Gotchy’s Match Report – Round 18 vs North Adelaide

We were excited to have an opportunity to face North Adelaide who have been so consistent this season with their play. Our past 5 weeks have been very strong; we are gelling as a group and knew if we translated our recent performances into Saturday we would put ourselves in a good position of winning the match.

1st Quarter – Our start was excellent; our defenders were playing assertively. With their positioning, our ball movement was bold and gave our forwards early opportunities. The Roosters are a very good clearance team, so to generate even contests or make it tough outs for them was pleasing. 4 goals were kicked by us in the opening term.

2nd Quarter – Thought we over handballed during this quarter which led to good pressure from North, however our inaccuracy in front of goal really hurt as we kicked 1 goal and 5 behinds. We weren’t generating as many inside 50’s as we have done in the last month but were able to hit the scoreboard on most occasions when we did. 33 inside 50’s for the game is just too low.

3rd Quarter – Unfortunately Josh Ryan went down early after his head made hard contact with the ground from a marking contest. I think this probably rattled the boys a little bit as North were then able to kick multiple goals afterwards. Not taking anything away from North, they were excellent in the quarter their pressure was elite.

4th Quarter – We were trailing by 17 points going in to the last quarter and with the wind behind us we still had a great opportunity to win the game. We kicked the ball a lot more which helped take ground and put pressure on North’s defence. Great goals from Jackson Edwards, Michael Mattingly and Blair Rubock (debut game) gave us a terrific chance to repeat last weeks’ win but it wasn’t to be as we just fell short. It was a fantastic contest, really proud of our boys demonstrating yet another step in the right direction and will only continue to improve.

Hamish Ellem played his best game for the club finishing with 17 disposals and 4 goals as a key forward. Hamish Hartlett again put together another stellar performance and has really inspired his team mates to join him, Tom Keough was a wall of defence.

Tom Rundle and Sam May just get better with every game they play, Jordan Boyle continued his good form and Jackson Edwards again was crucial in the midfield. Blair Rubock settled in to the game kicking a goal and setting up another, he teamed well with Josh Gore both providing speed, craftiness and defensive pressure.

Thank you to everyone who travelled to Prospect Oval to cheer us on, we really appreciate the support and no doubt drives the players. Next week is our final match. It is Logan Hill’s 200th so please, if you’re available come down to Hisense Stadium this Saturday to celebrate what has been an amazing career for one of the greats to wear the West Adelaide guernsey.

Best: Hamish Hartlett, Tom Keough, Hamish Ellem

Goals: Hamish Ellem (4), Jono Beech, Jackson Edwards, Josh Gore, Michael Mattingly, Blair Rubock, Lachie Squire

Brad Gotch

Senior Coach