League Match Report – Round 12

It was an important week for our football club as we celebrated the 40^th Anniversary of our 1983 Premiership side. The build up to the game was one of excitement and of pride as our group reflected on our history and the opportunity for our current group to positively impact the future both on the field as well as off it.

I thought our boys competed and executed far more consistently this week compared to last, but still didn’t quite execute a couple of critical moments – the by-product of having a young and inexperienced team. These are quality learning opportunities and give us as coaches clear focus areas moving forward.

To Sturt’s credit they were able to withstand our extended periods of momentum throughout the game and limit scoreboard impact, whilst taking their own opportunities going the other way. This is a team who have worked and gelled together for a few years now under coach Marty Mattner. A team that stays cool and calm under pressure and takes their moments when given them. Again, something us as a group can work towards.

I thought as a team we were as consistent across the field as we’d been all season, with everyone playing their role.

Bloods junior, Harvey Bock was awarded Best on Ground for his role on dangerous Sturt small-forward, Josh Hone. Harvey was well supported in defence by one of our leaders and an integral part of our playing group, Josh Ryan. I thought Tom Morrish was also very good both defensively and offensively too. Our midfield group competed well for the most part, led by Mick Mattingly, Lucas Meline and Kobe Ryan. Our forwards competed well in the front half but were limited by opportunities with only 33 inside-50s recorded for the game.

The focus now until the remainder of the season is to stay positive, to keep educating our players on our system and their roles within it, and to keep working hard on areas of our game both from an individual and team perspective that aligns to how we want to play going forward.

We look forward to another home game this weekend v Central Districts on Saturday in front of our loyal members and supporters.

Best Players: Harvey Bock, Michael Mattingly, Lucas Meline

Goals: L. Delahunty, I. Johnson, J. Sinderberry, J. Stevens (1)

League Coach – Adam Hartlett