Our U16’s earned back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
On Saturday we played the Eagles at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval where the conditions were extremely heavy. On a very muddy oval our boys took control of the contest early in the first quarter kicking 4 goals to the Eagles 1 goal, taking a very handy 18-point lead at quarter time. Our contest and pressure was outstanding across all lines to start the match. We continued to be the better team in the second quarter applying significant pressure on the Eagles at every opportunity and our boy’s ability to run, support and clean ball use was on show. Our ability to get more numbers around the contest was pivotal to us extending our lead to 25 points at the main break.
A defensively strong 3rd quarter enabled us to hold the Eagles to 1 goal 5 with a wind assisted quarter, applying significant pressure on their ball carrier and not making entries into their forward line easy. We managed to kick a goal into the breeze and went into the final term holding a commanding 22-point lead.
For much of the last quarter the game was played in our forward 50, and if not for our inaccuracy in front of goals the end result should have been greater as we kicked 1 goal and 5 behinds. It was very pleasing to see the boys put together a strong 4 quarter effort and come away with a 27-point victory.
Once again it was difficult to award best players everybody played their role well for the team. However, Dean Hatedakis was awarded best afield with his ability to read the play across half back and provide plenty of run and carry in muddy conditions. Cameron Wildy across half back and Daniel Annese through the midfield were also significant contributors on the day and were instrumental in laying down the foundations and standards to build the result we deserved.
Coming up this week we play South Adelaide at home on Saturday from 11:30am.
Best Players: D. Hatedakis, C. Wildy, D. Annese R. McAulay, L. Andriani
Goals: M. Perin (2), R. McAulay, J. Wooldridge, J. Mrozowski, J. Levins, A. Hooper, T. Seagar (1)
U16’s Coach – Jeff Sochacki