League Match Report

Our round 8 clash vs Adelaide FC was a contest we will take much confidence from in terms of staying in and ultimately winning a contest when things didn’t necessarily go as smoothly as we’d have liked them to.

Kicking with a slight breeze in the first quarter we were able to gain territory from stoppage (+11 for the quarter) and play the game in our front half, leading at the first break 3 goals to 0.

Adelaide got to work at stoppage and contest in the 2^nd quarter and through our own poor decision making and skill execution, we were outscored 3 goals to 1, leading at the main break by a margin of 5 points.

Quarter three saw us get back on top through the Midfield as we kicked four goals from stoppage including two from centre bounce. We played some good, hard football in the third but still gave up some opportunity for Adelaide to score through poor decision making / skill execution. Josh Ryan, Harvey Bock and Dylan White having some key defensive moments for us during this quarter to keep Adelaide to just one major in the term.

The final quarter was like quarters two and three with ball use letting as down as Adelaide close to within 8 points at the 17-minute mark. I thought our boys responded well to this challenge by focusing on the contest and by sticking to system, we were able to kick two late goals and extend the final margin out to 20 points.

It wasn’t perfect, and credit must go to Adelaide who worked and pressured tirelessly all day, but it was important that our young group responded the way they did late in the game and win when things from an offensive perspective weren’t going as well as we’d like.

I thought Riley Corbett battled solidly in the Ruck against gun Ruckman Kieran Strachan. I think Sam Frost (28 disposals, 12 clearances), Brady Searle (23 disposals, 5 Clearances, 1.2), Joel Stevens (16 disposals, 3 Clearances) and Kobe Ryan (27 disposals, 1.1) are developing nicely through the Midfield. Our young backline in Harvey Bock (13 games), Dyl White (7), Jordy White (10), Will Patton (8) and Darcy Minchella (19) were very good for us and continue to develop and stand up. Josh Ryan with 7 marks also key for us down back, along with Tom Morrish (27 Disposals + 1 goal). And I thought Luke Redfern, Dyl McCormick and Michael Laudato patrolled at ground level with ground balls and tackle pressure.

All-in-all I was proud of our boys for their effort which I cannot question, but no doubt we need to continue working on our fundamentals and decision making.

League Coach – Adam Hartlett