Well, the season had reached round 10: we were past half-way and the days were slowly getting longer, and the mornings getting colder.
It was time for the Roys to play Bulleen-Templestowe again, facing their opponents from the first game of the season. Which team had improved? How had the season treated Bulleen?
The Roys had an important moment before the bounce – to honour Lucy’s 50 great games for the club, and she ran through a guard of honour to put the Roys in the right spirit for the contest.
And for the first quarter they were in the zone. The strong boys, such as Josh, Sam and Atticus, were keen and committed and the quicksilver boys, such as Adam and Kent were straight into it. So it was no surprise that the Roys scored first when Darcy marked and kicked a goal. Bulleen replied and led by a solitary point at quarter time.
Coach Terry reminded the Roys at the huddle of their first intention when it came to the footy: “I want it.’’ And then told them that he didn’t mind what happened as long as they went for the ball. “I don’t care if you make a mistake,’’ he said.
But Bulleen kicked a goal soon after the resumption and the Roys had to work even harder to bridge the gap. The ball was trapped in packs and clean possession was a rare thing. Kieran was searching for an opening in to the forward line and Sebastian was tackling with the strength of two players, but the break would not come. Down back, Nick N was expertly spoiling some big marks, Charlie was holding his own in the contests and Nick B was darting off with the loose ball, but still there was no Roy joy. Kent was in everything, but at the main break, the Roys trailed by 12 points. It was turning in to a hard day at the office.
Patrick was sent in to the last line of defence for the third quarter and held firm as Bulleen launched its most concerted attack. Against the flow of play James T took off on searching, bouncing run that took him from the backline to the other end of the ground. His kick found a pack and Sebastian was waiting to kick the goal. Soon after, Jaquan made his own impression on the game with a couple of serious tackles. Yet Bulleen had a head of steam up and had kicked 3.3 for the quarter to lead by 21 points.
In the final quarter, Martin was awarded a free and his kick went deep in to the forward line where Darcy worked off his opponent and kicked the Roys’ third. Josh took two strong marks and Charlie cleverly paddled the ball out but the Roys were unable to capitalise.
Max made telling contests in defence, but two quick goals to Bulleen made the margin too great for the Roys to find a way back.
ENDS