiling with class and even forcing him to drop mark marks due to his (Kent's) sheer presence and close attention. Al was continuing to come out of his shell well supported by Mu. Luke was consistently reliable and tough all day long and is now playing a crucial role in the team. The main thing we have to eradicate (and by hook or by crook we will) are : not running hard when the other side's got a couple of quick goals and being a sook if we get a decision we don't like. Two other problems on the day were dropping easy chests marks through lack of determination and an excessive unwillingness to man up. All solvable with a bit of full on desire and discipline (and if there are clearer consequences if either are lacking). Jesse's attack on the ball was outstanding all day and he really played like he was desperate to inspire the team. That goal he wants is coming and I think next week he'll have a few more team-mates sharing that honour with him. There's is no doubt St.Mary's were still worried in the last qtr and a few more straight kicks for goal on the run would have really unsettled them. The whole round saw some very strange results. Camberwell beat Kew Rovers by a point and Bulleen Temp lost to Doncaster , only kicking 4 goals to Doncaster's 9 ! It is now shaping up as a very tight 4 horse race and we must make every post a winner. Richard Grummet

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