League Match Report – Round 1 vs North Adelaide

First and foremost, I would like to thank all our wonderful members and supporters for their well wishes over the past 24 hours after the safe arrival of our daughter on Saturday. I would also like to thank Ryan Anderson and my assistant coaches for leading our senior side in my absence.

The game itself showed the difference between experience and youth. I felt North executed the fundamentals of the game better for longer and were well connected for lengthier periods. What I do love about our group though, and it’s something we expect of each other every time we step on the training track and on to the playing field, is that we always give 100% effort.

There was a lot to like, particularly in terms of our ball movement which we have been working on over the summer. But to allow 58 I50s & 29 scoring shots against, whilst losing the tackle and contested possession count convincingly, shows there’s a lot to work on in terms of our contest and team defence.

I’m looking forward to reviewing the game with the players on Monday and setting up our week in preparation for our home opener on Good Friday against Adelaide.

Finally, I want to congratulate our debutants on their first game with the club. I thought you all represented yourselves and your families well and played Team First football. Well done.

Senior Coach, Adam Hartlett

Best Players: Kane Sherlock, Callum Park, Tom Morrish

Goal Kickers: Josh Gore (4), Mitch Maguire (2), Jono Beech, Liam Delahunty, Joel Stevens (1)