League Match Report Round 2

I was extremely proud of our Players response after a disappointing R1 result. We knew that a lot of what went wrong that day was in our control and for our boys to play and fight the game out the way they did was pleasing.

Port were going to come with a lot of energy given the context of the game, honoring the late, great Russell Ebert; and we needed to be prepared for that.

The game was an arm-wrestle for the best part of the first half. I felt we had some great looks going forward in both the first and second quarters but failed to execute at critical moments – another learning opportunity for our young group, understanding the importance of staying composed and executing the fundamentals under pressure.

The second half we made some adjustments around stoppage to help negate Sweet’s dominance and in the final term we sent Luke Redfern to Sinn who had significant impact for Port throughout the game off half-back. Both moves helped influence the outcome of the game with 4 of our 5 scoring shots in the final ten minutes of the game coming from Stoppage and Redders keeping Sinn to just 2 disposals in the final term.

I thought our young Defensive unit defended well for long periods of the game. I thought our Mids battled hard and lifted in the final ten minutes, going +6 at Stoppage in that time. I thought our Forward Line looked dangerous with room to improve in terms of making the most of their opportunities when they present.

Our Captain Isaac Johnson in his 50^th game was outstanding and epitomized all that we expect and want from a West Adelaide footballer: relentless, skilled, courageous, team-first. Kobe Ryan continues to impress. Joel Stevens had his most influential game for our club. Lucas Meline played very well in a new role across half back.

Congratulations to Dyl White, a product of our Riverland zone, on your debut game. Your hard work and dedication towards your football and our club is so impressive and you showed you are more than capable at Senior level.

Thank you to the Waikerie Football Club and the Waikerie Hotel Motel for all your hard work in accommodating us. We enjoy getting over to the Riverland and immersing ourselves in the community when possible because we know we are so well supported and looked after. Also, thank you to all our loyal supporters who made the trip – it was nice to see so many happy (relieved) faces after the final siren.

Goals: J. Stevens (3), D. McCormick, J. Sinderberry (2), L. Delahunty, I. Johnson, T. Morrish, L. Redfern, N. Stevens (1)

Best: Isaac Johnson, Lucas Meline, Kobe Ryan

League Coach – Adam Hartlett