League Match Report – R10 v Glenelg

Our round 10 clash vs the top of the table Glenelg FC was a contest we will take so much from in terms of where we want to get too from a contest and connection point of view.

Kicking with a strong breeze in the first quarter we were unable to gain territory from stoppage (-9 for the quarter) and when we did have the opportunity to move the ball we were slow with minimal overlap / speed on the ball. Whilst I thought our defenders held up well for the most-part, we gave up two goals through lack of physicality in the marking contest inside our D50.

The second quarter we were under siege, conceding 17 Inside-50s against whilst recording 5 of our own. Darcy Minchella competed well along with Harvey Bock, and Josh Ryan did his best to quell the Bays offence. Still, there were moments we needed to execute better to become a consistent and top-tier team in this competition – education, training method, communication and experience will see us manage these situations better in the future. To Glenelg’s credit, their contest work and shape, combined with clean and efficient skill execution was impressive and at a level we endeavor to replicate.

The second half was more pleasing, our contest work improved and we were able to stem Glenelg’s scores from stoppage and build offence off the back of an increase in intensity, improved execution of the fundamentals and some dare with ball in hand.

I thought Mick Mattingly and Kobe Ryan were very good for us around the footy against a fantastic Glenelg midfield group. Josh Ryan with 16 marks was again key for us down back, along with Cal Park and Tom Morrish. And I thought Ned Stevens showed some positive signs up front.

All-in-all it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we learn from a very good SANFL side the level we as a young team need to get too in terms of intensity, communication and skill execution to compete and ultimately become consistently successful at this level.

Congratulations too to Hamish Ellem on his 50^th senior game for our great club.

We will review, we will take key focuses out of the weekend’s game and we will work hard to execute better and for longer v Port Adelaide at Alberton next week.

League Coach – Adam Hartlett