Gotchy’s Match Report – Round 17 v South Adelaide

After a strong 2 weeks against Port Magpies and Glenelg, we wanted to continue to build on our identity and a match between South Adelaide was a great opportunity for this.

South needed to win their remaining games to be in the hunt for finals so we knew the challenge was going to be thrown at us early on.

First quarter was a very even contest, both teams moved the ball well and created several scoring opportunities. Hamish Ellem gave us a good start by kicking the first goal of the game, execution going inside 50 is still an area we are focusing on to try to establish more scoring shots.

Second quarter was again even, our backline did very well in their 1v1’s led by a few inspiring contests from Sam May. Our team defence was strong, we pushed up when needed to try and force South Adelaide to turn the ball over. Kicking inside forward 50 let us down, high kicks wasn’t the option as Keegan Brooksby is one of the best ruckman in the competition who supports his defenders.

We discussed this at half time along with positives such as clearances being in our favour but contested possession could’ve been better. A 4 quarter effort was going to be needed to win the game, we were confident and excited to have a big 3rd quarter.

The third quarter however was all South Adelaide. They dominated us in all key stats and generated multiple inside 50’s as we struggled to maintain possession. We were fortunate South kicked inaccurately in front of goal leaving the door open for us to still win the game.

Fourth quarter the most pleasing aspect – we didn’t retreat, and instead we continued to take the game on, moving the ball with speed generating handball receives. This brand of footy is how we want to play. The next step for us is to incorporate this for the 4 quarters. It was a great win for the footy club, to see the players get another well deserved win is a credit to the consistent work they continue to show.

Everyone made positive contributions on the day, Hamish Hartlett was outstanding and has led by example the last month. Lachie Squire was very good coming back in to the side, Jackson Edwards used his prolific skills to set us up multiple times and l thought Oscar Steene and Harry Barnett competed really well against Keegan Brooksby.

As l mentioned before our backs were solid played a great match. Josh Ryan, Tom Keough, Tom Rundle were great in their 1v1’s while Sam May, Logan Hill, Tom Morrish and Jordan Boyle provided great run setting up numerous attacks.

Our forwards worked together really well, bringing the ball to ground for our smalls to have an impact was pleasing. Josh Gore and Nick Steele kicked 2 goals a piece all in the last quarter, while Hamish Ellem, Jono Beech kicked 1 each.

Was fantastic to hear a very loud crowd cheering us on in the last quarter. We really appreciate the support and no doubt the players feel this when playing.

A big test this Saturday against North Adelaide, they have been very consistent this season so we are looking forward to another great challenge to once again build on our bloods identity.

Best Players: Hamish Hartlett, Josh Ryan, Sam May

Goals: Josh Gore, Nick Steele (2), Jono Beech, Jackson Edwards, Hamish Ellem, Mitch Maguire, Tom Morrish, Joel Stevens (1)

Senior Coach, Brad Gotch