Ando’s Match Report – Round 8 vs South Adelaide

It was a tough old slog for the reserve boys out at Noarlunga on Saturday. We didn’t play the best footy we’ve played this year but managed to find a way to dig deep and scrape out a win.

We spoke after the game about the group becoming more mature as the year progresses, and finding a way to get a result even if the day has not gone completely our way.

When we are playing our best footy, we have key indicators that show us that we are winning the contest and using the ball well to create scoring opportunities. The first half was well down on the standards we set ourselves, but to the boys’ credit we slowly clawed our way back and improved the areas of focus resulting in us getting back on top of the scoreboard. These are the wins that are sometimes better;- it shows we are still learning and developing as a group and as individuals; it shows we still have so much room for growth even though we came away with the result.

Harry Lemmey showed us his talent presenting at the footy all day, taking 10 marks in the wet conditions which was super impressive. Blair Rubock took his chances kicking 3 goals. Lyndon Hupfeld played a solid game down back, opposing a senior footballer. Connor Fairlie contributed well out on the wing, while his brother Patrick gathered 29 touches 5 clearances and 10 tackles. Frane Babic impressed in the ruck giving the mids some good looks all day. We also welcomed in Jesse Thackery for his first game of the year.

We will revisit some areas of focus throughout the week, and roll our sleeves up to work hard, as next week brings a big challenge against the reigning premiers and, one in which we are determined to show ourselves and the rest of the competition that our squad has plenty of talent and can mix it with the best.

Thanks for all who supported on Saturday even with the weather conditions not being perfect, we appreciate it as always.

Ryan Anderson

Reserves Coach